Last year, I got to read an ARC copy of A Murderous Business and really enjoyed it. When I got the offer for an ARC of the second book in the series, I didn’t even have to think about it. I immediately agreed. The Harriman & Mancini Mysteries are turning out to be a great historical fiction detective series with lots of LGBTQIA+ representation. A Deadly Entanglement has made me hope that there will be many more installments to come.

A Deadly Entanglement publishes this coming Tuesday, September 15th. You can preorder now it from any bookseller, including on Bookshop.org

Summary:

Margot proved her chops as an investigator along with Rett’s help. She’s now taken up the mantle as the head of the family corporation and everything has been nearly smoothed out. Then, while she’s attending a meeting as a member of the local charity hospital’s board, a nurse falls from the roof to her death. The police are ready to write the demise off as self-inflicted, but Rett’s girlfriend, CeeCee, suspects otherwise. Since she’s also a nurse at the hospital, she worked alongside the deceased and knew her well. CeeCee is sure there is something more sinister at play and begs Rett to investigate.

Meanwhile, a good friend of Margot’s has unexpectedly checked into a swanky clinic nearby. After Margot pays her a visit, it becomes clear that something is amiss there as well. Margot and Rett will both have to put their undercover investigative skills to the test once again to determine what’s really going on.

My Thoughts:

I really liked the first book because of how immersive it is, and the attention to detail regarding historical accuracy. That remains true with this second installment of the series. The narrative voice is extremely engaging, and it makes the chapters simply fly by. It does a great job of reminding the reader what happened in the first book without dragging or feeling repetitive. I would still recommend reading A Murderous Business first, but if readers did choose to start with A Deadly Entanglement, they would have all necessary context.

Readers are still seeing character and relationship progression. Between all the clues, the twists, and all the suspense, it’s really lovely to see the small, quiet moments between characters. All of the friendships and found family are truly heartwearming, and the romances are wonderful as well. Both main characters are in lesbian relationships. Due to both the time period and the undercover work, these relationships must remain secret in public. Getting to see their stolen moments and private life was very sweet. There are sexual moments in the text, but they are not graphic.

The whole main cast is very loveable. This includes not only Margot and Rett along with their partners, but also their many friends and the employees in Margot’s household. This second book has made some new additions, and I’m curious how many of them will make reappearances in a third. Of course, it’s easy to argue that Margot and Rett are the most impressive of the lot. They’re quick thinkers, but thorough, and have excellent reasoning. It’s rare that I don’t want to shake characters at one point or another during investigations, but these two pass the test.

I will eagerly be looking forward to more Harriman & Mancini Mysteries.

Content Warnings: Suicide, Misogyny, Sexual Content, Alcohol, Drugging, Institutionalization, Medical Gaslighting, Classism, Drug Use, Addiction

After I Finished A Deadly Entanglement

The next book I’m about to read will be showing up in my inbox at midnight tonight. This is a new one from an author I’ve been happy to support before, who in turn puts a lot of energy into supporting other authors. She’s written fiction with some fun topics and themes in the past. This time, she’s retelling the Salem Witch Trials as a dark romance. That’s history I grew up learning every detail of, so I can’t wait to see how she’s handled it.

My next review will be for Tallow and Bone by Rhiannon Hargadon.