Book Review: The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard by Natasha Lester

April 16, 2025March 5, 2024 GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Historical Mystery
Length: 464 pages
Author: Natasha Lester
Publisher: Forever
Release Date: September 27th, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Three generations. One chance to prove themselves. Can the women of the Bricard fashion dynasty finally rewrite their history?

French countryside, Present Blythe Bricard is the daughter of famous fashion muses but that doesn’t mean she wants to be one. She turned her back on that world, and her dreams, years ago. Fate, however, has a different plan, and Blythe will discover there is more to her iconic mother and grandmother than she ever knew. New York, 1970: Designer Astrid Bricard arrives in bohemian Chelsea determined to change the fashion world forever. And she does―cast as muse to her lover, Hawk Jones. And when they’re both invited to compete in the fashion event of the century―the Battle of Versailles―Astrid sacrifices everything to showcase her talent. But then, just as her career is about to take off, she mysteriously vanishes, leaving behind only a white silk dress.

Paris, 1917: Parentless sixteen-year-old Mizza Bricard has made a to be remembered on her own terms. Her promise sustains her through turbulent decades and volatile couture houses until, finally, her name is remembered and a legend is born―one that proves impossible for Astrid and Blythe to distance themselves from.

MYSTERIOUS.

I thought this was such a good story!! I loved all of the fashion content and the interwoven lives of these three women. I got really caught up in needing to see where things were going next and I adored the audio production. There’s lots of heart strings to be pulled and plenty of emotions to go along with this novel. It’s complex in its themes and discussions surrounding the portrayal of women in different time periods and the heaviness that is post-partum depression/anxiety.

The pacing in the second half felt a bit dragged out to me. I thought we’d be closer to finding out the full truth just a tad bit sooner. But that was my only issues. Otherwise, another fantastic book by one of my favorite historical authors.

Overall audience notes:

Historical Mystery
Language: low
Romance: closed door
Violence: moderate
Trigger/Content Warnings: war themes, loss of life, post partum depression & anxiety, premature childbirth

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Book Review: The Key to Deceit (Electra McDonnell #2) by Ashley Weaver

March 2, 2025September 6, 2024 GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Historical Mystery
Length: 272 pages
Author: Ashley Weaver
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Release Date: June 21st, 2022
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

The second in the Electra McDonnell series from Edgar-nominated author Ashley Weaver, The Key to Deceit , is a delightful World War II mystery filled with spies, murder, romance, and wit.

London, 1940. After years of stealing from the rich and giving to the poor―well, to themselves, anyway―Ellie McDonnell and her family have turned over a new leaf as they help the government’s war effort. It’s true that the straight-laced Major Ramsey didn’t give them much choice, but still, Ellie must admit she doesn’t miss breaking and entering as much as she might have thought. What she does miss is the challenge of unlocking an impossible code and the adrenaline rush that comes from being somewhere she shouldn’t.

So when Major Ramsey turns up unannounced with another job, she can’t say no. A woman’s body has been found floating in the Thames, with a bracelet locked onto her wrist, and a cameo locket attached to it. It’s clear this woman was involved in espionage, but whose side was she on? Who was she reporting to? And who wanted her dead?

LOVED.

Gosh, go read this series y’all!! Two books in and I am obsessed. I love the mystery and history vibes. I love that they are fast paced and great audiobooks and I am SMITTEN with the romance. There is angst and tension and alllllll the things.

I love how well the story is crafted that leaves me guessing and plowing through pages so I can see who the culprit is while also being well balanced with Electra and her journey too. I love all of these characters and am anxious to get my hands on the next book.

Overall audience notes:

Historical Mystery
Language: low
Romance: kisses
Violence: moderate
Content Warnings: weapons violence, murder, attempted murder and near death experiences

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Book Review: Playing it Safe (Electra McDonnell #3) by Ashley Weaver

January 9, 2025September 14, 2024 GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Historical Mystery
Length: 272 pages
Author: Ashley Weaver
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Release Date: May 9th, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

As the Blitz continues to ravage London, Ellie McDonnell—formerly a safecracking thief, but currently determined to stay on the straight and narrow to help her country—is approached by British Intelligence officer Major Ramsey with a new assignment. She is to travel under an assumed identity to the port city of Sunderland and there await further instructions. In his usual infuriating way, the Major has left her task as vague and mysterious as possible.

Ellie, ever-ready to aid her country, heads north, her safecracking tools in tow. But before she can rendezvous with the major, she witnesses an unnatural death. A man falls dead in the street in front of her, with a note clutched in his hand. Ellie’s instincts tell her that the man’s death is connected in some way to her mission.

Soon, Ellie and the major are locked in a battle of wits and a race against time with an unknown and deadly adversary, and a case that leads them to a possible Nazi counterfeiting operation. With bombs dropping on the city and a would-be assassin shadowing their every move, it will take all of Ellie’s resourcefulness and Major Ramsey’s fortitude to unmask the spymaster and avert disastrous consequences—for England and for their own lives.

THE GASP I GUSPED.

Trying to run and listen to this audiobook during the action filled ending made it HARD TO BREATHE. These books are insanely well balanced. I love getting all the aspects, the romance, the mystery, the war, the family and friends. It’s all there and I continually feel like I get enough of it all to complete each book (though I wouldn’t mind more kissing!!).

I loved the new setting and how each time I feel intensely attached to Electra and her journey. The mystery always leaves me guessing and wondering what those final reveals will hold. I am not even a little bit tired of these stories and already have the next one downloaded. This series is criminally underrated.

Overall audience notes:

Historical Mystery
Language: none
Romance: kisses
Violence: moderate
Content Warnings: war themes (WW2), gun violence, loss of life, murder

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Book Review: Locked in Pursuit (Electra McDonnell #4) by Ashley Weaver

December 10, 2024September 22, 2024 GoodeyReads1 Comment

Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Historical Mystery + Romance
Length: 272 pages
Author: Ashley Weaver
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Release Date: May 14th, 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

The fourth instalment in the delightful series following safecracker Electra McDonnell fighting Nazis at every turn as World War II looms over London.

Safecracker Ellie McDonnell hasn’t seen Major Ramsey―her handsome but aloof handler in the British government―since their tumultuous mission together three months before, but when she hears about a suspicious robbery in London she feels compelled to contact him. Together they discover that a rash of burglaries in the city all lead back to a hotbed of spies in the neutral city Lisbon, Portugal, and an unknown object brought to London by a mysterious courier.

As the thieves become more desperate and their crimes escalate, it becomes imperative that Ellie and Ramsey must beat them at their own game. Fighting shadowy assailants, enemy agents, and the mutual attraction they’ve agreed not to acknowledge, Ellie and Ramsey work together to learn if it truly takes a thief to catch a thief.

I AM OBSESSED.

Gooooood heavens I am upset that I am caught up on this series because I NEED THE LAST BOOK. I loved this installment!! It was another amazing addition. I am loving Ellie and Ramsey’s journey. I love all of the mystery. I love the family members and friendships. There is not one bad thing I have to say about this book. I JUST WANT TO BEG EVERYONE TO GO READ IT.

I won’t say much else since this is the fourth book in a series. The progressive character arcs and overall plot line has been fantastic though. Each book has my full attention and I love how quick of a read they are. It’s a series I didn’t know I needed and now can’t stop thinking about.

Overall audience notes: