Review - A Study in Murder

When I read  reviews that said "perfect for fans of Rhys Bowen and Ellery Adams" and "has clear echoes of Jane Austen, Agatha Christie, and of course, Sherlock Holmes" I just had to read it.  See what I thought of this debut novel in a new-to-me historical cozy seris.

Author: Callie Hutton

Copyright: May 2020 (Crooked Lane Books) 313 pgs

Series: 1st in Victorian Book Club Mysteries

Sensuality: mild

Mystery Sub-genre:  Historical Cozy Mystery

Main Character: Lady Amy Lovell, only daughter of the Marquess of Winchester and secretly a mystery author

Setting: 1890 - Bath, England

Obtained Through: library find

Book Blurb: "Bath, England, 1890. Mystery author Lady Amy Lovell receives an anonymous letter containing shocking news: her fiancé, Mr. Ronald St. Vincent, has been dabbling in something illegal, which causes her to promptly break their engagement.

Two evenings later, as Lady Amy awaits a visit from Lord William Wethington, fellow member of the Bath Mystery Book Club, her former fiancé makes an unexpected and most unwelcome appearance at her house. She promptly sends him to the library to cool his heels but later discovers the room seemingly empty--until she stumbles upon a dead Mr. St. Vincent with a knife in his chest.

Lord Wethington arrives to find Lady Amy screaming and sends for the police, but the Bobbies immediately assume that she is the killer. Desperate to clear her name, Lady Amy and Lord Wethington launch their own investigation--and stir up a hornet's nest of suspects, from the gardener who served time in prison for murder to a vengeful woman who was spurned by St. Vincent before he proposed to Lady Amy." 

Lady Amy Lovell, at 25 years old is considered a spinster,  writes popular Victorian murder mysteries under the pen name E.D. Burton and supports women's rights much to the shock of most.  She is just fun as a character.  Aunt Margaret, the only sister of the Marquess, is unmarried and happy that way.  She essentially raised Amy when her mother died at 10 years old. She is a delightful character and a welcome surprise when family members are usually difficult she is nurturing.  William, Viscount Wethington, is a fellow member of the Mystery Book Club of Bath and a friend who seems happy to stay single. But he develops tender feelings for Amy during the investigation.  Eloise Spencer is Amy's best friend and of the merchant class. We only begin to know her in this story but she is a long-time loyal friend. 

My Thoughts: This debut novel is a gem and a pleasure.  The mystery is just complex enough, the characters well drawn and vivid, and the era well researched and brought to life.  The romance is a slow brew which I prefer.  Amy and William are fun as everyone sees they are perfect together but they haven't admitted it to themselves yet.  This novel has a touch of humor sprinkled throughout that distinguishes it above others. The killer reveal was suspenseful enough to satisfy me and the wrap-up literally sets up the next murder to investigate.  I loved this book and it is now a favorite.  It is entertaining, well written, an overall fun excursion with a breezy style.  I can't wait to read the next in the series and I whole-heartedly recommend.

Rating: Near Perfect - Buy two copies: one for you and one for a friend.