I enjoy the characters and that they move forward in their lives in each book. I liked the setting (a visit to Italy). The mystery kept me guessing.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Three and a half stars.

This is the fourth book in a series, I haven't read the others but I didn't find that an issue.

Lucy Lawrence, now Lucy Stone, and her new husband Phineas Stone were supposed to be on their honeymoon in Paris, but Phin's sister Elvira has sent a message that her husband Conte Luca Carmosino has disappeared, the police have dismissed it as a domestic disagreement but she is beside herself with worry.

Phin is an insurance investigator, it's how he met Lucy, so the two of them rush to Lake Como in Italy to help Elvira search for Luca. Luca and Elvira were a love match, something his starchy Italian family disapproved of.

Why did Luca travel to Milan at the height of the August heat when his hotel empire was at its busiest? Who did he meet? Why did he leave his valet without a word to return to Lake Como? What was the contract he wanted to discuss with his lawyer? Why did he keep his intentions secret from his brother, and business partner, Matteo.

This was a perfectly pleasant historical cosy romance. There were certain suspects highlighted from the start and honestly, much like the stage play The Mousetrap, it could have easily been any one of them as the explanation/motive could have worked for all. I would be happy to read others in the series.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.

I thought this was another good book in this series.
Lucy and Phin are once again tangled up in a murder.
It’s fairly fast moving and keeps you guessing to the end. It has some surprises along the way.
Definitely recommend this book and series

Fun! With vibes of Laurie King and Deanna Raybourn's Veronica Speedwell series, I fell right into this travelogue/mystery set in the Victorian era. Having never read books 1-3, I was a little worried I'd be lost in this historical mystery, but to my delight I picked it up like I'd been reading the series all along. This book keeps the pace up nicely; the murder mystery is not particularly hard to solve, but fun nonetheless; and there are thrills and scares throughout the book. Recommended.

(Now I have to back and get the first three books!)

This is my second-favorite book in the series (with the first book being my favorite). I loved getting to see Lucy and Phin in their marriage and how they were as a more official investigation team. I will say, husbands do not fare well in these novels - Lucy's first husband was killed, her best friend Sarah's turned out to be shady and ran off, and now Elvira's meets an unfortunate end. I loved that Lucy was still Lucy here and as impulsive as ever - and that she is very aware of this flaw in herself. There are a lot of possible villains here and I was proud of my own sleuthing skills as I was on to the actual villain pretty early on. Although I could easily see how the red herrings could have been viable murderers as well. Mary once again is a saint to put up with some of what Lucy puts her through. I would have really liked a chapter or two from Phin's point of view - just to fill in some gaps since we only get the story from Lucy's perspective. I still don't understand some of Giuseppe's motives for what he said about Elvira after Luca's fate was confirmed, but I guess that's what kept him as a plausible suspect. Phin proves that he loves Lucy despite her penchant for getting herself into trouble and ignoring his warnings that would keep her out of said trouble. I can't wait to see how Lucy's investigating adapts to her now being a mother. I'm also hoping we will get to see more of Sarah in future books - maybe a mystery involving her husband?

This is the fourth in the Lucy Lawrence series and sees Lucy starting her married life with Phin not on honeymoon in Paris as planned but on an adventure that takes her across Europe to beautiful Lake Como. A missing Count, a mysterious fire and stolen diamonds. This story got off to a quick start with a series of unlikely coincidences.

This is a delightful period drama set in the 1880s with great attention to social etiquette and behaviours of the time. The scenery is carefully described with lots of rich detail. The characters are nicely developed with a balance of rogues and heroes.

There are plot twists, moments of suspense and some enjoyable humour. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, story and historical setting and look forward to reading more in this series.

I adore the author's histmysteries, and Book 4 in her Lucy Lawrence Mystery series is a gem! Lucy and Phin honeymoon at Lake Como, where his dynamic brother-in-law, Count Luca, has disappeared. I loved the Italian setting, the well-developed characters, the mystery that kept me guessing, and the historical details that made me feel I was there. Highly recommended!

This was book four of the Lucy Lawrence mystery series (releasing soon). It follows Phin and Lucy as newlyweds to Lake Como, where Phin’s sister, Elvira, lives with her husband and children.

