Publishers Weekly
12/04/2023
Larsen’s enjoyable second Georgian-era mystery for Miss Tiffany Woodwall (after A Novel Disguise) finds the Astwell Palace librarian wrapped up in a murder investigation that hits close to home. Tiffany is hurrying to work one morning when she stumbles over the body of Bernard Coram, a brutish former palace footman. With Bernard having sworn revenge against Tiffany for exposing his racism and ousting him from the palace, she’s initially named the prime suspect in his death. Even after she provides a sufficient alibi to the local magistrate, things only go from bad to worse when he zeroes in on the Samir Winthrop as the next suspect. Tiffany has long harbored romantic feelings for Samir, and was devastated by the recent news that he’d gotten married and was expecting his first child. After Samir hires Tiffany to help clear his name, she races to find the truth while trying—and failing—to protect her heart. Though the investigation is less thrilling than it was in the previous entry, Larsen’s characters enchant. Mystery fans who prefer their whodunits with a dash of romance will savor this. Agent: Jen Nadol, Unter. (Feb.)
From the Publisher
Praise for Once Upon a Murder:
“Larsen’s characters enchant. Mystery fans who prefer their whodunits with a dash of romance will savor this.”
—Publishers Weekly
“An admirable cross between a thorny mystery and a love story, with plenty of historical tidbits adding interest.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Will appeal to readers who want to be comforted by a tale in which the heroes are sure to get their happily-ever-after and the bad guys their comeuppance.”
—Booklist
“Entertaining . . .The plot moves quickly with very well-developed suspense.”
—Historical Novels Review
Praise for A Novel Disguise:
“Clever, mysterious, and utterly enjoyable. A Novel Disguise by Samantha Hastings is the first in this librarian focused series. Packed with deadly schemes, conniving characters, and rich historical detail, Hastings treats the reader not only to a twisty murder mystery within the walls of a palace, but a charming romance as well. Layered and suspenseful, a fun escape!”
—B.R. Myers, author of A Dreadful Splendor
“Tiffany Woodall, who leads a cast of unforgettable and diverse characters, is a captivating, enterprising, and relatable heroine anyone would cheer for. Samatha Larsen, who obviously did impeccable research, accomplished no small task by bringing Georgian England to life while creating a mystery that was as novel as Tiffany's disguise. I can't wait to see what happens next!”
—Clara McKenna, author of The Stella and Lyndy Mysteries
“A Novel Disguise is a delightful historical mystery with a daring heroine who has no choice but to embark upon a daring masquerade in order to keep her home. With mistaken identities, romantic rendezvous, and twists that keep the reader guessing, Samantha Larsen's debut is sure to entice mystery and romance readers alike.”
—Manda Collins, author of A Spinster's Guide to Danger and Dukes
“Rich with detail about life in the 18th century . . . Wildly enjoyable.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Class differences, prejudice, and the lack of women’s rights drive this enjoyable mystery.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Memorable characters and deftly crafted (and surprising!) plot twists make ‘A Novel Disguise’ a riveting read from cover to cover”
—Midwest Book Reviews
“A clever play on Regency-style novels . . . [It] will interest fans of Bridgerton.”
—Historical Novel Society
“A crazy fun read . . . Everything in this debut book will make you a fan.”
—Cozy Mystery Book Reviews
Kirkus Reviews
2023-11-04
In 1784, an English librarian finds herself embroiled in another murder case involving those dear to her.
Forty-year-old Tiffany Woodall is the librarian for the Duchess of Beaufort, who’s given her a cottage and property in gratitude for saving Thomas, her adopted son, from the hangman. Tiffany is in love with Samir Lathrop, a bookseller of Indian background, but he never mentions marriage. On a day when Tiffany is already feeling poorly, an unwelcome surprise awaits her just outside her cottage, where she trips over the body of Bernard Coram, a former footman at the duchess’ home. After sending her gossipy servant to fetch Samir, who also works as a constable, Tiffany continues on to the palace library. Bernard, who was evidently murdered, was much disliked for his dishonesty and betrayal of women. Samir and the doctor agree that he was killed elsewhere; a bite mark and a bit of thread provide a few clues. At first Tiffany is a suspect, but Bernard’s father, a nasty bigot, accuses Samir of murdering his son. Because of local prejudice, he’s arrested despite the absence of evidence, so Tiffany starts investigating on her own. She’s deeply distressed when Bernard’s sister, Evie, turns up, and it turns out that she’s Samir’s wife, though she left him many years ago. Now she’s heavily pregnant, presumably by the blacksmith she’s recently been living with. Despite her heartbreak, Tiffany continues to make inquiries into all of Bernard’s many enemies. Having friends in high places may help her save Samir, if only she can solve the case.
An admirable cross between a thorny mystery and a love story, with plenty of historical tidbits adding interest.
