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.

Barbara’s rating: 4 of 5 Stars
Series: A Lady of Letters Mystery #1
Publication Date: 3/28/23
Period: Victorian London (1860)
Number of Pages: 320

This is the first book I’ve read by Mary Winters and it definitely won’t be the last. The mystery was excellently done and the protagonists were likable and relatable. The story was also blessed with a number of excellent supporting characters that I hope we’ll get to spend time with in future books. The premise of the series is unique, interesting, and well thought out. Who better to learn the secrets of the people of London than someone who is anonymous and gives free advice?

Lady Amelia Amesbury guards her secret ferociously. As a widowed countess and guardian of Winifred, a lovely ten-year-old girl, she cannot afford for others to become aware that she is Lady Agony. She doesn’t care about her own reputation, but she has to think of Winifred’s future, and the ton would punish Winifred to get back at Amelia.

Amelia receives a letter telling Lady Agony that the writer has witnessed her employer being murdered and asking Lady Agony to meet in the park. Amelia decides to meet the person because if the claim is true, they need help. Except, when Amelia arrives, the letter writer is dead – murdered. Amelia knows she must uncover the murderer because she couldn’t be the one to report it to the police as they would quickly uncover her Lady Agony identity.

Simon Bainbridge, a marquess and heir to a duke, quickly becomes ensnared in the investigation – and perhaps becomes ensnared by Amelia as well. Simon is tall, handsome, and intelligent, and quickly comes to believe and trust Amelia.

Simon and Amelia know they must be getting close to identifying the murderer when Amelia begins getting threatening letters. Can they keep Amelia safe and still find the murderer? Should she just give up the investigation?

There are many suspects and many red herrings dropped along the path to the murderer’s identity. You will probably suspect who the murderer is (I did), but you won’t be sure until the very end when all is revealed.

I recommend this book because it is well-written, has an excellent mystery, and has the potential for an excellent romantic sleuthing team. I did find myself puzzled by a number of things, but I’m not as familiar with the Victorian period norms as I am with Regency. One thing that puzzled me is what happened to Amelia’s husband’s title. There is no mention of the title dying with her husband – and there is no mention of the new title holder. Maybe it will be cleared up in future books. Should you choose to read this book, I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.

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

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