Ok, firstly I did not realise this was book two of an on going series. Although I usually like to read series in order because you get a better feel for both the story and the characters. In this case I honestly do not think I've missed anything major and did not stop me for enjoying this book very much. However, I probably will get round to reading Sins Of Our Father.

I liked this book. A lot. I mostly enjoyed the interesting mystery that the book portrayed. I must say at this point that I thought the author handled some tough subjects very well. I got a little lost with the secondary characters but it did not bother me too much because I was too involved with the mystery and trying to figure it out.

I will definitely be reading book one. But I don't think its essential because I enjoyed it regardless.

Enjoy!

Lawyer Elizabeth is back at it again with yet another murder mystery. The murder mystery is more of an adventure as it takes Elizabeth back to a historic plantation manor, she has conversations with ghosts, a treasure hunt, and even grenade jumping.
This case is frustrating to say the least, but thanks to a well paced revelation of different clues, tons of romantic tension with her girlfriend Grace whos is also a detective. Since this is her second book. The first book is SIns of Our Fathers, you don't need to read it first but it would be very helpful, since this is the second time Elizabeth is in one if her books...

I did NOT see the bad guy coming!

Well paced plot, descriptive and believable based in part on historical fact. The mystery is absorbing and the slowly built romance is sweet.

This is a well written and complex book. The plot involves cryptic clues, research into the history of an abandoned plantation and lots of intrigue. Elizabeth Campbell is hired to defend a young man accused of murder... is he innocent? There is a supernatural element and the relationship between Elizabeth and detective Grace Donovan is developing nicely. The minor characters are all well rounded and Elizabeth's mother is especially interesting. There is a small cohort of friends and colleagues who add to the colour as the story unfolds. The ending is a satisfying conclusion to the plot and I look forward to more adventures.

I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley in return for an honest review.

This was a really interesting book! I got hooked in the third chapter and i knew i had to finish it one sitting. The characters were really well built and i fell in love with Elizabeth and Grace. The plot was fast-paced and thrilling and did not disappoint.

Enjoyed the case but was annoyed by the back and forth between the two main characters. Bit too heavy on internal monologue in those sections for my taste.

**Spoiler Warning**

Fun, quirky murder mystery that digs up some dark history <spoiler> with a touch of paranormal activity. </spoiler>

While I did not pick out the bad guy from the start, I did pick up on one of the other characters early on. (You'll know which one I mean once you read this for yourself. I do recommend that you read it, if you enjoy mysteries.)

The romance in this story is downplayed. It is there, but the main reason for this book is the mystery.

Definitely a good read. I did not know anything about this author so I was unaware of an earlier book in this series. It felt like there was something of a past between the two main characters, but nothing stood out as something was missing in great detail. So I don't think not having read the other book had any effect on reading this story. However, reading this book makes me want to go back and read the other one now that I know it exists.

I was given a ARC from the publisher for my honest review.

I didn’t read the first book in this series, Sins of Our Fathers, and I don’t think it made any difference to my understanding of the characters or the story but I’m willing to bet I missed out on a good read (which I will probably go back to anyway). Elizabeth Campbell is returning the Southern Indigent Legal Center as a supervising attorney having been fired a week before. Still thinking about the kiss she shared with Detective Grace Donovan, she gets held up and ends up being late for her first appointment. She’s being begged to represent a man accused of killing and elderly lady. As luck would have it, Grace is the investigating officer and they now have a conflict of interest.

From the reviews I read I expected this to be a good mystery and had a reasonable expectation that I would enjoy it. What I didn’t count on was the wonderful wit and humour running through the story. The descriptions made for entertaining reading.

“She followed it to an adjoining bathroom where a freestanding claw-foot bathtub sat center stage. Its feet were made of heavy silver, with a majestic pattern that spread up the leg. A delicate porcelain sink stood at its side, with matching silver handles, but the toilet was less dignified. A tacky faded green and white floral patterned shag carpet covered the top seat, embarrassing it, and Elizabeth was tempted to set it free. She could only imagine the bad toupee jokes it endured from its other porcelain roommates.”

Elizabeth is a fantastic character. She’s impulsive and reckless, and both of these traits get her into some amusing situations. Also some pretty hair-raising ones. I loved her relationship with Grace and how they expressed themselves with each other, humour playing an important role. I would have liked to have had more insight into Grace but that might have been something I missed in the first instalment. On the whole, this was truly enjoyable.

Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.

