The Black Widow’s Prey by N. S. Wikarski | Review
A book blog tour from Goddess Fish Promotions.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Marianne & Judy at Goddess Fish for providing me the information for this tour.
The Black Widow’s Prey by N. S. Wikarski
The Black Widow's Prey by N. S. Wikarski Series: The Gilded Age Chicago Mystery #3
Published by Independent on February 25, 2021
Genres: Fiction, Detective/Sleuth, Historical Fiction, Mystery
Format: eBook, Paperback
Pages: 226
Add to GoodreadsGILDED AGE CHICAGO MYSTERY SERIES
Series Nominated for Reader's Choice Awards as Best Historical Mystery and Best Traditional Amateur Sleuth
For Fans of Cozy Mysteries, Amateur Sleuths, and Gilded Age Chicago HistoryChicago in the 1890s is the fastest-growing metropolis in America. It rivals New York as the City of the Century and the epitome of the Gilded Age. This melting pot of thieves and corrupt politicians, robber barons, and immigrants, is rife with scandal and social injustice. An eccentric heiress and a star reporter find themselves repeatedly drawn into the hidden world of intrigue and murder that lurks within the shadows of the White City.
Consulting detectives Evangeline LeClair and Freddie Simpson face their most challenging case yet when a priceless Egyptian artifact is stolen from a Chicago museum. To make matters worse, the museum’s richest patron is robbed of a diamond necklace shortly afterward. Suspicion immediately falls on a wealthy widow and her scheming son. Trapped in their clutches is the widow’s hapless daughter, about to be forced into a marriage of convenience against her will.
The investigation is complicated by two mysterious strangers who have also taken an interest in the missing Egyptian relic. Solving both thefts will lead Freddie and Evangeline down some strange avenues of inquiry involving secret societies, international criminal masterminds, gentlemen jewel thieves, unexpected ocean voyages, and underworld kingpins. The two sleuths must either solve their case or join the ranks of fatalities numbered among THE BLACK WIDOW’S PREY.
Source: Amazon Purchase, Goddess Fish Promotions, Kindle Unlimited, Received from the author or publisher for review.
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Purchase Links for The Black Widow’s Prey by N. S. Wikarski
Bookshop/IndieBound The Book Depository
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My thoughts on The Black Widow’s Prey by N. S. Wikarski
The Black Widow’s Prey by N. S. Wikarski might be Book Three of the Gilded Age Chicago Mystery series, but it can certainly be read as a stand-alone story. I have not yet read the first two books in the series, but I enjoyed this one immensely.
This well-researched novel about Chicago during the Victorian age is a joy to read. There is nothing better than combining a love of learning with reading a delightful mystery novel. Having stayed at the Palmer House Hotel several times, I enjoyed learning a bit about the history of the Palmer family.
Evangeline is a woman ahead of her time in that she does not want to marry and goes about her business without answering to a man. Strong female characters are featured in this story. You will also learn about the Hull House, Jane Addams, and other prominent figures of the time.
The mystery Evangeline and Freddie must solve takes many twists and turns along the way. This reads a bit like a cozy mystery because the amateur sleuths are not trained detectives but outwit the criminals and the police.
Fans of mysteries, series, and the Victorian age will love this book. I plan to read the first two in the series as soon as I get a chance. I’ve put them on my ever-growing TBR.
I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
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The Black Widow’s Prey by N. S. Wikarski | Review
About N. S. Wikarski
N. S. Wikarski is a fugitive from academia. After earning her Ph.D. from the University of Chicago, she became a computer consultant and then turned to historical mystery and adventure fiction writing. She is a member of Mystery Writers of America, the Society of Midland Authors, and has served as vice president of Sisters in Crime - Twin Cities and on the programming board of the Chicago chapter. Her short stories have appeared in Futures Magazine and DIME Anthology while her book reviews have been featured in Murder: Past Tense and Deadly Pleasures.
Her Gilded Age Chicago Mystery Series, set in 1890s Chicago, has received People's Choice Award nominations for Best First Novel and Best Historical as well as a Lovey Award Nomination for Best Traditional Amateur Sleuth. Titles include THE FALL OF WHITE CITY (Revised Edition 2020), SHROUDED IN THOUGHT (Revised Edition 2020), and THE BLACK WIDOW'S PREY (2021).
Her seven-book Arkana Archaeology Thriller Series is an Amazon Bestseller. The series finale has received an award nomination for Best Mystery of the Month. Titles include THE GRANITE KEY (2011), THE MOUNTAIN MOTHER CIPHER (2011), THE DRAGON'S WING ENIGMA (2012), RIDDLE OF THE DIAMOND DOVE (2013), INTO THE JAWS OF THE LION (2014), SECRETS OF THE SERPENT'S HEART (2015), and THE SAGE STONE PROPHECY (2016).
Future projects include more titles in the Gilded Age Chicago Series. A spin-off series of standalone mysteries entitled THE TROVE CHRONICLES will feature Arkana agents past and present.
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Giveaway!
N. S. Wikarski will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
Visit more stops on the tour for extra chances to win!
Novels Alive
Long and Short Reviews
The Reading Addict
Westveil Publishing
Bibliomanaic Aza
Gina Rae Mitchell
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Purchase The Black Widow’s Prey by N. S. Wikarski online from a local book store.
The Black Widow’s Prey by N. S. Wikarski | Review
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Looks like a wonderful book.
Looks like a good book.
It really is. Do you like mysteries?
Wonderful post Gina. This one definitely intrigues me and it is good to know it can be read without reading the first two. I always enjoy reading a book where I have some kind of connection like visiting a place or staying somewhere mentioned in the story.
Thanks, Carla. I’m the same way. It adds a special touch when you have a connection.
Thank you for hosting and for the enthusiastic review!
You are most welcome. I can’t wait to read more of the series.
Thanks for hosting!
My pleasure!