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Lily Adler Mystery #4
Murder at Midnight
When a body is found shot to death after an unexpected snowstorm, Lily Adler quickly realizes that some people will stop at nothing to bury their secrets this holiday season.
Regency widow Lily Adler is looking forward to returning to Hertfordshire to spend time with the family of her late husband. She is also excited that Captain Jack Hartley, her friend and confidante, will be visiting his own family after a long voyage at sea. With winter quickly approaching, Lily is most excited at the prospect of a relaxing and enjoyable Christmastide season away from the schemes and secrets she witnessed daily in London.
At a neighborhood ball, she soon becomes reacquainted with a friend of her late husband, Peter Coleridge, a wealthy man who not only manages Irish investments, but also a fund that most of the locals of Hertfordshire take part in. There, she also learns Jack’s sister, Amelia, is the subject of much of the neighborhood gossip—although Amelia refuses to explain if there is any truth to it. For a brief moment, Lily wonders if she ever really left London.
When a snowstorm forces several guests, including both the Adlers and the Hartleys, to stay the night, Lily quickly deduces that all is not well this holiday season. In the morning, a maid discovers the body of a guest in the poultry yard, shot to death—and he is the same man that is scandalously linked to Amelia.
Lily accepts the offer to assist in the investigation, but will she find more than what she bargained for the more she digs? Or will she herself be buried deep within the snow?
Regency widow Lily Adler is looking forward to returning to Hertfordshire to spend time with the family of her late husband. She is also excited that Captain Jack Hartley, her friend and confidante, will be visiting his own family after a long voyage at sea. With winter quickly approaching, Lily is most excited at the prospect of a relaxing and enjoyable Christmastide season away from the schemes and secrets she witnessed daily in London.
At a neighborhood ball, she soon becomes reacquainted with a friend of her late husband, Peter Coleridge, a wealthy man who not only manages Irish investments, but also a fund that most of the locals of Hertfordshire take part in. There, she also learns Jack’s sister, Amelia, is the subject of much of the neighborhood gossip—although Amelia refuses to explain if there is any truth to it. For a brief moment, Lily wonders if she ever really left London.
When a snowstorm forces several guests, including both the Adlers and the Hartleys, to stay the night, Lily quickly deduces that all is not well this holiday season. In the morning, a maid discovers the body of a guest in the poultry yard, shot to death—and he is the same man that is scandalously linked to Amelia.
Lily accepts the offer to assist in the investigation, but will she find more than what she bargained for the more she digs? Or will she herself be buried deep within the snow?
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2023
About the author
Katharine Schellman
14 books843 followersKatharine Schellman is the author of the Lily Adler Mysteries and the forthcoming Nightingale Mysteries. Her debut novel, The Body in the Garden, was one of Suspense Magazine's Best Books of 2020 and led to her being named one of BookPage's 16 Women to Watch in 2020. Her second novel, Silence in the Library, was praised as "worthy of Rex Stout or Agatha Christie" (Library Journal).
Katharine lives and writes in the mountains of Virginia in the company of her husband, children, and the many houseplants she keeps accidentally murdering. Find her on Instagram as @katharinewrites.
Katharine lives and writes in the mountains of Virginia in the company of her husband, children, and the many houseplants she keeps accidentally murdering. Find her on Instagram as @katharinewrites.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 273 reviews
December 13, 2023
Christmas 🌲
I will tell you time and time again that cozies aren't my thing, and yet I greatly enjoyed this one. Goes to show you it isn't the genre, but the delivery. And the delivery was solid. I may yet pick up more of Lily's series.
I love historical fiction, even when people that look like me aren't often represented in them. I wonder why that is. Why I like them, not why East and Southeast Asians are often missing from British fiction. In any case, this one is slightly more diverse in its cast with some Anglo-Indian and LGBTQIA+ representation. Hear, hear.
This is a closed room mystery in which Lily Adler, a widow, is tasked with solving a murder and a theft. Are they related? Is there another scandal? No, and possibly yes. I don't want to give too much away. Even though I guessed the identity of the murderer, I still greatly enjoyed myself.
I will tell you time and time again that cozies aren't my thing, and yet I greatly enjoyed this one. Goes to show you it isn't the genre, but the delivery. And the delivery was solid. I may yet pick up more of Lily's series.
I love historical fiction, even when people that look like me aren't often represented in them. I wonder why that is. Why I like them, not why East and Southeast Asians are often missing from British fiction. In any case, this one is slightly more diverse in its cast with some Anglo-Indian and LGBTQIA+ representation. Hear, hear.
This is a closed room mystery in which Lily Adler, a widow, is tasked with solving a murder and a theft. Are they related? Is there another scandal? No, and possibly yes. I don't want to give too much away. Even though I guessed the identity of the murderer, I still greatly enjoyed myself.
September 11, 2023
The fourth book in the Lily Adler Mystery series. I have read them all to date.
Murder at Midnight is a locked room mystery. The murder occurs at a house party and the occupants are snowed in, unable to leave or for the police to attend. Lily has practiced sleuthing on several occasions before, with either her close friend Matthew or her late husband's best friend, Captain Jack. In this instance they are both there and their investigation starts immediately.
I am enjoying this series very much. Lily is a great character and a very independent woman. I think I approve of the tough decision she makes in this episode. The author writes really well and paces the action nicely. All good and I look forward to book five.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Murder at Midnight is a locked room mystery. The murder occurs at a house party and the occupants are snowed in, unable to leave or for the police to attend. Lily has practiced sleuthing on several occasions before, with either her close friend Matthew or her late husband's best friend, Captain Jack. In this instance they are both there and their investigation starts immediately.
I am enjoying this series very much. Lily is a great character and a very independent woman. I think I approve of the tough decision she makes in this episode. The author writes really well and paces the action nicely. All good and I look forward to book five.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
December 12, 2023
December 2023: Twice in one year! December is my reread season and I loved revisiting this story. This will be one of my favorites in the series!
March 2023: A party where the guests are snowed in is a fantastic settings for a book, but Katharine Schellman takes things to a delightfully angsty level in Murder at Midnight.
The protagonist of the series, Lily Adler, is attending a party with her late husband's mother and brother. Her mother-in-law has invited Lily's sometimes love interest, Matthew Spencer, to join them. In addition, the best friend of Lily's late husband, Jack Hartley, is in attendance with his parents and sister. Jack and Lily have become quite close since her husband's death and investigated mysteries together in two previous books. Throw in a murder, jewelry theft, and blackmail, and things are tense when a snow storm traps everyone for days.
