Stayed up late to Read this in a night, I really enjoyed this book. I would read more books by this author

Martyrs' Convent by Jody Brettkelly is a suspenseful and thrilling mystery that kept me hooked from start to finish. Isla Joyson, a determined journalist, is drawn into a web of intrigue when she receives a cryptic call from a nun about a drug shipment, only to find the nun’s body in the Thames the next day. What follows is a fast-paced race against time as Isla uncovers dark secrets tied to a convent and a manipulative aristocrat.

The blend of suspense, drama, and mystery was well-executed, and I appreciated the layers of tension that built up throughout the story. Isla’s character was compelling, and I enjoyed following her as she navigated dangerous situations to uncover the truth. The atmosphere, especially in the convent setting, added an eerie and gripping quality to the plot.

While the pacing was solid, I felt the ending could have been a bit more satisfying in terms of resolution. Still, Martyrs' Convent is a great read for fans of thrillers with a mix of mystery and societal intrigue. I’d rate it 3.5 stars—entertaining, with some minor areas that could have been stronger.

Thank you NetGalley and Jody Brettkelly for the eARC.
Journalist Isla Joyson needs a compelling story to get to the next level of her career.
When she gets a phone call from a nun who tells her there'll be a drug drop soon, she thinks that may be what she needs. Especially when the nun's body is found in the Thames river!
The story is a fun read with a good dollop of romance as well as an absorbing mystery.
Jody is feisty and I liked her get-up-and-go attitude and her handling of her boyfriend's daughter, who's an interesting teen.

When a nun turns up dead in the Thames, Isla Joyson has a race against time to find her story.

This is book 2 in the series and it is filled with drama and plenty of wows.

I really liked this book. It is an pacy exciting read and the plot is well planned and the characters all added something to the tale.

I enjoyed the setting if the creepy convent and come the end I was happy with how it all turned out... is there a book 3? Can't wait..

Book Review: Martyrs’ Convent by Jody Brettkelly

Overview
Martyrs’ Convent is the second installment in Jody Brettkelly’s Isla Joyson series, plunging readers into a gripping blend of investigative journalism and dark historical secrets. Following Bay of Plenty, this novel sees protagonist Isla Joyson entangled in a chilling mystery that bridges past atrocities and present dangers. Brettkelly’s sharp prose and meticulous research shine, though the narrative occasionally struggles to balance its dual timelines.

Themes & Execution (4.2/5)
Brettkelly deftly explores themes of trauma, resilience, and the weight of history. The convent setting—a nexus of faith and violence—adds gothic gravitas, while the journalist-as-detective angle keeps the pacing taut. Some thematic threads (e.g., martyrdom’s legacy) feel underexplored in favor of plot momentum, but the moral ambiguity of uncovering buried truths resonates powerfully.

Character Development (4/5)
Isla Joyson remains a compelling lead—tenacious yet vulnerable—with her personal stakes deepening in this installment. Supporting characters, particularly enigmatic figures tied to the convent’s past, are vividly drawn. However, a few relationships lack the emotional depth needed to make climactic revelations land with full impact.

Pacing & Structure (3.8/5)
The novel’s dual timelines (past convent horrors vs. present investigation) create suspense but occasionally disrupt flow. Brettkelly’s journalistic eye ensures crisp dialogue and immersive detail, though some middle sections sag under exposition. The final act’s twists, while shocking, risk feeling rushed.

Originality (4/5)
Brettkelly elevates familiar crime-thriller tropes with fresh historical context and a haunting setting. The blend of true-crime intrigue and gothic atmosphere distinguishes it from generic mysteries, even if certain plot devices (e.g., hidden documents) feel conventional.

Overall Rating: 4/5
A dark, atmospheric thriller that will satisfy fans of investigative dramas and historical mysteries. Brettkelly’s strengths—research-rich storytelling and a flawed yet fierce heroine—make Martyrs’ Convent a standout, despite minor pacing hiccups.

Acknowledgments
Thank you to NetGalley and Jody Brettkelly for providing an advance review copy. This critique reflects my unbiased evaluation.

Note: This review is based on an ARC; minor changes may appear in the final publication.

Martyrs Convent ended up flopping for me as a follow up to the first Ilsa Joyson book. I was so excited to see where Ilsa and Declan were and to dive into a new mystery. But between the writing and pacing which I struggled to follow, it was Ilsa and Declan's inability to communicate that really made me dislike the book. I felt like the growth they had in the first book vanished. The unplanned pregnancy trope was also just a little overboard with the foreshadowing that she was pregnant

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for the advanced reader copy. I enjoyed the books plot and character development. The story line was carried through and never felt like it stalled. I enjoyed the dialogue between the characters and felt it wrapped up well. I will definitely be checking out more by the author in the future.