A delightful cosy mystery read set in 1920s Australia. Book two in the Thornton Mysteries series, Alexandra and Benedict are on their honeymoon when it is interrupted by a burglary and then a murder. After that, it’s business as usual for the sleuthing pair.
The author pays meticulous attention to the aspects of the period and it’s clear she has done her research. There is a lot of rich detailing to the stories – such as every meal described meticulously – and this creates an all-inclusive atmosphere for the reader.
The story is a complex and twisting tale of a curse and family secrets that bubble to the surface threatening the newly married bliss of Alexandra and Benedict.
There was much I enjoyed about this book, and the relationship between Alexandra and Benedict is sweet and besotted – although possibly a few too many “darlings” were thrown about for my liking. But there remains one character in this series that I cannot warm to, that of Edith – this is a purely personal opinion – I prefer my female characters to be strong, and a woman who can’t brush her own hair or unbutton her own clothes is a bit of a turn-off for me. I also lost track of the number of times I muttered “lock the door” to Alexandra, as Edith yet again burst into the room of a pair of newlyweds on honeymoon without being invited or even knocking.
But that in no way detracts from the five stars I am giving this sweet and charming tale.
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![The Inca's Curse (The Thornton Mysteries Book 2) by [Ellen Read]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ydekSoZFL._SY346_.jpg)
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Julia Blake
A delightful cosy mystery read set in 1920s Australia
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 April 2021Verified Purchase
Steve Griffin
Radiant Murder Mystery set in 1920s Australia
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 October 2020Verified Purchase
Linda L. Oliphant
Who needs Miss Marple when we get to have Alexandra?
Reviewed in the United States on 29 August 2020Verified Purchase
Who needs Miss Marple when we get to have Alexandra?
Reviewed in the United States on 29 August 2020
In this second book, Ellen Read takes us to Daylesford and immerse us into the gold mining history of 1860s Australia. Along the way, we discover a trail of bodies... coincidences or curse? More importantly, what does James Thornton, Alexandra’s grandfather, have to do with any of this? Once again, I found myself pondering the clues. To top it all off, Alexandra and Benedict are on their honeymoon!Reviewed in the United States on 29 August 2020
As with the previous book, The Dragon Sleeps, it was easy to allow myself to step into the story with the beautiful descriptions of the furniture, china, antiques, paintings, drapery and floral arrangements. It was like a literary peek into 1928 Victoria. Yes, Stardust is still playing and Alexandra and Benedict are still dancing. Some things will never change. <sigh>
The mystery has its roots way, way back and there were many convoluted twists. One I saw coming; one I did not. Edith! She had a “character growth spurt” which I much liked. She’s reading Pride and Prejudice and trying to model herself after Elizabeth Bennett. Ellen Read expertly weaves this into the story without dropping or missing a stitch. It was like tasting dessert. It is my hope that Edith will continue to develop and blossom. I think this was the biggest takeaway for me. One more thing, no make that two things. I love the way Reed brought in the Inca connection; but even more the history of the Swiss Italians and, of course, the food, “recipe competition” and the competition between Thornton Park and the Manor.
So, we have Grandfather Thomas, a mistaken identity, goldmines, emeralds, a necklace, a curse, murders, love, a love lost and a love letter. Who needs Miss Marple when have Alexandra?
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PaulineReidBookReviewer
A fast paced book, full of mystery and a very surprising ending.
Reviewed in the United States on 8 August 2020Verified Purchase
C
The Inca’s Curse, Book 2 of the Thornton Mysteries - a wild ride which I fully enjoyed.
Reviewed in the United States on 27 August 2020Verified Purchase
