I received a digital copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Summary:
When out-of-work actress Derry O’Donnell moonlights as celebrity fortune-teller Madam Tulip in an English Stately home, she’s trying to make some cash.
Instead, she is drawn into an alien world of wealth, titled privilege and family secrets.A countess once a chorus girl, a gambling earl and his daughters, a cultured and handsome art expert—all caught in a terrifying web of ghastly threats, murder and
abduction. As an aristocratic engagement party turns into a nightmare, Derry and her friend Bruce face the prospect of a gruesome and infamous death.
My Review:
While the cover is pretty simple, I do like the coloring of it. I think the font and size of it is appropriate. The main thing to take from this cover is the title and I don’t mind that.
I read the first Madam Tulip book and enjoyed it. When the author reached out to me about reading the third book, I wanted to read the second one as well.
This plot turned out to be something that I didn’t expect, but I enjoyed it all the same. There was murder, kidnapping, forgery, and a lot more. While I felt as though the plot took a little while to pick up, once it did, it was a page-turner.
Derry get thrown into another mystery, this one bigger than the last. Still, with the help of Bruce and the others, along with her psychic powers, everything slowly comes along together. I enjoyed every step of the process from the moment the first mysterious package was dropped off.
I still enjoyed Derry’s character as I did the first book and I loved Bruce. I liked all the characters, however there were a lot to keep track of. I didn’t think all the characters were needed and it was hard for me to keep it all straight.
Derry’s parents are as much of a mess as ever and I feel for Derry having to deal with her mother and father. I’ll admit I got a little annoyed with both of them, especially Vanessa. Though I’m pretty sure I’m supposed to have iffy feelings toward them.
The book was certainly easy to read and it flowed well. Aside from it being a little slow in the beginning, I was eager to keep reading as the plot thickened. The mystery is pretty gruesome and is quite the thrill. The writing is so well done that I even had to put the book down and walk away because my own anxiety starting flaring. It was a good thing though.
The book is decent length and I felt as though everything was wrapped up pretty well. The mystery made sense and I didn’t have any questions or wonders by the end.
I’ll admit I enjoyed the first book more. This book took a little while for the mystery to begin and I felt as though there were too many characters who didn’t seem to have a big role. However, it was well written and the plot thickened nicely with a nice tie-up for the mystery.
Madam Tulip and the Knave of Hearts by David Ahern gets…
3 out of 5 cups
Favorite Quote:
“What was it about today? The men were behaving like pigeons.” –David Ahern, Madam Tulip and the Knave of Hearts
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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.
Have you read this book? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below, I’d love to chat!
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