To Disguise the Truth

I have been waiting for this book since the series started and it did not disappoint. Jen Turano is my favourite historical author because her characters are always well written and interesting. This book, like her others included her signature humour, mystery and romance and I loved every minute of it. This is definitely one of my favourite books of the year (after all, It's super hard to choose a favourite especially considering this is not the only book that Jen Turano has released onto NetGalley this year.

I got this book in exchange for an honest review. It's part of the Bleeker series. While it probably could be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the whole series. This provides texture to the story and for such a great series, it's totally worth it.

I loved this book and am definitely a fan of the author. As a result, this will be making an appearance in my library.

TO DISGUISE THE TRUTH is another delightful novel by JEN TURANO featuring the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency and the unusual group of agents who are led by Mrs Eunice Holbrooke, disguised by her widow’s weeds and thick veils.
When Arthur Livingston comes to the agency in order for them to find the:missing Miss Eugenia Howland, he does not have any success in getting them to take his case as the ladies, for some reason, find him arrogant and, except for Judith Donovan who wants to sketch his high cheekbones, seem anxious for him to leave. Eunice is desperate to hide her true identity as she is afraid of being charged with her wealthy grandfather’s murder. She takes an undercover assignment to get Mrs Clement Mills out of the Blackwell Island Insane Asylum, but finds this is not enuugh to keep the irritating Arthur Livingstone away. He is determined to find the elusive Miss Howland and honour his promise to her deceased grandfather.
I love the way the book is written and I love the very clever banter amongst the unforgettable characters. The story is fast paced and full of intrigue, with some charming romance, together with a great Christian message on the importance of truth.
I absolutely loved the novel and highly recommend it as a most enjoyable and inspirational read.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

HISTORICAL ROMANTIC COMEDY/MYSTERY-DRAMA
1887, New York. "Considering she'd once shot the man sitting across from her, Eunice Holbrook was beginning to get the sneaking suspicion her past had finally caught up with her." Great opening line and gorgeous cover! Arthur Livingston is a no-nonsense, black and white sort of aristocrat; or at least he thinks so, until he reunites with the one woman who tends to unhinge him. Eunice co-runs the Bleaker Street Inquiry Agency and is rather headstrong and direct. These two have several wonderful arguments and join forces to solve a long past murder. The part of the book where she goes undercover in had my gut clenching. I was rather glad it was not the major focus of the book because the conditions were abysmal. I enjoyed the twists and turns with her family members and their reuniting. The amount of money these people had was catastrophic even by today's standards! I was drawn to Chase Livingston, Arthur's younger brother {"I've always been old for my years, and I spend countless hours counseling men and women when I volunteer at a mission in Five Points."}, as well as their whimsical, eighty-two-year-old grandfather {"I don't believe I've ever seen a lady flee from you before. I suppose it's not very grandfatherly of me to admit that I found that amusing, but that was very amusing indeed," Lloyd said, his eyes twinkling}. I hope we hear more of them in a future series. I also enjoyed the star Pinkerton, Agent Cooper who has returned. I love that he trains the girls in self-defense and that female agents are proficient in firearms. "The pistol was mine. It's a very distinctive pistol, silver with an inlaid handle of mother of pearl and my initials carved into it..." There's also a bit of society and a bit of the old west in the book which was a fun change of scenery.
Very few faith or tea moments this time. I could always do with more of those! ;)
Very good read, 4 stars
I was gifted a copy of this book for my honest opinion which is mine alone and without compensation or further expectation.

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