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What I'm Reading Wednesday: Murder in the City of Liberty by Rachel McMillan

Wednesday, June 26, 2019




Happy Wednesday, My Lovelies!  Today I'm sharing an intriguing cozy mystery:  Murder in the City of Liberty by Rachel McMillan.  This is the second installment in the Van Buren and DeLuca Mystery Series; the first installment is Murder at the Flamingo.  Although it isn't necessary to read the first book, I think it would be helpful because a few of the references to Hamish's cousin Luca confused me.




According to Goodreads:

Hamish DeLuca and Regina “Reggie” Van Buren have a new case—and this one could demand a price they’re not willing to pay.

Determined to make a life for herself, Regina "Reggie" Van Buren bid goodbye to fine china and the man her parents expected her to marry and escaped to Boston. What she never expected to discover was that an unknown talent for sleuthing would develop into a business partnership with the handsome, yet shy, Hamish DeLuca.

Their latest case arrives when Errol Parker, the leading base stealer in the Boston farm leagues, hires Hamish and Reggie to investigate what the Boston police shove off as a series of harmless pranks. Errol believes these are hate crimes linked to the outbreak of war in Europe, and he's afraid for his life. Hamish and Reggie quickly find themselves in the midst of an escalating series of crimes that seem to link Boston to Hamish's hometown of Toronto.

When an act of violence hits too close to home, Hamish is driven to a decision that may sever him from Reggie forever . . . even more than her engagement to wealthy architect Vaughan Vanderlaan.


My Review:

This series is unique because of the setting: Pre World War II/ early 1940s.  War is immenint, so we as readers know what's coming in Europe; the racism and antisemitism of the plot seem even more sinister in this context.  I love baseball, so I loved the Boston/Fenway Park setting.  

The mystery takes a backseat to Reggie and Hamish's relationship (the murder mystery doesn't even happen until halfway through the narrative).  There's tons of tension between the two: We see how Hamish cares for Reggie, and I like seeing her through Hamish's eyes.  Reggie is definitely brave to throw away her secure, pampered debutante lifestyle in favor of a business that might or might not make it.  I find her choices highly unlikely for the time, but she does want to be a modern, independent woman...yet she entertains a marriage proposal from a successful childhood friend.

Hamish is so endearing.  He has an anxiety disorder, and I feel for him when he's in the midst of one of his "episodes."  He is trying very hard to overcome his shady past, especially his familial ties to organized crime.  Plus, I love the fact that an Italian is named Hamish.  Although he is far from being perfect, his imperfections make him even more likable in my opinion.  

There are also a few secondary characters that make this book interesting, especially Nate.  Nate.  Is.  Great!  He needs his own book if not his own series.  :D

Usually cozy mysteries are all about the plot, but this one is definitely character-driven, and I like it!  I also love that it is a clean read, and it's published by Christian publisher Thomas Nelson.  If you're looking for a new mystery series for summer, I highly recommend this one. 


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Disclosure:  I'd like to thank TLC Book Tours for sending me a paperback copy of Murder in the City of Liberty via the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.  


Until next time...

Happy reading!
Ricki Jill



9 comments

  1. Hey Ricki. Wanted to stop by and say Hellooooo. Hope your summer is in full swing. Sounds like you are finding some good summer reads. Once I get moved I might be able to enjoy the summer and a good read. I am excited that you will be helping your daughter to plan her wedding. Such an exciting time. Enjoy every minute.
    Hugs,
    Kris

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  2. I was able to check a book out of the library by this author. I can't wait to read it! Thanks!

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  3. I am checking this one out.
    I just finished Lost Roses .. I liked it, but Lilac Girls is still on top!

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  4. Sounds like a really good summer read. I love a good mystery. Hope you are enjoying the summer so far. I can't believe the 4th is knocking! I will add the title to my reading list.........Hugs.

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  5. This sounds like a fun series -- I think I'd like this one. I love that period and Boston and the baseball is always a plus! I'll put this series on my list.

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  6. Sounds like a good read. I rarely pick up a mystery, but may try this one. Happy 4th of July!

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  7. This sounds like a really fun series, thank you for being on this tour! Sara @ TLC Book Tours

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I'm Ricki Jill. Welcome! I'm honored that you're reading my blog. I enjoy sharing my creative lifestyle @ The Bookish Dilettante. For more information about my blog, please read the Start Here page. Thank-you for stopping by, and I hope you'll consider following me via email.

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