#SaturdaysAreBookish Book Review | “The Butterfly Conspiracy” (Book One: A Merriweather & Royston Mystery) by Vivian Conroy

Posted Saturday, 14 September, 2019 by jorielov , , , 0 Comments

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After launching this lovely new feature of mine during [Autumn, 2018] it is a pleasure of joy to continue to bring #SaturdaysAreBookish as a compliment focus of my Twitter chat @SatBookChat. If you see the chat icon at the top of my blog (header bar) you can click over to visit with us. The complimentary showcases on my blog will reflect the diversity of stories, authors and publishers I would be featuring on the chat itself. As at the root and heart of the chat are the stories I am reading which compliment the conversations.

#SaturdaysAreBookish throughout [2019] will be featuring the Romance & Women’s Fiction authors I am discovering to read across genre and point of interest. Every Saturday will feature a different author who writes either Romance or Women’s Fiction – the stories I am reading might simply inspire the topics in the forthcoming chats or they might be directly connected to the current guest author.

I am excited about where new guests and new stories will lay down the foundation of inspiring the topics, the conversations and the bookish recommendations towards promoting Romance & Women’s Fiction. Here’s a lovely New Year full of new authors and their stories to celebrate!

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Acquired Book By: I am quite active on the socially bookish side of the twitterverse (ie. #bookishTwitter); a lot of the writers and readers I enjoy conversing with on a yearly basis were first ‘met’ somewhere in a chat or a serendipitously lovely convo – either organised through a Twitter chat or a randomly engaged convo between them and I. I do not recollect how I first came to find Vivian Conroy or if in fact, she originally found me – I do know I immediately took to liking her Historical Fiction focused Twitter chat: #HistFicChat. Similar to my passion for #HistoricalFix (hosted and founded by Erin Lindsay McCabe – of which, due to her return to writing has been on sabbatical for two years) – this is a chat where Historical readers and writers can happily find each other, interact and chatter their bookish hearts out about the historic past whilst discovering new #mustreads!

She had mentioned to me she had two new stories being published to celebrate the fact she would have her 10th novel published in [2018]. She first mentioned to me about “The Butterfly Conspiracy” and then, “In Peppermint Peril”. I had meant to plan my reviews to be shared on my blog leading into the holiday season of [2018]; however, my health issues grew past what I could overcome and my reading life was dearly affected. I was thankful to share my review of “In Peppermint Peril” prior to re-reading “The Butterfly Conspiracy” at the end of Summer to coincide with featuring Ms Conroy during @SatBookChat wherein the main focus of the chat is this series whilst also talking a bit about her collective works from her Cosy Mysteries to her new Romance novel.

I received a complimentary copy of “The Butterfly Conspiracy” direct from the publisher Crooked Lane Books in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive compensation for my opinions or thoughts shared herein.

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What drew me into wanting to read “The Butterfly Conspiracy”:

I grew up on atmospheric mysteries and novels of suspense as much as I avidly watched films and tv series involving murder and intrigue! Everything from the Miss Marple series by Dame Christie to Murder, She Wrote and Alfred Hitchcock! The latter of whom granted me a deep appreciation for Gothic and Psychological Suspense! I love the pull of this kind of narrative and the grace of dissolving inside a story set in the historical past. The fact the lead character is a Victorian Zoologist reminded me why I loved Dr Julia Ogden (the ME) on Murdoch Mysteries – I love strong female characters in the historic past who are solving crimes!

Quite curiously, I remember vividly soaking inside this novel and writing reflective thoughts on its behalf – I wasn’t blogging my notes though, as I was using a word processing programme instead – and yet, when I went back to transcribe those notes back into my blog to share on this review, guess whose lost the file? I searched for over a month to find them – waiting out my recovery from a Winter virus and the leftover effects of migraines; to no avail. I had to resolve whatever those original reactions were – I could either re-tap into them when I went to re-read those passages or I would have to share wholly new, original takeaways which would start to curate on my review written more than a year after I first began reading The Butterfly Conspiracy.

For the reasons I’ve stated which first encouraged me into wanting to seek out this title – what was quite lovely of the experience of receiving it is having had the proper chance to dig into the heart of the story-line through a series of Twitter chats which sought out to delve into the back-story of how Ms Conroy wrote the novel but also, how she developed the back-histories of her characters, curating how the crime was centered inside the mystery and why she personally has a passion for writing Cosies.

