Stumble Your Way Onto a Thrilling Read

Before I knew that the genre “cozy mysteries” existed, I kept stumbling on books in the genre and called them “accidental detective novels.” This novel made me search the Internet to find out if cozy spy thrillers were a thing. Turns out yes, but maybe this isn’t one. It might be a crossover though, one of those liminal, in-between novels.

About the Book

Clara Day, a naive university student, becomes entangled in the world of espionage. An affair with her lecturer pulls her into contact with people who work to unwritten rules and hide in the shadows. As she struggles to free herself from the shackles of acute shyness and the interference of smothering parents to decide what she wants to do in her life, others have ideas of their own. Are the ones she turns to for help her friends? As the sands constantly shift beneath her feet, she must identify those she can trust, cling to her beliefs, and prevent her experiences from destroying her.

My Thoughts

The book started off a little slow, though I appreciated that the intrigue began right from the start. It wasn’t immediately espionage, but the affair with her lecturer that first draws you into the story. This is a big plot point, and can be uncomfortable for some, which isn’t ignored by the author. She acknowledges this through the story and other characters’ viewpoints, so she is in no way condoning the behavior. But this relationship brings our heroine into a world for which she is uniquely prepared.

I really enjoyed Clara’s personality and her navigation of situations that were unimaginable to most of us. Much like the cozy genre, where you have to suspend your disbelief – how exactly do those heroines keep conveniently stumbling upon bodies in small towns? – it can be a little confusing how Clara keeps finding herself in these situations. But the novel is so fast-paced and enjoyable, that you don’t really notice until later. I didn’t particularly enjoy the main relationship, but I did enjoy Clara’s relationship with other characters, especially her advisor and his family.

The author developed a complex shadow world providing much intrigue, confusion, and trouble for the characters and entertainment for the readers. I really enjoyed the story and can’t wait to read the second book, since it was clearly laid out as a series. I hope to see many of the characters again, and hope to see them grow more as many of them did in this book. As any great series writer does, the author set up strings that will be ripe for picking in the next novel. I also really enjoyed how each chapter began with a bit of context from the time period, which was shortly before I was born. I am so grateful to the author and Love Books Tours for including me in this tour.

Who’s It For?

People who enjoy a good mystery, a thrilling spy novel, or even a cozy crossover will enjoy this book. It might be a little graphic or disturbing at parts for some, so make sure to check the trigger warnings. Clara manages to get herself in quite a bit of trouble, and the world she found herself dabbling in was not kind to her at times.

Content Warnings: Adult Situations, Adult Language, Torture/Physical Assault, Sexual Assault, Cheating, Graphic Death, Dangerous Situations, Sexism

About the Author

She wrote what I like to read. Clara, the hero of the book, was born while the author looked after her father in his last years. Clara was her alter-ego as she leapt from the author’s imagination into a world away from quiet sickness into adventure, intrigue, and romantic excitement.

The author has always loved reading spy novels and is fascinated by the concepts of disguise, hidden truths, and the role of trust in such worlds. She grew up on a diet of James Bond and The Professionals, all male role models: she says she could have done with Clara around when she was younger!

Unfortunately, she didn’t go into the spy world on leaving university, she went into teaching and then educational management. She has a degree in geography and psychology and a Masters in environment and developmental education. She has taught in Zimbabwe, Canada, and England.

In her spare time, she has written articles for Country Life and Coast on environmental phenomena such as sand dunes, waves, and the life of snakes found in our countryside. She also has a blog site about, the sea – shared! It aims to bring to as many people as possible, the deep soul-thumping drum of the waves and calming moments of reflection to improve mental health and a sense of well-being.

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