Book Review: Whispers of Warning by Jessica Estevao (Change of Fortune Mysteries #2)

Stars: 5 out of 5

Pros: History, interesting main character, solid mystery

Cons: Book takes its time introducing us before things really get going

The Bottom Line:

Ruby returns here

History plus mystery

Hint paranormal

Warning: You’ll Be Addicted to This Book

Despite my intention to avoid paranormal mysteries, there are a couple that I’ve gotten drawn to, and Jessica Estevao’s Change of Fortune Mysteries are one of them.  I really enjoyed the first book in the series, but I got pulled into Whispers of Warning even more.

The book is set in the late 1890’s in Old Orchard, Maine.  The town is buzzing with activity as the new pier is about to open.  This is a big tourist draw that many people are hoping will increase their profile as a resort destination.

However, the Belden Hotel is buzzing for another reason.  Famed suffragist and psychic Sophronia Foster Eldridge is coming to stay as she leads rallies for the women’s right to vote in the area.  Rudy Proulx is thrilled at how this has raised the profile of her aunt’s hotel, which has distinguished itself because of the spiritualist services they offer to their guests.

However, there is a tension in town.  Coupled with the people in town for the pier’s opening and the dream that Ruby’s aunt Honoria had, and Ruby is on edge.  When a dead body turns up, Ruby finds herself once again working with Detective Yancey.  Can they figure out the truth?

There really is a lot going on here, and the book takes its time setting things up.  I was getting a little antsy before the body was found, but once it did, the book never slowed down again.  And the book had been introducing suspects all along; we just didn’t know it yet.  Honestly, I wasn’t completely sure who the victim would be until the body was found.  The solution was a complete surprise but entirely logical.

But what really drew me into the book were the characters.  Ruby has an interesting background since she grew up with a father who was a traveling medicine man, and she’s learned quite a bit about reading people as a result.  It makes for an interesting sleuth.  While most of the book is told from her first person point of view, we do get some chapters told from Yancey’s third person point of view, which helps flesh the story and his character out as well.  Between the two, we get a good view of the other regular characters and the suspects.

Then there is the history.  I love history, and this felt like getting a front row seat to the events that help finally give women the right to vote.  Honestly, some of the things that are said against it are infuriating.

As I mentioned earlier, the paranormal aspect is kept to a minimum.  Ruby does hear a voice that guides her, but only a little bit.  She still figures out the mystery on her own.  Other characters have other paranormal abilities, but they aren’t enough to overwhelm the story.

I really did get lost in Ruby’s world, and I can’t wait to find out what happens next to her.  Whispers of Warning is a magical trip back in time that will hook you and leave you wanting more.

NOTE: I received a copy of this book.

Giveaway!

Thanks to the publisher, I have one copy of this book to give away.  Because it is a physical book, the contest is limited to residence of the US.

Just leave me a comment with your e-mail address so I can get in touch with you if you win.  I will pick the winner next Tuesday, September 26th, so please leave your comment before 12:01AM Pacific Time on 9/26.  You will have until midnight on 10/1 to get back to me, or I will choose a new winner on 10/2.