Lori Bates Wright

As someone who loves reading historical works, I loved The Songstress. This work of fiction begins at the Ford Theater with the death of President Lincoln from the eyes of a female singer. The story then leaps a few years forward with the songstress Juliana Chamberlain retiring from her singing career and serving as a Pinkerton agent trying to help solve a crime involving her aunt and uncle who raised her.

Perhaps because my father threw me out when I was in my 20s, I could appreciate Juliana’s feelings when she encounters her mother. I know I encountered my father today, a lot of feelings and emotions would pour out. I loved the interactions between Texas Ranger Cade Matlock and Juliana. The pair has to come to terms with her serving as a Pinkerton agent. The adventure and danger in this book help bring it to life. The idea of females serving as Pinkerton agents intrigues me. Reading a different series about women serving as Pinkerton agents during this same time period helped bring this book to life for me. So check it out for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but it in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.… (más)

The Songstress by Lori Bates Wright is the first book in her A Matter of Intrigue series. Juliana Chamberlain, The Girl with the Golden Voice, is a young opera star. Haunted by the tragic events at the Ford Theater she helps the Pinkerton Detective Agency arrest those responsible. Now the Pinkerton’s have another assignment for her. I’ve always enjoyed a Pinkerton mystery, but a female Pinkerton makes it even better. I liked Juliana’s character. Even though she was terrified she completed her mission and didn’t let the fear stop her.

I received this book from Celebrate-Lit for my honest review.… (más)

The opening pages set readers up for an adventure featuring the Pinkerton Detective Agency and a Texas Ranger named Cade. I was devastated about what happened that fateful day that President Lincoln was assassinated. The author does give accurate details of the tragedy which shocked the nation. It must have been so distressing to witness such a brutal attack. This opens the door for the author to pen a tale that lets us see what could have transpired that day when someone from the stage witnessed the event.

Juliana is a beautiful young woman who has a voice like an angel. She was set to sing that night at the theater but instead saw something she will never forget. I liked how she was introduced to the Pinkertons and she became involved with them. This agency was well know and respected. Juliana was a valuable employee for them. She finds herself a few years later taking on a new case that will affect her personally.

Cade, a Texas Ranger is teamed up with Juliana and I knew we would be in for an adventure. Cade is very good at his job but I don’t think he was all that excited to work with Juliana. She can be a little stubborn and outspoken but maybe he can find a way to work with her. Okay I did laugh because I knew that Cade was going to have his hands full. That is what makes their pairing so good. I think they complimented each other and there is hope they will at least become friends.

I loved the political theme in the book and how our two main characters have a task of stopping a dangerous plot that could divide states. The danger arises when Juliana starts to snoop around and gathers information that could take down important figures in the government. The author gives us an intriguing story filled with twists that keep you on your toes. I loved following these two unlikely pair into the depths of political scandal where danger awaits. Get ready for a story that takes part of history and gives us a look at what might have happened on the night after the untimely death of the president.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.… (más)

The Songstress by Lori Bates Wright is a wonderful Christian Historical Romance. This is the first in the A Matter of Intrigue series, which covers women of the Pinkerton Agency. This story starts with the 1865 assassination of President Lincoln and follows opera star/Pinkerton lady to her home state where she helps track down corrupt politicians.

This is a great story that is filled with action and suspense. These are several twist and turns in the story that I was not expecting, which kept me reading to find out what would happen. This is a well written story with strong characters. The writing is so clear it is easy to imagine what is happening. I enjoyed the issues of faith, forgiveness and family that are in the story. I enjoyed reading of how being a witness to Lincoln’s murder lead to Julia becoming a spy for the Pinkerton Agency. This is a great story and I look forward to reading the rest in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this story, this is my honest review.… (más)