by Cynthia Chow
Details at the end of the post on how to enter to win a Little Black Book padfolio and a link to order the book from Amazon and an indie bookstore.
After spending ten days with Brooklyn Wainwright’s loving and eccentric family in the wine country of Dharma, she and her new husband Derek Stone are excited to be back at their home in San Francisco. Waiting there for the couple is a British first edition of Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca, mailed by Gwyneth Antiquities all the way from Oddlochen, Scotland. While this would be remarkable in itself, far more surprising that the tome has been sent not to book-restoration expert Brooklyn, but to security specialist and former spy Derek. That unexpected twist is quickly followed by the arrival of Clara Quinn, whom Brooklyn first met while working on the television show “This Old Attic.” An expert in antique weaponry, Clara has come to Derek seeking his help in locating her roaming aunt, Gwyneth Quinn. That Derek recognizes her name from his time with MI6 escalates the situation from a spontaneous vacation to something more alarming, especially since Clara has herself been the target of attempted break-ins. Clara’s fears are immediately validated when she and Brooklyn stumble over a body just minutes later, the victim being one of the men who attempted to con his way into Clara’s home.
Now fully believing that both Clara and Gwyneth are in danger, Brooklyn and Derek are able to combine their skills (and family members) to track down the missing aunt and protect them from the looming threats. After Brooklyn discovers methodical pencil marking in the valuable edition of Rebecca, help from Derek’s cryptologist brother and Google Translate lead them back to Oddlochen. Derek’s connections have them all whisking off to Scotland on a private jet, where they stay at the authentic Castle MacKinnon with their own wing. Suspicious housekeeping staff, irritable villagers, rumors of a treasure, and intrepid spy shenanigans all have Brooklyn, Derek, and Clara using their considerable and unique skills to follow the trail of clues left by a woman whose life may depend on it.
By this fifteenth of the series author Kate Carlisle has mastered the technique of blending together a cozy mystery and thrilling action. The mix of Da Vinci code puzzles and bantering dialogue continues to make this series so enthralling and fun, especially when favorite characters reappear as a reward to loyal readers who have long followed their exploits.
An impending niece or nephew takes the couple back again for an all-too-brief visit to Dharma, where Clara is given further wise counsel from empathetic Guru Bob. Book lovers will appreciate the eerie connections to du Maurier’s famous gothic novel, while the setting near the Loch Ness will charm vicarious explorers. The complex clues, action fight scenes, and the unbeatable, enviable team of Brooklyn and Derek make this another exuberant entry in the book-celebratory mystery series.
To enter to win a Little Black Book padfolio, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “black,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen August 7, 2021. U.S. residents only, and you must be 18 or older to enter. If entering via email and you want a print copy please include your mailing address. BE AWARE THAT IT STILL MAY TAKE LONGER THAN USUAL FOR THE BOOK TO ARRIVE. 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. And join our mystery Facebook group to keep up with everything mystery we post, and have a chance at some extra giveaways. Be sure to check out our new mystery podcast too with mystery short stories, and first chapters read by local actors. A new episode went up this week.
You can use this link to purchase this book from indie bookstore Mysterious Galaxy, and KRL gets a portion of the sale:
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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.
Little Black Book sounds like a wonderful book to take you away on a summer’s day while reading!
This sounds like another good book in the series. Thanks for the contest. The padfolio would be very useful.
Sounds interesting! Count me in!
Sounds great, thanks for the chance. ?
Love this series and the padfolio looks fun! Thanks!
I love Kate Carlisle’s books !
Love the series and would love to win the padfolio.
As a retired librarian, I love to
read books about books.
Brooklyn has a great job and
and always has an interesting
life. Can’t wait to read the
newest installment. thanks.
txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com
Love this series! Can’t wait to read this one.
Great series! On my TBR list, can’t wait to read.
diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
I love Kate Carlisle books!!! Would absolutely love to win her giveaway!!! Thank you for the chance!!
Who doesn’t love Rebecca? I hope I catch references to that plot in this mystery.
Karen94066 at aol.com
Thank you for the chance I really want to read it! Donakutska7@gmail.com
Reading this book now. Can’t put it down.
I love her books and the padfolio is such a great idea! Thank you for the opportunity to enter the giveaway. =)
Would love to win one of these adorable padfolios.
3labsmom(at)gmail(dot)com.
Love this series and learning about book binding. Thanks for the chance.
Kate Carlisle is a great author. I can’t wait to read this book.
Such a wonderful book and series. I would love to have the padfolio.
I would love this padfolio- I’ve read the book and highly recommend it!
I would love the padfolio. Thank you for the chance
I would love to win!! Thanks for the chance.
This is awesome!! Thank you!
can’t wait to read this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! would love to win the padfolio….
Sounds like an interesting read.
Love this series and this book. I preorder anything Kate Carlisle writes, but Brooklyn, Derek, and their friends and family are my favorites.
Love this series! Looking forward to reading this one…
Would love to have one.
We have a winner!