Although I wanted to love this book as the setting in Isolation Hospital on Ellis Island in 1920 and the mystery of a missing pregnant immigrant were both appealing to me. There was much to love about this story - the historical component involving the immigration policies of the time, the workings of Ellis Island and the sweeping love story. There was also a layer that exposed the blatant racism that many immigrants faced. However, the execution of this story didn’t capture my attention or my emotions like I was anticipating. The narrative was on the dry side. The audio narration was average. The narrator’s female voice wasn’t that appealing but he did a solid job in delivering the procedural-like narrative. I found myself losing interest as the plot progressed. Not a good fit for me but I think other readers who enjoy police procedurals and are okay with a focus on racism will like this book much more than I did.

I received an advanced audio copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Received an early release of the audiobook thanks to NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

The book is set in the 1920’s in Ellis Island surrounding immigration and a plethora of other social issues wrapped into a thrilling mystery
This is the first book from this author I have read and it didn’t disappoint.
A young pregnant woman arrives in Ellis island, is sent to the isolation hospital (because she’s pregnant) until she goes missing
The characters are well developed. The social issues while in 1920 are still very much relevant (racism, sexism, gender inequality, immigration)
There are glaring parallels within the book and present day that leave you thinking how far we have come, but truly haven’t

*received for free from netgalley for honest review* Different, i liked the characters for the most part and the story was good and very creepy!

First off, I want to thank Netgalley for the opportunity to listen to the book. The novel kept my interest, but just not as much as I would have liked. I did enjoy listening to the narrator.

This wasn’t for me. I couldn’t get into the plot nor make myself care much about the characters which is a shame because the premise was very intriguing. Something about the writing just didn’t connect with me though.

The premise of this book was so interesting to me. Set on Ellis Island, this is a mystery where our main character is charged with finding a pregnant Irish immigrant who has disappeared. As is to be expected, the plot thickens, and we meet all kinds of interesting people; good and evil. In addition we get a sweet love story to help heal a broken heart.

I haven’t read any of Roberts' previous books, so it was my first introduction to Stephen. I love knowing that I can hang out with him again with a backlist title! He is the strong, silent, suffering type of detective that I appreciate; his inner life is enjoyably rich in musings about the past and the present.

The mystery was solved with several hours left to go on the audio so I was intrigued to see what else would happen. To be honest, not as much as I would have thought. Some of the big events in this plot seem to happen very fast and there are lengthy passages of descriptions and inner monologues. I loved the narrator’s Stephen so I had no problem seeing it all the way through. However, the female tone Wayne Mitchell chose for Lucy didn’t do it for me; she sounded whiney and for some reason her voice grated on my ear. I do think it took away from what a strong female character she really is. Perhaps an actual female voice would have made my experience more enjoyable.

Along with a good story and great characters, there is much discussion about race and immigration. This is so interesting in light of today’s ongoing debates. What makes an American? Who gets to decide who can enter and who cannot? Many perspectives get a say in this novel and some of them are downright scary.

The descriptions of the island and all its nooks and crannies was fascinating. Having visited myself, I could see the great hall thronged with people. Some of what I did learn about the inhabitants, the processes and procedures was quite creepy. The author seems to have done his homework on the research side of things.

Thanks Net Galley, Dreamscape and Terry Roberts for an entertaining story that also made me think and gave me a new main character to follow.

I listened to the audiobook of My Mistress’ Eyes Are Raven Black by Terry Roberts and was drawn into this suspenseful mystery thriller immediately. This was the first book I have read by Terry Roberts but I am now tempted to go back and read his prior books. My Mistress’ Eyes Are Raven Black stood well as a stand alone book but after reading other reviews about this book I realized that Terry Roberts’ prior books established Stephen Robbins’ character. For that reason, I am inclined to go back and read his prior books. My Mistress’ Eyes Are Raven Black was very well written, had strong characters and a heart pounding plot that kept me guessing and at the edge of my seat for a good deal of the book. It was narrated by Wayne Mitchell. I didn’t care for his deep southern drawl at first but it grew on me. My Mistress’ Eyes Are Raven Black was a very timely novel that explored the concepts of bigotry, racism, anti Semitic feelings and White Supremacy.

Stephen Robbins, a specialist in finding missing people, was working at The Algonquin Hotel when he was approached by a nameless man. The nameless man was seeking his services to locate a missing young Irish woman. This young and pregnant Irish woman had arrived at Ellis Island, been processed and was assigned to the Isolation Hospital only to disappear without a trace. Stephen agreed to try and find out what had happened to Clara McManaway after her placement in the Isolation Hospital on Ellis Island.

It was the summer of 1920 and the war was over but there was still a great influx of immigrants that were arriving at Ellis Island. Among the new arrivals were immigrants from Europe and Africa including Jews, Roma Gypsies, Africans and the Irish. All wanted to pursue a new life of freedom and opportunity. When Stephen Robbins arrived at Ellis Island, he discovered that Clara McManaway was not the only immigrant that had mysteriously disappeared. Stephen Robbins uncovered several unexplained deaths of immigrants that had been processed at Ellis Island. Stephen also suspected that the staff of Ellis Island were being very secretive and not forthcoming with information about these mysterious deaths and disappearances. .An undercover nurse, Lucy Paul, had been placed in the Isolation Hospital, prior to Stephen’s arrival at Ellis Island. The two teamed up to work together to try and unearth the on going conspiracy they were beginning to suspect and the mysterious disappearances that had been occurring on Ellis Island. Lucy and Stephen eventually became romantically involved, discovered more than they bargained for, and ultimately became victims themselves.

