My Musings - Favorite Historical Mystery Series Pt 3

This concludes my series on historical mysteries loosely divided by era in today's post.  I love historical mysteries and if you've been looking for a new series, or wanted to jump into this subcategory of mystery perhaps this will help.  This is in no way a comprehensive listing, that would be quite an undertaking.

In part one I covered up through Regency era mysteries (click here).   

In part two I covered the Victorian era (click here).  Now I am sharing the Gilded era through World War I & II mysteries.

Gilded and Progressive Ages (1870-1929)

Silver Rush Mysteries by Ann Parker 

1)  Silver Lies

2)  Iron Ties

3)  Leaden Skies

4)  Mercury's Rise (click here)

5)  What Gold Buys

6)  A Dying Note

7)  Mortal Music

8)  The Secret in the Wall

Change of Fortune Mysteries by Jessica Estevao

This series was fantastic, but publisher didn't continue it further.

1)  Whispers Beyond the Veil (click here)

2)  Whispers of Warning (click here)

Stella and Lyndy Mysteries by Clara McKenna

1)  Murder at Morrington Hall (click here)

2)  Murder at Blackwater Bend (click here)

3)  Murder at Keyhaven Castle

4)  Murder at the Majestic Hotel

 

Counterfeit Lady mysteries by Victoria Thompson 

1)  City of Lies (click here)

2)  City of Secrets (click here)

3)  City of Scoundrels (click here)

4)  City of Schemes (click here)

5)  City of Shadows

6)  City of Fortune

Gilded Age Mysteries by Rosemary Simpson 

1)  What the Dead Leave Behind 

2)  Lies that Comfort and Betray

3)  Let the Dead Keep Their Secrets

4)  Death Brings a Shadow

5)  Death, Diamonds, and Deception

6)  The Dead Cry Justice (click here)

7)  Death at the Falls

Gaslight Mysteries by Victoria Thompson 

1)  Murder on Astor Place

2)  Murder on St. Marks

3)  Murder on Gramercy

4)  Murder on Washington Square

5)  Murder on Mulberry Bend

6)  Murder on Marble Row

7)  Murder on Lenox Hill

8)  Murder in Little Italy

9)  Murder in China Town

10)  Murder on Bank Street

11)  Murder on Waverly Place

12) Murder on Lexington Ave (click here)

...

22) Murder on Trinity Place (click here) 

25 books in the series

Molly Murphy Mystery series by
Rhys Bowen 

1)  Murphy's Law

2)  Death of Riley

3)  For the Love of Mike

4)  In Like Flynn

5)  Oh Danny Boy

6)  In Dublin's Fair City

7)  Tell Me, Pretty Lady

8)  In a Gilded Cage

9)  The Last Illusion (click here)

18 books in series

Royal Spyness series by Rhys Bowen 

1)   Her Royal Spyness

2)   A Royal Pain

3)  Royal Flush

4)  Royal Blood (click here)

5)  Naughty in Nice (click here)

6)  Twelve Clues of Christmas (click here)

7)  Heirs and Graces (click here)

8)  Queen of Hearts (click here)

9)  Malice at the Palace

10)  Crowned and Dangerous

11)  Her Majesty's Frightfully Secret Service

12)  Four Funerals and Maybe a Wedding

13)  Love and Death Among the Cheetahs

14)  The Last Mrs Summers (click here)

15)  God Rest Ye Royal Gentlemen (click here)

16)  Peril in Paris

Kitty Weeks mysteries by Radha Vatsal 

1)  A Front Page Affair

2)  Murder Between the Lines (click here)

Jane Prescott Mysteries by Mariah Fredericks 

1)  A Death of No Importance 

2)  Death of a New American (click here)

3)  Death of an American Beauty

4)  Death of a Showman

Phryne Fisher mysteries by KerryGreenwood 

1)  Cocaine Blues

2)  Flying Too High  

3)  Murder at Ballarat Train

4)  Death at Victoria Park

5)  The Green Mill Murder

6)  Blood and Circuses

7)  Ruddy Gore

8)  Urn Burial

...

