In a time when women never wore trousers and most definitely did not solve murders...Herringford & Watts break every rule in the book of propriety and pave their own future. Make sure you enter the Rafflecopter giveaway at the end of this post! And...The mastermind herself, Rachel McMillan, will be visiting with us later this week here on Bookworm Mama. Do not miss out! Rachel is "The epitome of fun!"
"This was," Merinda said breathlessly as they ran, "perhaps a...poorly planned evening."
The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder
Page 145
The year is 1910. Toronto has seen it's share of progress and changes over the last few years. Yet, a woman's duty is still to marry, keep house and raise a family. Merinda Herringford and Jemima Watts are best friends, flatmates...and...detectives.
These women do not fit the mold for a "Proper Lady". However, they are living out their dreams and following their passion. And to that I say, "Brava!" When the Herringford & Watts Detective Agency opens for business, mischief, madness and mayhem follow wherever these two go. When the mystery of the deaths of two Irish girls is brushed over by the police and press, Herringford & Watts step in to solve the case. The Morality Squad is on the prowl looking for an excuse to cart women away in the name of, "Cleaning up the town". Reasons may include, but are not limited to: a hemline too short, being out without an escort and sticking their nose in the wrong people's business. For this reason, Merinda and Jem masquerade as men with bowler hats on a fairly regular basis. This offers them the freedom of movement that would otherwise be denied them as women. Leading them to new depths and new heights. Joining forces with Constable Jasper Forth and Ray DeLuca, a reporter, will this team see that justice is served? Will their adventures take them too far? And will these bachelor girls be the voice for the women who have none?
These women do not fit the mold for a "Proper Lady". However, they are living out their dreams and following their passion. And to that I say, "Brava!" When the Herringford & Watts Detective Agency opens for business, mischief, madness and mayhem follow wherever these two go. When the mystery of the deaths of two Irish girls is brushed over by the police and press, Herringford & Watts step in to solve the case. The Morality Squad is on the prowl looking for an excuse to cart women away in the name of, "Cleaning up the town". Reasons may include, but are not limited to: a hemline too short, being out without an escort and sticking their nose in the wrong people's business. For this reason, Merinda and Jem masquerade as men with bowler hats on a fairly regular basis. This offers them the freedom of movement that would otherwise be denied them as women. Leading them to new depths and new heights. Joining forces with Constable Jasper Forth and Ray DeLuca, a reporter, will this team see that justice is served? Will their adventures take them too far? And will these bachelor girls be the voice for the women who have none?
"As Jem powdered her nose,
Merinda tucked an ivory-handled pistol into her handbag."
The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder
Page 160
My Thoughts
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| Little man wanted to get in on the action after seeing his big brother's picture. (Check it out here) |
I can honestly say that by page 10 of the novella (see below), I was addicted to Herringford & Watts! From the cover design of the book to the quirky traits of these two women, I will treasure their story for many years to come. Let's talk about the book itself for a minute. There are several different aspects to the layout that intrigued me. First of all, the silhouettes on the cover (aren't they gorgeous), can be found at the beginning of each chapter as well, with artwork. Giving a deeper impression of the era. There are lovely quotes at the beginning of each chapter as well. Throughout the book you will find footnotes. Not referencing history books, but referencing our characters and addressing the reader personally. This dynamic didn't just draw me into the story, oh no, it gobbled me up and left me wandering the streets of Toronto, trying to walk without using my hips...Through these footnotes we learn a lot about all of our characters, without the need of an extra hundred pages, although I wouldn't have complained about that either.
