The Right Sort of Man by Allison Montclair: Review & Giveaway!

Welcome!  Allison Montclair grew up reading Agatha Christie novels and watching James Bond movies.  As a result, Ms. Montclair became addicted to tales of crime, intrigue and espionage.  She now spends her spare time poking into the nooks, crannies, and corners of history looking for unique mysterious items that she can transform into novels of her own.  The Right Sort of Man is Allison Montclair's debut novel.

The Right Sort of Man by Allison Montclair takes us back to 1946 in London.  Mrs. Gwendolyn Bainbridge and Iris Sparks started The Right Sort Marriage Bureau three months ago.  Gwen is a society lady and widow with a six year old son.  She can tell when someone is lying plus, she is successful at pairing up couples.  Iris or Sparks as she prefers to be called is naturally nosy, intelligent, has a way of fitting in no matter where, and has good connections.  Their business is off to a successful start until their latest client, Miss Matilda “Tillie” La Salle is murdered.  The man they set Tillie up with, Richard “Dickie” Trower is arrested and The Right Sort Marriage Bureau is in the headlines.  This is not the type of publicity they need for their fledgling business.  Gwen and Sparks are positive the police have the wrong man and they set out to prove it. 

The Right Sort of Man is an entertaining historical mystery.  The author captured post-war London with her vivid descriptions of the bombed out areas, rationing and modes of public transportation (tube, tram, and bus).  Numerous items continued to be rationed in England for many years after the war (food, clothes, petrol). I enjoyed Allison Montclair’s writing style with its appealing dialogue and her delightful protagonists.  Iris Sparks is an intelligent woman who did special work for the government during the war (which she cannot talk about).  Sparks has a unique skill set and is well connected.  She thrives on action and has left a string of unhappy beaus in her wake including DS Mike Kinsey.  Sparks does love her typewriter though.  I especially loved Iris Sparks droll wit. Gwen Bainbridge is a widow with a six year old son and a fascination with Ronald Coleman.  Gwen had a hard time after she was notified of her husband’s death.  She needed some medical assistance which her in-laws used to grab guardianship of their only grandchild.  Gwen is now forced to live with the in-laws to be near her son.  Going into business with Iris is her way of obtaining some independence and getting her self-confidence back. When one of their clients is murdered and another accused of the crime, the only way to save their business is to solve the murder themselves.  While Iris has the skills for investigating, it is new to Gwen.  She soon finds herself enjoying new experiences like riding a tram.  I liked the evolution of Gwen’s character.  Salvatore “Sally” Danielli was a pleasing addition.  He is a complex man with hidden depths (he is working on a play too).   There are two mysteries in The Right Sort of Man.  One is more complex and dominates the story while the other drifts along in the background (and is simpler).  I had a good time following the clues and solving both puzzles.  The Right Sort of Man has a great ending.  I am hoping there will be more novels featuring this enterprising duo.  You will find yourself rooting for Gwen and Sparks in the charming The Right Sort of Man. 

Ronald Coleman

The Right Sort of Man will be out on Tuesday, June 4 and can be purchased through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Powell's and Indiebound.  If you would like to win a copy, please follow my blog and leave a comment with your email address (so I know you entered and I can contact you).  It is open to resident of the United States only (sorry) and closes on June 8 at 11: 59 p.m. EST.  Good Luck!  Take the time to visit the other stops on the tour (schedule below).  I will return tomorrow with my review of The Book Supremacy by Kate Carlisle.  I hope you have an enchanting day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader