The Diabolical Bones (A Bronte Sisters Mystery) by Bella Ellis

 

Book: The Diabolical Bones (A Bronte Sisters Mystery)

Author: Bella Ellis (Rowan Coleman)

Release date (if applicable): 02/16/2021

Synopsis: The Bronte Sisters are back with another mystery to solve. A child's bones are found in a local landowners' fireplace. Whose bones are they? Who is trying to stop the Bronte sisters from finding out the story behind them by any means possible, including murder? 

My rating: 5 Stars

My opinion: I have read both books in the series and have several thoughts on these books. 

First, I have started many a series only to be disappointed by the next books in the series. The first book is fantastic, but then the writing becomes weaker with each passing release. Ms. Coleman's novels shows none of these issues. I found The Diabolical Bones to be as well written and inviting as The Vanished Bride. The Diabolical Bones comes out swinging with a unique storyline partnered with an inviting writing style. I absolutely loved this book setting and Ms. Coleman does a phenomenal job at conveying it. It is apparent everything about this book from setting, time period and main characters have been well researched. 

Second, normally I am a stickler about reading series in order. Especially in strong character driven series, it a must if the reader wants to enjoy the full experience of the book and/or character. In my opinion, Ms. Coleman has written these books to be able to stand on their own if the reader so desires. While the Bronte sisters are present in the novel, I don't find their character development to be so strong that one must read the books in order to enjoy the series or not feel lost. 

Third, the author does a fantastic job of writing a painting a dark atmospheric story, she ensures that some light attached to it. While the story was sad and dark, the author didn't beat the reader down with it. Ms. Coleman was able to maintain a story that kept moving without being depressing to the reader.

Source: Berkley Publishing Group via Netgalley

Would I recommend? Absolutely! If you like historical fiction mysteries, this new series is not one to miss. I know I am eagerly awaiting the next in series. 

Stand Alone or Part of a Series: Second in series

The Vanished Bride (A Bronte Sisters Mystery #1) by Bella Ellis

      

Book: The Vanished Bride (Bronte Sisters Mystery #1)

Author: Bella Ellis

Release date (if applicable): Published

Synopsis: Did you know before the Bronte sisters were authors they were brilliant detectors? When the new bride of a wealthy landowner goes missing in a room full of blood, the sisters are on the case! Did her husband kill her or was there something much deeper from the past that caused the disappearance of this young bride?

My rating: 4 Stars

My opinion: Bella Ellis, the pseudonym for author Rowan Coleman Bronte Sisters Mystery series, has woven a delightful story that is laid out masterfully to give excellent twists and turns. The book is welcoming from the first page and Rowan has placed hooks into the story to really keep the reader guessing. I will say that I saw the possibility for the ending, but wasn't sure. The ride to the end was definitely worth it and it was accompanied with other little twists that added enjoyment to the story. As a massive fan of the Bronte sisters, this author has clearly done her research on the Bronte family to weave in known fact about their lives. 

Source: Library

Would I recommend? Normally, unless I was chosen to review the book, I would never do a blog review for a book that has been out for this long. As a historical fiction mystery, this book was definitely my cup of tea with a scone as a bonus. This book is excellent and one I will be looking forward to each new release. So, yes, I would highly recommend.

Stand Alone or Part of a Series: Part of Series. Book 2, THE DIABOLICAL BONES, is due for release on February 16, 2021, and just look at this beautiful cover!