I received a free eARC of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Summary:
A surprise role in a movie takes actress Derry O’Donnell to a romantic castle in the Scottish Highlands. But romance soon turns to fear and suspicion. Someone means to kill, and Derry, moonlighting as celebrity fortune-teller Madam Tulip, is snared in a net of greed, conspiracy and betrayal.
A millionaire banker, a film producer with a mysterious past, a gun-loving wife, a PA with her eyes on Hollywood, a handsome and charming estate manager—each has a secret to share and a request for Madam Tulip.
As Derry and her friend Bruce race to prevent a murder, she learns to her dismay that the one future Tulip can’t predict is her own.
My Review:
Like the first two books before this one, I like the cover. The colors go nicely together – as far as green and orange can go together. Yet, the orange really makes the green title pop and it works. The bird makes sense, even if the title doesn’t suggest so.
I enjoyed the first two books of the series, so when approached by the author to read this one, I was more than happy to give it a go.
Madam Tulip has gotten herself into yet another pickle – and I’m not just talking about the crime sense either. Her publicity has taken an interesting detour, her parents are as neurotic as usual, and, of course, there’s a crime involved.
This plot is just as compelling as the rest of the series. The crime was woven in a way that it was easy to understand and it made sense. It was able to come together nicely by the end of the book.
I’m still a huge fan of Derry – Madam Tulip – and Bruce. They made great protagonists and I love both of their voices.
I’ll admit, I could still do without Vanessa and Jacko, Derry’s parents. While their banter can be humorous, I sometimes didn’t think it fit well with the rest of what was going on.
Jessica and Sally were two great characters. I really loved their addition to the story and they really brought a lot to the table.
This book is easy to read and the crime is laid out well enough that I was able to understand it. I’ll admit I felt there were some scenes that weren’t needed, but nothing really jarred me out of the story.
While this is the third book in a series, it can be read as a stand-alone. However, there were a few references to the previous book, so I’d suggest reading it in order, if not just to get a feel for the characters.
This was another great adventure for Madam Tulip. I enjoyed reading it from start to finish. While there were some slow parts, I never felt bored or had to stop for any reason.
Madam Tulip and the Bones of Chance by David Ahern gets…
4 out of 5 cups
Favorite Quote:
“‘I’ll try not to run anybody over,’ said Jessica. ‘I’d hate to make that woman’s career.’” –David Ahern, Madam Tulip and the Bones of Chance
MADAM TULIP AND THE BONES OF CHANCE WILL BE OUT ON APRIL 12, 2018.
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About David Ahern:
David Ahern grew up in a theatrical family in Ireland but ran away to Scotland to become a research psychologist and sensible person. He earned his doctorate but soon absconded to work in television. He became a writer, director and producer, creating international documentary series and winning numerous awards, none of which got him free into nightclubs.
Madame Tulip wasn’t David Ahern’s first novel, but writing it was the most fun he’s ever had with a computer. He is now writing the fourth Madam Tulip adventure and enjoys pretending this is actual work.
David Ahern lives in the beautiful West of Ireland with his wife, two cats and a vegetable garden of which he is inordinately proud.
You can learn more about David Ahern and Madam Tulip on his website.
Connect with David Ahern on Facebook and Twitter.
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