The Mandrake Assignment by Trevor Gibbons

This was a spy thriller that's storyline was gripping. There is intrigue,tragedy,revenge and betrayal. John Hunter was an officer in British Secret Intelligence, who no longer participates in outside operations, he is desk bound until a scary nuclear threat was uncovered and his wife was murdered. He then embarks on a fact finding investigation that will give him the truth about his wife's death and also a mission that went wrong fifteen years prior. The storyline was wonderful and the characters were well-developed and believable. Thanks to Net Galley and Troubador Publishing,

Blackstone and the Endgame by Sally Spencer

The date is 1916 and Inspector Sam Blackstone is called into his superior's office. Superintendent Brigham gives Sam an assignment that does not feel right to Sam or Archie Patterson his sergeant. As Sam suspected he was set up. he was arrested and jailed but he was broken out on his way to court. He wandered the streets until he was being beaten by thugs and a old friend from Russia, Max. He then went to Russia to recuperate and wait for Max to try to help him.Meanwhile, back in London Archie was arrested for breaking Sam out while waiting to tun himself in he tries to clear Sams name,during this time strange things begin to happen. If you like historical Victorian mysteries set in Britain please read this book. Ms Spence developed quite a fine storyline and some wonderful characters. I can not wait to read more of Sam Blackstone. Thanks to Net Galley and Severn House Publishers.

Oscar Wilde ans the Murders at Reading Gaol

This book is a mystery/biography combined. It tells of Oscar Wilde's time spent in Reading Gaol. It tells of his two different lives, the life he lived in prison with it horrors and his privileged life he lead before being caught doing unheard of and illegal things. I had not heard of the series before this book but I now intend to read the whole series. Thank to Edelweiss and the publisher for helping me become acquainted with this series.

The Psalter by Galen Watson

This was a historical/religious fiction. The author made this a duel storyline with political and religious aspects from the time of the appearance of the Psalter to modern day. Some of the characters could have been developed more but with his research and great mind it ended up being a wonderful book. If you like religious/political books and have an open mind please read this book.

Murder as a Fine Art by David Morrell

This is the fictional story of Thomas De Quincey, his memoir of Confessions of an English Opium Eater. This is a story full of suspense. One of his essays had to do with the Ratcliffe Highway Murders which happened forty years before. But his essay makes him a suspect with Scotland Yard of current murders. He often struggles with his addiction to opium as he works with his daughter Emily and two Scotland Yard detectives. The characters are very muck like normal people and portrayed as the people of Victorian London during 1854. If you love historical fiction then you must add this book to your reading list right now!