The Body in Sparks’s Apartment
I have so many different series going, it is impossible to properly juggle them all, especially when there are several books in a series before I even start it. (And yes, this is a fantastic problem to have.) As a result, I’d forgotten just how much I love the ladies of the Right Sort Marriage Bureau until I picked up The Unkept Woman, the fourth book in Allison Montclair’s Sparks and Bainbridge series.
The series features two women in 1946 London. Despite the fact that they are from very different backgrounds, they have gone into business together as a matchmaking service. One is Mrs. Gwendolyn Bainbridge, a window of the recent world war. She is living with her in-laws as she works to regain control over her life once again. The other is Iris Sparks, a single woman who spent the war in an intelligence service and is trying to deal with life as a civilian again, especially since her past doesn’t want to stay away.
This being book four in the series, we already know quite a bit about the women and their ongoing storylines. In fact, you could almost call these ongoing storylines a soap opera. There are certainly some complications that feel that way. Not that I’m complaining because I am hooked and need to find out what happens next. I only bring that up because this book starts focusing on those ongoing stories before the new case really heats up. While I was quickly hooked, if you aren’t already familiar with the characters, they might not pull you in as quickly as they did me. So yes, I will recommend reading the series in order.
When Iris returns to her apartment one night after work, she is shocked to find an unexpected visitor. It’s someone she is less than happy to see, especially since she thought the person was out of her life for good. After quickly going to the Bainbridge’s for the night, she thinks things are behind her again – until a body is discovered in her living room. Who was the victim? And who committed the murder?
Yes, I’m being vague with my teaser, and part of that is because the book opens with a prologue that is meant to startle us before we flashback two days. Yeah, it’s my least favorite literary technique, but in this case, it felt even less relevant since we know what must be really happening. I wish the book had just jumped into the story with chapter one. There was more than enough to hold the interest of the fans as the set up happens.
And once we get to that part of the book? Hold on! The pace really increases, and we get plenty of twists and surprises. I did pick up on a couple of things early, but the majority still surprised me in a good way. Everything made sense when we reached the climax.
I know my teaser is focused on Iris, and she really is the main focus of the plot. But that isn’t to say that Gwen doesn’t get her share of the book. They each have their own ongoing storylines, which get advancement. And Gwen contributes to the solution of the mystery as well. In fact, that’s one thing I loved about the book – we really couldn’t have reached the solution without both of them.
The fact that the main characters are so strong is what makes this book so compelling. We really do care about them and want to see them both happy. While their stories did get some advancement here, they are far from wrapped up. Which means I can’t wait to get back to them later this year.
The story also brings the post-World War II years to life. The people who survived had quite a bit they needed to deal with as they tried to rebuild their lives. While Iris and Gwen might have a bit more than most (which makes for more drama), we get a good picture of what life was truly like in the city then.
Yes, I will be trying to get back to this series again sooner rather than later. I need to find out what happens to these ladies next. Anyone else who needs to catch up will find themselves caught up in The Unkept Woman.
Here are the rest of the Sparks and Bainbridge Mysteries.
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