Category: Victorian Era (1837-1901)

In the history of the United Kingdom, the Victorian era was the period of Queen Victoria’s reign, from 20 June 1837 until her death on 22 January 1901. The era followed the Georgian period and preceded the Edwardian period, and its later half overlaps with the first part of the Belle Époque era of continental Europe.
Preceded by: Regency era
Followed by: Edwardian era
Monarch: Victoria

A Gentleman’s Touch by Mihwa Lee

On By TracyIn New To Me Author, Novella, Part of a Series, Tracy's Reviews, Victorian Era (1837-1901)Leave a comment

A Gentleman's Touch (Madams and Mischief Book 2)A Gentleman’s Touch by Mihwa Lee

Tracy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Madams and Mischief, #2

Release Date: March 31, 2025

When Marshall Craven, Viscount Rochford is summoned to Madame Tansley’s office after a night of debauchery, he never expected his employer to give him an assignment to act as a companion to a young lady, who could not be told of his true occupation, or that he is not being hired for his usual services. The lady in question is a recluse and a suffers from haphephobia. Marshall is being hired to gain her trust and help her overcome her fears. It is an assignment that he at first refuses but is goaded into accepting. He has no idea what to expect but is shocked nonetheless by the young woman he meets. Clearly Adeline Price needs help, but never did Marshall think he would fall in love for the first time in his life and end up having her heal his hidden wounds.

Heiress Adeline Price was orphaned early in life when her beloved parents died of leprosy and left her to care of their solicitor. She was raised by servants and governesses, but the trauma of her parents death left a huge impact on her and caused her fear of touch and as time passed, she got worse and now at twenty three, she hasn’t left her home in nearly ten years. When Marshall shows up, she is at first upset by his presence, but soon she finds herself under his spell and falling in love. Slowly, with his help, she begins to free herself from the fears that have held her captive for so long and for the first time, she has hope for the future. But when she learns Marshall’s true occupation, she begins to doubt everything and insists that he leave. He refuses stating that he won’t go until she can leave the house, so she sets out to do just that. But when he finally does leave, she realizes the mistake she has made and will have to find the strength to overcome her fear and fight for the man she loves.

This was a well-written story with likable characters and several interesting and unique story points by a new-to-me author. And while I appreciated the fresh plot, I didn’t really understand how either Marshall or Adeline ended up where they were in life – that might be due to the length of the novel, which was more like a long novella, so maybe the author just didn’t have space to give the reader their complete backstories. Overall, it was a good read with a happy ending as well as a bit of spice. So, if you are looking for a quick read that isn’t your run-of-the-mill Victorian romance – I would happily recommend this title. This is the second book in the series, but I didn’t read the first book and believe these books can all be read as standalone titles.

*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. *

The Gravesend Murder by Lana Williams

On By TracyIn Historical Mystery, Mystery, Part of a Series, Top Pick - Highly Recommended, Tracy's Reviews, Victorian Era (1837-1901)2 Comments

The Gravesend Murder (The Field & Greystone Series, #3)The Gravesend Murder by Lana Williams

Tracy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: Field & Greystone, #3

Release Date: March 25, 2025

Scotland Yard Inspector Henry Field is shocked to learn that Benjamin Norris, a man he had interviewed days ago about a cold case has been found murdered in his Gravesend home. He was shot and the only clue Henry found was an Egyptian gold scarab beetle hidden in the sofa. Benjamin Norris was an import-export merchant with a shop on Threadneedle Street, just like his cold case murder victim Matthew Greystone, making Henry wonder if the cases are connected. A thought that gains ground when Matthew’s widow Amelia contacts him with some troubling news. Henry wants nothing more than to solve Matthew’s murder, not just for himself but for Amelia, a woman he has begun to care for, but feels unable to pursue while Matthew’s murder is yet unsolved. But as he steps up his investigation of Benjamin’s murder, the bodies begin to pile up, secrets unravel, and a new villain emerges – one who has set his sights on Amelia.

Widow Amelia Greystone has not had an easy time the last few years, first her young daughter died from scarlet fever, then her husband was murdered. But she has done her best to carry on and her friendship with Inspector Field has helped her more than he could possibly know. When Amelia gets a letter from a criminal that she helped Henry capture, stating that she knows who killed Matthew, Amelia immediately contacts Henry. She goes to see Elizabeth Drake in prison, but the woman refuses to tell her who killed her husband, but she makes it clear – Matthew was not an innocent victim. Amelia is more determined than ever to find out who killed Matthew and knows that Henry is the only person she can truly trust. When their investigation leads to a dangerous crime lord, she realizes her husband was not the man she thought he was, making her question everything, including her feelings for Henry. Despite the risks, Amelia continues to aid in the investigation and ends up in the crosshairs of the man responsible for Matthew’s death.

This was another wonderful installment of the Field & Greystone series. This story sucked me in from the very first page and held me in thrall until the last word! The story has story has strong ties to the previous books and nicely sets up the next book. The ongoing relationship between Henry and Amelia continues to deepen but still remains firmly on the back burner. This book definitely gives some closure and the mystery is superb. I loved it and would happily recommend this book to my fellow Historical Mystery lovers! This is the third book in the series and while it could be read as a standalone title, 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. *