The Body in the Garden

The Body in the Garden (2020) Katharine Schellman (Lily Adler Mystery #1)

Set in London in 1815

Lady Adler, Freddy’s mother, had encouraged Lily to go to town “to begin living your life again, my dear,” and, when Lily had protested that she had nothing fashionable to wear, had called in her personal dressmaker and commissioned no fewer than ten new dresses.

Years of navy service had taught Jack a thing or two about dealing with boys: he knew to start with food rather than questions.

Lily smacked his shoulder. “There is no need to be unkind,” she said. “If you were female, you would be quite the spinster by now, too.”

“Luckily I had the fortune to be born a man.”

As if I would come to blows with a lady, however long the ride might be.” Jack looked affronted.

Miss Oswald rolled her eyes, and the childish expression made her look far younger than she generally did. “It was a figure of speech, sir. And in any case, you shouldn’t be so quick to say so. My father taught me to box.”

“I cannot imagine what gentlemen see to recommend this feeling!”

“You did say you had fun last night, ma’am. I think that’s most of the draw.”

“Not worth it,” Lily said firmly. “Though the charades were the most amusing thing I have ever heard.”

“Did they happen after the whiskey had been brought out?”

“Long after. So perhaps I do see the appeal after all.”

Characters: Mrs. Lily (Pierce) Adler, Lady Serena Walter, Lord Walter, John and Francis Walter, Captain Jack Hartley, Miss Ofelia Oswald, Aunt Haverweight, Sir Edward Carroway, Mr. Simon Page, Mr. Philip Neve, Mrs. Carstairs, Mr. Carstairs, Anna Swift, Jeremy, Isobel Harper, Reggie Harper, General Alfred Harper, Mr. Hyrum Lacey, Jem, Augustus Finch, Margaret Harlowe, Andrew Harlowe, Dr. Palmer, Dr. Abernathy, Cousin Bernard, Lady Jersey, Lady Carroway, Miss Carroway, Admiral Folks, Major Hastings, Mrs. Mary (Forsythe) Green, Mr. and Miss Robertson, Sally Windermere, Mr. Christopher Kettering, Mr. King, Reston, George Pierce

Cover design by Nicole Lecht

Publisher: Crooked Lane Books

Rating: 8.5/10

• Browse the archives:
  
• Silence in the Library » »
• « « Band Sinister