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

Murder in Masquerade by Mary Winters

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Murder in Masquerade (A Lady of Letters Mystery #2)

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.

The Ravenkeeper’s Daughter by Lana Williams

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The Ravenkeeper's Daughter: A Victorian Historical Murder Mystery (The Field & Greystone Series Book 1)

Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Series: The Field & Greystone Series
Publication Date: 9/17/24
Period: Victorian London. 1883

What a delightful surprise to find this outstanding historical romance author making her first foray into the world of historical mysteries. She did prodigious amounts of research, is true to the period in which the story is set, and created an atmospheric story that will pull you in from the first dark, eerie, fog-filled scene and hold you until the last word on the last page.

Scotland Yard Inspector Henry Field has a long and illustrious history to live up to as both his father and grandfather were outstanding Chief Inspectors before him. Everyone is always watching him – hoping for a mistake – so they can feel better about their own mediocrity. The case to which he has just been assigned may be the case for which they have been hoping. With no clues and no witnesses to a murder that happened in the middle of the night, it will take a miracle to solve it. Well, a miracle or one very frightened, traumatized, six-year-old child who can neither speak nor hear. A child who is missing. Did she meet the same fate as her father?

Widow Amelia Greystone is shocked and amazed when young Maeve Pritchard shows up at her door. The child is barefoot, dirty, still in her nightwear, and frightened beyond measure, but she has managed to travel across London on her own. Amelia takes Maeve in, cleans her up, and then heads out to let her father know where Maeve is and that she is safe.

This author weaves a tale of intrigue and treachery that will have you biting your nails wondering who did it and what their motives could have been. Your heart will break for poor orphaned Maeve as she tries to communicate what happened to her father, and you will commiserate with Henry as every effort to find a clue yields nothing. Of course, you will also smile and sing a happy song when Henry identifies the villain.

I enjoyed this book and can’t wait to see what happens in the next one. I particularly enjoyed the author’s ability to set a scene and make you feel the emotions that were taking place. Another thing I enjoyed was the very unique setting and profession of the victim. Who would have thought ravens could have been an integral part of a book – and that you would love it? Yet, it is true. With so many red herrings and suspects, it is a wonder Henry and Amelia manage to put it all together. This is an intriguing, interesting, story from the unsettling first chapters through the twist at the end.

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