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romancebookloverinseattle's review
5.0
This was a departure from the usual books I've been reading lately, and such a fantastic one at that! Many years ago I used to read all of Stella Cameron's romance books, but hadn't read any of her recent releases and so this was quite a wonderful surprise. Although there is a romantic element, this is most definitely a mystery book and not a romance. From the start we have what seems like two separate storylines and intrigues occurring - one with Alex and her fiancée, Tony and a wrench being thrown into their happy ever after plans, and the other with murders occurring around where they live and work. I loved that despite there being a number of characters to follow and keep up with, they all had such depth to them. In addition, it's not often that I'm taken by surprise when reading or watching mysteries - and although I had partially figured some of this out before the end, I was definitely surprised by the end! I actually read this through in one sitting because I was so caught up in what was happening and trying to solve it. If you love good mysteries, then this is definitely for you.
Thank you to Canongate Books and NetGalley for the Advance Reader Copy. I have voluntarily left an honest review.
Thank you to Canongate Books and NetGalley for the Advance Reader Copy. I have voluntarily left an honest review.
kbranfield's review
4.0
The Playing Fields by Stella Cameron is an intriguing mystery. Although this latest release is the seventh installment in the Alex Duggins Mystery series, it can be read as a standalone.
Pub owner and artist Alex Duggins knows something is going on with her fiancé veterinarian Tony Harrison but she has no idea what. Just as she is ready to announce their engagement and set a wedding date, Tony finally reveals what has been troubling him. Neither of them quite knows what to make of his revelation but they decide to wait and see if anything comes of it. Meanwhile, they continue planning for their future together.
Detective Chief Inspector Dan O’Reilly is settling into his new home when he is called to a murder scene that bears a startling resemblance to an earlier murder. Dan and his Sergeant LeJuan Harding are a bit at a loss since there is little evidence at either murder scene. They do however, both uneasily agree there might be a serial killer in their midst. Dan is frustrated by the lack of assistance by possible witnesses who instead chose to confide in Alex instead. He has been told in no uncertain terms to make sure neither she or Tony interfere in this latest investigation. So, he is less than thrilled to have to try to convince Alex to reveal these details to him.
The Playing Fields is a fast-paced mystery with a compelling storyline. The cast of characters will be familiar to fans regular readers of the Alex Duggins Mystery series while newcomers won’t feel too lost since plenty of backstory is provided for each character. The murders are certainly unique but it is relatively easy to guess the killer’s identity. However, Stella Cameron adds just enough tension to keepsreaders on the edge of their seats until this clever mystery’s dramatic conclusion.
Pub owner and artist Alex Duggins knows something is going on with her fiancé veterinarian Tony Harrison but she has no idea what. Just as she is ready to announce their engagement and set a wedding date, Tony finally reveals what has been troubling him. Neither of them quite knows what to make of his revelation but they decide to wait and see if anything comes of it. Meanwhile, they continue planning for their future together.
Detective Chief Inspector Dan O’Reilly is settling into his new home when he is called to a murder scene that bears a startling resemblance to an earlier murder. Dan and his Sergeant LeJuan Harding are a bit at a loss since there is little evidence at either murder scene. They do however, both uneasily agree there might be a serial killer in their midst. Dan is frustrated by the lack of assistance by possible witnesses who instead chose to confide in Alex instead. He has been told in no uncertain terms to make sure neither she or Tony interfere in this latest investigation. So, he is less than thrilled to have to try to convince Alex to reveal these details to him.
The Playing Fields is a fast-paced mystery with a compelling storyline. The cast of characters will be familiar to fans regular readers of the Alex Duggins Mystery series while newcomers won’t feel too lost since plenty of backstory is provided for each character. The murders are certainly unique but it is relatively easy to guess the killer’s identity. However, Stella Cameron adds just enough tension to keepsreaders on the edge of their seats until this clever mystery’s dramatic conclusion.
annarella's review
5.0
Another gripping, highly entertaining and twisty story in this series. I read it as fast as I could and the twists surprised me.
It was good to catch up with the characters as they are currently facing some great choices and issues.
The plot flows and it kept me entertained till the end.
Can't wait to read the next book.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
It was good to catch up with the characters as they are currently facing some great choices and issues.
The plot flows and it kept me entertained till the end.
Can't wait to read the next book.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
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