The story is one of the most beautifully crafted books I have ever read. I am a HUGE fan of Sherlock and Murdoch Mysteries. And to have a story similar to those with women playing the lead...Brilliant! While we see the story through the perspective of different characters, it is mainly through Jem's eyes. Throughout their crime solving adventure, we can see the strength and determination of these women to do the right thing. Jem and Ray both look to the Lord for guidance and are comforted and encouraged by His voice and His peace. While God is a puzzle too big to solve for Merinda at this point. If you enjoy a good mystery with a lot of humour and some faith...THIS is the book for you! There are pins and needles that I am sitting on, waiting for the next book to come out! (See below for more details.) Don't forget to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway below! One lucky winner will receive a copy of The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder! And tune in for a very special author interview with Rachel McMillan later this week!
"Jem wasn't sure she needed to learn Italian.
If he kept saying those things in that voice,
she doubted she'd need a translation."
The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder
Page 213
The story is one of the most beautifully crafted books I have ever read. I am a HUGE fan of Sherlock and Murdoch Mysteries. And to have a story similar to those with women playing the lead...Brilliant! While we see the story through the perspective of different characters, it is mainly through Jem's eyes. Throughout their crime solving adventure, we can see the strength and determination of these women to do the right thing. Jem and Ray both look to the Lord for guidance and are comforted and encouraged by His voice and His peace. While God is a puzzle too big to solve for Merinda at this point. If you enjoy a good mystery with a lot of humour and some faith...THIS is the book for you! There are pins and needles that I am sitting on, waiting for the next book to come out! (See below for more details.) Don't forget to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway below! One lucky winner will receive a copy of The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder! And tune in for a very special author interview with Rachel McMillan later this week!
Purchase Options
A Singular & Whimsical Problem
A Herringford & Watts Novella
My Thoughts
Toronto, Christmas, 1910. This novella is the first book I read by Rachel McMillan. I was hooked by page 10! Being a mystery, Rachel balances the heavy with the light very well. I laughed throughout this story so much. But was also grounded by harsh conditions. This novella is told through the eyes of Miss Jemima Watts and the story lands pretty much right in the middle of The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder's timeline. You can read this either before or after the first book, as there are no real spoilers in it. Recommend with five stars! After reading the first 10 pages in a preview...I bought both the full novella and the book...I don't do that very often...EVER!!! You really don't want to miss out on this adventure!
Purchase Options
Published by Harvest House Publishers.
I purchased a copy of A Singular and Whimsical Problem and The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder from Amazon for my personal collection. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
About the Author
Rachel McMillan is a keen history enthusiast and a lifelong bibliophile. When not writing or reading, she can most often be found drinking tea and watching British miniseries. Rachel lives in bustling Toronto, where she works in educational publishing and pursues her passion for art, literature, music and theater.
Connect with Rachel:
Blog
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
a Rafflecopter giveaway
A Herringford & Watts Novella
My Thoughts
Toronto, Christmas, 1910. This novella is the first book I read by Rachel McMillan. I was hooked by page 10! Being a mystery, Rachel balances the heavy with the light very well. I laughed throughout this story so much. But was also grounded by harsh conditions. This novella is told through the eyes of Miss Jemima Watts and the story lands pretty much right in the middle of The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder's timeline. You can read this either before or after the first book, as there are no real spoilers in it. Recommend with five stars! After reading the first 10 pages in a preview...I bought both the full novella and the book...I don't do that very often...EVER!!! You really don't want to miss out on this adventure!
Purchase Options
Published by Harvest House Publishers.
I purchased a copy of A Singular and Whimsical Problem and The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder from Amazon for my personal collection. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
About the Author
Rachel McMillan is a keen history enthusiast and a lifelong bibliophile. When not writing or reading, she can most often be found drinking tea and watching British miniseries. Rachel lives in bustling Toronto, where she works in educational publishing and pursues her passion for art, literature, music and theater. Connect with Rachel:
Blog
Giveaway
I am so in love with this series that I just had to do a giveaway!
Contest ends May 12th at midnight Pacific Time. Contest open to US and Canada!
Congrats to Amy!!! Please check your email!
Coming Soon...
June 1, 2016 September 1, 2016
June 1, 2016 September 1, 2016
