Tag: Victorian Lit

Special Feature: A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Murder by Dianne Freeman

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A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Murder
by Dianne Freeman

Publication Date: July 28, 2020
Kensington Books

Genre: Historical Mystery
Series: A Countess of Harleigh Mystery, Book 3

 

 

In Dianne Freeman’s charming Victorian-era mystery series, Frances Wynn, the American-born Countess of Harleigh, finds her sister’s wedding threatened by a vow of vengeance.

London is known for its bustle and intrigues, but the sedate English countryside can host—or hide—any number of secrets. Frances, the widowed Countess of Harleigh, needs a venue for her sister Lily’s imminent wedding, away from prying eyes. Risings, George Hazleton’s family estate in Hampshire, is a perfect choice, and soon Frances, her beloved George, and other guests have gathered to enjoy the usual country pursuits—shooting, horse riding, and romantic interludes in secluded gardens.

But the bucolic setting harbors a menace, and it’s not simply the arrival of Frances’s socially ambitious mother. Above and below stairs, mysterious accidents befall guests and staff alike. Before long, Frances suspects these “accidents” are deliberate, and fears that the intended victim is Lily’s fiancé, Leo. Frances’s mother is unimpressed by Lily’s groom-to-be and would much prefer that Lily find an aristocratic husband, just as Frances did. But now that Frances has found happiness with George—a man who loves her for much more than her dowry—she heartily approves of Lily’s choice. If she can just keep the couple safe from villains and meddling mamas.

As Frances and George search for the culprit among the assembled family, friends, and servants, more victims fall prey to the mayhem. Mishaps become full-blooded murder, and it seems that no one is safe. And unless Frances can quickly flush out the culprit, the peal of wedding bells may give way to another funeral toll…

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Special Feature: Murder in the East End (Kat Holloway Mysteries #4) by Jennifer Ashley

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I was so fortunate to read the first Kat Holloway mystery a couple of years ago, but I just haven’t kept up on the series, though I am so glad to see that many readers have been enjoying the books!

I really enjoyed the first book but as the motto goes, so many books so little time, so I have gotten behind which is why I opted to do a special feature for this book instead of a review. I didn’t want to miss anything since I really enjoyed the first book and characters.

If you love historical mysteries reminiscent of Downton Abbey, then this is a series you do not want to miss! I can’t wait to catch up with the series and see what all the fun characters are up to and from the sound of it, lots has happened! Continue reading “Special Feature: Murder in the East End (Kat Holloway Mysteries #4) by Jennifer Ashley” →

Review: Fair as a Star by Mimi Matthews

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Mimi Matthews is another author who has been placed firmly on my auto buy/read list! I discovered her by chance and have loved everything she has written! 

When I saw this one was coming out, I was thrilled and looking forward to another delicious Victorian romance full of sweetness, love, and of course chemistry between the two characters.

What I didn’t know until I started reading this one was that it was a novella rather than a full length novel. That said it’s still around the 200 page mark but still shorter than a conventional novel but don’t let the length fool you, there is plenty to enjoy in this one! Continue reading “Review: Fair as a Star by Mimi Matthews” →

Review: Defy or Defend (Delightfully Deadly #2) by Gail Carriger

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If there is one author that I have always had good luck reading—-it’s Gail Carriger. I discovered her Parasol Protectorate series years ago and fell head over heels in love with it.

Since then I have read may of her other spin off novels and series most set in the same world as the Parasol Protectorate series. I adore her spunky and sassy characters that make up her world but I also love that many of her characters are LGBTQ, while others are not.

She isn’t afraid to write bold characters and doesn’t conform to traditional gender roles in her novels which I love. I also know that whenever I pick up one of her books, I am always going to be in for a treat! Continue reading “Review: Defy or Defend (Delightfully Deadly #2) by Gail Carriger” →

Review: The House of Whispers by Laura Purcell

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Laura Purcell is an auto buy author for me. I fell in love with The Silent Companions and after that she secured herself ‘auto buy’ status from me! I love how deliciously gothic and creepy her books are and this one was on my radar months ago!

I love the Gothic troupe of an old crumbling house and a crazy lady in the attic, and this book totally sounded like it would meet all of my expectations. Purcell has a wonderful way of sending chills up readers spines without even trying! To say that I was excited for this one is an understatement!

In the UK this one is also called Bone China and I was kind of sad to see that the US publisher changed the name to The House of Whispers, but in the end I think either title worked well for this book. At any rate, I couldn’t wait to start this one! Continue reading “Review: The House of Whispers by Laura Purcell” →