Books Like...

A first glimpse at how Kat Holloway came to unraveling mysteries. When her employer dies of poison after enjoying the dinner she prepared, Kat has to clear her name and reputation. The book is a prequel to the Below Stairs series, focusing on Kat's strength, cleverness, and her role in solving the murder mystery with the help of the mysterious Daniel and his son, James. The author, Jennifer Ashley, skillfully transports readers to Victorian London, providing a vivid depiction of the intricate social tapestry of the time through Kat's first-person point of view.

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.

'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.

"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.

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.

'Murder at the Seven Dials' by Cara Devlin follows the investigation into a murder that initially seems like an open and shut case but unravels into a deeper mystery, involving a clairvoyant duchess and a Bow Street officer. The story unfolds with a brutal murder of an opera singer, setting an ominous and suspenseful tone, as the duchess, Audrey, conducts her own investigation alongside the officer, Hugh. Their unlikely alliance leads to a growing friendship and mutual trust, with sparks of sexual tension that promise more in the future. The plot is fast-paced, filled with suspect possibilities, and features uniquely talented main characters, all while incorporating historical aspects of societal classes, justice systems, and morality codes seamlessly throughout the narrative.

The book is praised for its well-written storyline, interesting characters, and creative and well-developed plot. Readers appreciated the depth and appeal of the characters, the intriguing mystery that kept them engaged, and the unexpected twists that added to the suspense. The book's sensuality, historical accuracy, and the slow-building friendship between the main characters were highlighted as strong points that contributed to the overall enjoyment of the story.

'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 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.

'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.

"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.