Devil by the Tail (A Garnick & Paschal Mystery) by Jeanne Matthews: Review & Giveaway with #HFVBT

Devil by the Tail: A Garnick & Paschal Mystery by Jeanne Matthews

Publication Date: July 20, 2021

D X Varos, Ltd

Genre: Historical Mystery

What’s a 20-something Union war widow to do in 1867? Start up her own detective agency with a former Reb P.O.W. of course!

Quinn Sinclair, who uses the name Mrs. Paschal professionally, and her wryly observant partner Garnick get two cases on the same day - one to help a man prove he didn't kill his wife, another to help a lawyer find reasonable doubt that his client killed her ex-lover's new bride. As the detectives dig deeper, they unearth facts that tie the cases together in disturbing ways.

This tantalizing tale of 19th Century Chicago comes complete with corrupt politicians, yellow-press reporters, gambling parlors, and colorful bawdyhouse madams. At every turn in the investigation, Quinn discovers more suspects and more secret motives for murder.

Not least among her worries, someone seems intent on murdering her!

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MY THOUGHTS.....

Devil by the Tail is a historical mystery set in Chicago in 1867, two years after the end of the Civil War, and author Jeanne Matthews gives readers an intriguing look at the post-war activity that occurred during that time. In this story, crime is rampant and young private investigator Quinn Sinclair finds herself involved in murder, dirty politics, and two apparently different cases that may actually be connected. Quinn, also known as Mrs. Paschal, is aided by Garnick, a former Rebel prisoner of war, and it appears that their business partnership is about to take on a more personal element. 

Matthews teases readers with clever hints and clues, as she challenges us to solve the mystery ourselves. We are also shown that preconceived notions can color our thinking about people and their professions. Devil by the Tail is an entertaining story with engaging characters, a thought-provoking plot, and just enough romance to make it alluring!

I received a copy of this book from the author via Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours. There was no expectation of a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars 

EXCERPT

“Sorry to keep you waiting, Chez,” said Garnick.  “What’s eating you?”

“Garnick and Paschal, detectives, that’s what’s eating me.”  He took a card off his desk and waved it in front of their noses.

“Give me a squint.”  Garnick took it out of his hand.  “It’s ours, all right.  You find a misspelled word?”

“What I found is a dead man.  That card was in his pocket.”

“I surmise this ain’t a case of natural expiry?”

“None of your jokes, Garnick.  The muggins was shot in the head.  Twice for good measure.”

Quinn did a quick inventory of the people she’d given the card to.  The young desk clerk at the Tremont, the obnoxious hotel manager, Annie Stafford’s bouncer, Josabeth Allbright.  Moses’ horns, had Josabeth passed it on to Burk Bayer?  “Who is he?” she asked.  “What’s the dead man’s name?”

“He had no wallet,” said Chesterton.  “No cash, no papers.  Nothing but your damn…I beg your pardon, ma’am, nothing but that calling card you’re holding in your hand, Garnick.”

“We’ve been handing them out since April,” said Quinn.  “They’re advertising.”

“I know what it is.  Maybe you’ll recall if the gent on a slab down the hall is one you pitched your services to.  Let’s go, detectives.”

“There’s no cause to be snide,” she said with an edge of defiance.  “Are you going to renege on your promise to let us see Miss Jackson?”

Garnick was quick with a softener.  “I’ve known the captain long enough to know he’s a man of his word.  Sounds like there’s been a turn-up that wants our two bits worth.  Let’s have a look at this deceased gent, Chez.  He ain’t so unsightly he’ll unnerve the lady, is he?”

“Not if she’s got a strong stomach.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jeanne Matthews graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Journalism and has worked as a copywriter, a high school English and Drama teacher, and a paralegal. An avid traveler and crime fiction reader, she is the author of the Dinah Pelerin international mystery series. She currently lives in Washington State with her husband, who is a law professor, and a Norwich terrier named Jack Reacher.

