About Murder in Masquerade
Extra, extra, read all about it! Countess turned advice columnist Amelia Amesbury finds herself playing the role of sleuth when a night at the theatre turns deadly.
Victorian Countess Amelia Amesbury’s secret hobby, writing an advice column for a London penny paper, has gotten her into hot water before. After all, Amelia will do whatever it takes to help a reader in need. But now, handsome marquis Simon Bainbridge desperately requires her assistance. His beloved younger sister, Marielle, has written Amelia's Lady Agony column seeking advice on her plans to elope with a man her family does not approve of. Determined to save his sister from a scoundrel and the family from scandal, Simon asks Amelia to dissuade Marielle from the ill-advised gambit.
But when the scoundrel makes an untimely exit after a performance of Verdi’s Rigoletto, Amelia realizes there’s much more at stake than saving a young woman’s reputation from ruin. It’s going to take more than her letter-writing skills to help the dashing marquis, mend the familial bond, and find the murderer. Luckily, solving problems is her specialty!
About the Review
Y'all, what a great book! I love it, even more than Book One in the series, Murder in Postscript. The premise of it and Murder in Masquerade is such fun — with Amelia, as Lady Agony, dispensing in secret her advice to the lovelorn. Each chapter even begins with a letter to Lady Agony and her reply.
The characters are engaging, the banter witty, the red herrings clever. Amelia reminds me of another Victorian era Amelia, found in Elizabeth Peters' Amelia Peabody series. Both Amelias are quite fond of parasols and sensible walking boots.
Audience members crowded the hallways and slowed her progress. Tapping her foot, she wished she’d brought her trusty parasol to assist her. It was good at nudging things and people out of the way.
Amelia descended the stairs with the help of her parasol. A rich navy color with a gold lotus flower and sturdy gold handle, it wasn’t one of those thin, cotton, fringe-dripping beauties young ladies used today. It had weight to it and had brought at least one man to his knees. She never left home without it, especially when walking alone. One never knew when one would encounter a pickpocket in need of a clubbing.
I am eager to discover what happens next with Amelia, her family and friends. I recommend Murder in Masquerade to all historical cozy mystery fans. I think it will appeal especially to readers who enjoy Anastasia Hastings' Dear Miss Hermione Mysteries and Deanna Raybourn's Veronica Speedwell Mysteries.
I love Murder in Masquerade and bestow upon it the highest rating of Five Kitties!
About Mary Winters
Mary Winters is the author of the Lady of Letters historical mystery series. She also writes cozy mysteries under the name Mary Angela. A longtime reader and fan of historical fiction, Mary set her latest work in Victorian England after being inspired by a trip to London. Since then, she’s been busily planning her next mystery — and another trip! Find out more about Mary and her writing, reading, and teaching at marywintersauthor.com.
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