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A review by leandrathetbrzero
Once Upon a Murder by Samantha Larsen
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I read this book in ONE day. 🧩❤️
Thank you Samantha Larsen, Crooked Lane, and NetGalley for the gifted e-ARC in exchange for this honest review!
PUB DATE: 20 Feb 2024
Samantha Larsen does it again! This series is 2-for-2 in reads I devour within 24 hours. One of my comfort-premises these days is “Strong, Resourceful Woman Solves Crimes in a Historical Time.” And Larsen takes us to 18th-century England, a time period I don’t often find myself in. Even better, she ensures a level of diversity within her cast that I think historical fiction tends to lack, but Larsen proves WITH RECEIPTS at the end of the book how and why diversity and historical settings are not universally exclusive elements.
I really love how our amateur sleuth, Tiffany, gains confidence in her independence as she finds her place in the community her half-brother’s controlling oppression was withholding from her prior to his death in book 1. She also continues to face challenges to her own morality and sense of justice surrounding serious issues: domestic violence and SA, prejudice and racism, and sexism. I have so much respect for an author who can juggle serious topics in a compelling murder mystery. This is a MUST read for historical mystery lovers!!
- SYNOPSIS -
“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...”
Thank you Samantha Larsen, Crooked Lane, and NetGalley for the gifted e-ARC in exchange for this honest review!
PUB DATE: 20 Feb 2024
Samantha Larsen does it again! This series is 2-for-2 in reads I devour within 24 hours. One of my comfort-premises these days is “Strong, Resourceful Woman Solves Crimes in a Historical Time.” And Larsen takes us to 18th-century England, a time period I don’t often find myself in. Even better, she ensures a level of diversity within her cast that I think historical fiction tends to lack, but Larsen proves WITH RECEIPTS at the end of the book how and why diversity and historical settings are not universally exclusive elements.
I really love how our amateur sleuth, Tiffany, gains confidence in her independence as she finds her place in the community her half-brother’s controlling oppression was withholding from her prior to his death in book 1. She also continues to face challenges to her own morality and sense of justice surrounding serious issues: domestic violence and SA, prejudice and racism, and sexism. I have so much respect for an author who can juggle serious topics in a compelling murder mystery. This is a MUST read for historical mystery lovers!!
- SYNOPSIS -
“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...”
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Sexism
Minor: Sexual assault