top of page
Writer's pictureChyina Powell

A Deceptive Devotion: Book Review

The Wait Is Over!!!!

Or, I guess, I should say that my wait is over. Some of you may remember me reviewing the first three novels in the Lane Winslow series by Iona Whishaw not too long ago (and if you don’t check it out here) and I had received an ARC (advanced reader copy) of the sixth book A Deceptive Devotion which will be released later this month (April 2019). Well, even though I was in love with the series, I wanted to wait until closer to the release date to share with you all my take on the novel. Now that I have just finished the book, I have that chance.

For those of you who have no experience with the series, let me give you a brief synopsis. And have no fear, there shall be no spoilers.

Lane Winslow is a British spy, or she was. Now that the war is over, she’s decided to move to the Canadian countryside and become a writer. The only trouble is that she can never seem to sit still long enough to write and that mysteries seem to always find their way into her backyard. Quite literally. She moved to King’s Cove to get away from the death and secrecy of her job at Intelligence but now acts as an informal consultant for the Nelson Police, who don’t really want her help at all but take it all the same. The series is about the investigations she becomes a part of, the strained relationships with her new neighbors and how the Director of British Intelligence just doesn’t want to let her go.

Now, on to this most recent installment…

Lane has a lot on her plate, she and Inspector Darling have something big in the works, a Russian Countess is now staying in her guest room, a hunter winds up dead and a Russian spy, who wishes to defect, is on the run and apparently seeking her help. Not to mention that Constable Ames is away at school, leaving Darling with a replacement who seems a bit too eager to lend his hand to the ongoing investigation and how the Director seems to, once again, be up to no good and you’ve got the makings of a wonderful idyllic mystery.

Overall rating: 5/5⭐

The dry witty humor and sarcasm that pervade this novel give me life. It is definitely because I was raised on Daria but the relationship between Lane and Darling, as well as the one between Darling and Ames, had me laughing throughout the novel. The way hat Whishaw seamlessly weaves different places, times and narrators appears to give you a full view while actually revealing very little. Don’t get me wrong, there were definitely times I knew what was going to happen (or at least thought I did) but the author gives it to us in such a way that the payoff is immense and utterly enjoyable. It’s obvious that she’s thought everything out. It is no exaggeration to say that Whishaw has become one of my favorite mystery writers, right up there with Agatha Christie.

Have you read any of the Lane Winslow Series? If so, tell me how you liked it or leave a 😆 down below. I gladly accept book recommendations as well! Be sure to friend me on Goodreads and follow me on Instagram to keep up with all my latest bookish adventures. Share this post with a friend and feel free to follow this blog. In fact, I would greatly appreciate it if you did, it helps me out a lot!

HAPPY READING

Chyina

2 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page