Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Review: Searching for Irene by Marlene Bateman

Searching for Irene
by Marlene Bateman

Publisher: Convent Communications
Pages: 268
Format: eARC
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  What happened to Irene?

When Anna Coughlin, a modern 1920’s woman, travels to the secluded hills of Virginia to work for wealthy Lawrence Richardson, she discovers that the previous secretary, Irene, has mysteriously disappeared. Upon arriving at the castle-like mansion, Anna finds that Lawrence’s handsome, but antagonistic son, Tyler, wants nothing more than to have her gone. And he isn’t the only one—

Caught up in a maze of intrigue in a tormented and troubled household, Anna sets out to find the truth behind Irene’s disappearance. She is helped—and often hindered—by the temperamental Tyler Richardson, who—despite her best intentions—begins to steal her heart. 

But even as Anna begins to uncover dark secrets, she must continue to hide a significant one of her own. Then, her life is threatened, and Anna is left to wonder if she’ll be able to unravel the mystery before she disappears as mysteriously as the unfortunate Irene.


Kritters Thoughts:  A book on the shorter end in page count and while in the end I still liked it, I did have one thing that made me debate on if it was a 4 or 5 star book.

A who dun it taking place in 1920 in Virginia (right around the corner from me) about a woman who must go live on an estate to uncover the disappearance of the young woman who was there before her.  She has her own secrets that when revealed take the book to the next level - of course, I won't divulge those here!  

This was such a perfect marriage of historical fiction with who dun it and there quite a few moments where I waffled and wondered who would be the culprit.  I would say this is what bothered me a bit, for it being such a short book, there was a lot of wondering from the main character and towards the end I was over and ready for the reveal.  Now I was not disappointed as to who did it and their reasonings, but I wouldn't have minded it happening a few pages earlier.  

I read this book over two sittings one of which by the pool and I have to say it would be a good addition to your beach or pool bag or to be honest any vacation reading.  It was easy to pick up and put down and not get lost at all.


Rating: definitely a good read, but can't read two in a row

Ebook 2017 Challenge: 28 out of 50


Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from the author.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

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