About the Book

Book: Murder of Convenience

Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

Genre: Historical Mystery

Release Date: October 15, 2018

May 1942: Geneva Alexander flees Philadelphia and joins the USO to escape the engagement her parents have arranged for her, only to wind up as the number one suspect in her betrothed’s murder investigation. Diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, she must find the real killer before she loses her sight…or is convicted for a crime she didn’t commit.

Set in the early days of America’s entry into WWII and featuring cameo appearances from Hollywood stars, Murder of Convenience is tribute to individuals who served on the home front, especially those who did so in spite of personal difficulties, reminding us that service always comes as a result of sacrifice. Betrayal, blackmail, and a barrage of unanswered questions… Murder of Convenience is the first in Linda Shenton Matchett’s exciting new “Women of Courage” series.

About the Author

Linda Shenton Matchett is an author, speaker, and history geek. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry and has lived in historic places all her life. Linda is a member of ACFW, RWA, and Sisters in Crime. She is a volunteer docent at the Wright Museum of WWII and a trustee for her local public library.

Guest Post from Linda

World War II is my favorite era about which to read and write. What I find most fascinating about the time period are the stories about ordinary people doing extraordinary things, especially women, who until this time, had been provided for and protected.

A woman was typically insulated from difficulties or frightening things, and her husband or father took care of just about everything. When the war took millions of men away, the women had to learn how to take care of themselves in addition to filling the job vacancies.

Yes, there were Rosie the Riveters: women who worked in the factories building weapons, ships, vehicles and all kinds of war materiel, but there were also Land Army girls, many of whom didn’t know how to drive, who learned to operate all kinds of farm equipment so they could bring in crops to feed our nation as well as our Allies. Others donned uniforms to serve in the WACS, WAVES, SPARS, WASPS, Marines, Army Nurse Corp, and Navy Nurse Corp. Millions boosted morale through the USO and Red Cross or served in myriad ways with Civil Defense. Some went overseas to cover the war as journalists. A few even signed on as spies.

The driving force with most of these women was the realization that their country needed them. They put their own needs and desires aside to help win a war they didn’t ask to be part of. And many did it while single-handedly running the household because their husband was somewhere across the globe – ordinary women doing extraordinary things.

My latest release, Murder of Convenience, explores themes of service and sacrifice intertwined with the question of how to respond when God says no. It is my hope that the novel honors the women who lived during WWII in some small way.

There are some great elements to this book that I want to point out. I loved the setting of the story in 1942 and was very intrigued about the USO. I don't think I have read many books that talk about this great organization that helped those serving to keep us safe. To me it was the best part of the book. It highlighted something that has almost been forgotten. The author does a good job of explaining how valuable it was during the war.

Geneva was a good character who deals with Retinitis Pigmentosa which can hamper sight a great deal. I'm glad she didn't use this to stop her from living her life. Her parents were mean, showed very little love towards Geneva and was very domineering over her. I can't believe how low her father stoops to make money and the back lash will last for years to come. 

The story is about the murder of a young man who has been selected by Geneva's father to become her husband. Thurgood is as rotten as they come. The thought of Geneva being around him made me angry. I can't think of one good thing to say about him. The author does a good job of making Thurgood a character everyone wants dead. It didn't surprise me to learn that when Thurgood is found dead, Geneva is the main suspect. 

I liked how Geneva took matters into her own hands and found a place to get away from the hold her parents had on her life. Talk about overbearing parents would be an understatement to describe them. The story does have quite a few people who I considered to be the killer, but I did't figure it out till the end. I liked the faith element in the book and how Geneva must learn to trust again. Overall good story and a lesson in forgiveness and trust.

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

Blog Stops

All-of-a-kind Mom, December 1

Bigreadersite, December 1

Just the Write Escape, December 2

Just Your Average reviews, December 3

Carpe Diem, December 3

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 4

Pause for Tales, December 5

Connie’s HIstory Classroom, December 6

Multifarious, December 7

Have A Wonderful Day, December 8

Bibliophile Reviews, December 8

Blogging With Carol, December 9

Texas Book-aholic, December 10

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 11

The Lit Addict, December 12

Maureen’s Musings, December 13

A Baker’s Perspective, December 13

Janices book reviews, December 14

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away a grand prize of a World War II themed gift basket!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d6d3/murder-of-convenience-celebration-tour-giveaway