THE VERSION THAT SURVIVED by Vera Mercer #RBRT

 4 out of 5 stars

On Amazon (universal link)
On Goodreads

How I discovered this book: it was submitted to Rosie's Book Review Team, of which I am a member.

In a Nutshell: Psychological mystery about grief, guilt and lies

I was most intrigued by this book from the word go - I won't go into the plot as that's in the blurb.  I was struck by how clever the writing was, it flowed so well, and also I loved how the author did not reveal essential detail about the events the book hinged upon - I was thinking, what's going on here?  Happily, the writing was compelling enough to keep me wondering and turning the pages, as the picture came into focus.

Sadly, I did lose interest in the second half, much of which was dialogue between the main character (Nora), and various others, in which they discussed intricate points and details.  It started to feel like a report, rather than a story, which made the drama ebb, somewhat.  I realised then that I wanted to read the actual story from, when the accident took place, with Lydia's rise in real time, as they say.  Her scheming, her manipulation of just about everyone, her need to redeem herself.  She was a fascinating character, and I would have liked to see her in action.  Know more about her.  There is more than one way of telling a story - choosing the right one can be very difficult!

'The reveal' did bring all the threads together, and explain much that went before, with all its implications and long-ranging effects.  The change in character focus really worked.  Completely satisfying end (loved the very last lines), always appreciated.

This is a debut novel, and I wish Vera Mercer all the best in her literary career :)

ABIGAIL TRENCH by Randy Overbeck

 4 out of 5 stars

On Amazon (universal link)
On Goodreads

How I discovered this book: it was submitted to Rosie's Book Review Team, of which I am a member.

In a Nutshell: Intrigue and divided loyalities during the American War of Independence

I found this story fascinating, as I knew little about the American War of Independence - good, well-researched novels can add so much to your historical knowledge of the world.  I hadn't realised this war went on for so long!  At all times, the atmosphere was realistic, with many day to day and small details that were clearly well researched.  The pace was just right, the plot well constructed.

Almost without exception, the British military activity was monstrous. I pictured the characters of all ranks with stained waistcoats stretched over portly stomachs, their noses red from drinking, their eyes dead and flat; they were horribly real!  In contrast, Washington's men, and every ragged pick-pocketer on the side of the rebels, had hearts of gold and courage.  But that wasn't a problem; I am sure many Reeves and Hollisters existed at the time, and I loved the character of Jamie (ragged pick-pocketer).  I have read a bit about the prison ships where the British incarcerated rebel prisoners, and the author has not exaggerated a bit.  The treatment of those poor men and boys was horrific.

I was slightly bothered by the English using American words and phrases (only a couple), and expressions too modern for the time, also the use of the word 'black' with a capital letter, whenever a servant was mentioned.  I realise this is a mark of respect for black people and their servitude of those days, but it felt out of place in this novel.

All in all, this is a book well worth reading.  Abigail is a fine heroine who you want to see have a happy ending, and ditto the Monteiths and Molly.  Most of all, though, I loved the detail about Washington's spy ring.