Books Like...

In 'A Curious Beginning', we follow Veronica Speedwell, an independent and bold Victorian adventuress with a passion for collecting butterflies. After the death of her guardians, Veronica finds herself entangled in a mystery surrounding her parentage. With the help of a cast of unique characters like the enigmatic Stoker, Veronica navigates through danger, murder, and intrigue in Victorian England while unraveling the secrets of her past. The book is a mix of historical fiction, mystery, and adventure, with a fast-paced plot that keeps readers engaged and entertained.

The writing style in 'A Curious Beginning' is described as witty, humorous, and engaging, drawing readers into Veronica's world of scientific quests, daring escapades, and unexpected twists. The characters, especially Veronica and Stoker, are well-developed and dynamic, with their evolving relationship adding depth to the narrative. The book offers a fresh take on the Victorian mystery genre, blending elements of romance, suspense, and humor to create an enjoyable and captivating story for readers.

'Silent in the Grave' by Deanna Raybourn is a Victorian mystery novel that follows Lady Julia Grey as she navigates the unexpected death of her husband, Sir Edward Grey. When a mysterious private investigator, Nicholas Brisbane, suggests foul play in Edward's death, Julia embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind her husband's murder. Set in late Victorian London, the book weaves together secrets, mystery, and unconventional characters, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers guessing until the surprising end. Raybourn's writing style is described as engaging, with witty and amusing elements that draw readers into the lives of the characters and the atmospheric setting of Victorian London.

'A Brazen Curiosity' in the series 'Beatrice Hyde-Clare Mysteries' follows the adventures of Beatrice, a witty and intelligent young lady who finds herself entangled in murder mysteries while navigating the Regency era society. The book is known for its humor, engaging sleuthing, and delightful characters, especially the interactions between Beatrice and the Duke of Kesgrave. The plot revolves around Beatrice's discovery of a dead body during a house party, leading to a series of humorous and intriguing events as she teams up with the Duke to solve the crime.

The writing style of Lynn Messina in 'A Brazen Curiosity' is praised for its humor, vivid depictions of Regency England, well-rounded characters, and engaging dialogue. The book offers a light-hearted and entertaining read with a mix of mystery, romance, and humor, making it a delightful Regency cozy mystery with a unique and charming protagonist in Beatrice Hyde-Clare.

In "The Anatomist's Wife," Lady Kiera Darby, a talented artist haunted by scandal, finds herself entangled in a murder investigation at her sister's estate in Scotland. As suspicions swirl around her, she teams up with Sebastian Gage, an inquiry agent, to uncover the truth behind the mysterious death of a houseguest. The book weaves together historical details, romance, and a complex mystery set against the backdrop of 19th-century high society, showcasing Lady Darby's resilience and investigative skills alongside Gage's charm and expertise.

The story unfolds with Lady Darby navigating societal scorn and her own troubled past, all while delving into the intricacies of the murder case alongside Gage. Through Lady Darby's voice and observations, readers are drawn into a tale of intrigue, courage, and budding romance, as the duo races against time to solve the murder before official authorities arrive at the remote estate, blending elements of forensic detection and historical mystery in a captivating narrative.

In "A Study in Charlotte," the modern-day descendants of Holmes and Watson, Charlotte Holmes and James Watson, meet at a New England boarding school and find themselves framed for murder. The story blends a Holmesian mystery with young adult romance, offering a fresh twist where Charlotte is portrayed as a troubled drug user and Jamie as a rugby player. The plot progresses with a mix of Sherlock Holmes references and a dark, contemporary narrative, exploring themes of drug addiction, mystery-solving, and teenage relationships.

"Murder on Black Swan Lane" follows the Earl of Wrexford, a fabulously wealthy and arrogant man who dabbles in chemistry, and Charlotte Sloane, a talented artist who takes over her late husband's satirical cartoonist business under the alias A.J. Quill. When a clergyman is murdered, Wrexford becomes the prime suspect, leading him to team up with Charlotte to uncover the true killer. Set in Regency London, the story is a complex, multi-layered mystery filled with memorable characters, intricate world-building, and a blend of science and art that keeps the reader engaged throughout.

Set in Regency England, 'What Angels Fear' follows Sebastian St. Cyr, a nobleman framed for a brutal murder. With the help of his friends, Sebastian unravels a web of lies to uncover the real killer who is determined to silence him. The book delves into the fear of the French Revolution spreading to England, political intrigue, and the complexities of different social classes, all while delivering a gripping murder mystery.

Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters is the first book in the 'Amelia Peabody' series, introducing readers to the adventurous and independent protagonist, Amelia Peabody, a Victorian gentlewoman who inherits a fortune and decides to travel the world, indulging her passion for Egyptology. Along the way, she meets Evelyn Barton Forbes and the Emerson brothers, leading to a series of mysteries and adventures in Egypt. The book is described as a cozy mystery with elements of light romance, humor, and a touch of the supernatural, set in the late 19th century.

The plot of 'Crocodile on the Sandbank' revolves around Amelia Peabody's journey to Egypt, her encounters with a reanimated mummy, and the development of her relationships with Evelyn and the Emerson brothers. The writing style is praised for its witty narration, engaging characters, and vivid descriptions of the Egyptian settings, creating a fun and light-hearted read that offers a mix of mystery, humor, and historical elements.

'A Useful Woman' in the series 'Rosalind Thorne Mysteries' by Darcie Wilde is a historical mystery set in the Regency era. The story follows Rosalind Thorne, a woman who navigates the intricate social rules of the haut ton to prevent social disasters. When a murder occurs involving her godmother and the estranged love of her life, Rosalind is drawn into an investigation that challenges her position in society. The plot is elegantly constructed, with twists and turns that keep the reader engaged, and the writing style seamlessly weaves historical context into the narrative, creating a compelling and realistic portrayal of life in 1814 London.

In "This Side of Murder" by Anna Lee Huber, the story follows Verity Kent, a war widow and former Secret Service agent, who receives an invitation to an engagement party on an isolated island with her late husband's friends. As the party progresses, mysterious deaths occur, leading Verity to uncover wartime secrets and murders while navigating a web of deception and betrayal. The plot is filled with tension, suspense, and historical details, offering a thrilling mystery set in post-WWI England.

The narrative is engaging with a complex plot that keeps readers guessing until the end. The character of Verity Kent is well-developed, portraying a strong and determined heroine who faces challenges and uncertainties while unraveling a sinister mystery. The writing style combines elements of romance, intrigue, and historical fiction, creating a compelling read that delves into themes of trust, loyalty, and the aftermath of war.