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

Review: Murder in Season by Mary Winters

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Murder in Season (A Lady of Letters Mystery, #3)

Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: A Lady of Letters Mystery #3
Publication Date: 12/3/24
Period: Victorian London
Number of Pages: 240

It was wonderful to have another visit with Amelia and Simon in this entertaining third book in the series. Amelia, Countess Amesbury, has a secret life as an Agony Aunt (advice columnist) and each chapter begins with the content of one of the letters and Amelia’s pithy reply. The book would be entertaining if it contained nothing but the letters and answers, but when you add a couple of engrossing mysteries along with likable and relatable characters, you have a sure winner.

Amelia is delighting in her life as it is at the moment. Although she is widowed, her husband left her with a title, plenty of money, a ward that she adores, and an aunt-in-law who is both formidable and lovable. Her life could hardly get better! Then, to add to her delight, her mother and sister (Madge) come for a visit.

Madge is in London because she caused a tad-bit of a scandal at home. Not the lascivious kind of scandal, but – still. . . Madge is irrepressible! You will love her and despair of her. She has no filter and whatever she thinks seems to come out of her mouth and that isn’t a good way to endear one’s self to the ton. Therefore, when the would-be baron she had loud words with ends up dead, who is the logical suspect? Madge, of course. Proving Madge’s innocence won’t be easy – especially when the policeman investigating the murder has a grudge against the Amesbury’s.

There are hundreds of suspects since the murder happened at a ball. How will they narrow the list? Everyone speaks highly of the deceased, but Madge thinks he was a cad. Amelia and Simon have to scrape away at the layers of veneer on the deceased to get down to the real man. It seems Madge is correct and he wasn’t who he seemed to be. Now that they know his true nature, how will they find the real murderer and clear Madge’s name?

I enjoyed reading this story and getting to see further developments in Amelia and Simon’s relationship. The Epilogue is great! There were also two mysteries, but I have mentioned only one because the secondary mystery is more superfluous and easily solved for Amelia. If you are looking for a quick, entertaining mystery with delightful characters and a nice mystery, then you should give this book (and series) a try.

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

Review: The Mudlark Murders by Lana Williams

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The Mudlark Murders: A Victorian Historical Murder Mystery (The Field & Greystone Series Book 2)

Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: The Field & Greystone Series
Publication Date: 11/26/24
Period: Victorian London – 1883

This author may be new to writing mysteries, but she has brought over every ounce of her enviable writing abilities. The Mudlark Murders is the second captivating and intriguing mystery in her new Field & Greystone series featuring Scotland Yard Inspector Henry Field and widowed Amelia Greystone. Field and Greystone are interesting and relatable characters with a dynamic interpersonal relationship – dare we hope there is a budding romance there?

Amelia is interviewing barge captain Booth for an article she is writing for London Life when two young children discover a body along the shore. The two children are mudlarks – and the body belongs to their young friend and fellow mudlark, Nora. Nora was fine the day before, how could she suddenly be dead? There are no wounds, but she appears to have flecks of throw-up on her lip and shoe. Poison? Who would poison a defenseless child?

When Scotland Yard declines to open a case – because – well – poor, powerless, child – Henry knows he has to investigate on his own time. Amelia also wants to do her share and they stir the hornet’s nest between them. With another death, the solution becomes more urgent. Who might be next?

This is an intriguing read with nefarious government organizations, disappearing children, and murder. With other children and even Amelia in the murderer’s cross-hairs, they know they have to move quickly.

I enjoyed the excellently done mystery, the hints of romance to come, and the cast of characters. I also enjoyed Sergeant Adam Fletcher’s return and assume he will continue to be a supporting character.

If you want an interesting, well-written mystery with a tad of romance, this might be the book for you. I’m looking forward to seeing Amelia and Henry’s romance blossom, and to seeing them solve many more excellent mysteries.

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