This time in the history of Ellis Island and America’s policies on immigration was not a proud moment to recall. There will always be people who disliked those that are different than themselves. How sad! Unfortunately, racism, prejudice, anti semitism and white supremacy still exist. This is something, as a country and mankind in general, that we have to work on to change. Racism, anti Semitic attitudes and prejudices must be eradicated from our lives.

My Mistress’ Eyes Are Raven Black by Terry Roberts was a fast paced mystery thriller with a touch of romance. The characters from this book will stay with me for a long time. I hope that Terry Roberts decides to write another book that will include both Stephen and Lucy to see where life took them. I enjoyed this book very much and highly recommend it. I rated this book with 4.5 suspenseful stars rounded up to 5.

Thank you to Dreamscape Media for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of My Mistress’ Eyes Are Raven Black by Terry Roberts through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. My Mistress’ Eyes Are Raven Black will be published on July 21, 2021.

4 stars

My Mistress' Eyes Are Raven Black is a haunting mystery that sheds light on the racial prejudices of the 1920s in ways that feel uncomfortably familiar.

Told from the perspective of the hardboiled Stephen Robbins, we are thrust into the maze of bodies that was Ellis Island at the height of immigration. Roberts' descriptive powers really bring the hustle and bustle to life as well as the various characters that live and work there. As the story progresses and we begin to uncover the darker side of Ellis Island, Roberts does a wonderful job of balancing the various aspects of the story (mystery, thriller, social commentary, romance, etc) through chapters that practically fly by.

I will say that once the original mystery gets solved, there is somewhat of a lull as we wait for retaliation that I think could have been tightened up a little more. It is still certainly a captivating book and one that I think any fan of historical fiction should be adding to their shelves.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review!

Robbins is a finder; and when a girl goes missing on Ellis Island he is hired to do what he does best. As Robbins investigates, he uncovers something much more nefarious happening on the island.

This book has so many layers and ended up being much more than I was expecting. I loved that the story was based in the early 1900’s but it didn’t read like that, it felt a bit modern which made it easier to follow along. I adored the love story aspect as I felt like the two characters really needed one another. This isn’t my usual genre but I thoroughly enjoyed this one!

This is a fabulous book read as an audio book by a fabulous reader. The book is told in the voice of Stephen Robbins, a world-weary but still young man in 1920. He is from the mountains of North Carolina, which figure prominently in his dreams, reminiscences and hopes. The narrator brings him to life with a Southern drawl that brings a sort of lazy thoughtfulness to the character. It is very slow-paced drawl, however, and once I had listened long enough to get a sense of the man, I speeded up the narration.

Just as his love life is imploding, Stephen is sent to Ellis Island to find a missing Irish immigrant. Very soon, he meets the mistress with the raven black eyes, Lucy Paul. Together, as a relationship develops between them with the slow steamy pace that his accent seems to presage, they uncover a conspiracy that almost seems as though it could be ripped from the pages of present-day news.

The writing is astounding. The mountains of North Carolina are beautifully described, making Stephen's desire to return to his home poignant. The relationship between Lucy and Stephen avoids harsh sexual language in favor of languorous, sensual descriptions. The history of Ellis Island is well integrated into the plot line, so that it never feels like a history lesson. The secondary characters are all well drawn, bringing the entire world of Ellis Island just after WWI to life. And, finally, the underlying theme fits in its time and place as well as addressing today's concerns.

This is one of the finest examples I have encountered of a narrator's realization of a writer's intention enhancing that writing. I'm sure the book would have been fabulous on it's own, but I am glad I was able to experience Wayne Mitchell's narration.

Ellis Island has always been interesting to me. My Grandmother came through there in 1910. The author's use of language was so accurate, I felt I could could hear, smell, and see what was happening in the story. This author I would like to read more of in the future. I was able to listen to an early copy thanks to NetGalley.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ALC. A tough guy with a heart of gold, Steven Robbins is called upon by an FBI acquaintance to investigate the disappearance of an Irish immigrant at Ellis Island. The action comes out of nowhere at breakneck speeds. I do wish I had read "A Short Time to Stay Here" first, though you can enjoy the narrative without reading its predecessor. Recommended for fans of historical hardboiled mysteries. I love Roberts' writing, but I much preferred Steven Robbins' cousin, Jedidiah ;) I enjoyed Wayne Mitchell's narration, though the women tended to have a ditzy quality to their speech.

