The third book in the series and it is better than the last one! I am now really coming to grips with all the regular characters and this book did not have too many extras to cope with.

Cassie appears to have a challenger for her relationship with her favourite policeman, plus she is desperately trying to help a friend who has claimed his guilt in a murder when she is sure he did not do it. Add to this reports from her brother in New York are not good and she begins to suspect that she is in personal danger. Can things get any worse?

Florida was a very exotic place in 1884 and the author gives us a lot of history and some beautiful descriptions. She also gives us some great characters, including the animals. I would adopt Esy in a heartbeat, although I am sure Cassie would never let her go.

This was a fun, entertaining read and I look forward to the next one.

I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery. This is the third book in the series but the first I’ve read. While it works as a stand-alone, I’m sure elements of the story, especially revolving around Cassie’s father, would have been richer had I read the previous books.

The main character is a delight, and her relationships and reactions were well-described and thoroughly believable. The dialogue also rang true, and the backstory from earlier books was explained without feeling like a data dump. I will now go back to read the first two books, and I will anxiously await the next in the series!

From the very first page, this book will steal your breath and make invested in this mystery book like never before! It is a must read book and a must read series.

I really enjoyed the descriptions of the town like the wharf and railway. I was able to visualize this story as if it was on screen. It would be a delightful series to watch and I can't think of any other books I have read which have been set in 1884 Florida.

The subject matter of the treatment of Chinese immigrants is not necessarily "cozy" in my opinion. Talking of lynchings could be a trigger for some people.

Cassie is unlike any other historical mystery character ha've read before. She seems like she would be well suited in modern times and certainly finds herself in quite a bit of trouble. I am surprised at how outspoken she is, especially with all the trauma she has seen.

The overall story was really exciting but the thing I appreciated the most is the letter from Genevieve that described her research. Learning that many characters and events were inspired by real events and people was priceless.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for access to a copy of an eARC so I could give an honest review.

The first I have read in this 3 book series, but did not prove to be an issue. Cassie and her Aunt Flora live on Amelia Island during the era when the Chinese in America were despised by many. When a friend admits to a murder they are sure he did not committ, they jump into action

A fabulous series that I’m really enjoying! This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.

Quirky characters…red herrings…clues…murder and mayhem…intrigue…this book was sent to me by Netgalley for review…I liked this book…I like this talented author…enjpy…

let me start out by saying that i love murder mysteries that double as period dramas (both dark and light-hearted) so the cassie gwynne series was right up my alley. i've read the previous two books and liked them, so the third book was no exception. this was a very enjoyable, easy read and i don't think that there's anything more to say than that, but i'll try!

first of all, i love the cassie gwynn series covers and i think they're beautiful. i also really love the characters in this series, i think they're all very distinct and i find myself rooting for all of them, even if they are sometimes at odds with one another. the highlight of the series has to be the characters' relationships with each other. i've been really invested in cassie and hughes' relationship and i'm glad i got their happy ending, and i was really happy to see the author incorporating her chinese heritage into this book as well, since we don't really get to see much asian representation.

i think my only criticism, as with the previous two books, is the writing style. it flows together nicely but there are times when it feels too modern for a book that is supposed to be set in the gilded age and it does somewhat ruin the immersion of it for me when the characters say things like "or something" or when the writing style errs more into 'modern contemporary' territory.

overall, though, i really enjoy this series and i look forward to reading more from this author!