Asylum Murders - A Review

 Review

ASYLUM MURDERS by Michael G. Colburn
The Second Lady Black Mystery 

Lady Edith Black made the mistake of intimating that she was bored. She soon gets wrapped up in an investigation that's exciting, dangerous, and deadly. The theft of the Parliamentary Mace, body parts being found around the city, and a woman beaten nearly to death and unlikely to regain consciousness has Detective McElroy feeling the pressure, especially as  most of the force wishes he'd stayed in London. Calling on his friend, Edie Black, to help him with the interviews he at least has a friendly face he can trust. Though she doesn't know it, people from Edie's London past are also residing in Melbourne. The dangerous and duplicitous Henderson, the tricky Rohwedder, now with a new persona and trade, and her good friend Britina. Britina, forced to enter the novitiate in London, has been transferred to Australia where she's been assigned to work at the Kew Asylum. Britina soon discovers that horrible things are happening at the asylum. Will she be able to help, or will she be the one needing help?

The second Lady Black Mystery is filled with seemingly disparate things - body parts washing up in the city, theft of a parliamentary mace, and a missing woman. What I like best is the way these separate mysteries meld together creating a complete mystery. I enjoyed the relationship between Edie and Detective McElroy, helping, protecting, and trusting. Britina's journey was fascinating and I'm happy she took on a major role in this story. I also really enjoyed the minor characters, who weren't minor at all. Ralphie and Sammy, Dr. Tharp, and Kirb are well drawn out characters who are vital to the story. 

ASYLUM MURDERS is a well plotted mystery containing thrills and the stark realities of 1890s Australia with enough humor to balance the horrors. As someone who currently works in a psychiatric center it was fascinating to read about the Kew Asylum, even a fictional version. I appreciated the look at "new" treatments and how surgeons were trained at that time.

With lots of moving parts ASYLUM MURDERS is a thrilling historical mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat. 

Currently Reading...

I just finished reading Asylum Murders by Michael G. Colburn. This is the second book in the Lady Black Mystery series and was released last month.

Lady Edith Black made the mistake of intimating that she was bored. She soon gets wrapped up in an investigation that's exciting, dangerous, and deadly. The theft of the Parliamentary Mace, body parts being found around the city, and a woman beaten nearly to death and unlikely to regain consciousness has Detective McElroy feeling the pressure, especially as  most of the force wishes he'd stayed in London. Calling on his friend, Edie Black, to help him with the interviews he at least has a friendly face he can trust. Though she doesn't know it, people from Edie's London past are also residing in Melbourne. The dangerous and duplicitous Henderson, the tricky Rohwedder, now with a new persona and trade, and her good friend Britina. Britina, forced to enter the novitiate in London, has been transferred to Australia where she's been assigned to work at the Kew Asylum. Britina soon discovers that horrible things are happening at the asylum. Will she be able to help, or will she be the one needing help?

Stolen Brilliance - A Review

 Review

STOLEN BRILLIANCE by Michael G. Colburn
The First Lady Black Mystery 

Born is poverty in Victorian England Edie Black's existence was bleak. While being rescued from the streets saved her life it led to the world or organized crime. Traveling from England to South America, Africa, and Australia Edie is in charge of a high stakes con. But before the voyage ends, the con crumbles. With multiple players and deception everywhere Edie knows that Benji is the only person she can trust. When her boss is forced into hiding and Benji is implicated in a diamond heist Edie knows it's up to her to discover who really stole the diamonds to save, not only Benji, but herself!  

I really enjoyed a visit to the underside, albeit somewhat fancy underside, of Victorian England in the first Lady Black Mystery. Lady gangs, daring cons, and unique characters, made all the more intriguing as the story is based on real events and many of the characters truly existed.

The characters are the backbone of the story and make a compelling story even more so. From street urchins like Trunk and many of the boys to Specs, Mrs. Hill, and the despicable Henderson to Jack and Johnny all are fascinating, each with a story to tell. Edie Black is the most compelling of the characters. With determination, fortitude, and a little luck she manages to reinvent herself and succeed in the harsh world of Victorian England. Traveling to the furthest reaches of the British Empire and points in between Edie manages to cultivate a dangerous career and make the most of it.

Adventure, excitement, and so many twists and turns your head may spin STOLEN BRILLIANCE is an exciting tale of loyalty, deception, and love. 

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading Stolen Brilliance by Michael G. Colburn. This book is the first in the Lady Black Mystery series.

Born is poverty in Victorian England Edie Black's existence was bleak. While being rescued from the streets saved her life it led to the world or organized crime. Traveling from England to South America, Africa, and Australia Edie is in charge of a high stakes con. But before the voyage ends, the con crumbles. With multiple players and deception everywhere Edie knows that Benji is the only person she can trust. When her boss is forced into hiding and Benji is implicated in a diamond heist Edie knows it's up to her to discover who really stole the diamonds to save, not only Benji, but herself!