2.5 stars

*kids/pregnancies
*very predictable
*unnecessary side fluff
*ameature sleuth
*a number of typos

Young children and pregnancies are a big part of this book, they are featured and talked about nonstop - neither of which I personally care to read about. The main characters have a young son who appears constantly along with toddler dialogue, a police colleague is about to have a baby and every scene must mention it, both cases revolve around children - you get the picture.

The cases themselves are interesting enough and I adore the college setting but they are extremely predictable from the start. You don't need to exert any effort to figure it out. It's so obvious it's almost like they didn't even try... Most times, I enjoy watching the characters piece it together for themselves, but unfortunately, not this time.

There was also frequent reference to past events and a lot of side fluff. Painting the house, going to daycare, etc. I think it would probably be better if you have read the previous books in the series and have already bonded with the characters and care about their day to day life.

This book also features the "wife of an actual detective who thinks herself a real sleuth" thing.

It just wasn't the right fit for me.

THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND BOOKSGOSOCIAL FOR THE ADVANCED COPY TO READ AND REVIEW.

I want to start by saying I absolutely loved the cosy feel that this book had to it, it made me want to curl up in front of the fire with a cup of tea and just enjoy the mystery surrounding the story. It was just a really nice, easy read that made me feel like I was being wrapped in a warm blanket.

Character wise, I did start to struggle at the start with keeping track of who was who, it felt as if everyone merged into one, but the deeper we got into the story it became much easier to keep track. Mostly because every character brought something new to the story, they all added value in their own way and had their own well developed personalities.

The writing was also good, but that's all it was... good. There were points that it felt basic, and as if things were being spelt out to us which really disappointed me as I was expecting more. On the same note, I think because there were things included in the book unnecessarily it became a slog to read at points and that's when my frustration with some of the writing would begin to emerge.

However, the book completely redeemed itself with the plot. While the book had a cosy small town mystery feel to it, it certainly did NOT skimp on the drama or quality of the story!

The whole thing from start to end kept me on my toes and questioning everyone and everything. I loved how it was set in just a small town but still managed to seem like such a big story. We were led all over the place with the plot, red herrings thrown everywhere to make use really think about everything we were reading. It was so cleverly done.

I also have a real soft spot for the ending, it rounded the story off in somewhat of a happy way which is always a winner with me!

On the whole, I loved the cosy feel of The Evening's Amethyst, I feel it lent itself well to the plot and the characters, I just wish the writing was a little better and didn't feel basic at points.

Thanks again to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial who were kind enough to provide me with an e-arc of this book to read and review.

The Evening's Amethyst is the fifth book in the series but the first for me.

There are several stories interwoven in the story. It starts with a man spotting a child alone in a playpen unattended. His wife is desperate for a child and an idea is planted. He drives by often and sees the same child alone. One day he decides to take the child and bring home to his wife. Next, a young university student falls to her death. Nora Tierney’s step-sister is the first one the scene, she and fiancé Declan Barnes will investigate the cause of death to clear Claire, Nora's step sister, after finding the young woman. The two stories are separate one which happened in the past and one in the present. There is a surprising revelation about the missing child that I did not see coming which was a nice twist.

It was my first book of the series. There was some back history shared about the characters, but it didn't add or take away from this story. It is easily a stand alone book, and is easy to read. The characters were likeable as well as interesting. The only thing that bothered me was that children were left alone in the yards. Not something I like to see, although I understand for the plot it was necessary, but unsettling just the same.

This is my first Nora mystery and it now will certainly not be the last. I can't wait to read the other books! Love me a good mystery! Engaging is what this book is. It had me on the first page. I loved all the characters and really felt like I knew each and every one of them. What a story. Did she fall or was she pushed? you will have to read tro find out!

M.K. Graff is known for her characters, setting, and plot. The 5th book of the Nora Tierney amateur sleuth series about an American author living in Oxford, England, does not disappoint.

The Evening's Amethyst by M.K Graff is the fifth book in the Nora Tierney series. I have come to this series so late! Never having read the previous books, I wondered how it would be for me. I must say I do think reading the previous books would give even more depth to this book. On the other hand, I think it is fine as a standalone novel, too.
A story that is very engaging with more than one mystery that needs solving by our main character, amateur sleuth, Nora Tierney, and her fiancé DI Declan Barnes.
The fact that we have a professional detective and an amateur one together creates a different angle for us to work from; it had me attempting to think like a copper (all be it a dodgy one!).
The storyline, along with the characters, made this a compelling and very interesting read. M.K Graff has brought a realism to her characters that lies bare their flaws as well as the glamour that they try to blind you with. This gives a lot of depth to them, which made this story even more real.
Nora herself is like the woman who could be my next-door neighbour, and that really helped me to connect with her. The author has skillfully managed to create a novel in which I feel both the plot and the characters drive this story. That's how I think anyway.
I love the fact that murder is not overworked or even glorified in this story; it is plainly there to help drive the story. I spent a good two days in Nora's world and thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks to ZooLoos Book Tours, Netgalley and the publisher.

Thank you NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the eARC.
American writer Nora Tierney has moved to her Oxford home with her fiance DI Declan Barnes and her young son when she gets an urgent call from her stepsister Claire who has just found the body of her friend and fellow student who died in a fall from steep stairs at college. She says there's no way the girl committed suicide and she wants Nora to help prove it. She's a suspect, but Nora knows there's no way. Declan is SIO on the case as well as looking into the cold case of a young man who thinks he may be the boy who was kidnapped many years ago. Both cases are fascinating and I really enjoyed this read. I also loved Typo the puppy and Sean, Nora's toddler, they are adorable.
This is the 5th in the series, but can definitely be read as a standalone, I had no problem following the story even though I hadn't read any of the previous books. I will be checking them out on Amazon.
Highly recommended!