Anyone who jumps into this book without reading the previous three in the series will be entertained. The backstories of the main characters are clear early on. Knowing the events of the last three books, however, makes this a page-turner than can't be put down. There's an added sense of urgency during the investigation because of who is wrongly detained as the presumed murderer. It was also a treat to see Lily interacting with her in-laws and Jack with his family. The resolution of the investigation has the expected action scene and ends with a beautiful moment between Lily and Jack. It was so lovely I had to read it a few times. If this is the end, we can imagine what comes next, but I hope the ending is setting the stage for a fifth book!
March 2023: A party where the guests are snowed in is a fantastic settings for a book, but Katharine Schellman takes things to a delightfully angsty level in Murder at Midnight.
The protagonist of the series, Lily Adler, is attending a party with her late husband's mother and brother. Her mother-in-law has invited Lily's sometimes love interest, Matthew Spencer, to join them. In addition, the best friend of Lily's late husband, Jack Hartley, is in attendance with his parents and sister. Jack and Lily have become quite close since her husband's death and investigated mysteries together in two previous books. Throw in a murder, jewelry theft, and blackmail, and things are tense when a snow storm traps everyone for days.
Anyone who jumps into this book without reading the previous three in the series will be entertained. The backstories of the main characters are clear early on. Knowing the events of the last three books, however, makes this a page-turner than can't be put down. There's an added sense of urgency during the investigation because of who is wrongly detained as the presumed murderer. It was also a treat to see Lily interacting with her in-laws and Jack with his family. The resolution of the investigation has the expected action scene and ends with a beautiful moment between Lily and Jack. It was so lovely I had to read it a few times. If this is the end, we can imagine what comes next, but I hope the ending is setting the stage for a fifth book!
March 22, 2023
Let's start this review of by saying I have never been this invested in a romance. I usually hate romances, tolerate them at best. But this series is doing something to me because Lily almost chose the wrong guy (in my opinion) and I actually had to tell The Husband about how big of a mistake she was about to make (because why would you not choose Captain Jack?). Yeah, who am I?
Anyway... Lily and a bunch of other rich people are at a ball when they get snowed in and have to spend the night. Of course, someone gets murdered, and it is up to Lily to find out who did it... making things worse, all clues point towards her friends so she has to find the real killer before the snow melts and the police can arrive. The mystery is intriguing, the plot very well put together and delightfully lacking filler (apart from the little bit of romance drama), and the setting is absolutely Perfect. Add to that some social commentary, Upstairs/Downstairs drama, both asexual and lesbian representation and a very fun main character... and you have a great cosy murder mystery to spend some time with.
Anyway... Lily and a bunch of other rich people are at a ball when they get snowed in and have to spend the night. Of course, someone gets murdered, and it is up to Lily to find out who did it... making things worse, all clues point towards her friends so she has to find the real killer before the snow melts and the police can arrive. The mystery is intriguing, the plot very well put together and delightfully lacking filler (apart from the little bit of romance drama), and the setting is absolutely Perfect. Add to that some social commentary, Upstairs/Downstairs drama, both asexual and lesbian representation and a very fun main character... and you have a great cosy murder mystery to spend some time with.
September 30, 2023
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MURDER AT MIDNIGHT (Lily Adler Mystery Book #4) by Katharine Schellman is another delightfully engaging addition to the Lily Adler Mystery series. This Regency historical mystery series features an independent young widow amateur sleuth who is once again called upon to assist in solving a murder. All the books in this series can easily be read as standalone mysteries.
Lily Adler is happy to be in Hertfordshire for the holiday season visiting with her late husband’s family. When they attend a country ball, Lily is happy to see her friend Captain Jack Hartley and his younger sister Amelia, but there is an undercurrent of side looks and gossip surrounding Amelia and a handsome gentleman also at the ball. She refuses to confide in her family, and hopes everything will blow over, until the gentleman in question is found dead in the snow outside the rear door shot in the head.
With the guests trapped by a snowstorm, Lily offers to help her magistrate brother-in-law investigate the murder. She believes in Amelia’s innocence, but she also knows she is hiding secrets and she is not the only one. Will Lily be able to discover the murderer from among the stranded group of guests, or will she find herself buried deep in the snow?
I really enjoy the independent Lily, her interesting personal life since coming out of mourning, and her inquisitive nature that is irrepressible. All the secondary characters are fully developed. The mysteries are paced perfectly between the discovery of the crime and the always exciting climax as well as being full of twists and red herrings that keep me guessing. The research is evident in the description of clothes and the depiction of etiquette and mores. I look forward to each new book in this series.
I highly recommend this captivating Regency historical mystery and all the previous books in this series.
MURDER AT MIDNIGHT (Lily Adler Mystery Book #4) by Katharine Schellman is another delightfully engaging addition to the Lily Adler Mystery series. This Regency historical mystery series features an independent young widow amateur sleuth who is once again called upon to assist in solving a murder. All the books in this series can easily be read as standalone mysteries.
Lily Adler is happy to be in Hertfordshire for the holiday season visiting with her late husband’s family. When they attend a country ball, Lily is happy to see her friend Captain Jack Hartley and his younger sister Amelia, but there is an undercurrent of side looks and gossip surrounding Amelia and a handsome gentleman also at the ball. She refuses to confide in her family, and hopes everything will blow over, until the gentleman in question is found dead in the snow outside the rear door shot in the head.
With the guests trapped by a snowstorm, Lily offers to help her magistrate brother-in-law investigate the murder. She believes in Amelia’s innocence, but she also knows she is hiding secrets and she is not the only one. Will Lily be able to discover the murderer from among the stranded group of guests, or will she find herself buried deep in the snow?
I really enjoy the independent Lily, her interesting personal life since coming out of mourning, and her inquisitive nature that is irrepressible. All the secondary characters are fully developed. The mysteries are paced perfectly between the discovery of the crime and the always exciting climax as well as being full of twists and red herrings that keep me guessing. The research is evident in the description of clothes and the depiction of etiquette and mores. I look forward to each new book in this series.
I highly recommend this captivating Regency historical mystery and all the previous books in this series.
October 3, 2023
JACK IS BACK! - BUT NOT REALLY...
MY main gribe with the previous book in this series was the absence of Captain Jack. So when he returned here, I thought it would be amazing. However, it did not really go as I hoped...
👍 What I liked👍
Mystery: Honestly, I did not have a clue who the murderer was going to be. Schellman wove such a great mystery, with a lot of interesting twists and turns. This was not just an "interview suspects" kind of mystery. No, there were clues, hoodwinks and twists to spare. It kept me interested and on my toes.
👎 What I disliked 👎
Jack: Don't get me wrong, I absolutely adore Jack. He is my favourite character. So I was so excited to have him back for this book. However, Jack was not really one of the main characters. And that did not work for me. It felt like a tease. And not in a good way.