'Secrets of the Last Castle' is a mystery that you will not want to miss out on. The book reunites the reader with Attorney Elizabeth Campbell and Detective Grace Donovan from A. Rose Mathieu's first book "Sins of Our Fathers'. Our two characters find themselves involved in another murder mystery, and again find themselves on opposite sides since Elizabeth decides to represent the suspect in the murder and Grace is helping the prosecutor in the case. This also hurts their budding romance since they are not supposed to have any contact or work together on this case.
The murder mystery itself is very convoluted, with twists and turns that will keep you reading to the last page. The mystery involves unsavory characters, shadows of a dark past in America's history, and even a hint of the paranormal. What do you expect when your setting includes an old abandoned southern plantation?
I loved the characters, especially Elizabeth. She is funny, unconventional, intelligent, and beautiful inside and out. I was pleased that the mystery was one that I could not immediately figure out. I had to read all the way to the end to find all the answers. Great job Ms. Mathieu!
I did not read the first book "Sins of Our Fathers' before I read this one, and felt that I kind of missed out on some of the character development of Elizabeth and Grace. I would suggest that you read 'Sins of Our Fathers' and then make sure you get and read 'Secrets of the Last Castle'.

I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for an unbiased review
https://rainbowreflections.home.blog

'ARC Generously provided by both NetGalley & The Publisher in exchange for a honest review'

**'Good books are not written by orthodox-sniffers,nor by people who are conscience-stricken about their own orthodoxy or stories.Good books are really written by people(writers) who are not frightened or afraid about the topics...'

Remarkable series!
A. Rose Mathieu has done it again: combining painful & lasting Historical stories of the distant past and experiences with intricate editing techniques to create such a terrific follow-up series. This book grabbed me from page one and didn't let go. This is one of those rare gems. I had trouble putting down and even the ending took me by surprise. Besides all the drama and mystery,romance plays a role here and there which was real juicy for this storyline,providing a nice divergence from the heaviness of the topic. What is truly above board about this book are the delightful dialogues,the descriptions,the insightful reflections that the author did not hesitate to include in a wide range of details -- then all the plot twists revealed in the end. Interspersed throughout the narratives were heartbreaking at times but after reading about Margaret's fight towards her freedom and her inner strength plus with the inspiring words of wisdom and support from Elizabeth -- herself in battle with the law in defending her grandson for murder. Ms.Mathieu provides a wealth of fascinating historical facts and it's clear how much research went into constructing this book. Additionally 'SECRETS OF THE LAST CASTLE' is also an artfully written dark story of suspense and courtroom drama that reminds me of the best-of-the-best in great storytelling on any given heyday. That being said,Ms.Mathieu also brings a twist of modernity to this series,making it a book that merges some great solid plotlines of the past with those of the present into a stirring story so that most readers will want to savor as long as possible to keep it from ending. This must-read book is a powerful reminder of the value of every single human life. Recommended to everyone!

Absolute brilliance. I have been looking forward to this book since the very second I finished "Sins of our Fathers". I was not disappointed.

In this book, Elizabeth is working a murder case, where a young man is accused of murdering an elderly woman. Grace is the detective on the case, and, much to her frustration, seems to be working against her. But something doesn't add up, and the two women have to work around professional and personal life in order to find out the truth. The truth is so much more than either of them could have imagined.

This book is a continuation of Grace and Elizabeth's relationship, but the two of them are tackling a brand new case. I don't think it's absolutely necessary to read the first book, but it will certainly help introduce you to the characters. The case in this book was expertly crafted, every twist and turn was a total surprise to me. I couldn't stop turning the pages, it was so so good. The romance was added in perfect doses, it was super sweet. Well balanced and well paced book, excellent characters, brilliant case, and a little romance. It had a little something for everyone. I couldn't recommend this book more!

I look forward to the next book from this author!

I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

** spoiler alert ** Elizabeth Campbell returns with all the energy, enthusiasm and dry humour we enjoyed in the first book in this series. She may be a defense attorney but she spends more time investigating cases and tracking down leads on her clients behalf than the detectives assigned to the case. Elizabeth’s reckless and at times dangerous research doesn’t help her budding relationship with Grace Donovan, the detective assigned to this murder investigation.

I’ve got mixed feelings about Secrets of the Last Castle. The case is complex, requiring much research and unravelling of cryptic clues discovered at an abandoned plantation thanks to scribbled words on the victims purse. When evidence is found Elizabeth is slow to seek out professional help to unravel the mysteries she uncovers. She is scolded by Grace for being too reckless which annoyed me until Elizabeth goes out and does something totally reckless and I have to agree with Grace. Don’t even get me started on the scenes involving Mr. Beadle. The relationship challenges between Grace and Elizabeth are an added distraction for both the reader and the women involved.

In the end I found the case to be frustrating and so over the top unrealistic that the dramatic ending and resolution was too little, too late to save the story for this reader.

ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.

Welcome back Grace Donovan and Elizabeth Campbell, two characters who I have missed. These two badasses have a murder to solve in Secrets of the Last Castle and unfortunately this time around they are on opposite sides. Drama, suspense, betrayal all with smoldering hot tension, you really cannot ask for more. A. Rose Mathieu comes out swinging with her sequel to Sins of Our Father.

Elizabeth is asked to take the case of a young African American male that is accused of murdering an elderly Caucasian woman in an alleyway. The young man swears he didn’t do it and Elizabeth has full faith in his denial. Grace is on the other side of the coin. What evidence the police do have unfortunately points right to Elizabeth’s client. They are both in a rock and a hard place and this case takes the toll on their romantic relationship. It’s and tense and bumpy ride for these two leading ladies.

