Name: Chasing Ghosts
Rating: 4.50 (2 reviews)

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Chasing Ghosts is the 6th book in the Dudley Sisters saga by Madalyn Morgan. The books are all part of a continuing story of the same family with overarching plot threads, but they don't suffer for being read as standalones.

Released 23rd June 2018, it's 159 pages and available in ebook and paperback formats.

I personally found the plotting somewhat uneven. My interest waned and I had a tough time maintaining my connection with the main characters. I do like the period, post WW2, and the author is adept at descriptive prose, but it was a bit heavy on the romance (for my tastes). For fans who prefer a bit of mystery with their romance fiction, this series will be a good fit.

The language is relatively clean (a few scattered 'bloody, damn, etc', but nothing egregious) and the sexual elements are implied rather than explicit. I found the misunderstanding and 'noble' drama caused by characters just not communicating or being honest with themselves or one another quite wearing after a while.

It's well written, and I would recommend it for romantic-mystery-fiction lovers. Possibly worth noting for Kindle Unlimited subscribers; this book (and the rest of the series) is available for download as part of the KU subscription.

Three and a half stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

4.5 stars

I have a weakness for twentieth-century wartime themed novels so dived into this one with much enthusiasm. Ms Morgan's writing is a new to me so, I'm happy to confirm I've found another author to follow after reading this absorbing tale set in peacetime between nineteen forty-nine and nineteen-fifty.

Claire Mitchell's husband, Captain Alain 'Mitch' Mitchell is missing. After failing to join her and their daughter on a return flight from Canada to England, she's determined to ascertain where he is. As each day goes by, her suspicions surrounding his disappearance become heightened after military personnel search her house. Aided by Mitch's grandmother, she makes her way to France, to track down the woman she believes is with her husband.

The narrative alternates between the present and the past as we get the background history before Mitch disappears and Claire's journey to find the truth. The writing flows sublimely, keeping both the past and the present connected. Even though the setting is after World War Two, Claire's work in occupied France is relevant to how she deals with the unique situations she's in.

I appreciate how the author projected the sexual chemistry between Claire and Thomas Durand. Even before we're made aware feelings exist between them, the narrative projected their attraction right from their re-introduction. With the air of uncertainty hanging over Mitch's disappearance and not knowing if he's unfaithful to his wife, the attraction between this woman looking for her husband and her old wartime colleague is palpable. Unexpectedly, this aspect adds a compelling element to this already intriguing story. Additionally, when Claire and Mitch are finally reunited, it is clear they have a distinctive special bond, nurtured during the second world war. Although it isn't necessary to have read the novel, 'China Blue' which tells the story about their lives working as part of the resistance, Chasing Ghosts certainly whetted my appetite to learn more about this dynamic couple.

To sum up, action-packed and enjoyable Chasing Ghosts is book six in the Dudley Sisters Saga and I read this as a standalone novel.

***arc received courtesy of the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources***

Chasing Ghosts (The Dudley Sisters Saga, #6)

by Madalyn Morgan

Chasing Ghosts (The Dudley Sisters Saga, #6)

by Madalyn Morgan

Reviews

annieb123

Lynn