Characters: I won't say that any of the characters were decidedly bad or anything. But I will say that there were a few too many of them. Some of them didn't really add a whole lot to the plot or story. It took me a while to get a hang of them all and how they fit together. It made it a tad confusing at times.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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MY main gribe with the previous book in this series was the absence of Captain Jack. So when he returned here, I thought it would be amazing. However, it did not really go as I hoped...
👍 What I liked👍
Mystery: Honestly, I did not have a clue who the murderer was going to be. Schellman wove such a great mystery, with a lot of interesting twists and turns. This was not just an "interview suspects" kind of mystery. No, there were clues, hoodwinks and twists to spare. It kept me interested and on my toes.
👎 What I disliked 👎
Jack: Don't get me wrong, I absolutely adore Jack. He is my favourite character. So I was so excited to have him back for this book. However, Jack was not really one of the main characters. And that did not work for me. It felt like a tease. And not in a good way.
Characters: I won't say that any of the characters were decidedly bad or anything. But I will say that there were a few too many of them. Some of them didn't really add a whole lot to the plot or story. It took me a while to get a hang of them all and how they fit together. It made it a tad confusing at times.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Follow me for more book loving content!
Blog ✨ Facebook ✨ Instagram ✨ Twitter
Blog Post: Which Book Should you read next based on your favourite Jane Austen Heroine
November 6, 2023
4.5 stars, rounding up! This is my favorite book in the series so far. I do love a mystery with housebound guests with many secrets and wild winter weather outside. These elements gave this mystery a golden age flair that I particularly enjoyed. I also loved getting to know Jack’s family more too. Amelia is a great character, and I really really hope the next book is in London with Amelia staying at Lily’s house.
October 20, 2023
A "Snowed In" mystery with a spoonful of angst
Murder at Midnight is another delightful entry into the Lily Adler Mystery series; the cozy mystery series that doesn’t hide behind the racist “People of Colour are anachronistic” refrain.
Just like it’s predecessors, this book was a fun freakin’ time. It was, perhaps, one of the more easier to figure out cases in the series, but romantic subplot gave the novel a little bit of angst, which I thought was nice.
It was great seeing Captain Hartley back - his presence was sorely missed in the previous book. I do wish we could have seen more of him, though. His charm and laidback attitude is a lovely foil to Lily’s near-constant seriousness. And while there was some angst, there wasn't a ton of it, and I'm sure if he'd played a more active role in this book the angst would have been off the charts. A missed opportunity, imo.
Still a fun read regardless! I want the next book NOW.
PS: I know what I said in my previous update, but it definitely looks like this series will be playing around with the Character A fell first, Character B fell harder trope and I'm living for ittttttt.
October 6th 2023
Listen, I adore slow burns as much as the next person, but if something more substantial doesn't happen between Lily and Jack in the next book I actually might explode.
---
July 2023
I missed the deadline to request this on Netgalley and it's been archived. I'm devastated D:
Murder at Midnight is another delightful entry into the Lily Adler Mystery series; the cozy mystery series that doesn’t hide behind the racist “People of Colour are anachronistic” refrain.
Just like it’s predecessors, this book was a fun freakin’ time. It was, perhaps, one of the more easier to figure out cases in the series, but romantic subplot gave the novel a little bit of angst, which I thought was nice.
It was great seeing Captain Hartley back - his presence was sorely missed in the previous book. I do wish we could have seen more of him, though. His charm and laidback attitude is a lovely foil to Lily’s near-constant seriousness. And while there was some angst, there wasn't a ton of it, and I'm sure if he'd played a more active role in this book the angst would have been off the charts. A missed opportunity, imo.
Still a fun read regardless! I want the next book NOW.
PS: I know what I said in my previous update, but it definitely looks like this series will be playing around with the Character A fell first, Character B fell harder trope and I'm living for ittttttt.
October 6th 2023
Listen, I adore slow burns as much as the next person, but if something more substantial doesn't happen between Lily and Jack in the next book I actually might explode.
---
July 2023
I missed the deadline to request this on Netgalley and it's been archived. I'm devastated D:
December 11, 2023
This is such a good tame and not too scary murder mystery series but something is missing in the character building … after 4 books I still feel like I barely know the characters and the romance subplot is just so slow!!! However it was a nice christmassy read that doesn’t require me to think too much. Out of the 4 books, I would say it’s my second favorite. I definitely recommend!
August 31, 2023
The clock strikes 12!
A Christmas dinner and dance in the local neighbourhood. Not too grand but grand enough!
Too bad a murder happens! Lily Adler finds herself knee deep in investigating the affair, particularly the supposed killer.
None other than Amelie, Captain John’s younger sister!
What!?
Added to this is that the guests haven’t been able to leave due to a snow storm.
They’re all trapped, and Oh! Yes! Jewellery has gone missing!
Adding to the drama, Matthew Spencer is a guest, but Captain Jack Hartley has news of his own.
A pleasing Regency mystery with just a sprinkling of romance.
A Crooked Lane ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
A Christmas dinner and dance in the local neighbourhood. Not too grand but grand enough!
Too bad a murder happens! Lily Adler finds herself knee deep in investigating the affair, particularly the supposed killer.
None other than Amelie, Captain John’s younger sister!
What!?
Added to this is that the guests haven’t been able to leave due to a snow storm.
They’re all trapped, and Oh! Yes! Jewellery has gone missing!
Adding to the drama, Matthew Spencer is a guest, but Captain Jack Hartley has news of his own.
A pleasing Regency mystery with just a sprinkling of romance.
A Crooked Lane ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
September 17, 2023
Murder at Midnight is the fourth book in the Lily Adler Mystery series by Katharine Schellman. If you're a fan of "locked door" or historical mysteries, this book is for you, as it combines both. I've only read the second book and had no trouble jumping into this one, as each mystery stands alone. I just love the main characters, Lily Adler and her dearest friend and confidante, Captain Jack Hartley, and was pleased to meet up with them again.
In 1816, young widow Lily Adler is happy to be leaving the secrets and machinations of London behind to spend time with the family of her late husband in Hertfordshire, England as Christmastide approaches. Lily is especially excited: her dearest friend, Captain Jack Hartley, finally returned from a long sea voyage, will be visiting with his own family. While attending a neighborhood ball, Lily discovers that Jack's younger sister Amelia is the subject of vicious gossip in connection with a young man. To make matters worse, Amelia refuses to discuss it, not even denying or confirming the rumors. A sudden, brutal snowstorm hits, causing the Adlers, the Hartleys and other ball guests to spend the night at their hostess' home. In the morning, a maid discovers the body of a man shot to death lying outside in the snow. Unfortunately, he's the young man who's connected to Amelia in the gossip! Why did Lily think all this would be left behind in London?! She should have known better! Of course she accepts the invitation to investigate...
