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The Case of the Christie Conspiracy by Kelly Oliver #Review #TheDetectionClubBook1

    Today we have the first in a new historical cozy crime series, The Detection Club. The Case of the Christie Conspiracy by Kelly Oliver   is published today by Boldwood Books .   Agatha Christie is about to embark on a new, gripping murder case. But this time, she’s not the author – she’s a suspect… 1926 – Christie is a darling of the literary circuit and the most desired guest in London’s glittering social scene. She can often be found at meetings of the Detection Club – where mystery writers come together to share ideas, swap secrets and drink copiously. But then a fellow author's initiation ceremony takes a gruesome turn, and one of the group ends up dead. Now, Agatha is no longer just the creator of great mystery plots – she’s a player in one. And when Agatha disappears the day after the murder, she’s widely assumed to be guilty. Only Eliza Baker, assistant to the Club’s enigmatic secretary, Dorothy Sayers, is interested in investigating the case. But i...

Only for Christmas by Tracy Corbett #Review

 

Today we have a gorgeous festive romance from Tracy Corbett. Only for Christmas was published by Canelo on September 28th. 


One month to pretend... or one month to fall in love?

How do I turn down an overly keen colleague I have zero interest in dating? Should I:

1.            Stammer and bluster my way through every excuse in the book

2.            Accept and then immediately turn in my resignation letter, change my number and leave the country

3.            Allow my hot, new, doctor neighbour to step in and pretend to be my boyfriend

The answer: there are no right answers.

But option 3 is happening and I’m fake dating Lucas just to survive my work Christmas party without any further unwanted advances.


 My Thoughts

 This is an entertaining read which has all the flavours of the festive season, with a touch of humour, but beneath the surface, some darker themes of coercive behaviour and bullying. Sarah  has tried to protect her heart by shutting herself off from the possibility of romance but you sense that she is a vulnerable and lonely character despite the veneer she presents to the world. I particularly liked the humour, found in her adopted dog, Fred, and also through the reactions of Lucas' nephews. You also meet Sarah's neighbour, an old lady who is also lonely and vulnerable but who covers it up with bluster.

    Lucas emerges as a kind and generous character, with a sense of family ties. Utterly dependable, you recognise that he is just what Sarah needs. Her work colleagues can see this as well. As the fake dating arrangement evolves, you see Sarah and Lucas' friendship blossom. Lucas, as an American in London, sees the country and the Christmas customs through an outsider's eyes which lends itself to the story. If you are looking for a light romcom with a festive touch, you will enjoy this romance.

In short: festive romance with likeable characters

About the Author

As well as writing novels, Tracy’s written several short stories, pantomime sketches and magazine articles. Tracy describes her writing style as modern tales of romance, with engaging quirky characters, who overcome adversity, grow as people and conclude in satisfying optimistic endings. When she’s not writing, she enjoys amateur dramatics, gardening and sewing. She works part-time for a local charity.

You can follow Tracy here: X (Twitter)  | Facebook   |  Instagram

Book links: Apple  |  Kobo   |  Amazon UK  |  Google

Thanks to Tracy Corbett, Canelo and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.

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