19) Unnatural Habits (click here)

21 Books in the series

World War I & II themed

Maggie Hope mysteries by Susan Elia MacNeal 

1)  Mr. Churchill's Secretary (click here)

2)  Princess Elizabeth's Spy (click here)

3)  His Majesty's Hope (click here)

4)  The Prime Minister's Secret Agent (click here)

5)  Mrs Roosevelt's Confidant (click here)

6)  The Queen's Accomplice (click here)

7)  The Paris Spy (click here)

8)  The Prisoner in the Castle (click here)

9)  The King's Justice (click here)

10) The Hollywood Spy 

Woman of WWII Mysteries by Tessa Arlen

1)  Poppy Redfern and the Midnight Murders (click here)

2)  Poppy Redfern and the Fatal Flyers

Maisie Dobbs series by Jacqueline Winspear 

1)  Maisie Dobbs

2)  Birds of a Feather

3)  Pardonable Lies

4)  Messenger of Truth

5)  An Incomplete Revenge

6)  Among the Mad

7)  The Mapping of Love and Death

8)  A Lesson in Secrets (click here)

9)  Elegy for Eddie

10)  Leaving Everything Most Loved

11)  A Dangerous Place

12)  Journey to Munich (click here)

... 17 books in series

Electra McDonnell by Ashley Weaver   

1)  A Peculiar Combination (click here)

2)  The Key to Deceit

Sparks & Bainbridge Mysteries by Allison Montclair 

1) The Right Sort of Man (click here)

2)  A Royal Affair (click here)

3)  A Rogue's Company (click here)

4)  The Unkept Woman

Verity Kent Mystery series by Anna Lee Huber 

1) This side of Murder (click here)

2)  Treacherous is the Night

3)  Penny for Your Thoughts (click here)

4)  A Pretty Deceit

5)  Murder Most Fair

6)  A Certain Darkness

I know I haven't even scratched the surface of all the wonderful historical mysteries available.  Please share what are your favorites in the comments.  Are any that my mentioned your favorites?  

Review - Miss Moriarity, I Presume

I have been a fan of this series that re-imagines the Sherlock mythos since the debut: 

1) A Study in Scarlet Women (click here)  

2) A Conspiracy in Belgravia (click here) 

3) The Hollow of Fear (click here)

4) The Art of Theft (click here) 

5) Murder on Cold Street (click here) 

Author: Sherry Thomas

Copyright: Nov 2021 (Berkley) 365 pgs

Series: 6th in Lady Sherlock Mystery series

Sensuality: Innuendo and adult period references

Mystery Sub-genre: historical Suspense, historical detective

Main Character: Charlotte Holmes, Charlotte Holmes, disgraced upper class woman who creates the Sherlock Holmes identity 

Setting: 1886 London and Cornwall

Obtained Through: Publisher (NetGalley) for honest review

Book blurb: "A most unexpected client shows up at Charlotte Holmes's doorstep: Moriarty himself. Moriarty fears that tragedy has befallen his daughter and wants Charlotte to find out the truth. 

Charlotte and Mrs. Watson travel to a remote community of occult practitioners where Moriarty's daughter was last seen, a place full of lies and liars. Meanwhile, Charlotte’s sister Livia tries to make sense of a mysterious message from her beau Mr. Marbleton. And Charlotte’s longtime friend and ally Lord Ingram at last turns his seductive prowess on Charlotte—or is it the other way around?

But the more secrets Charlotte unravels about Miss Moriarty’s disappearance, the more she wonders why Moriarty has entrusted this delicate matter to her of all people. Is it merely to test Charlotte's skills as an investigator, or has the man of shadows trapped her in a nest of vipers?"

Charlotte Holmes is blond, pretty, very feminine and frilly, and goes up against the diabolical Moriarity in this book.   Lord Ingram Ashburton is in the process of divorcing his (literally) traitor wife and is embarking on a more intimate relationship with Charlotte.  Mrs. John Watson, is a retired stage actress who has become Charlotte's unique and talented sidekick.  She is required to use her acting prowess in this book.  Charlotte's adult younger sister, Olivia, is key to discovering a message from her estranged love intended for their half brother, Myron.    

