Saturday 29 April 2017

Behind the Scenes (Apart from the Crowd) - Jen Turano

Permilia Griswold is a wallflower. Attending the balls and dinners in the highest of society events should ensure a husband. But as someone who is relegated to the sidelines, the likelihood of that happening is slim.

It doesn't help that her stepmother Ida, tasked with showing Permilia what it is to be a lady, pays more attention to her daughter, Lucy, so as to establish a worthy match.

With her mother dying when she was young and therefore, growing up in the world of mining - which her father made his fortune in - meant that Permila's view of the world is somewhat different.

Regardless, Permilia is happy to be a wallflower. Without this title she wouldn't be able to carry out her job as "Miss Quill". Writing for a newspaper about society balls, giving details that only an insider would know, the young, independent woman enjoys her role. However, when she hears a murder plot about one Asher Rutherford, she is duty bound to tell him.

Rutherford, owner of much respected department store in New York city is knowledgeable about the world of fashion and society. When he hears news of his imminent death he is, understandably, unwilling to accept it.

Frustrated by his lack of wariness, Permilia takes it upon herself to keep an eye out for him. She wasn't planning on playing bodyguard. Asher isn't very appreciative of the gesture until an arrow heads his way.

They now find themselves allies against an unknown murderer. Who is behind this plot? And will they discover who it is before the actual deed is carried out?

It was okay. It was humorous, detailed filled with likable characters. Whilst the murder plot is the main essence of the story, the underlying romance that unfolds is sweet, if a little unconventional. The references to a new world where women are paid to work and able to educate themselves was interesting but obviously not the main focus of the story. Overall, it took me a while to get in to this story and I'm a fan of historical fiction, just didn't gel that much with this one. If you're a fan of Turano you may well enjoy it a lot more than I did.

I received a complimentary copy of this book to review from Bethany House publishers as part of their blogging program. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.

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