Book Five in Belinda Lawrence cozy mystery series. A murder which leads to the seat of political power, Parliament House.
Belinda Lawrence returns to her home town of Melbourne, to discover a murder that’s close to her heart.
A murder which leads to the seat of political power, Parliament House.
The various threads of deceit and intrigue are gradually unravelled and, with Hazel Whitby at her side, Belinda is confronted by warring political factions.
The mystery deepens with the discovery of a priceless historical item, of value to both political powers, and which places Belinda’s life in jeopardy.
The gregarious Major;
An enigmatic university Professor;
Two colourful antique sellers;
Eccentric retired music-hall entertainers;
And Belinda’s partner, Mark Sallinger…
…all immersed in the scheming and covert encounters besieging Belinda as she solves her most challenging mystery.
Excerpt
It was 2.00AM. The collection of metal pieces lay in disorder
on the kitchen table. Hazel drained the glass that had contained her second
gin and tonic. She looked thoughtful then
shook her head. “No. Not enough. After tonight’s events I certainly need
three.” Making her actions match the words she
began to pour her poison. “I must say that was damned clever
of you, the way you managed to smuggle yourself and that big
bag out past Mario.”
Belinda was still on her first drink. She gave a faint smile as
she thought back over the evening’s events.
Her first consideration after discovering the contents of
the bag had been, what they were and why Brad had locked
them away in a safe. Her second thought was more problematic. Assuming Brad
had intended for her to locate the bag,
how now, was she to remove it from the apartment? Quietly
she cursed Hazel as she realised she hadn’t made plans for her
to exit the building, bag or no bag. Having got in without the
guard seeing her, he was bound to stop her if she suddenly
appeared in the foyer. Puzzling over this conundrum she began
to place the metal pieces back in the bag. Once they were all
in, she took out her phone and rang Hazel. “If she got me into
this mess, she can get me out.” But there was no answer from
Hazel’s phone. Belinda cursed her once more. What was the
woman up to?
Professional Reviews
***** Exciting Murder In Delightful Melbourne
By J & L Rigod on September 27, 2013
Format: Paperback
Antique dealer and amateur crime solvers, Belinda Lawrence and Hazel Whitby are taking a journey to Belinda's childhood home, Melbourne, Australia, in this fifth novel of the 'Belinda Lawrence Mystery' series. Hazel is planning a detour to Singapore and then the two will meet up at Belinda's parents home.
Hazel departs and just prior Belinda's turn, a life-altering telephone call arrives. 'He's dead!' is the shocking message. How? Why? All Belinda's mother knew was who, where and when and the conditions put forth in the newspaper.
Shocked, but determined, Belinda continues with her travel plans. The beauty and architectural changes of her home city is lost upon the grief stricken woman. To add to the mystery, Belinda receives a couriered package containing a small pamphlet and key ring with keys at her parent's home.
Trying to make contact with the victim's family, Belinda is immersed into the new civil war between the Roundheads and Cavaliers. What has a proposed Dome being added to the House of Parliament have to do with the victim? Who are the strange mourners at the funeral and what are their connection to the deceased? Encountering retired music hall entertainers, colourful antique dealers, a gregarious Major, and more has Belinda and Hazel twirling. The most alarming? What is Belinda's fiancé, Mark Sallinger involvement?
This novel's storyline was complex and filled with surprises for the reader. As the Author wove the plot through the city of Melbourne, we were treated with a travel tour of the architectural highlights such as the 'State Parliament House' and 'Spring Street', and 'St. Patrick's Cathedral.' I found the tale compelling, the mystery fulfilling, and the 'city' delightful. This series continues to improve with each new story. I look forward to the next installment.
***** A Wickedly Good Read
By Marvin Allan Williams on October 24, 2013
Format: Kindle Edition
This was the best of the Belinda Lawrence Mysteries so far. Historical treasure unearthed, relational intrigue, humor, and of course no mystery would be complete without a dead body or two.
P.S. I'm growing quite fond of Hazel.
My Favorite of the Series
Socrates Book Reviews
*****5.0 out of 5 stars My Favorite of the Series
Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2016
Belinda Lawrence receives horrible news from her hometown in Melbourne, Australia. A former boyfriend has been murdered and Belinda’s heart is broken. She still cares about him, although she is currently in another relationship and soon to be married. She goes home for the funeral. Her best friend and business partner, Hazel Whitby, goes along to support Belinda.
Hazel and Belinda can’t sit quietly by as the murder goes unsolved. It’s too close to her heart for Belinda to allow that to happen, so the women conduct their own investigation. Their investigation takes them in directions they never expected – from jealousy to betrayal to politics. Everyone becomes a suspect in this one, including the current man in Belinda’s life.
This is the fifth book in the Belinda Lawrence series and the author has outdone himself with this one. With each book Belinda becomes stronger and more developed as a character. Hazel is humorous and the perfect ally for Belinda. The two of them together should not be underestimated. They are strong, smart and relentless in their pursuit of the truth. Okay, they do take some unnecessary risks but that’s all part of the amateur sleuth package.
The storyline is intricately woven with historical events. There were a number of possible suspects, each with their own motive for murder. It’s an engrossing, fast-paced read that keeps you guessing until the end. This series remind me very much of the classic Agatha Christie mysteries, way before mysteries were classified as “cozies”. Brian Kavanagh writes this genre to perfection.