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#SaturdaysAreBookish Book Review | “The Butterfly Conspiracy” (Book One: A Merriweather & Royston Mystery) by Vivian ConroyThe Butterfly Conspiracy
Subtitle: A Merriweather & Royston Mystery
by Vivian Conroy
Source: Direct from Publisher

In late Victorian times, when new inventions cause both excitement and terror, a mysterious death at a zoological lecture brings together two unlikely allies in a quest through London’s upper crust and underbelly to unravel the ingenious murder method and killer behind it.

Miss Merula Merriweather is not like other women her age: instead of hunting for a husband at balls and soirees she spends her time in a conservatory hatching exotic creatures. As the Royal Zoological Society won’t accept a woman’s accomplishments, she has her uncle Rupert take credit for her achievements. But at a zoological lecture, the guest of honor dies after contact with one of Merula’s butterflies, and Merula’s uncle is arrested for murder.

In an attempt to safeguard evidence to prove his innocence, Merula almost gets killed but for the timely interference of enigmatic Lord Raven Royston. Viewing natural history as a last resort to regain respectability lost by too many dubious business investments, Raven didn’t expect his first lecture to take a murderous turn. Feeling partially responsible because he encouraged Merula to release the gigantic butterfly from the glass case in which it was kept, Raven suggests they solve the puzzle of Lady Sophia’s sudden death together by looking closer at her relations with estranged friends, long suffering staff and the man groomed to be her heir, so close to her money and yet unable to touch any of it.

With the police looking for them, and every new discovery raising more questions than answers, especially about the murder method which left no traces of foul play on the body, Merula will have to risk her own life to get at the truth and save her uncle from the gallows in The Butterfly Conspiracy, Vivian Conroy’s enchanting series debut.

Genres: Amateur Detective, Cosy Historical Mystery, Crime Fiction



Places to find the book:

Borrow from a Public Library

Add to LibraryThing

ISBN: 978-1-68331-765-4

Published by Crooked Lane Books

on 7th August, 2018

Format: Hardcover Edition

Pages: 297

Published By: Crooked Lane Books (@crookedlanebks)

Merriweather & Royston Mysteries:

The Butterfly Conspiracy by Vivian ConroyDeath Comes to Dartmoor by Vivian Conroy

The Butterfly Conspiracy – Book One

Death Comes to Dartmoor – Book Two
← released 13th August, 2019

Available Formats: Hardback and Ebook

Converse via: #Conroy10, #CosyMystery + #Victorian
and #MerriweatherAndRoystonMysteries

About Vivian Conroy

Having spent many afternoons as a teen on the Nile with Poirot or confronting sinister spinsters in sleepy English towns with Miss Marple, it was only natural Vivian Conroy would start writing mysteries of her own.

Atmospheric descriptions, well developed characters and clever plotting made several of her cozy mysteries #1 Amazon US and Canada bestsellers in multiple categories.

Her new Victorian mystery series features a female zoologist, allowing Vivian to share her fascination with natural history, a field where in the Victorian age costly deceit, questionable experiments and extraordinary theories offer great inspiration for a mystery writer’s fertile imagination.

Besides writing, Vivian enjoys hiking, collecting stationery and trying new desserts, especially if chocolate is involved.

Due note: She is also the hostess of a wicked brilliant Twitter chat: #HistFicChat which arrives in the twitterverse every Thursday at 3p NYC (EST) and 8p UK. This is the best way to interact with fellow Historical Fiction readers and writers outside of Jorie's other beloved #HistFic quarterly chat: #HistoricalFix!

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on why the Merriweather & Royston Mysteries befit showcasing during #saturdaysarebookish:

When it comes to showcasing Historical Mysteries, especially Cosy Historical Mysteries such as The Butterfly Conspiracy – I am most keen on reading and finding serials which are featuring strong-willed women in the title role of investigator and/or amateur sleuth as these are my favourites to be reading and/or listening to on audiobook. Merula is a classic fit for this category of Cosy but also, for the Historical side of Women’s Fiction as she was a woman living a non-conventional life not subjective to the rules of her society and striving to reach past the expectations others had for her therein. It came with difficulties and key issues she would need to overcome if not outright circumvent whilst it would be a concern that she couldn’t overcome all the obstacles in time to make a difference.

