There has been so much on my mind lately – thoughts tumbling and turning over one another, emotions and experiences lending a layer to the fog. I want to tell you all about it, but at the same time it all seems too much. So I read. And I will share with you my thoughts on a much simpler subject.

If you follow me on Instagram you may have seen my story the other day on how wonderfully generous NetGalley is and how terribly behind I a in getting through my to-be-read pile of galleys and ARCs. So many books, so little time.

One of the series I’ve been fortunate enough to have read recently is the True Colors: Historical Stories of American Crime series, written by various authors, published by Barbour Publishing Inc.

Each title is a standalone focusing on true crimes throughout history, but presented in a neatly wrapped bundle of fiction. The latest title, published August 1, is The Yellow Lantern written by Angie Dicken.

This novel covers the dark side of medical research and the history of labour opportunities afforded to women, and the lack of options available to women. We are introduced to grave robbers, mill work, blackmail, murder, and more.

To balance the darkness of the crime aspects, we also have secrets unraveling left, right, and center… plus watching our protagonists fall in love.

Everything you could want… I guess. I wish there had been a bit more historical fact. I wish the protagonists were a little more developed (at times they felt a little banal.) The gruesome side of this tale and the secondary mystery held my attention more than the actual main storyline. I will say, however, that the author opened the book with a remarkably intense scene that set a tense background to the whole of the book.

Overall, a quick read that I would recommend for a bit of historical mystery, drama, and danger – a little on the light and perhaps even a tiny bit colourless. Overall, the series as a whole presents decent insight into dark and tragic events that impacted our society today, but this one might not be exciting enough for someone looking for a thrill.

My thanks to Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this complimentary title. All opinions are my own.