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Death Below Stairs

Book 1 in the series:Kat Holloway Mysteries

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'Death Below Stairs' by Jennifer Ashley is the first book in the 'Kat Holloway Mysteries' series, set in 1881 London. The story follows Kat Holloway, a skilled cook who takes a position in the household of Lord Rankin. When her assistant is found murdered, Kat delves into the mystery with the help of her friend Daniel McAdam, uncovering secrets, espionage, and a plot against Queen Victoria. The book combines elements of daily life in Victorian England, class commentary, a murder mystery, and a touch of romance, all set against the backdrop of a grand house with intriguing characters.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, featuring a strong female lead, a mysterious hero, and an array of intriguing supporting figures.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is descriptive and immersive, effectively portraying the Victorian setting and characters through a first-person perspective.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot involves a young cook uncovering murder and political intrigue within an aristocratic household, showcasing her determination and intelligence.

Setting:

The setting is a vivid portrayal of Victorian London, focusing on the intricacies of a noble household.

Pacing:

The pacing balances steady character development with suspenseful action, keeping readers engaged.
I must say I was not shocked that such a thing happened, because when a woman takes on the dress and bad habits of a man, she cannot be surprised at the disapprobation of others when she is found out....

Notes:

Kat Holloway, the protagonist, is a skilled cook in Victorian London.
She starts working for Lord Rankin's household, which is filled with eccentric characters.
The story begins with the murder of her assistant, Sinead, just one day into Kat's new job.
Kat seeks help from her mysterious friend, Daniel McAdam, to solve the murder.
Daniel is not a police officer but a jack of all trades with many secrets.
The novel contains elements of political intrigue, hinting at terrorism linked to the Fenians.
Kat has a troubled past, including an abusive marriage and a daughter living away from her.
The story is narrated in the first person, giving insight into Kat's thoughts and secrets.
Lady Cynthia, Lord Rankin's sister-in-law, enjoys dressing in men's clothing and assists Kat in the investigation.
The narrative includes numerous food descriptions, emphasizing the era's culinary practices.
Readers of Downton Abbey and similar period dramas will likely enjoy this book.
There's a prequel novella titled 'A Soupcon of Poison' that gives background on Kat and Daniel's relationship.
The series is noted for both its engaging mystery and character development.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of murder and domestic abuse.

Has Romance?

The romance between Kat and Daniel is present but not the central focus, serving as a subplot.

From The Publisher:

Victorian class lines are crossed when cook Kat Holloway is drawn into a murder that reaches all the way to the throne.

Highly sought-after young cook Kat Holloway takes a position in a Mayfair mansion and soon finds herself immersed in the odd household of Lord Rankin. Kat is unbothered by the family's eccentricities as long as they stay away from her kitchen, but trouble finds its way below stairs when her young Irish assistant is murdered.

Intent on discovering who killed the helpless kitchen maid, Kat turns to the ever-capable Daniel McAdam, who is certainly much more than the charming delivery man he pretends to be. Along with the assistance of Lord Rankin's unconventional sister-in-law and a mathematical genius, Kat and Daniel discover that the household murder was the barest tip of a plot rife with danger and treason-one that's a threat to Queen Victoria herself.

Ratings (7)

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Loved It (5)
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Reader Stats (9):

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About the Author:

Jennifer Ashley is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Shifters Unbound series and the Mackenzies series. A winner of a Romance Writers of America RITA Award, she also writes as national bestselling and award-winning author…

 
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