A good portion of the story takes place in the walled and secluded compound for the Garden of Hermopolis commune.  This is creepy and atmospheric. 

From the beginning Charlotte and cast know that Moriarity is setting Charlotte up for tragedy.  So the plot is two part, look in on the daughter (going as Miss Baxter) and also beware of the danger at every turn.  A third aspect is Olivia's love, who is Moriarity's estranged son (recently in his father's control again), is attempting to pass very subtle clues to her and she is stretching her own reasoning skills to figure it out.   

 I can't really discuss the climax without spoilers, suffice to say that Charlotte must figure out the reality of the pieces and strategies in this chess game with Moriarity besides that he intends for her to die. I will leave it at that.

My Thoughts: This is not the book to jump into the series.  It is a culmination of much from book two forward. I appreciated Olivia getting to flex her own reasoning skills in this book.  As usual, this was intricately plotted and well executed. I enjoyed this tremendously and if you have been a fan of the series, this is a must read.  There are some big twists.  I have to wonder where the series will go after this.

Rating:  Excellent - a must read for fans

Here is a talk with the author about the book.

Review - A Rogue's Company

I have been a fan of this series since its debut.  I enjoy historical mysteries and this is one of my go to series.  Check out my reviews of the prior books and an author post:

#1 The Right Sort of Man (Review here)

#2 A Royal Affair (Review here)

Author Guest Post (Click here)

In Allison Montclair's A Rogue's Company, business becomes personal for the Right Sort Marriage Bureau when a new client, a brutal murder, two kidnappings, and the recently returned from Africa Lord Bainbridge threatens everything that one of the principals holds dear.  Find out how the third book in the series holds up.

Author: Allison Montclair

Copyright: June 2021 (Minotaur Books) 342 pgs

Series: 3rd in Sparks & Bainbridge Mystery series

Sensuality: adult themes

Mystery Sub-genre: historical Suspense, amateur Sleuth

Main Characters: Miss Iris Sparks and Mrs. Gwendolyn Bainbridge of the Right Sort Marriage Bureau 

Setting: 1946 London 

Obtained Through: Netgalley

Blurb: "In London, 1946, the Right Sort Marriage Bureau is getting on its feet and expanding. Miss Iris Sparks and Mrs. Gwendolyn Bainbridge are making a go of it. That is until Lord Bainbridge—the widowed Gwen's father-in-law and legal guardian—returns from a business trip to Africa and threatens to undo everything important to her, even sending her six-year-old son away to a boarding school.

But there's more going on than that. A new client shows up at the agency, one whom Sparks and Bainbridge begin to suspect really has a secret agenda, somehow involving the Bainbridge family. A murder and a subsequent kidnapping sends Sparks to seek help from a dangerous quarter—and now their very survival is at stake."

Iris Sparks who worked for the secret service during the war is still figuring out her complicated love life. Gwen Bainbridge has been fighting to get custody of her son and autonomy over her life since her husband died. That aspect comes to a head when Lord Bainbridge returns home and goes out of his way to make Gwen's life hell on earth.  Lord Bainbridge is a self-centered privileged jerk who proves himself worse than ever.  Lady Carolyne Bainbridge is just as tormented by her husband's terrible temper and foul mood and becomes a semi-ally of Gwen's. Gwen's son Ronnie gets more page time in this outing and he is adorable. Sally, short for Salvatore, is a good friend of Iris from college and through the war. He is a hulk of a big guy and does surveillance and body guard jobs. Even his character is developed more and we understand why he continues to help out the Marriage Bureau.

First there is the murder behind the stuffy entitled gentleman's club where Lord Bainbridge has been spending most of his days and nights, then there is the new client of the Marriage Bureau seeming to keep a watch on Gwen's house, then there is a kidnapping and the danger comes too close to both Gwen and Iris.  I flew through the pages.  The mystery wasn't as defined from the start but as the story developed the mystery invades Gwen's life and Iris won't let Gwen face it alone.  the pages flew by in this character driven story.

