I'm delighted to be one of the stops on the blog blitz for A Matter of Love and Death by Caron Albright. Today I will be sharing my review but first of all let's take a look at the description for the book..
Adelaide, 1931. Telephone switchboard operator Frances' life is difficult as sole provider for her mother and adopted uncle. But it's thrown into turmoil when she overhears a suspicious conversation on the phone, planning a murder.
If a life is at risk, she should tell the police; but that would mean breaking her confidentiality clause and would cost her the job. And practical Frances, not prone to flights of fancy, soon begins to doubt the evidence of her own ears - it was a very bad line, after all...
She decides to put it behind her, a task helped by the arrival of their new lodger, Phil. Phil takes her to a night club, where she meets charming but slightly dangerous club owner Jack. Jack's no angel - prohibition is in force, and what's a nightclub without champagne? But he's a good man, and when Frances' earlier fears resurface she knows that he's the person to confide in.
Frances and Jack's hunt for the truth puts them in grave danger, and soon enough Frances will learn that some things are a matter of love and death...
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It's safe to say that I have a love of historical fiction so of course then add in a mystery and I was in my element. I couldn't wait to start reading A Matter of Love and Death and see what trouble Frances would find herself in. First of all I have to mention the fabulous cover with the lovely colours and font it really is quite eye catching!
Caron Albright sets the scene wonderfully as the sights and sounds of this era are brought to life before my eyes. From the clothing, the shops that Frances visits and also her job as a switchboard operator. Frances is such a strong character who helps to provide for her family. The family dynamic in this story was portrayed brilliantly from the relationship that Frances has with her mother to the friendship and respect she has for her Uncle Sal. Uncle Sal is such a vibrant character I couldn't help but like him and even though he isn't a quite main character he is one that will stay with you. I had to smile when Frances first met Jack and their interactions throughout the story were so engaging.
After hearing the suspicious conversation you can feel Frances turmoil over what to do. Should she report it or listen to her doubts over what she actually overheard. It's a book that has such a lovely group of characters who all bring something to the story. I really enjoyed the pacing of the story and after reading a couple of thrillers it was a much more steady pace. However I felt that this gave me chance to really get to know the characters and let the story unfold in a natural way.
A story of love, family and friendship with a dash of mystery to keep you intrigued all the way through!
Four stars from me!
With thanks to Sarah for the invite to join the tour and for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
She loves capers with feisty heroines, dashing heroes with a dangerous edge and thrilling locations and would gladly explore the world for the sake of research - preferably while tap-dancing, with a champagne glass in her hand.
Instead she spends her time in front of her keyboard, sipping herbal tea.
When she feels the need for a change, she switches to coffee and writing crime novels under the name Carmen Radtke.
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