Category: Historical Mystery

Dark Tidings on the Thames by Deb Marlowe

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

Dark Tidings on the Thames (The Kier and Levett Mystery #7)Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: The Kier and Levett Mystery #7
Publication Date: 10/16/25
Period: Victorian London
Number of Pages: 244

This series just keeps getting better and better. The first book is still my favorite, but this one is a very close second. Kara and Niall, now the Duke and Duchess of Sedwick, have come so far in their personal relationship, all while gathering a wonderful array of chosen family and friends. I always love seeing those relationships grow and change while also enjoying an intriguing and engaging mystery. In this installment, you’re left guessing the villain’s identity well into the story—the only thing you know for sure is who the villain is not. 😊

Kara, Niall, Harold, Turner, and Gyda are spending time in Scotland to help Gyda heal from the loss of Lord Charles. However, the letters from their young friend Beth grow more and more troubling with each new missive. When a truly dire letter arrives, the group decides to return to London to offer whatever aid they can. Unfortunately, when they arrive at the Waif’s Wardrobe—a charitable society—they discover that the murder of Beth’s friend has already taken place, and the Metropolitan Police have already decided who committed the crime. The evidence certainly makes the man appear guilty, but Kara and Niall believe him when he proclaims his innocence.

The criminal in this story is sly, wily, and very skilled at covering his tracks, giving our friends a particularly arduous task as they work to bring him to justice. Not only must they conduct a thorough investigation, but they also have to avoid Inspector Everett Frye, who thoroughly dislikes Niall. As their inquiry uncovers more and more clues, they cannot share them with Frye—he has already decided who is guilty and would simply ignore anything that contradicts his view. Instead, they enlist Inspector Wooten to act as an intermediary. Fortunately, Inspector Wooten is up to the task and even assists in the investigation where he can.

This villain is especially vile, seeing no wrong in exacting his version of “justice” on those he deems deserving—who, unfortunately, are usually young women.

I particularly enjoyed this story, especially its tantalizing ending. I cannot wait for the next book to see where these characters go. I’ve especially loved the books since Kara and Niall married, and I hope there are many more to come. I hope you’ll give this author, this series, and this book a try—they are all excellent. Happy reading!

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Revenge, Served Royal by Celeste Connally

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Contemporary in Period Dress, Georgian Era (1714-1837), Historical Mystery, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820)Leave a comment

Revenge, Served Royal (Lady Petra Inquires, #3)Barbara’s rating: 3 out of 5 Stars
Series: Lady Petra Inquiries #3
Publication Date: 11/11/25
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: 328

This series has mostly fallen into the “meh” category for me. I didn’t hate the books, but I also didn’t love them. Unfortunately, this third installment is my least favorite so far. The pacing felt slow throughout, with very little suspense and far less involvement from the supporting characters I’ve grown to enjoy. Even Duncan is absent for long stretches. The tone still feels much too modern for my taste, though I will say I’ve warmed up a bit to Lady Petra.

The premise—a blend of Murder, She Wrote and The Great British Bake Off—sounded like it would be a lot of fun, but it didn’t quite live up to my hopes.

Lady Petra is summoned to attend a week-long anniversary celebration for Queen Charlotte and King George. Her cook is participating in the royal bake-off, and Petra has been invited to serve as one of the judges. Since the judging is blind, there’s no conflict of interest there. Petra is excited for her cook and also eager to reconnect with her father’s former chef, now retired and writing cookery books—at least until he turns up murdered.

Petra has no intention of investigating until the victim’s valet is accused—and until she discovers the man’s true identity. Solving the crime proves difficult. Although Duncan oversees security for the Queen and Royal Family, he has no authority within the Royal Palace. That falls to someone else, someone very determined to see the valet hang. Petra and Duncan are convinced of the man’s innocence, but proving it won’t be easy.

Overall, this was a smooth but very slow read with little excitement. There is, however, plenty of detail about the bake-off, the dishes, and the judging process. As I mentioned earlier, the book still feels far too modern—so modern that I sometimes wondered why it wasn’t simply written as a contemporary story. Petra and Duncan are openly sharing a bed, and while everyone seems aware of it, nobody cares—even though she’s an unmarried earl’s daughter. Petra has declared she’ll never marry, and Duncan seems content with that. There are also hints at upcoming relationship developments for two supporting characters—one I liked, the other I didn’t. If I do pick up the fourth book, I assume I’ll see where those threads are headed.

I wouldn’t reread this one, but I am mildly curious to see how things unfold for Lottie and Caroline. At this moment, I’m not inclined to read the next book, though that could change once I see the blurb. If you enjoy a slower, steadier pace in your mysteries, this one might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Happy reading!

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

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