Publisher's Blurb

Regency widow Lily Adler has finally settled into her new London life when her semi-estranged father arrives unexpectedly, intending to stay with her while he recovers from an illness. Hounded by his disapproval, Lily is drawn into spending time with Lady Wyatt, the new wife of an old family friend. Lily barely knows Lady Wyatt. But she and her husband, Sir Charles, seem as happy as any newly married couple until the morning Lily arrives to find the house in an uproar and Sir Charles dead.

All signs indicate that he tripped and struck his head late at night. But when Bow Street constable Simon Page is called to the scene, he suspects foul play. And it isn't long before Lily stumbles on evidence that Sir Charles was, indeed, murdered.

Mr. Page was there when Lily caught her first murderer, and he trusts her insight into the world of London's upper class. With the help of Captain Jack Hartley, they piece together the reasons that Sir Charles's family might have wanted him dead. But anyone who might have profited from the old man's death seems to have an alibi... until Lily receives a mysterious summons to speak with one of the Wyatts' maids, only to find the young woman dead when she arrives.

Mr. Page believes the surviving family members are hiding the key to the death of both Sir Charles and the maid. To uncover the truth, Lily must convince the father who doesn't trust or respect her to help catch his friend's killer before anyone else in the Wyatt household dies.

My review

Quite a charming and amusing novel. Reading about the old-world British aura and ambiance was a refreshing change from the present.

The story and plot have been detailed very well, although some descriptive narratives seemed a bit over the top. But that’s for me who isn’t a very big fan of descriptive narrative. Some readers may find the details fascinating.

Plenty of twists and turns in the story to keep it interesting till the last page. But the pace of the story is slow but steady, as is expected from a historical cozy mystery. Very easy to read and the little clues sprinkled throughout the reading will keep you intrigued. 

The characters were developed very well, the stern Mr.Page, the innocent cousin Percy Wyatt, and of course, the independent, graceful woman of character and strength, Mrs. Lily Adler, were some of my favorites.

Overall it was a delightful read. Fans of Agatha Christie and Sherlock Holmes will love this Regency mystery.