Merula has a certain level of tenacity inside her to where she doesn’t let others influence her and she has a strong enough will of spirit to believe in herself even if others fail to support her – all of which I felt befits #SaturdaysAreBookish as her story and series celebrates everything I seek out in a series about a woman who re-sets the standards of her era and refuses to conform as she continues to find ways to live her life on the terms she sets instead.

my review of the butterfly conspiracy:

As we first enter into Merula’s life, we find the unsettling news about her origins of birth and the ways in which this foundation she had with family being as fractured and unknown to her as it had become left an impressionable mark on her as an adult. It created this curiosity about whom she truly was for ancestral reasons but also, without knowing a portion of her origins (in the truest sense of enquiry) she was left with a mind full of questioning thoughts and an unease about whom she could have inherited bits of her person. In essence, she wasn’t given the assurances of how she entered into this world nor of how she came to live where she had whilst growing up – it was very much matter of fact and felt a bit short on the details as if those were not as important as her life became in the ‘here and now’.

Merula’s keen scientific mind and her curiosity about the species she loves to study is clearly apparent in how much felicity of presence she has describing the butterfly which had become her latest discovery and greatest showcase of pride. It was a special night for her as she was oft to the Royal Zoological Society which is previously known for stuffy gents and closed minds. This was her moment to shine and present a species that so few knew of and thereby establish a precedent.

The contrast you observe between Merula and her guardian’s daughter (their cousins) Julia is quite high – Julia has lived a life of privilege without any sense of grounding and humility. Merula on the other hand knows how blessed she had become to be taken in by the family, if only to save her from a life of hardship she saw in other children who were not as fortunate. It is her giving spirit you applaud as she doesn’t take her luxuries for granted but rather would like to share in what she has to those who are less fortunate and struggling. An admirable quality others should feel encouraged to follow as it is how communities are strengthened; but the care and concern of those who have extra to give to help those who need a bit of assistance when life turns adverse.

Merula’s Uncle Rupert is quite the remarkable man if you consider how willing he was to give Merula the things she needed in order to pursue her passion in zoological science. He was her benefactor yes, but he was also her biggest champion and cheerleader. He wanted her to do what gave her joy and to pursue her scientific research in the age of the Victorians who still hadn’t caught on to the fact women were a viable addition to the scientific community. It is almost too hard to imagine how cloistered women were in past centuries from pursuing certain fields – without the forethought of women who preceded them to step outside the confines of their stations, I doubt we’d have as much forward motion in the world of Science today for women. Merula is one of those kinds of women who doesn’t see limitations in front of her – instead, she seems possibilities and a woman can thrive on those to an infinite level of ingenuity.

With the dearest of concerns to Atlas, Merula bundles her butterfly in the most delicately beautiful way to showcase the creature’s colourful personality but also adheres to their sense of environment. She has such a purity of intent within her heart – nothing foul touches her conscience as that is the folly of her Aunt Emma! Always conceiving of tragedy and the most uniquely ill-ought situations which could befall a person!

When Merula first encounters Royston, you can tell the two are not on even ground as of yet – with rumours abounding through everything her Uncle is disclosing to her ahead of interacting with the man, you had an insider’s bit of gossip to consider about Raven Royston; sadly, not the good kind of gossip either! It was the kind of suspicions which could curtail a person’s reputation and make it near impossible for them to rise above the ashes of a life they once had lived in a respectable position. The air round him was tainted by poor judgements in business yet his earnest interest in Science could not be disputed which might have proven to be his one saving grace.

It was here at the Society where everyone had a keen passion for zoology and the preservation of specimens they’ve discovered or were able to find in the world, where Merula gets a taste for how harsh the climate is for the discoverer inasmuch as the persecution placed against you when something goes wrong. For me, the most startling part of this sequence is how I, like Merula was captured by the delicate beauty of Atlas – how the butterfly had a gracefulness about itself, curiously aware of its environment and the museful way it interacted within its allotted space. For her and I, we saw the joy of having an individually unique species to showcase but for others, whose anxiety and fears for what they did not understand were too readily accessible to understand Atlas.

Rather cleverly, the first person to come to Merula and her Uncle’s defence is Royston – he isn’t the person I believe they felt would rise to the occasion but sometimes, in emergencies the people who come to your aide have a way of surprising you! Royston is also a strong sounding board for Merula – giving her ample time to turn round the events which caused the suspicion to be placed on her Uncle, allowing her to dissect how others would perceive those events and give her a bit of a warning on how best to proceed forward. In essence, time was wicking off the clock against them and they hadn’t even had a chance to secure a plan which would in theory help prove the innocence of Atlas and her Uncle.

