Murder on the Island (Book) - 5/2/2023 6:20:34 AM
WOW! There are so many twists and turns in this storyline your head will be spinning. Belinda Lawrence and her fiancée, Mark go to his mother’s home on the island of Guernsey to work out the details of their wedding plans, but, of course, soon after someone is murdered and the plot shifts. The cast of characters turning out to not be who they say they are, is lengthy and unique. Added to the drama is a missing silver cup and the search for a hidden Priest’s Hole. Of course, the story wouldn’t be the same without Belinda’s best friend and co-sleuth, Hazel. “Murder on the Island” is a fast paced, page turner that I couldn’t put down…like most Belinda Lawrence mysteries. This is another wonderful addition. I can’t get enough of her mystery books. I love Brian Kavanaugh’s easy-flow and fun writing style. He never disappoints! “Murder on the Island” is a great stand-alone, but I highly suggest that you treat yourself to the entire fun series.
Illusion of Death (Book) - 1/27/2023 4:45:01 PM
Another fun story with Belinda Lawrence and Hazel Whitby who always seems to be at the wrong place at the right time. Stumbling onto a murder or two just seems to follow them. This time, Belinda runs into an old school chum, Bridie, who invites them to a viewing of an old film put on by a group she belongs to called, the "Society." Of course, while there, one of the members in covered in blood to announce that the homeowner is dead. Of course, it's murder, and then when the story picks up and Belinda and Hazel take over trying to solve the crime. "Illusion of Death" is another well-written book of mystery and intrigue. It has so many twists and turns that the reader cannot put it down. A great page-turner. Kavanagh is an expert writer of mystery...engaging the reader from page one until the conclusion. Noo spoiler alerts here! Go read the book - it's fantastic.
Capable of Murder (Book) - 1/6/2023 11:51:25 AM
What a wonderfully written mystery! I read it in one sitting as I could not put it down. I enjoyed the setting of the story very much and the characters were very well thought out.
I enjoyed the twists and turns as the story moved along and found myself changing my mind several times as to who the "bad guy/gal" might be. I was rather surprised at the revealing of who was involved in the murders.
Very well written and highly recommend Mr. Kavanagh's book to mystery fans.
Calamity at Kryme Cottage (Book) - 12/27/2022 7:28:27 PM
One wouldn't immediately think that a murder mystery built around white lace and Jane Austen could be so well-written, but throw in a new rector at the church, a missing vicar, a couple new neighbors, a few interesting murders into the hands of a great author such as, Brian Kavanagh and you are bound to see success! Kavanagh is one of my all-time favorite writers and I always enjoy his plots and deep character development. "Calamity at Kryme Cottage" is another Belinda Lawrence mystery novel from his series and it doesn't disappoint. The storyline, of course, includes Belinda's young-at-heart business partner, Hazel Whitby, who's up to her usual shenanigans as the two attempt to learn the who and business of the mysterious Madam Malefic and the identity of the corpse buried in Belinda's garden. "Calamity at Kryme Cottage" is another page-turner that I read straight through, couldn't put it down. Brian Kavanagh never disappoints! I suggest you read the entire series, but this is an awesome stand-alone also. Makes for a wonderful afternoon read.
A Canterbury Crime (Book) - 4/25/2022 4:13:30 PM
Book four of the Belinda Lawrence series is one of the best so far and tell the tale of the 1170 murder of St. Thomas Becket. Of course, Belinda Lawrence and Hazel Whitby become involved through their antique business, but are quickly pulled into the possible murder of Professor de Grey. This one had me guessing right up to the end and what a surprising ending!
The story takes place in Canterbury and is full of location and religious history. "A Canterbury Crime" takes many, many twists and turns that leads the reader down a crooked road of mystery. This one is a real page turner with our usual comfortable characters and some new somewhat eccentric ones that make for a wonderful novel. The storyline is busy with page after page of drama and surprise.
No spoiler alerts. I want you to read this one! Great turn of events in the ending. Definitely my favorite this far. 5 out of 5! Brian Kavanagh has a great knack for spinning a tale perfectly and he outdid himself with "A Canterbury Crime."
The Embroidered Corpse (Book) - 4/23/2022 9:01:09 AM
The story starts with Belinda Lawrence and friend, Hazel, visiting Kidbrooke House where Belinda becomes intrigued with a tapestry that, in part, shows a monk's corpse. Attempting to buy the piece, the owner won't sell declaring the article has been in the family for years. However, a few days later, the owner is brutally murdered so when the antique furniture goes on sale, Hazel buys a few pieces and Belinda, by accident, ends up with the tapestry and involvement in a murder. Trying to learn then meaning of the tapestry leads to her entanglement with a religious cult, monks, and a second murder committed exactly like the first. Seems Belinda, whose tapestry gets stolen, is not the only one seeking the meaning of the fabric picture. "The Embroidered Corpse" has many suspenseful twists and turns, and Brain Kavanagh has created a compelling mystery that literally keeps the reader on the edge of their seats. This is book two of the Belinda Lawrence series and furthers the character development of Belinda tremendously. I can't wait to read more! Although I enjoy reading a series in order, "The Embroidered Corpse" is a great stand-alone also. I highly recommend you check this one out, or the entire series. Kavanagh has a great, easy-flow writing style that is very entertaining. You won't be disappointed with this one if you enjoy a good mystery. 5 out of 5 stars.
Capable of Murder (Book) - 3/5/2022 2:45:52 PM
Belinda Lawrence, a young Australian lady ex-changes Christmas cards with her great-aunt, is more than surprised when she inherits a large sum of money, a somewhat run-down cottage with an attached garden after her aunts passing. Although in shambles, the garden may or may not hold historical value that several people are apparently willing to kill for. In response to a request from her great-aunt, Belinda comes to visit only to find her aunt lying dead on the stairs. A short time later, she finds her friendly next-door neighbor dead in her kitchen and quickly realizes that someone was after her to get the garden.
Capable of Murder is a well-written suspenseful story that provides the reader with a variety of possible culprits of murder and has Belinda considering each of them as the storyline continues. This mystery is full of twists to keep the reader compelled and on the edge of their seats. Kavanagh has an easy writing style that gives his reader a puzzling plot to consider solving. The comical beginnings between Belinda and (at that time) a stranger are priceless. Capable of Murder is a wonderful village mystery that makes for a nice way to spend an entertaining afternoon reading.
