I am more than happy to admit that if you offer me a historical mystery with a strong female lead, I will always read that book. And given that the first Lady Librarian Mystery, A Novel Disguise, was one of my favourite books of 2023, I knew that I had to drop everything to read this book. (I’ve been fairly scattered this year, but I read this book in two sittings- I could not put it down.) This week’s Book Bite is all about Once Upon a Murder by Samantha Larsen!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an eARC and an Advanced Listening Copy in exchange for an honest review.
Once Upon a Murder, Samantha Larsen
Miss Tiffany Woodall must sleuth the slaying of a footman to clear her beloved’s name in the second Lady Librarian mystery, in the vein of Deanna Raybourn and perfect for fans of Bridgerton.
1784 England. Officially hired as the librarian for the Duchess of Beaufort, Miss Tiffany Woodall is through with masquerades and murders for good. That is, until she stumbles upon the frozen dead body of former footman Mr. Bernard Coram. The speed with which her peaceful new life is upended is one for the record the justice of the peace immediately declares her the primary suspect in the murder.
As Tiffany hunts for the truth to clear her name, she learns that Bernard got into a fight over a woman at the local pub the night of his death–but he was also overheard blackmailing Samir. The justice of the peace arrests Samir, and Tiffany realizes that her life may have more in common with a tragic play than a light-hearted romance.
With her love locked up in jail and her own reputation on the line, Tiffany must attempt to solve the murder before the book closes on her or Samir’s life.
Why You Should Read This…
There was a reason (or several) that this book was on my list of historical fiction books this year, and it did not disappoint at all. We are back following Tiffany where she seems to be much better off until she quite literally stumbles over a dead body.
I loved that this second novel had multiple mysteries throughout. While Tiffany is obviously trying to find Bernard’s murderer, there are more, less-lethal, mysteries that still have drastic consequences. Not only does it keep you busy as a mystery-lover, we are also able to get to know more of those around Tiffany. The Duchess of Beaufort in particular is now a favourite of mine- she is the proverbial onion, we just keep getting layers!
Without spoiling it, there is certainly more angst in this novel, and there were several points that it felt like all was lost. However, without spoiling it- Larsen weaves a complex story that pulls our heart into it in the best way. Although the stakes were already fairly high, Larsen has raised them again!
Marni Penning’s narration is once again lovely, too. Tiffany could easily be seen as whiny but Penning brings a great deal of depth to her narration, and really makes us feel for her.
This is a fantastic book for anyone who loves historical mysteries, or eighteenth century hist-fic!
Is Once Upon a Murder by Samantha Larsen on your to-read list?
Cheers,
The Historian
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