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

Deadly Lies by Carla Simpson

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Deadly Lies (Angus Brodie & Mikaela Forsythe #10)Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Angus Brodie and Mikaela Forsythe #10 (Goodness what a long series name)
Publication Date: 10/29/24
Period: Victorian London
Number of Pages: 291

Brodie and Mikaela have taken on some dangerous and tense cases, but this one hit very close to home. When a beautiful, kind, musically gifted young woman is murdered outside the printshop where she had just picked up the invitations to her wedding, Mikaela’s ward, Lily, is devastated. The young woman, Miss Charlotte Mallory, is Lily’s music instructor and friend. Charlotte is also the only child of prominent barrister, Sir Edward Mallory. Who would want to murder such a lovely and kind young woman? Lily wants to know and she doesn’t trust Scotland Yard to find out. So, what does any intelligent young woman with a set of talented detectives as relatives do? She ‘hires’ them, of course!

With few clues and some less-than-cooperative witnesses, Brodie and Mikaela will have a tough time solving the murder. However, as with all cases, one small clue leads to another, which leads to another, and before you know it, you have all the clues you need. You just have to figure out what all of those clues mean.

Just a few days later, the body of another lovely young lady is found – murdered in the same manner as Charlotte. This young woman, Miss Margaret Cameron, is the daughter of prominent judge Harold Cameron. The murders are frighteningly similar. Are they related? If so, how?

I love the way Mikaela and Brodie work both separately and together as they investigate and evaluate the clues to this vicious killer. Things really become intense when Lily disappears and one of the murderer’s ‘signature’ calling cards is left for them. Can they solve the case and rescue Lily before the unthinkable happens?

One thing I particularly loved about this book – aside from the mystery – is how Mikaela and Brody’s relationship evolves. They are both learning to accept and work with each other’s faults and strengths. They are becoming accepting of each other in a very good way. They love and need each other and they are finally figuring out how to make it all work.

This excellently written mystery will grab your attention from the first page and won’t let you go until it is done. So, for your safety and comfort, be sure you have taken care of all personal needs and that you have a full supply of eats and drinks before you begin reading. Why? You won’t be able to put the book down once you start reading. Happy Reading!

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

Murder at the Foundling Hospital by Irina Shapiro

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Murder at the Foundling Hospital (A Tate and Bell Mystery, #3)Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: Tate and Bell #3
Publication Date: 10/21/24
Period: Victorian – 1858
Number of Pages: 343

This riveting, atmospheric series is most definitely in the gaslight-gothic tradition in that it is very serious and somber. If one of your requirements is wit and humor, you won’t find it in these books. However, what you will find is an excellently paced, well-plotted murder mystery with realistically flawed characters. Gemma Tate, the main female lead, is a nurse who trained in Crimea with Florence Nightingale, and Sebastian Bell, the main male lead, is a widower inspector with Scotland Yard.

Gemma has just enjoyed a lovely Christmas when she is summoned to the Foundling Hospital where she works. One of the children has been found – murdered. The staff members are forbidden to become attached to any of the children, but Gemma’s loving heart has become entwined with sickly little Lucy. During her mad dash to the orphanage, she is constantly whispering – “Please Not Lucy” “Please Not Lucy”. While it wasn’t Lucy, it was a lovely, kind, sweet fourteen-year-old young lady who never deserved such a violent end.

The Matron at the Foundling Hospital is determined to protect the institution from any scandal and therefore, throws obstacle after obstacle in Sebastian’s way – including her intention to petition the leadership at Scotland Yard to close the case as unsolved directly after the child’s funeral. Yes, she cared more for the institution – even if it housed a murderer – than she did for the life of one of her charges. Gemma has the access Sebastian needs and is determined to help solve the case and she does – even to her own peril.

Between them, they find many potential suspects, follow many leads, and uncover many secrets within the orphanage. The murderer – and the reason – will surprise you and make you very, very sad.

You won’t be able to put the book down once you start reading, so prepare yourself with all of the comforts before you begin. The story pulls you in from the first word and holds you until far past the last word with its compelling characters and superb mystery.

I love Sebastian and Gemma with all of their humanness – their flaws and their strengths. Sebastian has overcome so much in the last few months and you will be pulling for his continued success in defeating his personal demons. Gemma has suffered great tragedy with the murder of her twin brother and is working hard to recover emotionally and financially from that loss. You will root for her too, but you will also worry that she has more TSTL moments than she should.

I enjoyed this book and I hope you will as well.

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