MY REVIEW:
Linda Shenton Matchett is a new-to-me author so I was uncertain about what I might expect when I began reading “Under Fire”. I had no need to worry because I was quickly drawn into the story and found it one that was difficult to stop reading.
Well written with plenty of historical details and a great deal of mystery and suspense, the story is centered around journalist Ruth Brown and her quest to learn the truth about what happened to her sister who was believed to be dead despite the lack of a body. Ruth was a strong and determined character who could at times be a bit reckless in her drive to solve the mystery behind her sister’s disappearance. Convinced Jane was still alive, Ruth refused to give up, even when her own life was in danger. Her anger at God had contributed to a disturbing lack of faith that left Ruth vulnerable to the evil around her.
I enjoyed “Under Fire” and will certainly keep my eyes open for more books by this author.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
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.
Click here to purchase your copy.
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 STOPS:
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
I liked the review, thank you.
Thanks for stopping by Rita! Glad you enjoyed the review. And thanks to Pam for hosting me and providing such a lovely review! :-)
Great review! I’m excited to read Under Fire!