i really enjoyed reading this book, the characters were great and I really enjoyed the mystery that was in the book.

Though I downloaded this book, I couldn’t find it in my device. Will try to read it sometime soon. Until then

I wanted to like this one, I really really did. I don't know what was missing for me, but I just couldn't get into it. It took me a long time to even make it over halfway. I'll probably come back to it in a year or so and try it again, but for right now, this book was not a great one for me.

Lola was fun, and I loved her wit, but beyond that, I just kept getting stuck.

The Shattered Portrait was a bit of an unusual read for me.  Although it is a murder mystery, it takes place in the Victorian era and is written with the atmosphere of the times at its heart.  There are a lot of flamboyant characters and complex relationships with a who-dun-it mystery at the center.  I enjoyed the environment of the story more than the murder mystery.  There were a few times where I was quite frustrated with Lola and her need to be at the center of things.  There are also a lot of characters each with their own unique motive.  One of the twists I did see coming but the other I did not.  That's the sign of a well written thriller to me, some mysteries you can solve but equally some red herrings to throw you off.

I would say the story was a bit like a game of Clue set in the time of the movie Moulin Rouge. Some glitz, glamour and social subterfuge with sassy characters including some women who were strong in a time where they were expected to be demure.  The story and writing style reminded me a lot of Gail Carringer's Parasol Protectorate Series without the supernatural elements.

4.5 Stars

This is the second book in the Belle Epoque Mystery series by Alice Quinn.

This is a fascinating historical cozy mystery is set in Cannes, France. The author went to a lot of effort to make this book uber realistic for us even going to the places mentioned and making sure where they were going made sense and was indeed possible during the time frame.

In this installment, Lola’s young ward, Anna, has been accused of a real estate mogul’s death and Lola Deslys and Gabriella Fletcher are on the case. But all is not what it seems.

Another mystery thread pairs Lola with Lady Sarah to uncover some damming papers the real estate mogul, Henri has in his possession that incriminate her. Sarah asks Lola to steal the papers for her.

This book continues with the wonderful captivating mystery elements and the exciting relationships between characters. It all just jumps off the page. This is a well-written historical cozy mystery that I totally recommend to everyone. Definitely check it out if you are a fan of historical cozy mysteries

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

Despite this being the second book in the Belle Epoque Mystery books, it didn't matter that i had not read the first. It's not often that i can read a book within a day, but i so enjoyed that i did on this occasion. A well written murder mystery that i can recommend. I hope to read more books by Alice Quinn.

My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy. This is my honest review which i have voluntarily given.

(Awaiting Amazon to publish my review).

A real estate disaster in late 1800s Cannes provides the backdrop for Alice Quinn’s The Shattered Portrait. Lola Deslys, a well-known courtesan, is hired by Lady Clarence to steal her loan agreement from the hated banker Henri Cousin. She is under threat by her husband to send her to an asylum rather than face disgrace in court. With the help of her assistant Miss Fletcher and her young ward Anna she pulls off the theft.. in the process, Cousin pays particular attention to Anna and Lola fears his intentions. When Cousin is murdered, the evidence points to Anna’s involvement. The police have their suspect so it is up to Lola to prove her innocence.

Anna insists that Cousin’s actions were honorable and refuses to co-operate with Lola. It is not until Miss Fletcher discovers a hidden portrait that gives the first clue to Anna’s true family history, a story that was known to Cousin. His attachment to Anna posed a threat to others, including Dr. Vidal, whose asylum was supported by Cousin, and his nephew, a disturbed young man who stood to inherit his wealth.

Quinn presents a solid mystery with a number of surprises. Her characters are well developed and reflect the different levels of French society at the time. While Lola is generally shunned by society, she is assisted by the writer Guy de Maupassant, who plays a significant role in the story. This is the second book in Quinn’s series and fans of historical mysteries will find themselves looking forward to future adventures with Lola and Miss Fletcher. I would like to thank NetGalley and Amazon Crossing for providing this book for my review.

I feel like I missed out on a few things by not reading the first book, but not too much. The investigating could have been a little better. Overall I enjoyed the book. Thank you to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my review.

It's a good historical mystery that flows and keeps you hooked.
The cast of characters is interesting and the mystery solid.
I liked the vivid and well researched historical background.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

This is the story of a courtsean who is gets entangled in the search for a killer in the 1800's. I found this book to be very eventful and a good read. I highly enjoyed this different take on a historical novel.

Just the way a murder mystery should be written with great characters both good and bad, twists and turns with the plot that has one guessing right up to the finish.
Taking place at Cannes in the late 1800's we have a famous author high society madam middle aged lesbian together sifting through the evidence to track down the evasive villain that leads to an exciting climax.
What more could one ask for. Read and enjoy a wonderful murder mystery by a talented author.
An independent review thanks to NetGalley / Amazon Crossing

Lola is a courtesan who lives in Cannes in the 1800’s.She is blackmailed into finding the killer of a much hated swindler.
Fast moving whodunnit.Interesting look into like in Cannes then.
Thankyou Netgalley for this ARC