This was a wonderful mystery! After a slow start, there were lots of twists and turns, with red herrings flying hither and yon. I enjoyed the second book in the series, but this one truly had it beat. Who knew that just about everyone at the neighborhood ball had secrets?! I kind of figured out whodunit, but I still managed to be shocked at the end; seriously, I did NOT see THAT coming! Though it was a great story, it was the characters who made it riveting and at times charming. Lily Adler, of course, is the lead. She is a young widow who lost her husband Freddie due to an illness. She is still very close to his family. Lily seems to find herself investigating crimes quite often; she has a knack for being in the vicinity of wrongdoings. (Do you think anyone ever wonders if Lily is the one committing misdeeds? She's around them often enough!) Though she loved her husband, Lily has gotten to the point that she takes an occasional lover to her bed. At the moment that man is Matthew Spencer, a handsome widowed father who lost an arm in the war. He's at the ball, as well. Matthew asks something of Lily, and she must make a decision. My favorite character (sorry, Lily!) is Captain Jack Hartley, a seaman who just returned from a long voyage. (Jack is the reason that I want Matthew, who normally I would swoon over, to take a hike! Jack is YUMMY.) Jack was Lily's husband Freddie's friend from childhood; he is now Lily's dearest friend and confidante, and he ends up working on investigations with her. He is attending the party with his sister Amelia and his parents. Jack is frustrated that Amelia won't confide in him; he feels guilty because he was away from home so long many times. When Amelia is suspected of the murder, Jack makes a sacrifice to protect his sister. Sigh...what a man! I enjoyed meeting Lily's brother-in-law Sir John, who was a local magistrate, which put him in charge of the investigation. Amelia was a great character, wanting to be grown up and handling things herself, but she still needed her family. There were many viable suspects stranded in the hostess' home, and they were all entertaining, but not all were likable. There were so many people with motives! I can't get into all of them; otherwise this review will be more like a book. I look forward to reading the next book in this highly entertaining series! (And Ms. Schellman? May we PLEASE have Lily and Jack get together?!)
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
In 1816, young widow Lily Adler is happy to be leaving the secrets and machinations of London behind to spend time with the family of her late husband in Hertfordshire, England as Christmastide approaches. Lily is especially excited: her dearest friend, Captain Jack Hartley, finally returned from a long sea voyage, will be visiting with his own family. While attending a neighborhood ball, Lily discovers that Jack's younger sister Amelia is the subject of vicious gossip in connection with a young man. To make matters worse, Amelia refuses to discuss it, not even denying or confirming the rumors. A sudden, brutal snowstorm hits, causing the Adlers, the Hartleys and other ball guests to spend the night at their hostess' home. In the morning, a maid discovers the body of a man shot to death lying outside in the snow. Unfortunately, he's the young man who's connected to Amelia in the gossip! Why did Lily think all this would be left behind in London?! She should have known better! Of course she accepts the invitation to investigate...
This was a wonderful mystery! After a slow start, there were lots of twists and turns, with red herrings flying hither and yon. I enjoyed the second book in the series, but this one truly had it beat. Who knew that just about everyone at the neighborhood ball had secrets?! I kind of figured out whodunit, but I still managed to be shocked at the end; seriously, I did NOT see THAT coming! Though it was a great story, it was the characters who made it riveting and at times charming. Lily Adler, of course, is the lead. She is a young widow who lost her husband Freddie due to an illness. She is still very close to his family. Lily seems to find herself investigating crimes quite often; she has a knack for being in the vicinity of wrongdoings. (Do you think anyone ever wonders if Lily is the one committing misdeeds? She's around them often enough!) Though she loved her husband, Lily has gotten to the point that she takes an occasional lover to her bed. At the moment that man is Matthew Spencer, a handsome widowed father who lost an arm in the war. He's at the ball, as well. Matthew asks something of Lily, and she must make a decision. My favorite character (sorry, Lily!) is Captain Jack Hartley, a seaman who just returned from a long voyage. (Jack is the reason that I want Matthew, who normally I would swoon over, to take a hike! Jack is YUMMY.) Jack was Lily's husband Freddie's friend from childhood; he is now Lily's dearest friend and confidante, and he ends up working on investigations with her. He is attending the party with his sister Amelia and his parents. Jack is frustrated that Amelia won't confide in him; he feels guilty because he was away from home so long many times. When Amelia is suspected of the murder, Jack makes a sacrifice to protect his sister. Sigh...what a man! I enjoyed meeting Lily's brother-in-law Sir John, who was a local magistrate, which put him in charge of the investigation. Amelia was a great character, wanting to be grown up and handling things herself, but she still needed her family. There were many viable suspects stranded in the hostess' home, and they were all entertaining, but not all were likable. There were so many people with motives! I can't get into all of them; otherwise this review will be more like a book. I look forward to reading the next book in this highly entertaining series! (And Ms. Schellman? May we PLEASE have Lily and Jack get together?!)
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
October 24, 2023
This was definitely an improvement for me after the last one. It was so good to see Jack again, and to see him interact with his family (and to see Lily interact with them too). I was much more interested in the mystery elements of this one. Very interested in seeing where Lily's story takes her next. Hopefully we'll see Ofelia again as well. I understood why she and Ned weren't part of this one, but they're great and I missed them.
September 25, 2023
A really good addition to the Lily Adler series [which I have loved from book 1 <--once I got the whole time frame thing worked out, something I have had to do with each book apparently. I read very few books set in this time period and I always want it to be Victorian not Regency and get annoyed with how the characters are until I smack myself on the head and go "YOU DOOFUS" and then go back and everything falls into place and all is well. LOL].
I am really enjoying the influx of really well-written "locked room" mysteries and was excited to see how this author handled this trope; I am here to say she does it very well [though technically not a traditional "locked room", a houseful of snowed-in unexpected guests makes it a touch more exciting] and even though I had guessed the who and what very early [from one line from the killer and then one line from the story], I kept second guessing myself and following the [excellent] red herrings [especially after the second murder] until I knew without a doubt I had been right. Let me say, this knowledge DID NOT take away from the story as a whole at all. I loved being back with Lily and Matthew and JACK!!!! I was so glad to have Jack back in the story. I love him. Watching how Lily's family treats her [even after all of her adventures] was disappointing [R E A L L Y John??] and I doubt we will see her visiting them again any time soon [she just isn't meant for "small-town" life and the restrictions that come with that life] as I got the feeling that she as very disappointed in how they treated her as well.
I do have a couple niggling things to talk about [and this is what kept it from being a 5 star read for me]:
* The dual narration [THIS was the biggest issue for me and one I found more annoying as the book went on]. We, the readers, are used to Lily [and Lily alone] being the narrator of the story and having it from two POV's [and one being a character we are new to] was confusing and frustrating, and in my opinion, bogged the story down some. I feel it really interrupted the flow and I hope going forward, the author sticks to just Lily's POV.
