Barbara’s rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Series: A Lady of Letters Mystery #4
Publication Date: 10/7/25
Period: Victorian London
Number of Pages: 240
Lady Amelia Amesbury hardly has a minute to spare in this fast-paced, brilliantly written historical mystery! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed each installment in the series, but this might just be the best one yet.
With her sister’s wedding to plan, a blackmailer on her trail, multiple murders to solve, and her Lady Agony column to manage, Amelia is nearly at her wits’ end. She’s so busy, in fact, that there’s barely time to explore her growing feelings for Simon Bainbridge—until a dire situation forces her to confront them.
Since the death of her husband, Amelia has leaned on the local vicar, Mr. Cross, as both a spiritual guide and a close friend. When she goes to the church to ask him to officiate her sister’s wedding, all seems well. But the next morning brings shocking news: Mr. Cross has been murdered. Even more unsettling, he’d sent Amelia a cryptic message hinting at another suspicious death. Were both victims murdered? And how are their deaths connected?
As if that weren’t enough, someone is threatening to expose Amelia’s secret identity as the voice behind Lady Agony—unless she reveals the identity of the elusive Mayfair Marauder. But Amelia refuses to be manipulated, and she’ll need all her wits to unmask the blackmailer.
Whew! Are you tired yet? I know Amelia is! Despite the whirlwind of plotlines, the author keeps the narrative tightly woven and easy to follow, with clever pacing and satisfying twists. The familiar cast returns—Kitty and Oliver, Simon, Aunt Tabitha, and a maturing Winifred—to lend continuity and warmth to the mystery.
This book has everything I love in the series: wit, heart, mystery, and a heroine you can root for. And there’s a delightful surprise at the end that fans will especially appreciate.
Highly recommended—happy reading!
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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