Book Review: In The Mood by M W Arnold

I am so excited to be welcoming M W Arnold back to Novel Kicks. He’s here with the blog tour for his new novel, In the Mood. 

During a hectic couple of weeks in February 1944, the girls of the Air Transport Auxiliary Mystery Club must face devastating personal loss amongst their number. A member of an illegal faction blackmails Betty, whilst a mystery at Mary’s ancestral home threatens to cause more trouble than anyone thought possible.

In the midst of what should be the happiest of times, the portents seem to be catching up and little is what it seems to be.

Can the girls find the strength to battle forces both internal and external, yet still maintain their dignity and friendship?

*****

It’s 1944 and after loosing one of their own, another member of the ATA mystery club finds herself being blackmailed whilst another finds herself in a mystery surrounding her honeymoon. Can these ladies solve the puzzles and keep themselves out of danger?

I was so pleased to be invited onto the blog tour for In The Mood, the latest book in the Broken Wings series as it meant I was reunited once again with the ladies from the ATA.

Four books in and it really feels like I’m catching up with old friends. There is not one of these characters I don’t like but I do have a soft spot for Doris and with what Bobby the dog goes through, I wanted to jump into the book and hurt the villains responsible and I’m not usually a violent person.

This fourth instalment is just as gripping as its three predecessors. Although there were some heartbreaking moments in this book, overall there is such a wonderful feeling of warmth, friendship, love and humour weaved into the heart of this novel. The characters really feel like one big family.

There’s puzzles and mysteries a plenty and enough twists and turns to keep you reading to the point where you look up to realise you’ve read the book in one go. I couldn’t put it down.

Mick has really done his research into the era. The description of Hamble and wartime England in general is done so well, I felt as though I was at RAF Hamble with these strong, brave women. The men in these books are also fantastic.

These novels really make you appreciate what was done on the Homefront – an element I feel is sometimes overlooked when talking about wartime heroes or in this case, heroines.

OK, no more spoilers.

In The Mood can be read as a standalone. However, if you’ve not yet read A Wing and a Prayer, Wild Blue Yonder and I’ll Be Home For Christmas, I recommend you do as you get such a wider picture. Plus it’s more time with these wonderful, likeable characters.

This is billed as book four of four so it looks as though it’s the last one. I REALLY hope that’s not the case and we get to catch up with the ladies of the ATA mystery club once more. Pretty pretty pretty please, Mick. I’ll provide you with the biscuits of your choice!

Many thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources and Netgalley for the advanced review copy in exchange for an honest review.

About M W Arnold: 

Mick is a hopeless romantic who was born in England and spent fifteen years roaming around the world in the pay of HM Queen Elizabeth II in the Royal Air Force before putting down roots and realizing how much he missed the travel. He’s replaced it somewhat with his writing, including reviewing books and supporting fellow saga and romance authors in promoting their novels.

He’s the proud keeper of two Romanian Were Cats bent on world domination, is mad on the music of the Beach Boys, and enjoys the theatre and humoring his Manchester United-supporting wife. Finally, and most importantly, Mick is a full member of the Romantic Novelists Association. In the Mood is the fourth novel in his Broken Wings series and he is very proud to be a part of the Vintage Rose Garden at The Wild Rose Press.

Say hello to Mick via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and You Tube.

In The Mood is the fourth novel in the Broken Wings series and was released by The Wild Rose Press, Inc on 26th September 2002. Click to buy on Amazon UK, and Amazon US. 

by

Laura

I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.