* There were just too many characters. I get that this was a ball and there had to be quite a few people there, but it was a bit overwhelming at times to try and remember just who everyone was.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book [and was 100% behind Lily in regards to Matthew ] and am already looking forward to the next book - Lily is one of the best-written characters I am currently reading and I really enjoy how "real-life" the author makes her and those around her [even when the others behaviors drive me crazy LOL. Just reminds me how glad I am to have skipped that century ;-) ] and how she [the author] is willing to break out of the "traditional" regency trope and write how life really must have been back then. If you like good mysteries and real-to-life characters, I highly recommend this series. Well done!
I was also gifted the audiobook ARC and am grateful for that. I don't love the narration for this for one simple reason [though once I get used to it, I am okay], the narrator speaks in a wildly staccato voice and it drives me crazy in the beginning and makes it difficult for me to get into the story [though that was not the case here as this was a banger from the first page]. Once I settle in, I get used to the narrator's extreme staccato's narration and it only occasionally bugs me [it did happen more in this book, but I think that was simply because there were so many characters and she had to do voices for them all that the staccato just never fully smoothed out. I do love how she voices Lily and Jack though; Lily really comes alive for me though her narration of her.
Thank you to NetGalley, Katharine Schellman, Henrietta Meire - Narrator, Crooked Lane Books, and Dreamscape Media for providing the eBook and audiobook ARC's in exchange for an honest review.
I am really enjoying the influx of really well-written "locked room" mysteries and was excited to see how this author handled this trope; I am here to say she does it very well [though technically not a traditional "locked room", a houseful of snowed-in unexpected guests makes it a touch more exciting] and even though I had guessed the who and what very early [from one line from the killer and then one line from the story], I kept second guessing myself and following the [excellent] red herrings [especially after the second murder] until I knew without a doubt I had been right. Let me say, this knowledge DID NOT take away from the story as a whole at all. I loved being back with Lily and Matthew and JACK!!!! I was so glad to have Jack back in the story. I love him. Watching how Lily's family treats her [even after all of her adventures] was disappointing [R E A L L Y John??] and I doubt we will see her visiting them again any time soon [she just isn't meant for "small-town" life and the restrictions that come with that life] as I got the feeling that she as very disappointed in how they treated her as well.
I do have a couple niggling things to talk about [and this is what kept it from being a 5 star read for me]:
* The dual narration [THIS was the biggest issue for me and one I found more annoying as the book went on]. We, the readers, are used to Lily [and Lily alone] being the narrator of the story and having it from two POV's [and one being a character we are new to] was confusing and frustrating, and in my opinion, bogged the story down some. I feel it really interrupted the flow and I hope going forward, the author sticks to just Lily's POV.
* There were just too many characters. I get that this was a ball and there had to be quite a few people there, but it was a bit overwhelming at times to try and remember just who everyone was.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book [and was 100% behind Lily in regards to Matthew ] and am already looking forward to the next book - Lily is one of the best-written characters I am currently reading and I really enjoy how "real-life" the author makes her and those around her [even when the others behaviors drive me crazy LOL. Just reminds me how glad I am to have skipped that century ;-) ] and how she [the author] is willing to break out of the "traditional" regency trope and write how life really must have been back then. If you like good mysteries and real-to-life characters, I highly recommend this series. Well done!
I was also gifted the audiobook ARC and am grateful for that. I don't love the narration for this for one simple reason [though once I get used to it, I am okay], the narrator speaks in a wildly staccato voice and it drives me crazy in the beginning and makes it difficult for me to get into the story [though that was not the case here as this was a banger from the first page]. Once I settle in, I get used to the narrator's extreme staccato's narration and it only occasionally bugs me [it did happen more in this book, but I think that was simply because there were so many characters and she had to do voices for them all that the staccato just never fully smoothed out. I do love how she voices Lily and Jack though; Lily really comes alive for me though her narration of her.
Thank you to NetGalley, Katharine Schellman, Henrietta Meire - Narrator, Crooked Lane Books, and Dreamscape Media for providing the eBook and audiobook ARC's in exchange for an honest review.
June 6, 2023
Things book 4 in this series has going for it: a classic locked house mystery, in a blizzard, and Jack is back! Things it does not have going for it: Jack has a sister, and she's a pain in the butt. I don't think she is intended to come across that way, necessarily - it seems like she is supposed to be naive but spunky. The only problem is, her naivety comes across as absolutely unbelievable for a young woman for her age and station, and her spunkiness takes the form of always, ALWAYS impulsively doing exactly the wrong thing and making every possible situation worse by trying to "help." As a result, she's a frustrating addition to the cast of characters, and seems likely to be a prominent feature of the next book as well. I will hope that she matures or plays less of a role next time around, because I do enjoy the series overall.
September 21, 2023
It was the beginning of the snowfall in London. Lily has returned to Hertfordshire for the Christmas season to join her family and friends of her late husband Freddy. Lily didn't have true friends. She was happy to spend time with the Adler family at the Christmas ball organized by Mrs. Grantham. The neighborhood friends and their families have been invited. Lily has been widowed for three years at such a young age. Mathew Spencer, Lady Adler, Lily, John Adler (Magistrate), Captain Jack Hartley, and his youngest sibling Amelia Noor Hartley, Peter, and his mother Coleridge who have been moved to the neighborhood have been some of the guests of the house party that midnight. Jack Hartley had been the boyhood companion of her husband and had become her own trusted confidant. Jack was most of the time at sea to picture him on land was impossible, that's when at the party he announces his retirement soon.
As the party and guests arrived at the dinner, music, friends, and dancing as always were present. Mathew Spencer takes Lily out of the crowd to propose she get married to him. Her reply was not decided. Having widowed she never thought of getting married again.
The snow doesn't stop and the neighborhood and the guests wake up to find Gregory Edison one of their guests has been murdered, his body lying in the snow. Sir John and Lily are faced with investigating the murder. Even though Amelia was accused of having a relationship with Edison nothing seemed to be going on right there to find Amelia guilty of murder. Who could have killed Mr. Edison? Having been trapped inside the house with not much evidence, Lily assists John Adler in searching, questioning the guests, and even finding the criminal at last. There seemed to be even a theft and another incident of murder in the house.
Very intriguing and challenging to find the murderer but no surprises. It's surely one of the guests who has committed it. I enjoyed thoroughly this novel and the suspense which kept me guessing and thinking till the end.
Thanks to Partners in Crime, Crooked Lane Books, Netgalley for an advance copy for my honest review.
As the party and guests arrived at the dinner, music, friends, and dancing as always were present. Mathew Spencer takes Lily out of the crowd to propose she get married to him. Her reply was not decided. Having widowed she never thought of getting married again.