Bowsprit is the kind of fellow you’d want as your butler; full of confidence and knows how to keep secrets to himself if requested of his service. He was a small light in their night of flight to find someone who could help them, as Conroy quickly moves us into the harrowing chase to find the truth before Royston and Merula can be found. Being the Victorian era, they had a few hurdles to overcome moreso than you would during modern times – such as more police readily about walking their beats, gaslights illuminating the streets and people tucked into corners of darkness who may not have benign intentions. They also had the hysteria to contend with by their peers and that in of itself was the great foe in aftermath which left them on the run.

This fellow Galileo whose Royston’s friend and of whom Bowsprit (his valet) loves to help with his experiments is quite the curious person. He has his own interior lab, a showcase room for the animals (and insects) he collects to observe and study; whilst the lab he uses itself is a eclectic collection of its own. You have to give the man credit – he was attempting to forewarn Merula about moving forward to seek information which could improve the fate of her Uncle but at the same time, he was also encouraging her that just because you live a life which makes you stand out from society doesn’t entirely make it wrong. It just makes you different due to other people’s perceptions – this was a thread of thought I loved seeing in The Butterfly Conspiracy as it cross-applies to anyone who feels like they do not necessary blend in but rather have a uniqueness about them which has them stand out a bit from their peers.

As we take up the search for clues alongside Merula and Royston, we get to travel a bit from being in the city to the country. As the clues start to point towards a larger conspiracy than the butterfly, you start to question as they do – what could be going on without notice to others? As there seems to be a bit of a shocking mystery behind the Zoological Society’s purposeful intent in securing specimens for research, study and showcasing. Curiously – on that note, the more Merula and Royston try to uncover a reason behind what happened, the more they realise they don’t have enough information to understand any of it as each new lead draws more suspicion rather than clarity.

I rather enjoyed the intrigue surrounding the upstairs/downstairs staff – as it percolated a lot of different avenues this Cosy Mystery could take whilst it endeavoured to give us a firmer understanding about the world in which Conroy was building for us to take up residence. Bowsprit remained my favourite valet in quite a long while as he had a keen sense of awareness about him which aided Merula and Royston rather well! I found his instincts matched theirs quite well and he was able to get people to be willing to speak to the others which was an ace up his sleeve. Meanwhile, as Merula and Royston started to work together, you had a different perception about Royston. He wasn’t the kind of bloke you first felt he might be but rather a humbled man who simply wanted to do what was right, even if it meant helping overturn a few wrongs along the way.

The most chilling aspect of this Cosy is the unknown villain – Conroy does a good game at giving us just enough of a chill as we trace the clues and seek the knowledge necessary to understand whose behind this whole affair. Yet, in the process, we also feel as vulnerable as Merula and Royston – as their own footsteps are leading them towards the truth as much as it is lending them a reason to fear their adversary at the same time. The small nuanced details woven into this Cosy which pointedly point towards a pursuit of a person unknown and the curious ways the mind can add trickery to the anxieties of uncertainty are part of what was making it a thrilling read.

I truly felt for Royston when Conroy allowed him the space he needed to reveall a portion of his past to Merula – a past which isn’t easy to understand nor to explain. He has gone through insufferable loss without the benefit of understanding to which led to years of questioning his own sanity and the ways in which he could occupy his hours. The tumultuous torture that must have been for him to endure is unthinkable. It is one of the more compelling back-stories for a lead character but also, because of his vulnerable state, it also allowed us to see a distinctive parallel between his life and Merula’s.

This is a delish of a Cosy! Once we pick up the trace of evidence after having left Royston’s ancestal home – we begin to dig deeper into the conspiracy itself and therein, the undermining efforts by a few who sought to disfavour those they were most grievously against. My favourite bits in the last quarter of the novel were peering into the budding relationship between Merula and Royston, as similar to Lady Darby and Gage (ie. the Lady Darby Mysteries) – their connection was being built on mutual respect, earnest inquisitive natures and the fact they both had an instinct about them for sleuthing.

Conroy goes into a lot of lovely details about the cause and effect of how Lady Sophia might have died, could have died and ultimately did pass on due to interference by someone who understood such devious ways of causing premature death. The most interesting bits of course is the science behind it all – how once they sorted out the clue towards what weapon was used it was more of a matter of understanding how it could have been contorted into a new purpose and thus wielding Lady Sophia’s fate. In this, I found the discovery period, the explanations and the science behind how Conroy crafted this Cosy Mystery to be a delight for those who love seeing how research can ground the resolutions behind the mysteries they love to be reading.