Upon arrival, Elvira is in a terrible state, as her husband, Luca, has been missing for several days under mysterious circumstances. When his body is discovered in a nearby lake, the police and others are quick to call it an accident, however, Lucy and Phin do not agree.

As in previous books, Lucy and Phin begin to investigate things themselves, only to go down several paths with not much conclusion. This gives us an opportunity to know the other characters in the book a little better, and the author does a wonderful job of using these little diversions to add to the suspense and the story. The mystery comes together in the final chapters in an action-packed and satisfying way.

For me, this book was most similar to the first in terms of writing, plot, the mystery itself, and the tone of the novel. I enjoyed this one more than I did books two and three, though all of the mysteries are delightful to read.

I sincerely hope this is not the end of Lucy and Phin’s story, because I would love to read more!

Thank you to Storm Publishing, Pam Lecky, and NetGalley for a free copy of the book in exchange for a review.

A Pocketful Of Diamonds (The Lucy Lawrence Mystery Series Book 4)
By: Pam Lecky

5 Stars

*SPOILERS*


I have come to love Lucy and Mr. Stone, George and Mary. I have enjoyed the many adventures they seem to find themselves on. This story was awesome and a great continuation to an already interesting series. Lucy is now married to Phineas Stone, and together, they are on another adventure. When a brother-in-law goes missing, they are on the hunt to find him. Also missing from the same area is a stash of diamonds. Solving one case may help with solving the other.

This story was just as fun to read as the others before it. I love the developments that have occurred to my favorite crime fighting, mystery solving duo. The romance and the now marriage is a great addition to a series that provides adventure with new sites and beautiful descriptions. I really have loved the historical aspect of this series. Pam Lecky has provided history, mystery, drama, and crime with each new story. I have loved them all. This one was my favorite so far, and Oh, how I LOVED that ending.

*I want to thank Netgalley and the author for this book in return for my honest review*

Stormi Ellis
Boundless Book Review

There is so much satisfaction in seeing Lucy and Phineas together! I love how well they balance one another. Lucy adores Phineas but she is not the traditional wife and wants to remain involved in the investigative process. Regardless of people’s opinions, Phineas supports Lucy and makes way for her involvement. I enjoyed learning a little more about Phineas’ family. I can tell where Pam Lecky’s writing is maturing as well; the story is more organic and grabbed me from the start. There is an excellent balance between intrigue, mystery, romance, and some humor. I do love that any romance remains closed door. The mystery is very well written and quite convincing. The red herrings were well placed. I was not altogether surprised by the culprit, but the story to get there and the rationale behind it were so well written. I cannot wait for more adventures with this couple.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

Lucy and Phin are heading for their honeymoon when they hear that Phin's brother-in-law has disappeared in Como. They alter plans and head for Italy to investigate and console the wife, Elvira, Phin's sister. The police think that Luca has simply run off, with a mistress; His family blame Elvira - wrong nationality, wrong religion and wrong choice as far as they are concerned. There are hotels run by the family, missing trinkets then stolen emeralds, dodgy family, dodgy police and probable Mafiosi types. A good tale, a light read, good goodies and bad baddies. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy.

A Pocketful of Diamonds, number 4 in the Lucy Lawrence Mysteries series, has been my favorite so far. Seeing Lucy and Phineas working together to solve the mystery of Phineas' missing brother-in-law proved to add a new level to the series. Twists and turns in the plot develop as they traverse Italy in search of clues. Some surprising twists at the end.

Releases Sep 19th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I am afraid this historical mystery did not sparkle for me.

The premise was great. . . Interesting location, great potential, but the author created rather lifeless characters that just failed to capture my imagination or hold my interest.

I finished the book, but found characters, plot, and historical detail less than anticipated.

Netgalley provided me a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a candid revie2.

Delayed from their honeymoon, Phin and Lucy end up in Italy ready to find Elvira's missing husband. With very little cooperation, all they need is one solid clue to work with. When it seems they will never find one, a body is pulled from the lake with a pocketfull of diamonds.
You just can't stop reading with twists, turns and unexpected revelations.
Clean romance.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

Newlyweds Phin and Lucy travel to Lake Como to look for Phin's brother-in-law Luca, who is missing after a series of thefts in the hotel he owns. Lucy and Phin dig through complicated family relationships and business interests to figure out what happened to Luca. Some interesting new characters from Luca's family are alternately helpful and an obstacle. I enjoyed the setting of Lake Como and the twisting path to the resolution, although decisions the main characters make towards the end are questionable. Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the eARC.

