Books Like...

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.

"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.

A Study in Scarlet Women by Sherry Thomas is a gender-bent retelling of the Sherlock Holmes story, featuring Charlotte Holmes as the brilliant detective. Set in Victorian London, the book follows Charlotte as she navigates society's expectations, solves mysteries, and forms unexpected alliances. The plot intertwines multiple murders, female friendships, and the challenges faced by women in the 19th century, all while paying homage to the original Sherlock Holmes stories with a fresh perspective and creative character development.

"And Only to Deceive" by Tasha Alexander follows the story of Lady Emily Ashton, a young widow who embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about her late husband's life and death. Through exploring her husband's interests in Greek antiquities and his mysterious past, Lady Emily finds herself entangled in a web of deceit and secrets. Set in Victorian England, the novel combines elements of mystery, romance, and historical fiction, offering readers a glimpse into upper-class society and the struggles faced by independent women during that era. The plot unfolds as Lady Emily navigates through societal expectations, uncovers art forgeries, and grapples with the complexities of love and loss.

The writing style of Tasha Alexander in "And Only to Deceive" is described as engaging, light, and entertaining by readers. features a strong and complex heroine, Lady Emily, who evolves from a seemingly shallow character to a determined investigator, challenging the norms of her time. The narrative is filled with twists and turns, keeping readers engaged as Lady Emily delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding her husband's life, ultimately leading to unexpected revelations and discoveries.

Ellie Electra McDonnell, a skilled safe cracker, and her Uncle Mick are recruited by the British Government during WWII to steal blueprints from a safe, but they stumble upon a murder instead. Working with Major Ramsey, they navigate through espionage, theft, and romance to uncover a double agent and deceive the Nazis. The story blends spy thriller elements with historical mystery, featuring a compelling protagonist and an intriguing plot that keeps readers engaged throughout the book.

'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.

'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.

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.

'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.

The Secret History of the Pink Carnation is a blend of historical fiction and chick lit, following the story of Eloise Kelly, a young researcher in London investigating the mystery of a spy called the Pink Carnation who operated during Napoleon's reign. The book carries two storylines, one set in the present with Eloise trying to uncover the Pink Carnation's identity, and the other set in the past, narrating the adventures of the spy and his love interest. The novel is described as a fun romp filled with humor, romance, and historical intrigue.

The book features a mix of modern-day and historical fiction, with Eloise delving into family archives to uncover the truth about the Pink Carnation. The story is described as light-hearted, romantic, and full of rich historic details, offering a delightful blend of adventure, comedy, and romance. The writing style is noted for its English vocabulary, descriptive nature, and the interweaving of the past and present timelines to create an engaging narrative.