Gunpowder Tea by Margaret Brownley

Gunpowder Tea by Margaret Brownley. Thomas Nelson, 2013. 327p. (9781595549723) Series: The Brides of Last Chance Ranch, #3

I featured this book on a Waiting for Wednesday post. The cover is what caught my eye first. How many ladies pour tea while holding a revolver behind their back?  This is the third book in a series and I haven’t read the first two, though they are on my TBR list. I didn’t have any trouble reading this as a standalone book.

Goodreads Summary:

In a case that could change her career, Miranda uncovers a love that will change her life.

When Miranda Hunt sees the classified ad for an heiress to the legendary Last Chance Ranch, she knows assuming the identity of Annie Beckman is the perfect cover. As one of the finest agents for the Pinkerton Detective Agency, Miranda has been tasked with apprehending the Phantom – an elusive and notorious train robber thought to be hiding on the sprawling ranch.

But she isn’t the only one there with something to hide. Wells Fargo detective Jeremy Taggert is working the scene undercover as well. And although their true identities are a secret, it is impossible for Jeremy and Miranda to hide the spark that flares between them.

But neither is about to let romance interfere with such a huge case. Besides, Miranda hasn’t removed Jeremy from her list of suspects yet. The closer they come to uncovering the identity of the Phantom, the more dangerous he gets – and no one on the ranch is safe.

But neither are their hearts – the longer Miranda and Jeremy spends working together, the harder it becomes to keep their feelings in check. Their careers – and their lives – depend on solving this case. Love will have to wait.

My Review:

I enjoyed this story but as evidence by the fact that I finished the book probably a month ago and am just now getting around to writing the review, I didn’t completely love it. Problem is I don’t know why.

The plot moved along at a good pace and certainly started off exciting. A dead person gets shot during his memorial service. The excitement continues with a train robbery and a very feisty old lady. Not to mention the mystery that Miranda is trying to solve.

The characters are fun. Especially Miss Walker. I hope she’s in the first two books because I’d love to get to know her better! The interactions between Miranda and Jeremy were very enjoyable and I certainly laughed several times. The few people we got to know in town were also well written. Again, I hope some of them are in the first two books.

The plot is good, the mystery keeps you turning the pages and the characters are fun. As of my writing this the book has a 4.43 star average from 58 ratings on Goodreads so plenty of people have loved this book, but it didn’t quite capture my interest. Though I’ll still read the other books in this series at some point.

If you like western detective stories, especially ones involving female sleuths and the Pinkerton Detective Agency then take a look at this book.

3.5 stars

Go read it! Find it at a library near you; Buy it from Amazon; Buy it from ChristianBooks; Buy it from Barnes and Noble

Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission.

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