Review by Kathleen Costa
Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win an ebook copy of the book and a link to purchase it.
Under A Veiled MoonMadeline Mona Moon found her silver lining when she inherited Moon Enterprises, and although it required she relocate to Kentucky, live at Moon Manor, and agree all future children would carry the “Moon” name, she was fine with that. She’s known poverty and discrimination, so she used her position and new found wealth to improve the lives of those who work for her. Her wealth, however, has brought some unwelcome attention in the form of kidnappings, mayhem, and murder as well as angering some very powerful international governments to whom she emphatically said “Nein” to entering in any business contracts. This all resulted in the need to hire a troop of Pinkerton agents to shadow her every move.
Murder Under a Bridal Moon Earns 5/5 Seven-tiered Cakes…Compelling Cozy!
Mona’s relationship with Lord Robert Farley has had its obstacles like the legal mandates for which Mona must comply to keep her vast inheritance competing with the demands of centuries-old British traditions for which Lord Bob is required to follow. But compromises were achieved and the wedding is really about to happen; Mona is about to become Duchess of Brynelleth. Well, maybe, since obstacles in some form always seem inevitable in Mona’s world. Obstacle one: Aunt Melanie’s unexpected arrival with an insane demand. Obstacle two: Mona’s upstairs maid, Mabelle Taylor, is missing, last seen talking to a well-dressed man. Obstacle three: a death, determined a murder, puts everyone in black…not white.
BRILLIANT! Abigail Keam has kept her Mona Moon Mystery series fresh, clever, and full of page-turning suspense. The tragic murder has brought more life-threatening obstacles in Mona’s path: overzealous reporter, uninvited guests, lapses in security, and the rumor of a mole at Moon Manor. Mona is not one to leave everything to others, even when her personal safety is in jeopardy, but she has the determination, the money, and the muscle to get the answers she needs. Resources, that had proven themselves effective in the past, once again are key, and even Lord Bob finds a way to use his skills to get results. The final reveal, in the drawing room with the main suspects in attendance (pure Agatha Christie), was quite a surprising tale of greed, selfishness, secrets, and lies that culminated in murder…and all wrapped up minutes before the walk down the aisle. So much fun!
Creativity is important, but an author’s writing style is key to a reader’s enjoyment. For me, Abigail’s writing is a favorite! She offers sensory-laden descriptions depicting well the rural and urban environments, character appearances, and suspenseful situations along with brilliant dialogue to illustrate the various personalities, confrontations, and serious to flirty emotions. The personalities range from admirable and helpful to self-centered and destructive, but together they are all entertaining, evoking a variety of emotions...Aunt Melanie’s in need of a big dose of karma! I love the way Keam ends many chapters with a cryptic peek into the future like when Mona left Robert to get an update about an intrusive journalist, “It would be a while before they spoke to one another again.” Oooh, what dramatic teasing! It was hard to skip anything, every word, thought, and moment in the story was poignant or key to the mystery. Top contender for Favorite of 2022!
History 101 Delights! Don’t miss the Glossary which provides additional definitions on key terms and phrases, information on events, organizations, and places, and short bios for figures mentioned. I always learn something…like Aloha Wanderwell (Idris Welsh), Canadian-American Internationalist explorer, author, filmmaker, and aviator, Georgia O’Keeffe, mother of American modernism, and Mabel Dodge Luhan, a key member of the Taos, New Mexico, art scene. I was lucky to have stayed in Luhan’s former house for a teacher’s multi-cultural workshop along with enjoying the local art museums, including some O’Keeffe’s on display, southwest history, and native Pueblo culture.
Be a Big Abigail Keam Fan!
Along with this Mona Moon Mystery series, a personal favorite, Abigail Keam pens three other diverse series sure to meet any taste: Last Chance for Love, “an inspirational series where people with problems visit the Last Chance Motel in Key Largo in desperate attempts to change their lives,” Princess Maura Tales Epic Fantasy Series, “a treat for readers who love epic fantasy, sword and sorcery tales mixed with action and a spoonful of supernatural,” and another personal favorite, the Josiah Reynolds Mystery series about “a female beekeeper turned sleuth.” Something for everyone!
Facebook — Abigail Keam, Author
Amazon Author Page — Abigail Keam
To enter to win an ebook copy of Murder Under a Bridal Moon, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line "bridal,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen November 26, 2022. US residents only and you must be 18 or older to enter. If entering via comment please include your email address so we can contact you. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & mystery short stories in our mystery section in Kings River Life and in our mystery category here on KRL News & Reviews. And join our mystery Facebook group to keep up with everything mystery we post, and have a chance at some extra giveaways. And check out our new mystery podcast which features mystery short stories and first chapters read by local actors! One of Abigail's stories is featured on a past episode! A new Thanksgiving episode went up this week.
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Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.Kathleen Costa is a long-time resident of the Central Valley, and although born in Idaho, she considers herself a “California Girl.” Graduating from CSU-Sacramento, she is a 35+ year veteran teacher having taught in grades 1-8 in schools from Sacramento to Los Angeles to Stockton to Lodi. Currently Kathleen is enjoying her retirement revitalizing hobbies along with exploring writing, reading for pleasure, and spending 24/7 with her husband.
Sounds interesting! Count me in!
ReplyDeleteWe have a winner!
ReplyDeleteLorie Ham