Love Dies Twice by Barbara Wilson is a mystery novel with some lesbian romance and relationships.
Cassandra Reilly is a translator in her late sixties, living with her long-time musician friend Nicky in London. When she attends a lecture on the beguines, laywomen from thirteenth century Belgium, she is again pulled into a mystery and cannot resist becoming involved. The subject of the the lecture formed the fictional series by Stella Terwicker, which was also made into a TV series. Ten years after Stella’s death, problems arise with those involved in the writing and production of the series. A suspicious death of one of the women involved in Stella’s life back in the heyday of the feminist movement compels Cassandra to poke into the mystery. But has she taken on more than she can handle this time? As the suspects mount, she finds herself in more danger than she could have anticipated.
Pros And My Favourite Parts
I loved that the main character and most of the characters are older women. It is rare to find this in fiction of any kind and it is refreshing.
Cons And Heads Up
No Cons
Conclusion
Love Dies Twice is the second book I’ve read in this series and another great story. Cassandra Reilly is in her late sixties and is curious, intelligent and vibrant. She’s an unusual and engaging main character. She has a past in the women’s movement and her memories and experiences of this time add to this story. As she investigates a suspicious death, the feminist groups in London in the 1980s show parallels with the beguines of Belgium in the 13th century. In a group of women there will be love and friendship, but never complete harmony. Jealousies and division were apparent in both eras. I enjoyed finding out about both times, and the author’s research on the historical aspects is impressive and fascinating. After reading this book I wanted to find out more about the beguinages.
The mystery was beautifully plotted and takes the reader on a journey through history and into the repercussions for the present day. I enjoyed how Cassandra travels from place to place, meeting people, making them feel comfortable enough to confide in her. The story slowly opens up, in a wonderfully crafted piece of writing. I wanted to find out the solution, but I also did not want the story to end. I felt immersed in Cassandra’s life and her sleuthing.
Excerpt from Love Dies Twice by Barbara Wilson
In a corner of the sofa, under the warm golden light of a lamp, Gayle was reading a thin booklet that had been tucked into the boxed set. Its cover had a photo of the actor who’d played Beatrys, with a background of the archway into the beguinage of Bruges. Gayle too was in pajamas, flannel, with one of Nicky’s big colorful scarves wrapped around her shoulders, and looked well settled in with a cup of tea and a small glass of whiskey. It seemed a long time since Nicky and I had had a visitor stay overnight. Nicky had always preferred to tryst in seaside hotels with room service. And I preferred to have my affairs with women in other countries.
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Series
Gaudi Afternoon
Trouble in Transylvania
The Death of a much traveled woman
The Case of the Orphaned Bassoonists
Love Dies Twice
Bits and Bobs
ISBN number: 9780988356788
Publisher: Barbara Sjoholm
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