Barbara’s Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: A Below Stairs Mystery #8
Publication Date: August 12, 2025
Setting: Victorian London
Pages: 320

One of my favorite aspects of this series is its focus on characters from below stairs. While aristocrats appear, they remain secondary—allowing the real spotlight to shine on the clever, resilient, and resourceful Kat Holloway, a cook with a sharp mind and keen eye for detail. Alongside her is the ever-enigmatic Daniel McAdam—a charming and wily operative with a hidden connection to a secretive branch of Scotland Yard.

Daniel longs to escape the grip of his manipulative superior, Monaghan, who’s had it out for him for years. Monaghan finally offers Daniel a deal: complete this one last mission—his most dangerous yet—and he’ll be free. The case? Infiltrate the household of Viscount Peyton, suspected of conspiring with the Fenians, a radical group willing to commit mass murder in the name of Irish independence.

Meanwhile, Kat takes on a troubling mystery of her own. Several of Lady Cynthia’s friends have received vile blackmail letters, with promises of further instructions to come. When the second letter arrives, the demands take an unexpected turn—leading Kat down a much darker and more complex path.

Although working separately, both Kat and Daniel find themselves navigating escalating dangers. The risks they face also serve to deepen their personal bond, hinting at exciting developments to come in their relationship and lives.

The pacing is tight, the stakes are high, and the dual investigations are expertly interwoven. I especially appreciate how the author continues to build on the characters’ growth while laying intriguing groundwork for future installments.

Will Kat finally open her long-dreamed-of tea shop? Will Daniel uncover the truth about his past—and break free from Monaghan’s grasp? So many tantalizing threads left to explore!

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

View all my reviews

Speculations in Sin by Jennifer Ashley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: A Below Stairs Mystery #7
Publication Date: 3/5/24
Period: 1883 – Victorian London
Number of Pages: 320

Oh! This is the most exciting, interesting, on the edge of your seat, read it in one sitting book I’ve read in a while. Most of the things Kat Holloway holds dear are under threat and it appears the deck is definitely stacked against her. With the rich and powerful working against those she holds dear, can she, a lowly cook, defeat them? I’ve just read the last page and I am already wondering how I’ll ever manage to wait for the next installment.

Kat was at the end of a wonderful day visiting her daughter Grace when she noticed something wasn’t right with her lifelong friend, Joanna Millburn. When Kat prodded, Joanna finally broke down and told her that her husband, Samuel, was being accused of embezzlement and threatened with dismissal from his position. Kat knew there was no way possible that Sam would ever embezzle. He was the sweetest, gentlest, and most loving soul Kat had the pleasure of knowing. He had a misspent youth, but he had turned his life around in the last 20 years. When Kat found herself with a dead husband and a newborn she had no way of supporting, Joanna and Sam offered to care for Grace in their home – and to treat her as one of their own. They had lived up to that commitment for the last twelve years and there was no way Kat would let anyone hurt Sam, Joanna, their children, or Grace.

Kat had just begun her investigation at Sam’s place of employment when Sam was arrested – right in front of her – and there was nothing she could do – nothing. No, the charges weren’t embezzlement – he was charged with the murder of a fellow employee. OMGoodness! How will Kat ever get him out of that when the judges and the police are against Sam as is his rich and powerful company? Luckily for Sam and Joanna, Kat calls in all of her friends – from above and below the stairs – and they mount an investigation of their own. Yes, there is Daniel, James, Thanos, Lady Cynthia, Roberta (Bobby), Lady Townsend, and even Daniel’s reprobate brother, Mr. Fielding, and many others who band together to protect the Millburn family and prove Samuel’s innocence.

There was excitement on every page and just when you thought you had it all figured out – you found out you really didn’t. I think this might be the best book so far – and I’m really excited to find out where Daniel and Kat’s relationship goes from here – and what Daniel’s big ‘final’ task might be for Mr.Monaghan. I can recommend this book and this series. I will, however, say that this is not a series you can just jump into the middle of and get a good feel for the characters and relationships. You really need to read the series from the first book forward. Happy Reading!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

View all my reviews