My thoughs on Jasper by Tony Riches

 Jasper

By Tony Riches

What would you sacrifice for loyalty?

1461: King Edward of York has taken the country by force.

Jasper Tudor, Earl of Pembroke, flees to Brittany with his nephew, Henry Tudor.

But dare they risk a reckless invasion of England?

Travel back in time to fifteenth century England, Wales, Scotland, France and Brittany – and discover how they change British history – and become...

The Tudors.

The second book in the international best-selling Tudor trilogy is based on actual events of courage, adventure, and belief in the destiny of the Tudor dynasty.

Amazon

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cover Art: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

In Jasper, Tony Riches shifts his focus from Owen Tudor to Owen’s son, Sir Jasper Tudor, Earl of Pembroke. The novel is set around 1461, during the tumultuous early years of the Wars of the Roses, when Edward IV of York seizes power. 

 Jasper must navigate dangerous political waters, and after his army is routed at Mortimer’s Cross, he makes the bold decision to flee. 

Riches brings Jasper’s character vividly to life: he is loyal, resourceful, and deeply committed to the Lancastrian cause. His relationship with his young nephew, Henry Tudor, is particularly touching — Jasper becomes a protector and mentor, laying the groundwork for the future Tudor dynasty. 

 The author’s research is clear, and his personal connection to the historical setting (he lives near Pembroke Castle) adds authenticity to the story. 

The pacing is strong, with a good mix of military drama, political intrigue, and emotional moments. Critics and readers alike highlight Riches’s ability to juggle complex historical events without losing the personal stories at the heart of the novel. 

 That said, if you’re not already familiar with the 15th-century history, the many names and shifting allegiances might feel a little overwhelming.

 

My thoughts on Owen by Tony Riches

Owen

By Tony Riches

Can a servant marry a queen?

1422: Owen Tudor, a Welsh servant, falls in love with the Queen of England.

The beautiful Catherine of Valois, widow of the warrior king, Henry V, is lonely.... and her son, the future King Henry VI, shows signs of the family madness.

As the country simmers on the brink of civil war, will Owen risk everything to protect her?

Discover how they change British history – and establish a dynasty...

The Tudors.

Amazon

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cover Art: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tony Riches brings to life the largely overlooked but pivotal figure of Owen Tudor, painting him not as a footnote in history, but as a compelling, complex man. Set in 1422, Owen begins his journey as a Welsh servant in the household of the dowager Queen Catherine of Valois. His position may seem modest, but Riches gives him depth — he’s loyal, ambitious, and haunted by both his heritage and the violent times he lives in. 

What truly elevates Owen is the emotional and political tension that underpins his secret romance with Catherine. Their love story is rendered with sincerity and restraint, built on mutual respect rather than mere passion. 

 Riches also delves into the broader historical backdrop — the looming Wars of the Roses, power struggles, and Tudor lineage — giving weight to Owen’s actions and legacy. 

Riches writes in the first person, present tense, which gives the narrative a very immediate, intimate feel. 

 That choice means readers get a strong sense of Owen’s internal life: his hopes, fears, and conflicts. Several reviewers praised this for making Owen feel real, though some found the present-tense narration jarring. 

In terms of historical fiction, Owen strikes a good balance between fact and fiction. The book is well-researched (even though historical records about Owen Tudor are scarce) and Riches weaves in fictional characters and events with skill. 

 The result is epic: a story that is both a romance and a political drama, and one that honors Owen’s role in founding the Tudor dynasty.

My thoughs on Gone in Seconds by M A Comley

 Gone in Seconds

By M A Comley

This is the first book in a spin-off series to the highly successful JUSTICE series from M A Comley, NY Times and USA Today bestselling author who has sold over four million copies worldwide to date.

Money rules...but to what extent?

DI Katy Foster knew she had big shoes to fill when her long-time partner DI Lorne Warner retired. Now she has a new partner, DC Charlie Simpkins, Lorne's daughter, and their first case together leaves them baffled.

A series of murders, and the deaths of two police officers leads to a dangerous investigation that makes no sense. One thing is certain-many more lives will be at risk unless Katy and her team can conquer the evil lurking within the city.

Amazon

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cover Art: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

In Gone in Seconds, M.A. Comley launches a gripping spin-off of her popular Justice series, centering on DI Katy Foster, who steps into the lead role after her long-time partner (DI Lorne Warner) retires. 

 She’s joined by DC Charlie Simpkins, Lorne’s daughter, which creates an interesting dynamic — part legacy, part fresh start. 

The core conflict is intense and disturbing: a series of brutal murders, including the deaths of two police officers, sets Katy and Charlie on a dangerous investigation. 

 As the body count rises, the pair must navigate not only the procedural challenges but also the darker, more insidious forces lurking in their city. 

What makes this book stand out is Comley’s strong character work. Katy is no longer just “the partner”; she’s a leader with her own strengths, insecurities, and moral code. 

 Charlie, meanwhile, is proving herself in a legacy she didn’t sign up for — and that tension feels very real. 

 The pacing is good: there’s a real sense of a race against time, and Comley balances the procedural elements with emotional stakes effectively. 

On the downside, with multiple murders right from the start, the plot can feel quite heavy — but that’s part of the point: the threat is serious, and Comley doesn’t shy away from evil. Some readers might find parts of the mystery a bit dense, especially if they’re new to Comley’s style or the world she’s built.