This book has twists and turns all over the place. This is a fascinating story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. This mystery has tons of history woven throughout this who done it. You will be so glad you read this one. Oh, and if you have not read Sins of Our Father, don’t skip it. You can read these out of order, but really you don’t want to. Both are fabulous reads.

4 stars, I really enjoyed this mystery, This is the second book in the series about Grace Donovan, a detective and Elizabeth Campbell., an attorney. They are working on the opposite side of the same crime. Grace and Elizabeth have worked together before and are starting to fall for one another. They have conflicts with dating each other, as it can impede their investigation. The case in this book was about a boy who is in the wrong place and is convicted of killing a Jane Doe woman. He is caught with her purse which holds more secrets than meets the eye, Elizabeth winds up at a Plantation, which is the key to the whole mystery surrounding the purse and murder. Grace, on the other hand, is the lead detective to investigate the murder and try to prove why the boy did this.

The tension and relationship between Elizabeth and Grace a lot of tension and it was a great build up. The case had a lot of twists and turns and I wanted to see what happens next. with the murder mystery. The case was better, in my opinion than the second one. I would recommend this novel to anyone who has read the first one. I don't think you even have to read the first one, as this was very interesting.

Unaware that this read is part of a series and there was a prior read. Oh well, I thought the read was enthralling, unsettling, and very much reflective of the times, then and now. I appreciate and applaud the author for not shying away from tough subject matter. And this was tough subject matter that had me engaged and entertained from the start. Elizabeth and Grace are two likable individuals that show a strength and vulnerability in their work and personal lives. The secondary characters provide a sturdy voice of reason and challenge especially, Elizabeth's mother. The romance and nonverbal communication between Elizabeth and Grace was sweet yet frustrating because of misunderstandings and a lack of talking to each other. Humor is strategically place throughout the story which provides a nice balance as difficult events unfold.

I did not know this book was a sequel until I started reading the first chapter. There were parts where I felt a little lost, especially when it came to the development of the main characters’ romance. But as the mystery moved along, it mattered less and I was pulled into trying to figure out the killer and the pieces of the puzzle. An elderly, white woman is found dead in an alley with the suspect being a young, black male caught holding her bloody purse. Elizabeth is the attorney defending him and Grace is the lead detective. Old southern conspiracies, plantation secrets, and hidden treasure are all here, just a good old fashioned mystery with a dash of humor and of course, the building relationship of Grace and Elizabeth. I much prefer this type of thriller where the story is the centerpiece instead of the focus being on the gore. That is becoming rare nowadays. I would recommend.

I did NOT see the bad guy coming!

Well paced plot, descriptive and believable. The mystery is absorbing and the slowly built romance is sweet.

This is the second installment in a series that pits attorney Elizabeth Campbell and detective Grace Donovan against each other despite their romantic interest in each other. First off, I love the underlying story of the mystery. These are well thought out and interesting. In most cases, I really like the characters being developed. However, I was a little annoyed with the relationship between Elizabeth and Grace. In many mystery series, it feels like the female lead character needs to be protected and saved by a male. Well, with the romantic interest being same-sex, one would think this sexist issue would be avoided. Sadly, that isn't the case. Instead Grace steps into the role of feeling like she needs to babysit Elizabeth and it is just as annoying as when a man is doing it. Likewise, I felt that the relationship with Elizabeth and Grace was forced and moved too quickly. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series to see how Ms. Mathieu is able to keep the personal stories moving along but am more interested in the mysteries she has chosen to present.

Such a great read! The action starts at the beginning of the first chapter and never lets up until the last page. Full of twists and plot turns the reader stays very engaged.

I am quite in love with both Grace Donovan and Elizabeth Campbell, they really are two of the most fabulous literary heroines I've come across in a while. I can't quite decide which of them I prefer; both kick ass (without being over the top, unrealistic CEO/Chief of Police at 30 clichés) but the pair of them are also prone to a few screw ups. Grace's running battle with her unstable office chair, "Black Devil" is my personal favourite in this regard.

Before I go into the specifics of Secrets of the Last Castle, I should mention that this is a sequel to the most excellent Sins of Our Fathers. If you haven't already read this, I'd highly recommend you do so as soon as possible. While you could read Secrets of the Last Castle as a standalone you'll get far more from it particularly, the relationship between Grace and Elizabeth, having read Sins of our Fathers first. Oh yeah, plus it's an utterly awesome read!

Part of the novel is concerned with legal/police procedural, part twisty mystery (I did not predict the ending, which I absolutely loved) but fascinated me the most was the discussion of racial politics in the southern states of America both in the past and in the present day. Not only is this a timely theme given the current political climate in the US and elsewhere, I also learned a huge amount about the history of the American Civil Rights movement.

I don't want to give away too much, so I'll shut up now. Buy and read this book; you will not regret it.

PS A. Rose Mathieu, please write your next book very quickly. :)