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Sunday, August 10, 2025

REVIEW - A Dark and Deadly Journey (eARC/ebook)


 A Dark and Deadly Journey (Evelyne Redfern #3) by Julia Kelly (eARC/ebook)


OVERVIEW

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

This is my eighth book by Julia and the third book in the Evelyne Redfern series. This book had so many twists and turns, and ups and downs that I'm unsure if my head is facing in the correct direction! 

I love this series - I know, it's World War II, but this author gets a pass on my embargo. It is a historical murder mystery without graphic sex scenes or graphic language.  

This is not a stand-alone novel, so I suggest reading books one and two in the series before this one! 


OVERALL REVIEW:    5.0 stars


Writing: 5.0 stars

The writing is excellent, and Julia is beautifully descriptive in her writing, but not overly so. I enjoyed the descriptions of the period clothing, food, and Portugal.  

The violence and murders (yes, this is a murder mystery novel) are written in a "cozy" way. The reader understands what happens without being subjected to reading all the gory details. Clear as mud?


Character development: 5.0 stars

The two main characters are Evelyne and David, who are partners in the British SIU (Special Investigation Unit). 

The secondary characters are coworkers in the SIU, family, friends, victims, and the suspects. 

The tertiary character is Lisbon, Portugal. The city is described as fascinating and beautiful, and is the perfect setting for this murder mystery. 

The character development is always strong with Julia's books, and this was no exception!


Storyline:  5.0 stars 

My goodness! There is a missing operative in Lisbon in late 1940 whom Evelyne and David are tasked with locating. But, everything is not what it seems for almost all of this novel. Oh, my, this book ended on a wild note, so I can not wait for book four in this series! Please, Julia!

The primary locations were London and Bristol, England, and Lisbon, Portugal.    


Memorable/Informative:   5.0 stars

Lisbon sounds amazing. I loved all the descriptions of the city, people, language, and food. It is now on my personal bucket list!


Book cover: 5.0 stars

Perfect.   

 

Book title: 5.0 stars 

On point.  

 

Highly recommend


NetGalley eARC/ebook

A Dark and Deadly Journey (Evelyne Redfern #3) by Julia Kelly

304 pages

Minotaur Books

FUTURE release date: 9/23/2025

 

INFORMATIONAL LINKS

Julia Kelly

Goodreads review

Storygraph review

Minotaur Books

NetGalley


TRIGGER WARNINGS

Mild cursing and sexual content, gun violence, non-descriptive violence, alcohol, sexism, death of a parent, grief, suicide, misogyny, classism, war, and xenophobia. 


Happy reading, 

Dorothea 💜





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