Review
The Second Lady Librarian Mystery
Tiffany Woodall is running late for her job as librarian at Astwell Palace, which is nothing new. However, her tardiness on this day is due to stumbling over the dead body of Bernard Coram, a nasty former footman. The despicable Justice of the Peace, Sir Walter Abney, immediately suspects Tiffany of murder, then arrests Constable Samir Lathrop. Knowing he will not receive a fair trial, Tiffany is desperate to discover the real killer herself. But there are lots of secrets in this small village and villagers tend to stick together, especially against a foreigner. In 1784 England there's not a lot a single woman is allowed to do, but unexpected aid comes from the formidable Duchess of Beaufort. Will they be able to get to the truth?
Abuse, discrimination, and greed
are the key elements of ONCE UPON A MURDER, but so are loyalty and
family. We are witness to base behavior, and also cunning, for good, and
not so good. Emotions run high and desperate measures are called for. There's a complex mystery, but also drama, and romance at the book's heart.
I enjoyed the first Lady Librarian Mystery and I loved this second installment even more. Tiffany is a wonderful protagonist, smart, determined, but not without insecurities. She also has to face discrimination, especially as a single mature women. While I don't understand the all consuming desire to have a family, I can appreciate Tiffany's feelings and appreciate how this portion of the storyline was handled. While I loved Samir in the previous book, I was appalled at his male idiocy in this one! And Mary's actions had me stunned and angry as well. Who I truly came to admire was the Duchess. I loved getting to know her better and witnessing her wily machinations. I'm so glad she's on Tiffany's side.
ONCE UPON A MURDER is a gripping historical novel with an intriguing mystery.
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Once Upon a Murder (A Lady Librarian Mystery) by Samantha Larsen
About Once Upon A Murder
Publication Date: February 20, 2024
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Hardcover: 304 pages
Book SynopsisMiss 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 books: 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.
About Samantha Larsen
Samantha Larsen met her husband in a turkey sandwich line. They live in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she spends most of her time reading, eating popcorn, having tea parties, and chasing her four kids. She has degrees from Brigham Young University, the University of North Texas, and the University of Reading (UK). She also writes historical romances under Samantha Hastings. Learn more at www.SamanthaHastings.com
Author Links:
Website www.SamanthaHastings.com
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/samanthahastingsauthor/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SamanthaHastingsAuthor
Twitter/X https://twitter.com/HastingSamantha
Purchase Links:
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I really enjoyed the first one, so have been anticipating the release of book number 2!
ReplyDeleteThis series is wonderful and is my favorite. Love to read this second book. Sounds captivating and intriguing.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! What a lovely review. - Samantha Larsen
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