The snow doesn't stop and the neighborhood and the guests wake up to find Gregory Edison one of their guests has been murdered, his body lying in the snow. Sir John and Lily are faced with investigating the murder. Even though Amelia was accused of having a relationship with Edison nothing seemed to be going on right there to find Amelia guilty of murder. Who could have killed Mr. Edison? Having been trapped inside the house with not much evidence, Lily assists John Adler in searching, questioning the guests, and even finding the criminal at last. There seemed to be even a theft and another incident of murder in the house.
Very intriguing and challenging to find the murderer but no surprises. It's surely one of the guests who has committed it. I enjoyed thoroughly this novel and the suspense which kept me guessing and thinking till the end.
Thanks to Partners in Crime, Crooked Lane Books, Netgalley for an advance copy for my honest review.
April 4, 2023
A bit of a locked room mystery where house guests are snowed in for several days and it was a superb read. The Lily Adler series is a favorite and I believe this is the best of the bunch. Lots of great characters who, due to the snowstorm, are mostly all suspects and multiple motives made the sleuthing really interesting. The writing is great in this series and the pacing was absolutely on point in this book. Highly recommend! Many thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for allowing me to read an advanced copy.
November 5, 2023
Widowed Lily Adler was not expecting a proposal from her friend and suitor, but she really can't think about it now--they're at a Christmas ball near the home of her in-laws, and snowbound. What's more, a murder has been committed and many people suspect Amelia Hartley, who has been linked to the dead man in ill-natured, damaging gossip. And Amelia is the young sister of Jack Hartley, Lily's late husband's best friend and Lily's helper in many of her investigations. She may be sure that Amelia is innocent, but when Jack decides to clear her by confessing to the murder himself, Lily knows that she has to find the real culprit before the roads are cleared and Jack can be tried.
February 11, 2023
Lily Adler is caught in a snowstorm along with several other people after a ball. They're all stuck at their hostess's manor for the duration - and one of them is a murderer.
This book continues Schellman's trend of improving with each installment. The character work was excellent and the mystery good, the climax was exciting too. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Thanks to Netgalley for the e-ARC.
This book continues Schellman's trend of improving with each installment. The character work was excellent and the mystery good, the climax was exciting too. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Thanks to Netgalley for the e-ARC.
December 14, 2023
THE CAPTAIN IS BACK.
:D
:D
March 21, 2023
Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for this e-ARC in return for my honest review. This is my first Lily Adler and I had not realized this was part of a series. Thankfully it was well written that it can be read as a standalone.
Lily attended a Christmas ball together with the family of her late husband's, the Adlers. All the guests had to stay back as they were unexpectedly snowed in due to a snowstorm. Lily wakes up the next morning to someone screaming and ran out to check on the commotion to which a dead body has been discovered in the thicken snow. Putting her investigation skill to good use, Lily helped Magistrate John to solve this murder mystery before everyone leaves the vicinity once the snowstorm has cleared.
As the title suggests, this is a murder mystery series that I find it with a blend of Poirot and Marple and a tinge of Murder She Wrote and Sherlock Holmes. Although it is book 4, I was not left wondering nor hanging and I liked that it was referenced nicely without being overwhelmed with too much unnecessary fillers. The only setback for me was the many characters that I find it a little confusing at times. Not sure if it was me only a little slow in grasping the story and switching of characters to and from. With a slow start to building the gist and all, it was moderately exciting to try to figure out the killer. I have sort of guessed it midway LOL! Not forgetting there was another unsuccessful murder plot which thwart the investigation a little. A nice touch, actually.
If you liked lady detective mystery during historical regency era, I would recommend this. Be forewarned that it has a tiny bit LGBT, nothing overly portrayed.
"Dear God, brother, focus. If I can handle such a revelation with equanimity, surely your worldly self can manage?"
Lily attended a Christmas ball together with the family of her late husband's, the Adlers. All the guests had to stay back as they were unexpectedly snowed in due to a snowstorm. Lily wakes up the next morning to someone screaming and ran out to check on the commotion to which a dead body has been discovered in the thicken snow. Putting her investigation skill to good use, Lily helped Magistrate John to solve this murder mystery before everyone leaves the vicinity once the snowstorm has cleared.
As the title suggests, this is a murder mystery series that I find it with a blend of Poirot and Marple and a tinge of Murder She Wrote and Sherlock Holmes. Although it is book 4, I was not left wondering nor hanging and I liked that it was referenced nicely without being overwhelmed with too much unnecessary fillers. The only setback for me was the many characters that I find it a little confusing at times. Not sure if it was me only a little slow in grasping the story and switching of characters to and from. With a slow start to building the gist and all, it was moderately exciting to try to figure out the killer. I have sort of guessed it midway LOL! Not forgetting there was another unsuccessful murder plot which thwart the investigation a little. A nice touch, actually.
If you liked lady detective mystery during historical regency era, I would recommend this. Be forewarned that it has a tiny bit LGBT, nothing overly portrayed.
"Dear God, brother, focus. If I can handle such a revelation with equanimity, surely your worldly self can manage?"
February 11, 2023
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. The book will be published on September 19th, 2023
Number four in the Lily Adler series, it is the first I have read, and I quite enjoyed it! I was looking for a nice palette cleansing non-stressful mystery, and this fit the bill beautifully. A regency era (1816) mystery starring the widow, Lily Adler. A snowstorm (according to the author’s note, based on the historical “Year Without a Summer” resulting from the eruption of Mount Tambora) forces a number of Christmas Ball attendees to stay the night. The next morning, one of the party is discovered — quite dead — in the chicken coops.
Regency manners, the impact of scandal on women, the greater (unspoken) freedoms allowed a widow over an unmarried woman and two (!) hints of lesbianism pepper a narrative surprisingly free of filler and with some Upstairs / Downstairs thrown in. Lily Adler is smart, self assured, and takes charge of cases without having to beg, look demure, or manipulate — bravo! The plot is clever, twisted, and not obvious (though I did figure it out before the end), and I liked the characters. There were tiny bits of romance tossed in, but of a more Austenian style — there are bodices but they are never, ever, ripped.
I’ll probably go back to check out volumes one to three as I am always happy to discover a nice, reliable, series.
Number four in the Lily Adler series, it is the first I have read, and I quite enjoyed it! I was looking for a nice palette cleansing non-stressful mystery, and this fit the bill beautifully. A regency era (1816) mystery starring the widow, Lily Adler. A snowstorm (according to the author’s note, based on the historical “Year Without a Summer” resulting from the eruption of Mount Tambora) forces a number of Christmas Ball attendees to stay the night. The next morning, one of the party is discovered — quite dead — in the chicken coops.
