Published: August 2023
Pages: 298
Series: The Lamplight Murder Mysteries #2
Summary
The orders given to Isabeau Agarwal and her partner are simple: ensure the safety of all passengers and crew until point of destination. But on the maiden voyage of this luxury train, nothing is quite what it seems. Isabeau soon discovers why her unique professional skills are needed when the passengers are threatened with a possible monster hiding among them.
But things are never that simple for a Huntress. A passenger is shot dead, and as the train hurtles headlong into desolate moors and a thunderstorm like none other, mayhem breaks loose.
Ten little passengers. The businessman. The attendant. The doctor. The creation. The puppeteer. The tarot reader. The bounty hunter. The actress. The ambassador. The bodyguard. Ten little liars…
…and one murderer.
My thoughts
Everything I loved about the first book was in this second instalment with fantastic characters, humour and action!
“I don’t know how much more I can take. Just what in the hell is going on aboard this train?”
Set on a moving train it is never as simple as just one murder. But would we be here if it was just one murder? This book is utter chaos but I was completely entranced with what was happening and trying to guess what was happening next. I love finding a book that captivates me. Sometimes I love a book that makes me self-reflect, question my morale choices, make my heart break.. sometimes I just need a real easy read, great writing, great writing and drama!
“I would only ever kill to defend that which I would give my life for. So no, I would not kill a man over a carriage, because I would never die for a carriage.”
We get much more from our Huntress in this book and start to see more of her beneath all her layers. She is one of my favourite characters, completely badass, determined and capable with a heart that is steered by morals. I’m aware now that there is a third book and I so wish when I read that I see the huntress get more happiness thrown her way. Her growth throughout these two books is heart-warming and I am here for it.
Not to mention her mind is incredibly quick. Similarly to book one, we are given all the same clues and information to form our deductions. I did get a few guesses right but there were a few surprises in there. I have read so many thrillers and murder mysteries (before I started this blog) so it gets difficult to find a plot that makes me work for it. It’s not so enjoyable if it’s obvious where the story is going. So I am again very impressed with Stang’s writing and the plot she’s whipped up for us.
“It seems the Hunt is once more afoot.”
The humour in this one was top notch as always. Our bunch of characters jell so well together, the back and forth is quick and filled with wit. I think I laughed out loud a bit more with the first book but this one was just as worthy. To move from murder to humour is very in line with this series, they’re serious situations but quite cosy books. The characters are so loveable even the suspicious ones.. if you put aside the whole murdering thing.
“We’ll need to establish the bunking arrangements. Are you a top or a bottom?”
“Bottom, obviously.”
“Really. Could have fooled me.”
Isabeau gave her a confused look.
The setting is completely Agatha Christie! Luxury train, cosy sleeping compartments, dazzling dining cars, it is all very glamorous. Alongside the artful deductions and finding the clues this story has fantastic pacing that keeps you on edge.
“Mr Homes.”
“Yes?”
“Why did you jump onto the train?”
“It seemed like the popular thing to do at the time.” Isabeau and Evie looked at each other. “What?” said Mr Homes. “Everyone else was doing it. I’m sensitive to peer pressure, you know. That’s how I ended up in the war.”
And who doesn’t love Mr Homes? He better be in the next book!
Would I recommend?
Absolutely, this series is so delightful, engaging and plenty of fun. If you need a quick read in-between series, or a book for a rainy day to give you a little giggle, pick up this series and let me know what you think!