London in the Dark, Spotlight/Review

I am so excited to be a part of Victoria Lynn’s blog tour for her recently released mystery suspense novel, London in the Dark.I had the privilege of beta-reading this novel, and I was so excited not only to be included in the authoresses blog tour; but to be able to share my review with all of you!

London, 1910Budding Private Detective Cyril Arlington Hartwell has a conundrum. London is being ravaged by the largest run of thefts in recent history. His hunch that it is all tied together may put him and those he loves in more danger than he could have reckoned.

Olivia Larken Hartwell is just home from boarding school for the summer anticipating time with her adoring parents.She misses her absent brother, Cyril, hoping for the day he will finally come home. But tragedy strikes, causing upheaval for all concerned and changes her life in a way she never could have imagined.

Olivia, Cyril, and their friends must bring the hidden to light, seek to execute justice, and dispel the darkness that hovers over London… and their hearts.

“Never dwell on ‘if onlys’ They steal your peace and weaken your faith.”     There are some powerful scenes woven into London in the Dark!  Victoria Lynn’s love for Christ shines throughout this novel; themes of faith and seeking God’s peace are worked into this book like a sweet seasoning.  I especially liked the scene where the heroine, Olivia Harwell, is reading her Bible and reflects on how God protects her ‘unguarded side’ – the side that is not covered by the shield of a warrior.
I really liked the spiritual battles that were worked into this story, and the wonderful theme of redemption (especially a certain twist with a certain character!).  *zips lips mysteriously*
The three main characters are very well worked out.  Olivia is sweet and mature, but she also makes mistakes; she’s human.  Cyril, who could have been a very unlikable person, is still a character that we root for, and we strain with Olivia to see him push through the walls he’s built around himself.  But it’s Dr. Dudley who is particularly well written – it can be extremely difficult to write such an exceedingly nice personality, but the authoress nails it.  Dudley is a kind and sweet fellow, but has the appropriate amount of sassiness and steel to push back on Cyril’s coldness.
There also some clever dialogue between Cyril and Dudley that tips a stylish nod to that other mystery solving duo, Holmes and Watson!
Charming little bits of characterization (Olivia’s continual struggle with her dress buttons, Dudley’s eternal ‘medical tips and checks up’, Cyril’s mustache infatuation) are scattered throughout the book, and there are several intriguing side characters as well (I want a novel featuring Barlow and Kenton, please!).
There were a couple of very funny moments that made me laugh in London in the Dark.  I DO  NOT remember the part about Olivia playing a joke on Barlow (jumping ice water on his head).  Hilarious!
But I must admit, the epilogue was my favorite part – I had a big sappy grin on my face for those last few pages.  Bravo, Miss Lynn!
Victoria Lynn writes with a lot of emotion; there are genuinely painful and heartfelt moments in this book!   And most of all, there is TRUTH in London in the Dark.
It shines like a beacon in the dark.Because of mysterious setting, the theme of family, and the authoresses ability to narrate easily from male or female characters – this is a book that I think would be equally enjoyed by guys and girls of many different ages.I greatly look forward to seeing Victoria Lynn’s next work and I can’t wait for the next installment!

 Victoria Lynn is in her 20s and if she’s not writing, she is probably sewing, singing, playing the piano, washing dishes, creating something with her hands, or learning something new. She has a passion for serving her Creator, encouraging others and being creative. She blogs at www.rufflesandgrace.com about writing, fashion, modesty, her walk with God and life. She lives in Michigan with her parents and 8 siblings.

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