 

I didn't see the major reveal coming, so that was excellent and it had some great twists as the climax unfolded. I was thoroughly entertained. The wrap-up was also well done providing some resolutions to a few of the personal issues for Iris and Gwen.

I loved this addition to the series. The personal lives of Iris and Gwendolyn intertwining in the mystery is very believably done. There is more emphasis on the characters than the mystery, but the last third of the book is thrilling and nail biting with plenty of action and danger.  The series has become known for its witty dialog and that is still the case.  As always I love the support Iris and Gwen give each other through their personal issues. It is so refreshing to see.

Rating:  Excellent - Loved it! Page turner, but best to start with book 1

Review - The Lady's Guide to Mischief and Murder

#1 A Lady's Guide to Etiquette and Murder (review-click here),  #2 A Lady's Guide to Gossip and Murder I read but didn't do a review, and now we are on #3 in the series which was an Agatha Award nominee!  The 4th in the series is due out this July 27.

Author: Dianne Freeman

Copyright: July 2020 (Kensington Books) 245 pgs

Series: 3rd in Countess of Harleigh Mystery series

Sensuality: Mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical Cozy mystery, amateur sleuth

Main Characters:  Frances Wynn, the wealthy Countess of Harleigh- recently widowed

Setting: Victorian era, London and countryside, England

Obtained Through: Library

Book Blurb: "London is known for its bustle and intrigues, but the sedate English countryside can host—or hide—any number of secrets. Frances, the widowed Countess of Harleigh, needs a venue for her sister Lily’s imminent wedding, away from prying eyes. Risings, George Hazleton’s family estate in Hampshire, is a perfect choice, and soon Frances, her beloved George, and other guests have gathered to enjoy the usual country pursuits—shooting, horse riding, and romantic interludes in secluded gardens.

 But the bucolic setting harbors a menace, and it’s not simply the arrival of Frances’s socially ambitious mother. Above and below stairs, mysterious accidents befall guests and staff alike. Before long, Frances suspects these “accidents” are deliberate, and fears that the intended victim is Lily’s fiancé, Leo. Frances’s mother is unimpressed by Lily’s groom-to-be and would much prefer that Lily find an aristocratic husband, just as Frances did. But now that Frances has found happiness with George—a man who loves her for much more than her dowry—she heartily approves of Lily’s choice. If she can just keep the couple safe from villains and meddling mamas.

 As Frances and George search for the culprit among the assembled family, friends, and servants, more victims fall prey to the mayhem. Mishaps become full-blooded murder, and it seems that no one is safe. And unless Frances can quickly flush out the culprit, the peal of wedding bells may give way to another funeral toll. . . ."

Frances Wynn is enjoying her life for the first time in her life.  Her sister, Lily, is about to wed for love but must move up the nuptials because of a bun-in-the-oven.  Frances' mother is one of those characters you love to hate, she is hell bent on her daughter's marrying titles, or at least big money.  Neighbor and a friend's brother, George Hazelton, is Frances' love interest and best sidekick. This shows what sort of man he is when his brother's servants show him tremendous respect.  

The main plot of accidents happening and Frances piecing together that there is more to them is supplemented with the family dynamics and undercurrents. Leo's sisters are handfuls and everyone works to keep them separated to avoid constant squabbles, both Frances and Lily attempt to dodge their mother because she is single minded about who each should marry and that doesn't include either Leo or George.  This gives a very real feeling of juggling a house full of people while there is something wrong taking place. This also kept my interest as accidents kept happening amidst the hub-bub.

 This had my favorite killer reveal, exciting and a little nail-biting suspense. Frances does figure it out, just in the barest nick-of-time to save a life.  The wrap ties up all loose ends and left a smile on my face.

Many of the historical mysteries have a slightly darker edge to them.  This is the exception with its more breezy writing style. It has a strong element of light-hearted humor, particularly between Frances and George. I have come to look forward to each new release of this series as a pleasant respite from the world. I highly recommend.

Rating:  Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list

Interview with the author:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbKquGJTxH8