AUTUMN EMBERS
by Tina deBellegarde
October 14 - November 8, 2024 Virtual Book Tour
Synopsis:
A Batavia-on-Hudson Mystery
Bianca St. Denis travels to Kyoto to return a priceless artifact recovered in Batavia-on-Hudson during last summer’s flood. It’s late October and the city of 2,000 shrines is in full autumn splendor. While she’s in Japan’s ancient capital, Bianca visits with her son, a student at Kyoto University. Ian shows her the sights and introduces her to his circle of friends—his chosen family.
On the night of her welcome party, Bianca thinks she witnesses a struggle in the garden, perhaps even a murder. When the police investigate and find no body, she is stumped yet alarm bells won’t stop ringing. She knows she’s witnessed something.
When a dead body surfaces and suspicion falls on her son, Bianca’s maternal instincts spring to action to protect Ian and clear his name. Meanwhile, things in Batavia-on-Hudson are tense. Sheriff Mike Riley is losing his re-election while tackling devastating news about his dead partner, and wavering about his troubled marriage.
Autumn Embers explores the malleable nature of our identities and reminds us that chosen families can be stronger than we think, and that true friendship can bridge any distance.
Praise for AUTUMN EMBERS:
"A beautiful novel that seamlessly embraces past and present, east and west, mystery and resolution, all the contradictions that make us human. This is the rare book that leaves its reader feeling balanced and whole."
~ Carol Goodman, two-time winner of the Mary Higgins Clark prize and author of Return to Wyldecliff Heights
"Tina deBellegarde expertly captures the details of two very disparate worlds, reminding us that at the heart of these experiences is our shared humanity. I’ve become a new fan!"
~ Naomi Hirahara, Edgar Award-winning author of the Mas Arai mystery series and the Mary Higgins Clark Award-winning Clark and Division
"Get ready for another thrilling ride with Tina deBellegarde's mystery series, this time in our own Kyoto backyard."
~ Amy Chavez, Author of The Widow, the Priest and the Octopus Hunter
"Fans of Louise Penny and Crazy Rich Asians will adore Autumn Embers...Heartful and human, an intriguing mystery, and filled to the brim with rich descriptions, this love letter to Japan is Tina de Bellegarde at her finest."
~ Jen Collin Moore, Author of the captivating Roman Holiday Mysteries
'This is a scrumptious book...Autumn Embers will have you reaching for your passport and booking a ticket to "the land of the rising sun."'
~ Carol Pouliot, Author of the Blackwell and Watson Time-Travel Mysteries
"Like a richly woven tapestry, this immersive tale has it all...With vivid descriptions and an unhurried writing style, Autumn Embers is thoroughly engrossing!"
~ Lida Sideris, Author of the Southern California Mysteries
My Review:
There are two story lines in this novel. Bianca, the amateur sleuth, is in Japan visiting her son. At the same time, Sheriff Mike is back in New York dealing with new information on the death of his partner nine years ago when he was with the NYPD. Mike is also facing the stress of an election, struggling to retain his position.
Bianca's time in Kyoto is almost like a travelogue until there is a murder. Readers are immersed in the culture and society of the city. There is a dangerous underworld present, however and an unsavory character is murdered. He offended many and was not well liked so there are plenty of suspects, including Bianca's son. This story line is parallel with Mike's back in New York as new evidence in the old crime means he is considered a suspect in his partner's death. DeBellegarde links the two stories by having Mike help Bianca gather needed information leading to the mystery's resolution.
This is a good mystery for readers who like one containing a deep sense of place. Here we find out much about Kyoto as Bianca travels its streets and experiences its culture. I do have a pet peeve of an author including a suspense filled dream without letting readers know right off it is a dream. DeBellegarde does that here. Nonetheless, I enjoyed this novel as I have the earlier ones in the series. While there are some mentions of events from previous novels, this one does read well on its own.
My rating: 4/5 stars.
You can read my reviews of the earlier books in this series: Winter Witness and Dead Man's Leap.
Book Details:
Genre: Female Amateur Sleuth
Published by: Level Best Books
Publication Date: September 17, 2024
Number of Pages: 321
Series: A Batavia-on-Hudson Mystery, 3
Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop | Goodreads
Read an excerpt:
CHAPTER SEVEN
Bianca removed her shoes and found a pair of slippers approximately her size. She tucked her shoes in a cubby and followed Ian up the stairs of the ramen house. They settled into a spot at the counter in the far corner. She looked at the menu out of habit, but knew she couldn’t read it, nor did she need to. This was her favorite ramen place, and she knew exactly what she wanted. In fact, tired or not, this place had been on her mind all day. If she couldn’t sleep, she could at least have her black sesame ramen.
Across the counter, the server brought them each a small beer and took their orders. Bianca looked around and realized that nothing had changed at all. It was as if she had never left. She wondered what it must be like to live in a world where the movement of change could be at once imperceptible and monumental. Kyoto was remarkable in its ability to modernize dramatically while remaining steadfastly traditional.
Bianca’s mouth watered as a steaming bowl was placed before her. The handmade noodles beckoned, submerged in a rich dark broth of spicy black sesame.
“Itadakimasu,” they said before they started their meal.
She took a slurp of broth first, the spice clearing her sinuses immediately, then with her chopsticks she gathered up some long strands of ramen and did her best not to make a mess.
They barely spoke as they ate. The food was too delicious and demanding of their attention, and they had talked for hours already. They were content in the sounds of their eating and the sounds of the fellow diners having a fun night out.
When Ian excused himself to find the men’s room, Bianca continued spooning the last of her broth then was surprised by a nudge. She opened her eyes and slowly realized that she had nodded off to sleep at the counter with her spoon still resting in her hands. The last strands of noodles had never made it to her mouth.
“Time to go, Mom.”
Bianca used all her energy to stand up with some dignity and followed him back to the shoe cubby and then out the door, but not before they called out to the ramen chefs to thank them for the meal.
“Gochisousamadeshita!”
Once outside, they lingered briefly at the window watching as the chefs rolled and cut the fresh noodles. Bianca was mesmerized by their actions. They worked so effortlessly as if they had no need to think about these motions.
Bianca leaned on Ian as they made their way through the alley known as Ponto-chō, the traditional bar district. Too small for cars, the cobble- stone walkways were lined with tiny restaurants and clubs, their entrances illuminated by glowing paper lanterns. A different aroma escaped each establishment. Some scents Bianca could identify—ginger, garlic, grilling meats. Other delectable fragrances she couldn’t. Despite having eaten enough, her appetite was reawakened.
They walked slowly, enjoying the cool autumn night. Just as they were leaving the quiet street, they saw a geisha walking beside a businessman. The rich fabric of her amber kimono shimmered in the light of the lanterns and her hair was perfectly coiffed with a burgundy hairpin. As the lovely girl passed them, Bianca turned to catch a better look. She admired the elaborate knot of the brocade obi belt and the delicate end points of the white makeup on the young woman’s neck.
Bianca considered it a good omen to spot a geisha on her first day in Kyoto. They were a rare sight. Some tourists could spend their entire vacation in Kyoto and never see one.
Arriving at the apartment close to 9:30, Ian unlocked the gate and led her to the front door of the guest house. As he opened the door to the darkened room he whispered, “Tadaima.” I’m home.
He showed Bianca to her room where Jiro had already deposited her bags. She hugged Ian, turned to her futon, and crawled into it without changing into pajamas. Ian turned to close the door.
“Ian, wait.”
He turned back.
“You’re happy here.”
He nodded.
“You feel at home, don’t you?”
He closed his eyes briefly, then opened them. He nodded again.
She closed her eyes and fell asleep.
***
Excerpt from Autumn Embers by Tina deBellegarde. Copyright 2024 by Tina deBellegarde. Reproduced with permission from Tina deBellegarde. All rights reserved.
Author Bio:
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(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)
2 comments:
Thank you, Joan, for your thoughtful review! I have just arrived back in Kyoto after a very long trip or I would have answered earlier. Thank you for continuing to read Bianca's adventures!
I hope you enjoy!
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