Lee Kelly

The Antiquity Affair
Authors; Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thorne
Publisher: Harper Muse
Thank you @Netgalley for this Audio Arc

Two sisters as opposites that can be goes on a journey from the East Coast to Paris to Egypt. The story takes place in the early 1900’s. Lila and Tess Ford are as different as two sisters can be. Each are expected to fullfill certain family expectations. When there estranged father, prominent archeologist Dr. Warren Ford shows up in New York chaos erupts. The girls along with their father become involved in pursuit of an ancient artifact called the Serpent’s Crown. The Serpent’s Crown is also rumored to have some brain washing power and it could also be cursed. During this pursuit Dr. Ford end up kidnapped and the girls must forge ahead on their own, find the crown and save their father. Along the way they encounter rivals, puzzles, misunderstandings, murder, romance, drama, betrayl, sacrifices and much much more.

This story is a fast paced thrilling adventure and well worth the read. I liked that the two main characters were smart educated and resourceful women who end up using this journey to heal old wounds. This historical story was a bit out of my usual reads but I thoroughly enjoyed it. If you like movies such as The Mummy, Lara Croft and the Indiana Jones Adventure’s you will enjoy this book.
… (altro)

With Regrets by Lee Kelly is a very highly recommended domestic horror mixed with a science fiction locked room drama.

Liz Brinkley and her husband are invited to an exclusive soiree by Britta Harris-Che, an influencer and self-named lifestyle guru (#Brittasays). Liz, a writer absolutely does not want to go but her hand is forced by her husband. Their too-young sitter shows up and they leave for the dinner party. Seven guests show up, four wives, three husbands. At the beginning of the dinner a red alert comes through everyone's phones. Something strange is happening. An atmospheric phenomena that looks like 'glimmering clouds,' has been spreading through major cities and kills anyone they encounter. "Authorities have just one clear Find shelter. Immediately."

Guests are desperate to get home to their children, but after trying it is clear that they all are forced to shelter at the Harris-Che home. Since leaving is not an option, they must all gather supplies and take shelter in the wine cellar and family room/safe room. It is in the safe room that the atmosphere takes a decidedly different turn from a festive Soiree as tensions and suspicions quickly rise.

The narrative is told through the four viewpoints of Liz, Britta, Padme and Mable. Don't expect to truly like any of these characters, although some are more appealing than others. Certainly Britta is going to raise the ire of most readers. The men are basically all flawed side characters. None of the characters are deeply developed, but that is expected in a disaster/end of the world novel. The foe and the struggle is the point.

The beginning dinner party is the stuff of nightmares but once the red alert comes through the plot gets very interesting. The idea of some strange glimmering atmospheric phenomena where clouds of thread-like shiny things are attacking and killing every living thing is certainly a worthy horrific adversary, but the glimmer is not the only antagonist. Humans can also become a hostile party.

The writing was excellent. I was full-in once the glimmer started and the subsequent action held my full attention right up to the end. I will admit feeling slightly let down by the ending but I really enjoyed the journey getting there. 4.5 rounded up.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2023/08/with-regrets.html… (altro)

historical-novel, historical-places-events, historical-research, historical-romance, historical-setting, history-and-culture, mysteries, myths-legends, thriller, threats, adventure, sisters, family-dynamics, family-drama, travel, abduction, misconceptions, mistaken-identity, Egyptology, amateur-sleuth, snarky, witty*****

Great fun!
Two sisters who look nearly alike but have quite different personalities are caught up in a mess of conflicting goals and perspectives. Truly an exciting thrill ride. Expect mad twists and creative red herrings!
I requested and received a free temporary audio copy from Harper Muse via NetGalley. Narrated by voice artists Brittany Pressley and Holly Linneman have the kind of convincing delivery that encouraged me too keep reading far too late.… (altro)