Book description
A WWI widow investigates murder—and her late husband’s secrets—in “this engrossing series launch” by the Daphne Award-winning author (Publishers Weekly).
England, 1919. Verity Kent’s grief over the loss of her husband pierces anew when she receives a cryptic letter suggesting her beloved Sidney may have committed treason before his untimely…
Why read it?
2 authors picked This Side of Murder as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
This book is the first in the Verity Kent series set just after World War I in England.
Verity is a war widow and had worked for the Secret Service during the war. After declining an invitation to attend a party on a secluded island, she changes her mind when she receives a letter intimating that her husband had been a traitor. The partygoers are mostly former soldiers who had served under her husband.
This book has it all—a secluded island, many secrets, a storm, and a huge surprise. And I mean huge. Verity doesn’t know who she can trust…
From Joyce's list on historical mysteries with women in non-traditional jobs.
Verity Kent thinks that her story is one thing, and it ends up being entirely something else. Verity attempts to navigate a new life after her entire world is shaken. Exploring England in the aftermath of the First World War positions this book within historical dialogue that considers such issues as grieving and remembrance. After characters are required to have amazing courage for so long, then what? Verity’s series explores this question. Having been to historical sites such as the First World War battlefield of Verdun, I appreciate when historical fiction delves into historical setting in a believable way. Anna…
From Megan's list on historical fiction with strong women by women.
If you love This Side of Murder...
December on 5C4
Magical realism meets the magic of Christmas in this mix of Jewish, New Testament, and Santa stories–all reenacted in an urban psychiatric hospital!
On locked ward 5C4, Josh, a patient with many similarities to Jesus, is hospitalized concurrently with Nick, a patient with many similarities to Santa. The two argue…
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