I am most eager to take up chase again alongside Merula, Royston, Bowsprit and even dearly loved Lamb (ie. Anne) – as they are the motley crew (with assistance by Galileo, of course!) who give a healthy dimension of interest in the world behind the Merriweather and Royston Mysteries!

on the cosy historical mystery styling of vivian conroy:

From the first moment I stepped into Conroy’s world – I knew I wanted to take up residence beside Merula, as she was such an independent spirit. Conroy took especial concern to give her world the small nuanced touches of a true scientist – meaning, there are tucked in details you wouldn’t necessarily think of needing to be inclusive to the background of Merula’s sanctuary but they are readily visible all the same. Such as the care and concern Conroy wrote into how Merula included a fail-safe for her butterflies – where they cannot exit their environment by accident and how carefully Merula tends to her charges; she truly considers their health, their well-being and their sense of self before she takes any action with them. This reflects such a kindness of both humanity and of singular focus in knitting together the character of Merula – on Conroy’s behalf I was dearly thankful she took extra time to instill these attributes and depictions because they helped illuminate Merula’s life through a lens which magnifies her truest passion(s).

I, also, personally love science-bent narratives – especially in fictional formats as they give a bridge gap into the Sciences for those who might be a bit more trepiderious about picking up a Non-Fiction work within a Science they are keenly intrigued by – as reading about a field of interest in fiction opens a door which might have remained closed. This is an added benefit I felt to this series as it clearly hones in on Merula’s love of Science but also what is required as someone who is working in a field which doesn’t readily accept her membership.

I was not fully prepared for the emotions I would feel as I read Merula’s story for the first time – especially in regards to what happens to Atlas. When you have such a strong connection to animals and wildlife as we do, it is hard to separate your emotions from your rational mind and in this, I felt Conroy did a great job of showing how difficult it is to push through prejudice and ignorance when it comes to the natural world. Especially as there are moments where there are losses in the fray towards trying to get people to open their eyes to the truth of what they do not yet understand.

On the other hand – Conroy wrote such a compelling back-story for Royston – you cannot help but feel for his situation, the circumstances he has had to endure and the emotional strain all of it has placed on his own soul. The most convicting bit of it, of course, is how unnerving it was to recognise that he had his own unsolved mystery so close to home.

What I loved most about her style of telling this Cosy Historical Mystery is how she remained authentic inside the elements we love most in reading Cosies. The amateur sleuths here have more empowered to solve the cases than the officials whilst those who think they can outwit everyone find they have a strong team who expertly work together to solve the crime behind the mystery. Overall, if you love soaking into Cosy which has historical aesthetics and elements of the Victorian age – this is definitely one you’re going to find you will enjoy reading!

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The book review is courtesy of the author:

The Butterfly Conspiracy by Vivian ConroyDeath Comes to Dartmoor by Vivian Conroy

Vivian Conroy & her publisher Crooked Lane Books

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Synopsis for “Death Come to Dartmoor”:

Miss Merula Merriweather barely saved her uncle from the gallows after he was wrongly accused of murder – and now, she’s left the bustle of Victorian London to recuperate in the fresh air of Dartmoor with her fellow zoologist, Lord Raven Royston. The trip offers a unique treat, as they’ll be staying with a monster of myth and legend.

But all is not right in the land of tors, healths, and mist. Their host’s maid has vanished without a trace, and the townespeople hold him responsible, claiming that his specimens are alive and roam the moors at night, bringing death to anyone who crosses their path. Merula and Raven are skeptical – but the accusations become more ominous when they find several specimen jars empty.

As the two hunt for clues across a desolate and beautiful landscape, a stranger appears bearing a shadowy secret from Merula’s past. Could there be a connection between her family history, the missing girl, and a fearsome monster that could be on the loose? The race is on to find the truth.

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A final thought or two,…

I, for one, am completely entranced by this lovely Cosy Historical Mystery series and am quite eager to gather a copy of “Death Comes to Dartmoor” as I can wait to continue reading where the story picks up next – these are the cosy comforting Cosies you love to curl up inside because even though there is drama & circumstances which need resolving – there is a lift of joy to be reading these kinds of Mysteries.

I grew up reading Cosies and I daresay, I shall always find them cosy comforting and a cherished part of my readerly life. I am dearly grateful I had the chance to read this lovely debut and “In Peppermint Peril”.

