Review: “Consequences of Sin”
Finishing two books in as many days is quick, even for me. That should give you a hint as to how much I enjoyed Consequences of Sin, the debut novel of Clare Langely-Hawthorne.
I’ll be honest, I probably would never have picked this one up if it hadn’t been for Mayhem in the Midlands. I heard Ms. Langley-Hawthorne speak on a panel there and was moved to pick up her novel. (Actually, I picked up the sequel as well, but I haven’t read that one yet!)
The book starts out in London, England, in 1910. Ursula Marlow is a well-to-do young lady who has some radical ideas — like the fact that women should be allowed to vote! When one of Ursula’s “radical” acquaintances wakes up to find a dead woman in her bedroom, Ursula is ready to help in any way she can. In helping her friend, Ursula uncovers secrets about her family that are disturbing and confusing.
Because of the time, Ursula isn’t encouraged to investigate at all. She is the only child of a wealthy widower who wants nothing more than to keep his daughter safe. He has humored her in the respect that Ursula is educated and a trained journalist. But her father is very aware of appearances.
I will admit that there is an underlying love story, but it didn’t distract me from the mystery. In fact, it was well done and “flowed” with the storyline. (For those who know me, I usually steer clear of romances as I find them too predictable.) I also really enjoyed the historical aspects of this novel. Ms. Langley-Hawthrone does a wonderful job of teaching readers about the era without sounding “preachy” or boring.
If you like historicals, mysteries, or even romances, I think you’ll find Consequences of Sin a quick, easy read.
Blessings!
Nichole