Love this series! This story hooks you from the first page and never lets go. The twists and turns keep you guessing. The epilogue was a nice touch. I highly recommend this book and the series.

Whew what a grand finale! Lucy and Phin race off to Italy not to her honeymoon but for a distress telegram from Phin sister! Her husband Luca is missing after an unexpected trip to Milan!
They get there and assume the worst as the trail is cold and the police unresponsive at best!
When the worst possible outcome occurs Elvira Phin’s sister wants them to investigate!
The clues are random at best when they do get a break in the case Lucy receives news she dare not even hope for! She is scared naturally and a bit pessimistic which annoys me!
Phin is such a good man and husband I think sometimes he deserves better than a headstrong wife who keeps landing into trouble!
Lucy has definitely had her share of adventures with Mary but it’s George Phin valet who saves the day!
Nonstop adventure and it seems there is double peril as Elvira has a secret that she won’t ever be able to share with Luca!
This one does not appear to have a HEA but it does have the very best of outcomes! Get in and hold on for a great finale! Bravo
I received an ARC copy for my unbiased opinion!

First, I have to say: what a spellbinding complex historical fiction mystery by Pam Lecky! This is the fourth in the series but my first to read. Though I have downloaded the first three now since I enjoyed this one so much. So I can go back to the start and follow Lucy’s journey up until now. I can see why everyone is raving about Pam’s books as she certainly knows how to tell a great story. I was glued to the pages and eager to see what would happen next!

Lucy Lawrence is a fascinating character that kept me curious and intrigued with her ability to suss out criminals and their activities. Her thought processes, sleuth instincts and deductions always made me think. I kept wondering what her next step would be. Often, she fell into some tense situations while trying to crack a crime. Her husband and her make a great team.

Lucy has recently married Phineas Stone and they are on their honeymoon at Lake Como. Although she is hoping for a quiet relaxing time with her husband, it just doesn’t go as planned. It seems crimes happen around her and she cannot help but get involved. This time, it has a personal connection to her husband. His sister’s husband is missing and the worst is feared. And rightfully so, as Luca does not return home when expected and is found in the lake. It is believed he had an accident but his wife and others like Lucy and Phineas do not believe it. He was a strong swimmer and would never have taken a risk that would cost him his life.

Everyone imaginable becomes a suspect with plenty of motives to go around. We are led through a series of suspicions and descriptions that often feel like a maze of experiences. Yes, this inquisitive talented couple go down some interesting paths that allow us to get the know the characters even better. But initially none of these avenues ever quite lead to the right culprit: especially while husband and wife team are together. But, of course, when Phineas is away for a brief time, all hell breaks loose! Closer to the end when danger is at its highest level, the mystery is revealed by the wrong doer and his band. Along the way, bodies turn up, shots are fired and abductions happen. The final chapters are quite hair-raising and the tension is maxed! The story behind a pocketful of stolen diamonds is revealed, justice is served but not without loss. This is a great historical mystery with plenty of well-crafted characters and a twisty on the edge-of-your-seat plot!

I highly recommend A Pocketful of Diamonds by Pam Lecky and even if you have not read the previous books in the series, you can still enjoy this one as I did. It will just make you want to go back and read the past three as I am! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for a review copy.

Another great adventure with Lucy and Phin. Lots of exceitement, angst and derring-do. The descriptions were excellent and I almost felt I was there with them. Such a delightful conclusion.

This is the 4th book in Lucy and Phin’s series and is the best by far. Having slogged through the first book, I am thrilled to see how much the author has improved in her storytelling. This story captures you from the first page and never lets go. The twists and turns of this wonderfully weaved tale has the reader guessing who was the real villain almost until the big reveal. Some parts are very sad , some very frightening, some very scary and some exceptionally happy. I loved how Lucy had to come to terms with her mortality and the realization that sometimes Phin really is right!The epilogue is oh so very sweet and I have to say I teared up a bit as I have lived her life in that way. Congratulations to the author… a very fine piece of work!

I received this story for free and these are my own opinions