The Bridge at Belle Island

GIVEAWAY

KLASSEN, JULIE
THE BRIDGE AT BELLE ISLAND

After a humiliating mistake, lawyer Benjamin Booker resolves to never again trust a beautiful woman. When an old friend is killed, the senior partner isn't satisfied with Bow Street's efforts and asks Benjamin to investigate. Eager to leave London for a while, Benjamin agrees. Evidence takes him to a remote island on the Thames, a world unto itself, shrouded in mist and mystery. Soon he finds himself falling for the main suspect -- a woman who claims not to have left the island in ten years. But should he trust her?

On Belle Island, Isabelle feels safe and leads a productive life, but fear keeps her trapped there. When Mr. Booker arrives with news of her trustee's murder in London, Isabelle is stunned. She has not left the island, yet she has a recurring dream about the man's death. Or is it a memory? She had been furious with him, but she never intended...this.

When a second person dies, and evidence shockingly points to her, Isabelle doesn't know who to trust: the attractive lawyer or the admirer and friends who assemble on the island, each with grudges against the victim. Can she even trust her own mind? While they search for truth, secrets come to light and danger comes calling.

My Review:

Squeal! Eep! Squeeppp!!! Regency with a Gothic flare! I'm swooning just on principle. :-)

Love the slow build to the mystery. Very atmospheric. The murder happens right at the start but the sifting through clues is delectably laborious. So many potential suspects, so many questions left unanswered. So many false trails to follow. And the secrets! Isabelle's safe island haven is anything but.

Though the mystery is an important part of the story, it doesn't outshine the luxurious Regency details -- the kind of scenes and dialogue that Klassen is known for. Or the intriguing relationships and community life on Belle Island. It's a far cry from the bustling London Benjamin is used to. Just as Isabelle isn't what he expected. The gentle attraction that shimmers between them is subtle and sweet, adding an understated charm to their love story. Truly sublime!

I'm still basking in a blissful happy reader after-glow!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  The Bridge at Belle Island, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday January 18 2020. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!