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

The Marriage Method by Mimi Matthews

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

The Marriage Method (The Crinoline Academy, #2)The Marriage Method by Mimi Matthews

Tracy’s Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: The Crinoline Academy #2

Release Date: November 25, 2025

After spending most of her life tucked safely behind the gates of Miss Corvus’s Benevolent Academy for the Betterment of Young Ladies, Penelope “Nell” Trewlove has finally been given a mission. It is actually a two part mission, first, she is to meet with Miles Quincey, the relentless editor of the Courant to answer questions about the Academy, without revealing any of its secrets and second and more importantly, she is to find Miss Flora Brent, a young lady who failed to arrive at the academy days ago and who seems to have disappeared. But nothing goes as planned and it quickly becomes clear that Nell’s first mission may well be her last, when she finds herself and possibly the Academy ruined by a feral cat and a crinoline!

Miles Quincey is a self-made man, raised in the Rookery by his single mother, a former governess who was determined to give Miles a chance to make something of himself. Though hard work and determination, he has risen up the ranks and is now the Editor in Chief of one of London’s most successful newspapers. Or at least it used to be, with subscriptions dwindling since printing an expose that brought down a prominent and much liked nobleman, Miles needs to find a story that will bring readers back. On top of this, the reporter who writes his gossip column – the column that is keeping the paper afloat has gone missing. But all that fades to black when the most beautiful woman he has ever seen arrives at his office and ends up his wife!

OMG! I loved this book, LOVED IT! I was a bit apprehensive at the start and worried that it might end up being a story of misandry disguised as feminism, but thankfully that was not the case. This was a wonderful story of strong women and men working together and falling in love. It is not a man-bashing story with a hero who has to bow to the heroine, it is instead a story of two people who have had hard lives, yet rather than wallow in self-pity have made something of themselves and try to make the world a better place. They work together and encourage each other and learn to trust each other. So, if you like a love story with a good mystery, strong characters, marriage of convenience, mild love scenes, no prolonged misunderstandings, secrets, cats, found family and a happy ending – you need to read this book! This is the second book in the series, but it could easily be read as a standalone title with no problems.

*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. *

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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