I am continuing my readings of Ms Conroy’s series with the sequel to “In Peppermint Peril” which is “Sweet Tea and Secrets” – as my local library happily purchased a copy before I could submit my purchase request. It is always an unexpected surprise when a fellow patron puts in a request before you can yourself – thereby giving both of you a chance to read a story by an author you enjoy reading.

I am unsure when I can read “Death Comes to Dartmoor” – but I will say this, the series has truly left a happy imprint on my bookish heart.

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Reading this story counted towards a few of my 2019 reading goals:

2019 HistFic Reading Challenge banner created by Jorie in Canva.

Beat the Backlist banner created by Austine at A Novel Knight and is used with permission.

2019 Backlogue Reviews banner created by Jorie in Canva.

Last year, despite my earnest attempts to read the stories as they alighted in my life for review consideration and contemplation, the fact I had 10 out of 12 difficult months of health afflictions (including my continuing battle with chronic migraines) – I lost the ability to focus on a lot of the books I was receiving. I am thankful I am in a better place right now this year to where I can begin ‘anew’ and re-settle into the stories and works of Non-Fiction I first attempted to read previously – including those which released a year or two prior whilst I was helping my Dad recover from his stroke in late 2016. This New Year is a year where I can reclaim my readerly life and get back into the books I yearn to read, ruminate over and savour.

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 I look forward to reading your thoughts & commentary!
Especially if you read the book or were thinking you might be inclined to read it. I appreciate hearing different points of view especially amongst readers who gravitate towards the same stories to read. Bookish conversations are always welcome!

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If you are available to chat with us during #SatBookChat – you’re most welcome to join us – pop in & out as time allows. IF you miss the chat itself – there is plenty of time to enjoy the convo – as afterwards I’ll be compiling the convo into a ‘Moment’ to serve as a transcript. You can easily read through the conversation, share the tweets you enjoyed and/or add new replies whilst using our tag #SatBookChat!

#SatBookChat banner promoting Vivan Conroy chat made by Jorie in Canva

Share the tweet s/o for the *two!* chat transcripts for #SatBookChat

You can easily follow the convo we shared today about the collective works of Vivian Conroy by clicking over to @SatBookChat – viewing either the *thread of Moments and selecting either Part I or Part II of today’s chat – or if it is still pinned, you can click through to the transcripts you want to read whilst the tweet itself is pinned. Afterwards, the link I’ve shared here will get you there.

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{SOURCES: Book covers for “The Butterfly Conspiracy” and ” book synopsis, author biography were all provided by the author Vivian Conroy and used with permission. Post dividers badge by Fun Stuff for Your Blog via Pure Imagination. Tweets were embedded due to codes provided by Twitter. Blog graphics created by Jorie via Canva: Book Review Banner using Unsplash.com (Creative Commons Zero) Photography by Frank McKenna, Historical Fiction Reading Challenge banner and the Comment Box Banner.}

Copyright © Jorie Loves A Story, 2019.

I’m a social reader | I tweet my reading life:

Read an expanded tweet mini-convo about what inspired Vivian Conroy as she wrote this novel

And, continuing a year later – renewing my joy of promoting this series & Ms Conroy’s stories:

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

About jorielov

I am self-educated through local libraries and alternative education opportunities. I am a writer by trade and I cured a ten-year writer’s block by the discovery of Nanowrimo in November 2008. The event changed my life by re-establishing my muse and solidifying my path. Five years later whilst exploring the bookish blogosphere I decided to become a book blogger. I am a champion of wordsmiths who evoke a visceral experience in narrative. I write comprehensive book showcases electing to get into the heart of my reading observations. I dance through genres seeking literary enlightenment and enchantment. Starting in Autumn 2013 I became a blog book tour hostess featuring books and authors. I joined The Classics Club in January 2014 to seek out appreciators of the timeless works of literature whose breadth of scope and voice resonate with us all.

"I write my heart out and own my writing after it has spilt out of the pen." - self quote (Jorie of Jorie Loves A Story)

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Posted Saturday, 14 September, 2019 by jorielov in #SaturdaysAreBookish, 19th Century, Amateur Detective, Animals in Fiction & Non-Fiction, Blog Tour Host, Book Review (non-blog tour), Botany, Cosy Historical Mystery, Crime Fiction, Jorie Loves A Story Features, Lady Detective Fiction, Science, the Victorian era, Zoology




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