Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Lady of Letters #2
Publication Date: 2/20/24
Period: Victorian
Number of Pages: 331

This series features Amelia, Countess of Amesbury, a widow after only two months of marriage. Yes, she knew all along her husband wouldn’t be long in this world because he had a degenerative disease that would take him quickly. She loved him and nursed him night and day for those two months – and then he was gone. Aside from money and a title, he left her with two priceless gifts – his formidable Aunt Tabitha and his lovely, sweet niece, Winifred. However, widowhood and mourning can be very taxing on a young woman’s spirits, so, when her good friend suggested she answer a few ‘advice’ letters his newspaper had received, she took him up on the suggestion. Thus, Amelia, a countess, became the very popular Lady Agony – and that identity must remain a secret! Well, mostly a secret anyway.

Marquis Simon Bainbridge was a great friend to Edgar – and to Amelia – and he is one of the few people who know of her secret identity. Who would have ever thought Simon would require advice from Lady Agony? Yet, here he is – in desperate need. You see, his beloved sister, Marielle, has fallen, hard, for a scoundrel. Not only has she fallen for him, but she is prepared to run away to Gretna Green with him because she knows her family will never approve. Simon knows he has to tread carefully. He has to persuade Marielle her beau, George, is a scoundrel of the first order, yet not tip her over the edge of running away with him. What to do? What to do?

When George’s lifeless body is found in a dirty alley, with a knife protruding from its chest, Simon can breathe a sigh of relief. Or can he? Who murdered George – and why? Will the murderer come after Marielle next? Does she know something she shouldn’t? Could their father have taken matters into his own hands?

Simon and Amelia work tirelessly to find the answers and protect those they love. Yet, the more they learn about George and his underhanded, nefarious schemes, the more suspects they have – including those in their own family.

This fast-paced, well-plotted murder mystery will keep you guessing – because lots of people could want George dead. You’ll see the logic behind each potential suspect and why they could or would have done it – right up until the last Ah! Ha! moment when it all comes together. Murder in Masquerade was a fun, quick read with great main characters and lovely supporting characters. I can hardly wait for the third book in the series to release.