 

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Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, July 20
Guest Post at Novels Alive
Review at Booking With Janelle

Wednesday, July 21
Review at Bibliostatic
Feature at Books, Ramblings, and Tea

Thursday, July 22
Review at Michelle the PA Loves to Read

Friday, July 23
Excerpt at Passages to the Past

Saturday, July 24
Review + Excerpt at Older & Smarter

Monday, July 26
Review at Amy's Booket List

Tuesday, July 27
Review + Interview at Books & Benches

Wednesday, July 28
Review at Reading is My Remedy

Thursday, July 29
Review at Novels Alive

Friday, July 30

Review at The Enchanted Shelf
Review + Excerpt at Elodie’s Reading Corner

GIVEAWAY

Enter to win a paperback copy of Devil by the Tail by Jeanne Matthews! We have 2 copies up for grabs!

The giveaway is open to US residents only and ends on July 30th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

Devil by the Tail

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The Heart's Charge (Hanger's Horsemen, #2) by Karen Witemeyer

ABOUT THE BOOK

For years they've been nomads for justice, but a final mission may just lead their hearts home.

Members of the legendary Hanger's Horsemen, Mark Wallace and Jonah Brooks arrive in Llano County, Texas, to deliver a steed, never expecting they'd help deliver a baby as well. Left with an infant to care for, they head to a nearby foundling home, where Mark encounters the woman he nearly married a decade ago.

After failing at love, Katherine Palmer has dedicated her life to caring for children, teaming up with Eliza Southerland to start Harmony House. Eliza understands the pain of not fitting society's mold, being illegitimate and of mixed ancestry. Yet those are the very attributes that lead her to minister to outcast children. The taciturn Jonah intrigues her by defying all her stereotypes of men, but there are secrets behind his eyes—ghosts from wars past and others still being waged.

When the Horsemen hear rumors of missing children, they stay to investigate, sticking close to Harmony House and its beautiful owners. As they work together to uncover the truth, love and danger grow hand in hand until a final sinister scheme threatens to destroy them all.

MY THOUGHTS.....

What's better than romance, Karen Witemeyer style? How about two romances, Karen Witemeyer style? This is exactly what readers are given in The Heart's Charge, along with a "double the laughter, double the emotions" story! It's the second book in the Hanger's Horsemen series, and I am once again in love with the Horsemen. This story focuses on Mark Wallace and Jonah Brooks, and the action begins on the very first page, when they find themselves helping to deliver a baby. It escalates when they find children missing and two women needing help to protect the unwanted children living at Harmony House. The children are adorable, they are in danger, and they're sure to tug at your heartstrings.

Wait! Did I mention that there's romance? Mark meets up with an old flame, Katherine Palmer, and it looks like they might get a second chance at love, but I was especially enthralled with the interaction between Jonah and Eliza Southerland. There is a scene that will forever remain with me, as Eliza explains her mixed ancestry to Jonah, and her conflicting feelings about the slaveowner who was her father. Jonah's compassion is touching to witness, but can a soldier who's shunned education. and a woman who's associated education with freedom, ever find common ground together?

I enjoyed the first book in the Hanger's Horsemen series, and this book is certainly a worthy sequel. If you are looking for swoon-worthy romance, exciting adventure, and a story filled with faith, look no further! The Heart's Charge is meant for all who enjoy historical Christian romance.

I received a copy of this book from the author and Bethany House. I was never required to share a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

After growing up in California, Karen moved to Texas to attend Abilene Christian University where she earned bachelor and master's degrees in Psychology. It was also there that she met and married her own Texas hero. He roped her in good, for she has lived in Texas ever since. In fact, she fell so in love with this rugged land of sweeping sunsets and enduring pioneer spirit, that she incorporates it into the pages of her novels, setting her stories in the small towns of a state that burgeoned into greatness in the mid- to late1800s.

A life-long bookworm, Karen is living her dream by writing novels. Her books have consistently hit bestseller lists and have garnered awards such as the ACFW Carol Award, the Holt Medallion, and the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award. In addition, she is a multiple RITA and National Reader's Choice finalist. Karen is also a sought-after speaker for national writing conferences and regional workshops.

Karen's favorite aspect of her writing life is hearing from readers. Nothing encourages her heart more. She'd love to hear from you. You can contact her here.

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