The Puzzle of Parham House by Benedict Brown

 

Christopher's mother's friend calls for help. Things are being moved around at Parham House and her friend thinks that there is a sinister reason. When the great detective Lord Edgington and his quite competent grandson Christopher arrive murder is added to the picture. From the beginning this case seems to befuddle Lord Edgington. Will this be a case that he can't solve? Not if Christopher has a say in it!

I love how in each book Christopher is maturing. Not just maturing, but becoming more clever in helping solve the cases. I did find Lord Edgington a bit off in this book, but once we find out the reason it makes total sense. The author does like to leave the "who-done-it" until the last minute and likes to switch it up. This one had me questioning whether or not I had guessed right. I love all of the personalities that gather at Parham House. The children wanting to help Christopher solve the case were pretty cute and wise. Another great installment to the series!

Hemlock Hall by Alexandria Cameron

 

Sisters Desdemona and Lenora are invited to Hemlock Hall for a ball. There is mystery and resentment among the townsfolk surrounding Hemlock Hall. During the recent plague that claimed many lives the town looked to Hemlock Hall for help. Unfortunately one brave girl disappeared for her efforts to reach that family! Now all of the sudden everything is to be put aside and they are supposed to consider themselves fortunate to be invited to a ball? To sweeten the invitation they are promised that one family will be bestowed with the Hemlock's favor during the ball. Who will be the lucky family? Desdemona is hoping that it is her sister Lenora. They are in desperate need for help. Soon to be forced out of their home by a greedy landlord Desdemona sees this chance as one to help them out of their troubles. A new widow Desdemona doesn't think of herself as a candidate. Will the townsfolk find happiness and relief from the Hemlocks? Lenora doesn't think so. She doesn't have a good feeling about this. What about the new stranger that has come into town? He too offers advice to not attend the ball. But Desdemona is strangely drawn to Hemlock Hall. Will her stubbornness be the end of the sisters?  What will happen when past lives meet up with those of the present? 

Such an exciting read! I love the characters! I love the setting as well. The story keeps you guessing and keeps the reader turning the pages. The author builds an exciting fantasy world with hero's and villains alike. There is love, death, violence, betrayal and redemption. The story keeps you on the edge of your seat hoping the final outcome will have all of the characters we love surviving and celebrating a "Happily Ever After" ending. Highly recommend!

**I received a copy of Hemlock Hall from the author. All opinions in this review are my own, I was not required to give a review.**n.