The Apothecary’s Poison by Lana Williams

On By TracyIn Tracy's Reviews, Victorian Era (1837-1901), Mystery, Historical Mystery, Top Pick - Highly Recommended, Part of a SeriesLeave a comment

The Apothecary’s Poison (Field & Greystone, #7)The Apothecary’s Poison by Lana Williams

Tracy’s Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: The Field & Greystone Mysteries, #7

Release Date: August 18, 2026

Scotland Yard Inspector Henry Fielding has returned to work after the bombing that nearly took his life in the previous book. He is called to the scene of a suspicious death, it quickly becomes clear that once again the victim has ties to his ladylove, widow Amelia Greystone. The victim, Theodore Crumpe died after taking a dose of “Mr. Tooley’s Special Tonic for Nervous Exhaustion”, his wife administered the dose, but swears she just bought the bottle that morning and claims the apothecary must have done something to the tonic. Henry will have to tread lightly, as the apothecary, Mr. Tooley, is a family friend to Amelia and had just helped her with an article she was writing about the effectiveness of so-called cures that are being sold. Things only get more complicated when Amelia’s own father gets pulled into the investigation.

Amelia Greystone wants nothing more than to aid Henry but knows that her connection to Mr. Tooley would make it hard for Henry to investigate the crime without anyone questioning his findings. Things only get worse when her parents show up unexpectedly, making it impossible for Henry to share too much with her. She understands that he can include her in the investigation, but that doesn’t mean she can’t glean some information on her own.

This was yet another great installment of the Field and Greystone Mysteries! The mystery was so complicated and well done, that I found myself questioning my own thoughts of “whodunit”, and I was impressed with the ending and annoyed with myself for not figuring it out sooner! I also enjoyed the gentle progression of Henry and Amelia’s relationship and fell a little in love with Henry myself. Overall, I just loved this book and think it might actually be my favorite in the series (so far) and I am looking forward to the next installment. This is the seventh book in the series, and it could easily be read as a standalone title, but I would recommend reading the series in order for the best reader experience.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

 

Murder In Blackfriars by Jennifer Ashley

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Historical Mystery, Part of a Series, Victorian Era (1837-1901)Leave a comment

Murder in Blackfriars (Below Stairs Mystery #9)

Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Below Stairs Mystery #9
Publication Date: 08/11/26
Period: Victorian London
Number of Pages: 320

I started reading this book thinking it was the last in the series and was very disappointed because it didn’t wrap up a lot of things. Yes, we finally learned Daniel’s origins, but nothing else was resolved. Then, to my great delight, I learned that while this is the last book in the series from this publisher, the author will continue the series by self-publishing. GREAT NEWS! All the changes we see in this book – and those left unfinished – will make for wonderful new stories in the future.

The story opens with a murder that quickly draws us into the dark and fascinating world of Blackfriars. What initially appears to be a straightforward murder investigation becomes much more complicated as secrets begin to surface and the investigation takes our characters into the lives, relationships, and hidden motives of those around them. Jennifer Ashley does an excellent job of giving us a mystery that keeps unfolding while also allowing us to become invested in the people trying to solve it.

I really enjoyed the historical setting in this one. Ashley creates such a vivid sense of time and place, and the atmosphere adds so much to the story. Blackfriars becomes almost a character itself—dark, crowded, mysterious, and full of possibilities for both secrets and danger. I could easily picture the streets and buildings and felt completely drawn into the world she created.

But, as usual, it was the characters who really made the book for me. I particularly enjoyed watching the relationships develop throughout the story. We aren’t simply given characters who are there to solve a murder; we get to see their personalities, their strengths and weaknesses, and the ways their experiences affect how they deal with one another.

And the mystery kept me guessing. There are plenty of clues, red herrings, twists, and revelations, and Ashley does a wonderful job of keeping the answers just out of reach. Every time I thought I had things figured out, another piece of the puzzle appeared and made me reconsider what I thought I knew. The pacing worked particularly well for me because the story never seemed to drag, but it also gave enough time for the characters and relationships to develop.

This is exactly the kind of historical mystery I enjoy—a compelling murder investigation, a fascinating historical setting, characters I become invested in, and enough twists and turns to keep me turning the pages.

Jennifer Ashley has given me another book that was difficult to put down, and Murder in Blackfriars is definitely a 5-star read for me!

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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