Regency manners, the impact of scandal on women, the greater (unspoken) freedoms allowed a widow over an unmarried woman and two (!) hints of lesbianism pepper a narrative surprisingly free of filler and with some Upstairs / Downstairs thrown in. Lily Adler is smart, self assured, and takes charge of cases without having to beg, look demure, or manipulate — bravo! The plot is clever, twisted, and not obvious (though I did figure it out before the end), and I liked the characters. There were tiny bits of romance tossed in, but of a more Austenian style — there are bodices but they are never, ever, ripped.
I’ll probably go back to check out volumes one to three as I am always happy to discover a nice, reliable, series.
October 4, 2023
This is a cozy Victorian mystery. It has the advantage, though not to me, of being the 4th in a series. Lords and ladies have to adapt to being lords and ladies in a reality that has murder and mayhem, Oh, and a woman who may have been alone with a man she wasn’t married to! I am never sure how I feel a bout these period pieces. It is absolutely wrong to romanticize a time in which women lived this life. Is it better to show a woman who fought it and broke barriers? Maybe. If not to unrealistic. I don’t think this one accomplishes the latter. Instead it leans into the former. Which makes it OK at best.
October 10, 2023
This one was a lot of fun in many ways. It was neat to see how Lily interacts with her in-laws, especially since we’ve been told throughout the series that they’ve been very supportive of her, but as the reader we haven’t got to meet them until now. Lily’s brother-in-law is the magistrate, so the investigation fall under his perview, and she quickly gets him to agree to let her help, in part because he’s out of his depth with a murder investigation. It’s also clear that word of Lily’s exploits has begun to spread as the party’s host lets Lily see the body initially because she’s heard that Lily has a knack of these things.
No Ofelia this time around, but Amelia makes a great addition to the crew. While it takes her a little while to share what she knows with Jack and Lily, she quickly was all in on the investigation and quite helpful. It was also a delight to see Jack with his family, though especially his sister as it’s clear their close and they definitely act like siblings. I hope we see more of them in future books. Jack is both helpful and unhelpful in this one, but I give him a pass since it’s his family involved and it makes sense that he wouldn’t exactly be at his best. The mystery was good and had quite a few red herrings in it, and I didn’t figure out the murderer until just before the characters did.
There is one other thing that I really appreciated about the book. Minor spoilers ahead:
Overall, this was a great outing, and I’m really glad that I didn’t give up on the series after the last book was disappointing. Now I just wish there were more in the series. Four out of five stars.
No Ofelia this time around, but Amelia makes a great addition to the crew. While it takes her a little while to share what she knows with Jack and Lily, she quickly was all in on the investigation and quite helpful. It was also a delight to see Jack with his family, though especially his sister as it’s clear their close and they definitely act like siblings. I hope we see more of them in future books. Jack is both helpful and unhelpful in this one, but I give him a pass since it’s his family involved and it makes sense that he wouldn’t exactly be at his best. The mystery was good and had quite a few red herrings in it, and I didn’t figure out the murderer until just before the characters did.
There is one other thing that I really appreciated about the book. Minor spoilers ahead:
Overall, this was a great outing, and I’m really glad that I didn’t give up on the series after the last book was disappointing. Now I just wish there were more in the series. Four out of five stars.
September 9, 2023
I love a good English country house murder mystery, and Murder and Midnight does not disappoint. Lily Adler's fourth case takes us to Hertfordshire, where Lily is attending a house party in the company of her deceased husband's mother and brother.
Also present are Captain Jack and his family. When the body of one of the young men from the party is found in the snow, Jack's younger sister becomes the main suspect. Lily and her magistrate brother-in-law investigate, but are stymied by Amelia's refusal to talk and Jack's false confession.
Lily's lover, Matthew, helps with the investigation. He also wants to formalize their relationship, and you do have to wonder at his timing. Lily, naturally, postpones the discussion until the murder is solved, which perhaps should have been all the answer Matthew needed.
Why you should read it: Schellman has recently begun a new series, and I worried, unnecessarily, as it turned out, that it might cause a small drop in the quality of this series. The writing is as solid and wonderful as ever, and allows you to understand the characters.
Why you might not want to: Amelia grated on my nerves. She could have resolved things much sooner if she just hadn't been so stubborn, silly, and overindulged by all the adults in her life. Yes, I know that she was trying to avoid being "ruined," but I was seriously out of patience with her before I was half done with the book. It wasn't enough to keep me from finishing it, but I hope scenes with Amelia are few and far between in future books.
3.75/5 stars
I received an advance copy from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.
Also present are Captain Jack and his family. When the body of one of the young men from the party is found in the snow, Jack's younger sister becomes the main suspect. Lily and her magistrate brother-in-law investigate, but are stymied by Amelia's refusal to talk and Jack's false confession.
Lily's lover, Matthew, helps with the investigation. He also wants to formalize their relationship, and you do have to wonder at his timing. Lily, naturally, postpones the discussion until the murder is solved, which perhaps should have been all the answer Matthew needed.
Why you should read it: Schellman has recently begun a new series, and I worried, unnecessarily, as it turned out, that it might cause a small drop in the quality of this series. The writing is as solid and wonderful as ever, and allows you to understand the characters.
Why you might not want to: Amelia grated on my nerves. She could have resolved things much sooner if she just hadn't been so stubborn, silly, and overindulged by all the adults in her life. Yes, I know that she was trying to avoid being "ruined," but I was seriously out of patience with her before I was half done with the book. It wasn't enough to keep me from finishing it, but I hope scenes with Amelia are few and far between in future books.
3.75/5 stars
I received an advance copy from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.
July 17, 2023
Murder at Midnight by Katherine Schellman
Publisher Crooked Lane Books
Release Date September 19, 2023
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 4/5
Pace: 4/5
Suspense: 5/5
Overall Enjoyment: 4/5
It is 1816 and Lily Adler is truly seeking a quite Christmas with her late husbands family at their exquisitely lavish country home. And with her is her friend Captain Jack Hartley, who was Lily’s late husband Freddy’s best friend. Yet things usually do not always go as planned for Lily. There is already a scandal of some sort with Jack’s sister Amelia, but she is not talking just yet There is a snowstorm and then a murder. The body is of the man who is involved in all of the gossip surrounding Amelia so all eyes befall on her immediately. With tensions high, the guests believe it must be one of them that committed the murder because it may not have been her. No one can leave and luckily for them there is a magistrate there who works on finding clues. Lily is asked to help figure out who the killer was but everyone there has a secret. Illicit affairs or trying to swindle someone out of something. CanLily help find the killer before the snow let’s up?
This being the fourth in the series, I do think it can be read as a stand alone. The author does a great job with the historical facts and descriptions. The characters are developed and really make the book more interesting. I did feel that there were times the pace was slow and at others rushed.
