A Silence in Belgrave Square

A Silence in Belgrave Square (2025) Jennifer Ashley (A Below Stairs Mystery #8)

Set in London in 1884

This might be the end of the series–at the very least it is the final case Daniel will work for Monaghan.

Monaghan suspects Viscount Peyton of being involved in the Irish bombings, and sends Daniel in to replace Penyon’s secretary.

Kat, afraid that Monaghan wants Daniel dead more than he wants to stop the plotters, fears for his life, so asks an old friend to see if she can get a place in the house, to keep an eye on Daniel.

“They’re villains in that house, mark my words—his lordship, his manservant, and his pals what come to see him. They shut themselves into his study for hours. They pore over maps and papers and go instantly quiet when the helpful maid comes in to refresh the brandy or bring tea for the lady. They don’t bother hiding the papers, because they think I can’t read,” she finished with some amusement.

Meanwhile, someone is sending blackmail letters to young ladies–including one meant for Lady Cynthia’s sister, who has been dead for several years now.

Cynthia pursed her lips. “I’m not certain we should show these awful things to Thanos. He becomes very upset when someone is disparaging to ladies, bless him.”

The letters make them thing the blackmailer is a woman who knows those to whom the letters were sent.

“Then the writer must have been someone who knew her well,” I said. “Or followed her about. What I am coming around to is: How does this writer know everything he or she claims? They make more than vague threats about exposing indiscretions. They are quite detailed.”

“Someone who knows all of us well.” Cynthia looked a bit sickly. “That could be any of us. Me. Bobby, even.”

“Is Bobby interested in Irish Home Rule?” I asked with a touch of humor.

“I think Bobby might know where Ireland is,” Cynthia answered.

Now that Daniel is quit of Monaghan, this could be an ending place to the series. Of course, Daniel still wants to work for the police, so it could go either way. We’ll see.

It’s a good place, if this is the end, but I’ll miss these characters.

Characters: Mrs. Kat Holloway, Daniel McAdam / Thomas Delamarre, James McAdam, Mr. Errol Fielding, Zachariah Grimes, Tess, Elsie, Mr. Davis, Lady Cynthia, Miss Judith Townsend, Bobby Lady Roberta Perry, Thanos, Joanna Millburn, Jane Millburn, Grace Holloway, Hubbard, Delia, Viola, Mrs. Bywater, Hannah Dunnett, Mr. Monaghan, Inspector McGregor, Caleb Constable Greene, Viscount Peyton, Lord Downes, Lady Mary Fontaine, John Fagan, George Donnington, Mrs. Proctor, Mr. Hampton

Cover by Emily Osborne & Larry Rostant

Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime

Rating: 8/10

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