This author normally writes historical romance – and does a great job of it – but I think she missed her calling because she does an outstanding job with historical mysteries as well. The author has captured the complexities of the time, the excitement of the Great Exhibition, and the mysticism of a Druidic society along with characters who are so much more than they seem on the outside. Kara is wealthy, independent, artistic, talented, and more than capable of taking care of herself and Niall is handsome, large, brooding, artistic, protective, and filled with secrets he cannot reveal. OMGoodness – what a team they make!

In the first book of the series, we met a number of members of the Order of Druidic Bards. The order studies and preserves the old ways – old manuscripts, old musical instruments, etc. In the opening scene of this book, Kara is inducted into the Order along with one other person, Miss Janet Ottridge. Kara is welcomed into the Order with smiles and open arms, but the other woman – not so much. Kara wonders at the differences in their welcomes and realizes that there is something ‘off’ about the whole thing with Janet. Each new member must perform some ‘task’ that shows their understanding and preservation interests. While Kara’s was creative and lovely, Janet’s was strange and hinted at dire things to come. So, when Janet dies an unnatural death, the police are immediately suspicious of the Order – particularly Magistrate Towland. Kara and Niall know the kindhearted magistrate isn’t guilty and since he was instrumental in helping Kara prove her innocence (in the last book), they’ll do all they can to prove his innocence this time.

I love the way Kara and Niall work together, each playing to their own strengths. They have total respect and trust in each other and work together like a well-oiled machine. Though the victim is not a savory person, Kara and Niall want to find justice for her. When the murderer is revealed, you’ll be surprised, but you’ll also wonder (just a bit) if maybe he/she should have gotten away with it.

During the investigation, we learn a bit more about Niall’s past – not much – just enough to whet our appetites for the third and final book of the series. You are left wondering what in the world could be in his past that causes him so much danger now – especially when he was not the one who did something wrong. I can hardly wait to find out.

The mystery is excellently crafted and delivered as is the subplot involving Niall and his secrets. There are also some lovely poignant scenes between Kara and Niall that make you wonder how the two will ever overcome all of the obstacles in the way of their HEA.

I can definitely recommend this excellently written, nicely paced mystery. I would also like to petition Dragonblade Publishing to extend the contract on this series to include more books. I’d love to have more of Kara and Niall to look forward to.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book kept my interest and the mystery was well thought out. Enjoyed it very much. I would recommend this book to my friends who also enjoy books with romance and suspense.

I loved this book!! Which really isn't a surprise, seeing I have loved everything I've read by Ms. Marlowe.

This a continuation of The Keir and Lovett Mysteries. Two people who met while trying to get into the Great London Expatiation of 1851, which Queen Victoria and Prince Albert sponsored.

She is a maker of automatons, a lady of means with a very unusual, unexpected upbringing. He is a Scots man, a blacksmith that specializes in art forms from the forge. Which he tends to works in an old kilt with no shirt, (reason enough to get the book!)

They end up getting involved in murders, and using their wits and unusual knowledge of people, help the police to solve them. Yes, this time they actually work with Police Inspector Wooten this time.

As this story progresses, their feelings for each other deepen from steadfast friendship to love. As they explore the Druid Grove, a place of learning and art that both had been initiated into the murder seems to come back to their new friends.

Can Neil keep Kara safe? Can they figure out who killed the nortious blackmailer that was more than she seemed... You need to pick this up as soon as it is availble and find out.

Five stars for this delightful historical mystery.

I really enjoyed this book. The characters are very likeable and want to root for them. The story is a good mystery, lots of drama and fun to read. Can’t wait for the next one.

Death from the Druid's Grove is a great follow up to the fantastic debut, A Killer in the Crystal Palace. The fascinating sleuthing duo is back, as are the charming secondary characters that form their "found family." The bonus: we get to see some developments in the romantic storyline as the couple solves a murder.

Kara Levett and Niall Kier met as exhibitors at the Grand Exhibition, where Kara displayed her automatons and Niall showed his metal work. The two forged (pun intended) a partnership during an investigation that started off the series. In this second book, the Grand Exhibition is coming to an end, which also means an end to their close proximity. They've become great friends, but each harbors deeper feelings. While they each navigate those feelings, another murder has them working together again to solve a mystery.

The start of this book is a touch confusing, as it begins with seemingly unrelated scenes. First, there is Kara's initiation into a secret society of creative intellectuals, of which Niall is already a member. Second, a visitor to Kara's home, where Niall has a forge-away-from-home during the exhibition, makes cryptic comments about unfinished business in Niall's past. When we finally get to the murder scene, at the closing of the exhibition, it's almost a relief. Here is familiar territory, where we know Kara and Niall will team up to make things right. The secret society and Niall's past are a constant in this story and those early scenes eventually make sense.

The slow-burn relationship between Kara and Niall is delightfully angsty in this book. We get both characters' points of view as they contemplate their feelings. Niall's instinct is to flee when things get complicated, but he's conflicted. Kara has continued to break out of her protective shell and is disappointed by the idea of Niall leaving London. There are some beautiful, satisfying scenes between them that make me wish a third book was already here.

5 stars

An interesting read. I had to read book 1 and I think this helped set the scene. Niall and Kara continue with the Great exhibition and Kara is initiated into the Druids Grove. The other person initiated at the same time, riles ever one and is poisoned the next day. Kara saw a maid collecting poisoned berries that she suspects was used in the killing. Niall wants to protect Lord Towland and friend and fellow druid. We also learn a bit more about the angst that drives Niall.

I look forward to the next edition.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Death from the Druid's Grove by Deb Marlowe - Suspense, Action, Romance, and mystery. The first chapter was a lot to take in but in the second chapter, I was hooked throughout the entire book and honestly, I couldn't put it down because I wanted to know how it end and now I'm thinking to myself, I need another book, when is it coming out?

Excellent read, definitely addicting from the second chapter and beyond! Love

I just reviewed Death from the Druid's Grove by Deb Marlowe. #DeathfromtheDruidsGrove #NetGalley
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