4 stars for this one
Thank you to NetGalley as well as the author and publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my unbiased and honest review
Publisher Crooked Lane Books
Release Date September 19, 2023
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 4/5
Pace: 4/5
Suspense: 5/5
Overall Enjoyment: 4/5
It is 1816 and Lily Adler is truly seeking a quite Christmas with her late husbands family at their exquisitely lavish country home. And with her is her friend Captain Jack Hartley, who was Lily’s late husband Freddy’s best friend. Yet things usually do not always go as planned for Lily. There is already a scandal of some sort with Jack’s sister Amelia, but she is not talking just yet There is a snowstorm and then a murder. The body is of the man who is involved in all of the gossip surrounding Amelia so all eyes befall on her immediately. With tensions high, the guests believe it must be one of them that committed the murder because it may not have been her. No one can leave and luckily for them there is a magistrate there who works on finding clues. Lily is asked to help figure out who the killer was but everyone there has a secret. Illicit affairs or trying to swindle someone out of something. CanLily help find the killer before the snow let’s up?
This being the fourth in the series, I do think it can be read as a stand alone. The author does a great job with the historical facts and descriptions. The characters are developed and really make the book more interesting. I did feel that there were times the pace was slow and at others rushed.
4 stars for this one
Thank you to NetGalley as well as the author and publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my unbiased and honest review
July 21, 2023
Murder at Midnight by Katharine Schellman is a festive murderous Regency period novel chock full of secrets, scandal, romance and various relationships. Set in London, Lily Adler who has lost her beloved Freddy visits Freddy's family and special friend Captain Jack Hartley. Lily's presence draws murders like bees to honey so it shouldn't be any great surprise when a body is found during a snowstorm. Jack's sister Amelia is in the wrong place at the wrong time and some grow suspicious of her and others. While trying to find the killer, red herrings pop up and the past enters the scene. The snippets of romance add interest and balance.
The author writes with wit, vim and energy and the pacing of the book is lively...er...deadly. A few of the characters are likeable, others not, and I like the balance. Isolation mysteries appeal to me and I appreciate clever plotting bits.
If you're in the mood for an uplifting winter or Christmas whodunit set in the Regency period, this may be for you.
My sincere thank you Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this charmer.
The author writes with wit, vim and energy and the pacing of the book is lively...er...deadly. A few of the characters are likeable, others not, and I like the balance. Isolation mysteries appeal to me and I appreciate clever plotting bits.
If you're in the mood for an uplifting winter or Christmas whodunit set in the Regency period, this may be for you.
My sincere thank you Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this charmer.
August 5, 2023
The mystery stands alone, but you’ll be more invested in the characters if you’ve read the series. For those upset by his absence in the last book—Jack is back! Matthew is fine, but there’s a formula we expect when a potential love interest is introduced in book one.
Lily Adler is looking forward to a quiet Christmas away from the schemes and secrets she’s seen in London as she visits her late husband’s family. They’re snowed in and, of course, murder and intrigue will follow her.
I was distracted by the frequent POV shifts to Amelia, Jack’s sister and murder suspect. I thought it was a little lazy to give us info from her pov when she hasn’t been a main character. Lily’s our narrator for a reason. Seeing her solve things is lost if we get half the backstory from a new minor character. That really put me off for what was otherwise a good addition to the series.
Let’s hope Captain Jack Hartley stays in the picture this time.
I received an arc from NetGalley
Lily Adler is looking forward to a quiet Christmas away from the schemes and secrets she’s seen in London as she visits her late husband’s family. They’re snowed in and, of course, murder and intrigue will follow her.
I was distracted by the frequent POV shifts to Amelia, Jack’s sister and murder suspect. I thought it was a little lazy to give us info from her pov when she hasn’t been a main character. Lily’s our narrator for a reason. Seeing her solve things is lost if we get half the backstory from a new minor character. That really put me off for what was otherwise a good addition to the series.
Let’s hope Captain Jack Hartley stays in the picture this time.
I received an arc from NetGalley
October 30, 2023
It’s very strange to me how immersive the books in this series feel despite the fact that the text dedicates very little space to building atmosphere and sense of place. This is especially odd for a historical mystery, yet somehow Schellman’s unusual approach seems to work.
The mystery in this is about on par with the others in the series: Nothing earth-shattering or unusual, but enjoyable to read, well constructed, and apt in its solve.
Lily isn’t really a standout among historical mystery heroines/amateur sleuth heroines, but she’s likable enough and pleasant to spend time with as a reader.
These also feel a bit more accurate to the time period than others set in this era, which isn’t necessarily a requirement for me but is certainly something I make (positive) note of.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
The mystery in this is about on par with the others in the series: Nothing earth-shattering or unusual, but enjoyable to read, well constructed, and apt in its solve.
Lily isn’t really a standout among historical mystery heroines/amateur sleuth heroines, but she’s likable enough and pleasant to spend time with as a reader.
These also feel a bit more accurate to the time period than others set in this era, which isn’t necessarily a requirement for me but is certainly something I make (positive) note of.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
August 4, 2023
I love Deanna Raybourn books and Katharine Schellman's books have a similar flavor: time period, strong female protagonist bucking traditions, murder mystery. All a recipe for a delightful read, and I was not disapopinted at all. The characters Schellman created in this mystery were all incredibly unique with motivations that made them apt suspects. I love the heroine and her relationship with the men in her life, which is as unconventional as she likes it to be. I didn't figure out the mystery too soon, which I also appreciated: a well-hidden answer that pops up at just the right time. I look forward to more of Shellman's books in this series.
March 10, 2023
Schellman’s tale is a classic house party murder mystery. When a sudden snowstorm strikes, Mrs. Grantham’s Christmas party turns into a days-long house party where the attendees must grapple with murder. One initially needs a scorecard to try to keep track of all the players—the major ones being our heroine, the widowed Lily Adler, her brother-in-law Sir John, who is also the magistrate unwillingly drawn into investigating the murders, Matthew Spencer, her potential suitor, and Captain Jack Hartley, a friend and fellow sleuth with whom she has solved crimes in previous books of this series. The first to die is handsome Gregory Edison, whose name has been scandalously linked with that of Jack’s young sister Amelia, and initial evidence points to her guilt—something both her brother and Lily don’t believe. While Amelia refuses to divulge even to Jack the nature of her association with the deceased, the murdered man’s brother as well as numerous other house party guests might also have had reason to dispose of him. Those who prefer their mysteries fast-paced might find this story a bit slow, and this reader found the uncommunicative Amelia annoying. But the plot is intricate, the red herrings and potential guilty parties numerous, and the unfolding of the tale interesting. Reading an e-book where one sees only the pages being read, I was amused to discover at the end (for I’d forgotten after beginning the book) that the story is set during the Regency; I had assumed it was Edwardian. Earlier books in the series (which I have not yet read) take place in London, which might allow for a greater sense of period that this country-set story provides. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance review copy.
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