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A review by queer_bookwyrm
In Diana's Shadow by Liz Helfrich
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
3 ⭐ CW: death, substance use/misuse mentions
In Diana's Shadow by Liz Helfrich is book one of the Constance Grey Mystery series. I won this book in an Instagram giveaway by a friend. Mysteries are not something I typically pick up for myself since I'm primarily a fantasy and scifi reader, so keep that in mind as you read this review.
We follow Constance Grey and her sister Vivianne, who own and run a dress shop in 1920s London. When Constance's close friend Diana Dunbarton is found dead in her home, Constance becomes compelled to help solve the murder.
Usually, I'm not very good at figuring out mysteries and who the real culprit is in who-done-it stories, but I had this one figured out half way through, which unfortunately, made the story drag on a bit. I also thought there was too much info dumping at the beginning and a lot of unnecessary details. It was quite a slow paced story. Although there was some through line about the drug scene in London at this time, it was a fairly tame depiction of it, with little action or twists.
I did quite enjoy Lady Grey, the mother of Constance and Vivianne. She was a no nonsense lady in the suffrage movement for women's rights. It was also cool to see the Spiritualism side of things at that time. The historical aspect was my favorite part, and was well researched. I got the impression that Constance may have been neurodivergent, and there were a couple of small side characters that were gay and lesbian.
If you enjoy cozy mysteries and a 1920s aesthetic, I would recommend this book.
In Diana's Shadow by Liz Helfrich is book one of the Constance Grey Mystery series. I won this book in an Instagram giveaway by a friend. Mysteries are not something I typically pick up for myself since I'm primarily a fantasy and scifi reader, so keep that in mind as you read this review.
We follow Constance Grey and her sister Vivianne, who own and run a dress shop in 1920s London. When Constance's close friend Diana Dunbarton is found dead in her home, Constance becomes compelled to help solve the murder.
Usually, I'm not very good at figuring out mysteries and who the real culprit is in who-done-it stories, but I had this one figured out half way through, which unfortunately, made the story drag on a bit. I also thought there was too much info dumping at the beginning and a lot of unnecessary details. It was quite a slow paced story. Although there was some through line about the drug scene in London at this time, it was a fairly tame depiction of it, with little action or twists.
I did quite enjoy Lady Grey, the mother of Constance and Vivianne. She was a no nonsense lady in the suffrage movement for women's rights. It was also cool to see the Spiritualism side of things at that time. The historical aspect was my favorite part, and was well researched. I got the impression that Constance may have been neurodivergent, and there were a couple of small side characters that were gay and lesbian.
If you enjoy cozy mysteries and a 1920s aesthetic, I would recommend this book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
Minor: Drug abuse