My Mistress’ Eyes are Raven Black
Terry Roberts
The setting of this tale is Ellis Island in the 1920s, just after WWI. A young pregnant Irish woman, Ciara McManaway, has vanished from the Isolation Hospital on Ellis Island. Stephen Robbins is appointed the task of finding her. Robbins specializes in locating people. The immigrants were different post WWI than they had been previously. Among those seeking to relocate in the US were Africans, Middle Easterners, Eastern Europeans and Romany. Robbins discovers something very disturbing; the young woman isn’t the only missing person. Immigrants are dead or disappeared. Robbins found a collaborator in Lucy Paul, a covert nurse, probing the unexplained occurrences. They find a gruesome plot concealed below the hospital’s benevolent façade and the staff is in on it. As Robbins and Lucy draw closer to the answers their lives are endangered.
This is the second time Robbins has appeared in one of author Terry Roberts books. Stephen Robbins is from the mountains of North Carolina. Throughout the story he remembers his roots. Robbins could empathize with the immigrants for he felt as if he were an alien in a strange land. On Ellis Island Stephen begins his investigation and soon realizes he is looking for a killer. He and Lucy Paul work well together; I enjoyed their interaction both romantically and professionally. Lucy Paul is a strong female lead; she exhibits strength, the ability to act on her own and she doesn’t hesitate to speak her mind. Their love story was sweet and endearing. This tale discusses anti-immigration sentiments and white-supremacy movement in the 1920s; it was as if Hitler were directing many of the staff.
I found myself contemplating several aspects of this novel. 1. The way Christianity is shown in a racist light. It disturbed me to see scripture twisted to benefit the purposes of an evil person. 2. The idea of immigrants being murdered because they did not fit the criteria of certain people was sad however I have seen other reviewers compare it to current issues unjustly. The people on Ellis Island come legally. Comparing those on Ellis Island and those on our borders is comparing oranges to apples.
This is an excellent read for it lingers with the reader long after the last word is read.

This book was kind of odd, but I still found it entertaining. The writing is beautiful and poetic, and very clever and funny at times. I found the pacing kind of weird in some points, although some of that is probably because there are other books by this author featuring some of the same characters, so I am likely missing some backstory. The premise itself is very interesting: a conspiracy on an Ellis Island hospital, people going missing and turning up dead. The narration of the main character was excellent, but the voices for most of the other characters were grating and sometimes hard to listen to, especially for the female characters. It’s a pet peeve of mine when male narrators use whining voices for female characters. Other than that I thought it was a well crafted, chilling story showing the lengths some people go to preserve white supremacy.

This book is really a hard one for me to review. I thought from the description that I would love it; however, it did not keep my interest. I struggled to get through it. I am wondering if the narrator had been different or if I had read the book rather than listened to it if that would have helped. When it started, I thought I would really like it. The setting, Ellis Island, the time period and a murder mystery was a totally intriguing concept. Even the narrator's slow southern drawl drew me in at the beginning, but once he started to do the voices of the women, I was totally turned off. The voice of one of the main characters, Lucy was totally different than the description of her voice as being "husky". The narrator did her voice almost like a caricature of a women's voice. It was almost laughable and made me not take her seriously. Also, to me, the story really started to drag in the middle and to become repetitive. There was really no mystery as to who was doing the killing, so I lost interest. When I read the reviews of people who obviously read the book, they seemed to like it much more.

I quit after 31%.

I'm not sure if it was the reader or the book itself, but I found this story very absurd. The plot and setting are fascinating (1920 Ellis Island, finding a lost girl). However, the reader's voices for the different characters are so cartoony that I couldn't take anything seriously. For example, one of the female characters sounds like Daffy Duck. Maybe if I read it, my opinion would be different, but I'm confused at the decision to let the narrator read it like that.

Review based on an ARC from Netgalley I received to write an honest review.

There were so many elements of things that made it good. The narrative was set up expertly. The characters seemed so real and so vivid. The setting was great and the plot was great and everything was GREAT. It's suspenseful and dark and crazy and wonderful.
The characters were also wonderful and enjoyable to listen about.
I position the audio version and it was great!
The story is what made it great!
It was suspenseful and the mystery was a plus!

This is one book I believe most will enjoy do read!

I want to thank NetGalley, Publisher and Author for giving me the chance to listen and review this upcoming release!

I tried really hard to like this book, but the narrator made it nearly impossible. I had already tried to overlook the thick accent which I didn't personally feel had any place in the story itself, but when he attempted to do a female's voice, that was it for me. While I'm sure this might be a great book to pick up and read - it's intriguing and I'd actually consider picking up a hard copy from the library - I was unable to even get far in the book because of how disengaged the narrator made me.

In the years shortly after World War I, immigrants are flocking to Ellis Island, eager for a chance at a new life. Amid those thousands of hopeful new Americans is Irishwoman Clara McManaway, who has seemingly vanished into thin air from an isolation ward on the island. Stephen Robbins has been sent to Ellis Island by his boss at the Bureau of Investigation to find Clara and there he teams up with a nurse, Lucy Paul, who has bent sent by the AMA to try to uncover why so many immigrants are disappearing or dying in mysterious circumstances. The two uncover a sinister plot to keep those immigrants labeled “undesirable” from becoming American citizens, even as Lucy shares what she considers her shameful secret about her own heritage to Stephen.