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About the Book
Book title: Under Fire
Author: Linda Shenton Matchett
Release date: July 25, 2017
Genre: Mystery
Journalist Ruth Brown’s sister Jane is pronounced dead after a boating accident in April 1942. Because Jane’s body is missing, Ruth is convinced her sister is still alive. During her investigation, Ruth becomes suspicious about Jane’s job. Eventually Ruth follows clues to war-torn London. By the time she uncovers the truth about Jane’s disappearance, she has stumbled on black marketers, resistance fighters and the IRA – all of whom may want her dead.
My Perspective
The great thing about Linda’s writing is that it remains true to history. In fact, most times when I am reading her books I learn something new. And if I were to google it to check for accuracy, it would be spot on. I love knowing that I can rely on an author to provide factual data in their story. Now obviously to make a fictional story, you have to expand on those facts a little, but that is the nature of a historical fiction novel.
I enjoy reading Linda’s novels. Not only are they interesting, they share the Word of God in a natural way with being pushy at all. I feel like I could share this book with a historical fiction reader who doesn’t totally like reading Christian fiction, and they would still enjoy it (and hopefully get something out of it). For the believers, it is just a great reminder of having faith in tough times, and leaning on God rather than self.
I enjoyed Ruth’s character most of all. She was very determined, and a little narrow minded at times, much like myself. Ruth was set on the fact that her sister didn’t really die, and she was not going to rest until she figured out the whole story. I admired her perseverance, and like a lead character who will act like that. She had a lot to work through, and some unforeseen obstacles which made for an interesting story.
Overall I thought this was a great read. I have yet to meet a Linda Shenton Matchett book that I do not like and I glad to say this isn’t one either! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
About the Author
Linda Shenton Matchett is a journalist, blogger, and author. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry, Linda has lived in historical places most of her life. She is a volunteer docent at the Wright Museum of WWII and as a Trustee for the Wolfeboro Public Library. Active in her church Linda serves as treasurer, usher, choir member, and Bible study leader. She is author of several romance novellas and novelettes. Under Fire, the first in her trilogy about amateur sleuth/war correspondent Ruth Brown, has just been released by eLectio Publishing (electiopublishing.com).
Guest Post from Linda Shenton Matchett
Writers are often asked where they get ideas for their stories. Many authors start with a “what if” scenario (e.g. what if the fate of a world lies in the hands of a young man who must return a ring of great power to its place of origin: The Lord of the Rings). Other authors find inspiration in news articles (Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express). I begin my stories by creating the main character.
As a former Human Resources professional, I am fascinated by the history of women’s employment and enjoy reading about those who trail blazed in industries and positions formerly dominated by men. When I was trying to decide what my protagonist should do for a living, I knew she needed a job that allowed her freedom of movement, but nothing seemed to fit until I saw a museum exhibit about women war correspondents. Of the 1,600 journalists who received government accreditation, only 127 were female.
In order to get a sense of what these women experienced (derision, hostility, sexual harassment, and more) I read their memoirs, autobiographies, diaries, and articles. As an accredited correspondent they were supposed to received meals, transport to the front, and transmission of their articles. Many military officers refused to take the women into combat zones, so they had to get there any way they could, such as Martha Gellhorn who stowed away on a hospital ship and hid in the head to reach Normandy and cover D-day. It is my hope that Under Fire honors these brave and tenacious women in some small way.
Blog Spots
It’s Storytime with Van Daniker, September 14
Blogging With Carol, September 14
Avid Reader Book Reviews September 15
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 16
cherylbbookblog, September 17
Carpe Diem, September 17
A Reader’s Brain, September 18
Bigreadersite, September 18
Blossoms and Blessings, September 19
The Fizzy Pop Collection, September 19
Janices book reviews, September 20
Back Porch Reads, September 20
A Baker’s Perspective, September 21
Just the Write Escape, September 21
Pause for Tales , September 22
Have A Wonderful Day, September 22
Lights in a Dark World , September 23
Connie’s History Classroom , September 23
Karen Sue Hadley, September 24
Vicky Sluiter, September 25
Daysong Reflections , September 25
Mary Hake, September 26
Ashley’s Bookshelf September 26
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, September 27
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 27
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away a grand prize consisting of:
copy of the book, Box of English Tea, Typewriter notepad, and Rosie the Riveter socks!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c221
Thanks for the review. I love a good mystery and Under Fire sounds sure to deliver.
I hope you get to read it! I think you’ll enjoy it.
Thanks for hosting me and for your nice review, Jessica! I’m so glad you enjoy my books.
Thank you for stopping by!! Love your books 🙂
Thanks for stopping by! Love your books 🙂
I liked the review, thank you.
Wow a mystery and during the war in England! Great stuff. Thanks for the review.
Great indeed!
This is a new author for me.