Book Blurb:
A woman in search of her father. A soldier in search of a future. A journey through the maelstrom of the Russian Revolution.
Elizabeth Clarke is struggling in a man's world. She must lead the family steel company while her father carries out duties for the US State Department in Russia. When word arrives that he needs assistance moving a mysterious ‘package’ out of Russia, it is up to her to organize the mission.
With an assembled team from her brother's former regiment, Elizabeth finds a leader in the veteran Captain Robert Rainey, a man who has lost his purpose after a long war. They enter a Russia full of danger, and they are unaware of a dark force following them, hoping to be led to the precious ‘package’ that could change the course of history.
Set in a time following the horrors of the Great War, The Locket spins a tale of adventure, comradeship, betrayal and mystery when revolution threatened to spread chaos across the world.
Book Buy Link: https://geni.us/EHA8xX
Author Bio:
B.G. Cousins began his career as an author in 2015. Working as a mining consultant, whose career has taken him to many places around world, he spent many a layover at airports in their book stores, being an avid reader of historical fiction.
He has always had ideas for stories from his vivid imagination. In 2015, during a lull in contract work, he indulged his imagination and produced the novel, “The Locket”, which was published in the Spring of 2016. He prides himself on doing extensive research to make his stories as historically accurate as possible, weaving historical anomalies into rich stories of love, conflict and adventure.
From "The Locket", he began the "Rainey Chronicles", which now includes five books: "The Great Celt" (2017), "Dark Before Light" (2018), "The Tachi" (2020) and his newest edition, "The Quest" in (2022)
B.G. Cousins currently resides in Edmonton, Alberta, with his wife, Carmen, and his ever present bagpipes that he has been playing and travelling with for almost 50 years.
@bgcauthor
Editorial Review:
November 7, 1918 South of Sedan, France He saw color. It still seemed unreal to him. Captain Robert Rainey had become used to the grayness of the front lines after four years of war. That narrow strip of France reachable by artillery from both sides had been pounded into a quagmire. He remembered the ground, the sky, the ruined buildings in the distance, the dead trees, the sandbags, the uniforms, absolutely everything being gray. But that was behind him now. This battlefield had color.
The book's tone is established right away with the first line, which immerses readers in Elizabeth's world and foreshadows the difficulties that lie ahead. The intensity and passion of the opening paragraph capture readers, drawing them in and encouraging them to turn the page and become completely absorbed in the story.
B.G. Cousins's captivating historical fiction novel The Locket captivates readers with its singular blend of romance, adventure, and a meticulously crafted journey through one of the most volatile eras in history.
This drama, which is set in the aftermath of World War I and the Russian Revolution, succeeds in telling a complex tale of responsibility, family loyalty, and surprising relationships during chaos.
Sitting on the veranda, Elizabeth Clarke closed the file on her lap. She glanced across the yard at the ocean. She had always liked the time spent in this house as a child with her brother and father. Returning to Long Island made her think about her father again. She had not heard anything from him in almost two years. She could only assume he was still in Russia, even though Clarke Steel Company no longer had any business there. He had stayed on as a quasi-diplomat at the request of the State Department because of the connections he had made over the previous decade. But soon he stopped sending letters and the State Department wouldn’t tell Elizabeth anything.
Elizabeth Clarke, a strong and resourceful woman who defies social norms by taking over her family's steel company in New York while her brother, Jeremy, is serving on the front lines of the Great War, captivates the reader from the first few pages. When a clandestine diplomat informs Elizabeth that her father is missing in Russia and needs her assistance, her life takes a drastic change. The quest to retrieve him and his enigmatic "package" from a nation steeped in unrest becomes an exciting adventure full of peril, treachery, and revelation.
The book skillfully combines fictitious interest with historical occurrences. The chaos of the Russian Revolution and the political complexities of the era are depicted realistically, creating a rich tapestry for the individuals' hardships and victories. The stakes are high for Elizabeth and her family as well as for the "package" they are supposed to retrieve and its possible historical significance. To keep the reader interested throughout, Cousins expertly strikes a mix between action, tension, and reflective pauses.
The novel's flawless narrative flow and editing make it simple to follow the intricate factual and fictitious details. With scene changes and chapter breaks that keep the plot moving forward, the formatting improves readability. Because of the careful pace, every twist and revelation gets the desired effect without being hurried or drawn out.
Elizabeth Clarke is an inspiring character who is an intriguing protagonist due to her strength, intelligence, and tenacity. Her development throughout the narrative is rewarding and believable. Elizabeth's story demonstrates strength and confidence as she transforms from a lady running her family's business to someone prepared to risk everything in a distant country.
Anton Kolochov sat late at his desk just about every night when he was in Moscow. He spent half of his time with Red troops gathering intelligence, but enjoyed coming back to the peace of his office every now and then. He scanned papers on his desk with a speed and thoroughness that amazed his colleagues. His duties as deputy director of the RU, the revolutionary government’s military intelligence arm, involved the very important aspect of identifying the military enemies of the state. And there were many.
His aide poked his head into the office. “Comrade, I’ve been given some information from the Comintern you might find interesting.”
Kolochov looked up, perturbed by the distraction. “And what information would the Comintern have that could be deemed important?”
Equally well-drawn is Captain Robert Rainey, the tough and accomplished soldier who turns out to be an unexpected ally. The locket, which represents his bond with Elizabeth, gives his personality and their developing romance more nuance. The rich plot of the story is enhanced by the vivid depictions of the supporting cast, which includes Jeremy and the different characters they meet in Russia.
The tale flows naturally, with each character arc and subplot interwoven in a way that makes sense. The reader is fully immersed in the disparate environments and their inherent obstacles because to the seamless transitions between settings, which range from New York to the harsh terrain of Russia.
The novel ends in a satisfying and moving way. The major mission's resolution offers a sense of closure, even though not all the threads are neatly tied up, leaving room for The Rainey Chronicles' next chapter. The characters' physical and emotional sacrifices strike a chord, highlighting the power of their relationships and the price of their decisions.
The Locket is great at fusing a compelling fictional story with historical realism. While the in-depth depiction of the Russian Revolution offers a novel viewpoint on a well-documented historical era, the usage of the locket as a literal and metaphorical link between characters adds a distinctive element to the narrative. The novel's attractiveness is increased by the addition of Captain Rainey's historic sword, which lends a hint of mystery and fascination.
The characters' emotional complexity and the harsh realities of their environment are captured in Cousins' writing, which is both accurate and evocative. Without coming across as stilted, the conversation is genuine, reflecting the language and social mores of the time. The settings - from the lavish New York to the desolate, war-torn Russian landscapes - are vividly brought to life by descriptive passages.
With a distinct beginning, middle, and end, the story's arc is masterfully written. While the growing risks and difficulties in Russia create tension and suspense, the triggering incident - the news of Elizabeth's father's predicament - drives the characters to action. After an exciting and emotionally packed climax, there comes a denouement that establishes the framework for more adventures.
Fans of historical fiction who value a tale that blends action, romance, and historical nuance should not miss The Locket: The Rainey Chronicles, Book 1. Loveable characters and a potent depiction of a significant historical event are hallmarks of B.G. Cousins' gripping story. The strength of love, family, and perseverance in the face of insurmountable adversity are all demonstrated in this book.
“The Locket” by B. G. Cousins receives five stars and the “Highly Recommended” award of excellence from The Historical Fiction Company
Award:
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