A Little Light Mischief (2019) Cat Sebastian (The Turner Series #3.5) Set in England in 1818 Molly had spent many an hour wondering what good it was for Miss Stapleton to call herself a lady, when as far as Molly could tell, all it meant was that she was unfit to work for wages. Justice […]
The Devil in Music (1997) Kate Ross (Julian Kestrel Mysteries #4) Set in Lake Como, Italy in 1825 He knew he had been testy and ungracious—had not really given Europe a chance. But how could he, when home tugged insistently at his heartstrings, and a cruel voice kept whispering in his ear: Don’t stay away […]
A Scandal in Mayfair (2024) Katharine Schellman (Lily Adler Mystery #5) Set in London in 1817 “Do you wish for advice or a distraction?” Simon sighed. “Would that there was a way to detect a poison hiding in a bottle or meal. But alas, our scientists have not yet gained such insight.” “Do you think […]
Whom the Gods Love (1995) Kate Ross (Julian Kestrel Mysteries #3) Set in London in 1825 He glanced around this part of the churchyard, which they had entirely to themselves. “I come here every day, and no one disturbs me.” He shrugged sadly. “No one knows what to say.” People of intense imagination are apt […]
Murder at Midnight (2023) Katharine Schellman (Lily Adler Mystery, #4) Set in Hertfordshire in 1816 Peter, in spite of having six elder sisters, had long been accustomed to managing the finances of his whole family as his sisters married and moved away one by one. But Lily couldn’t help resenting the implication that, three years […]
A Broken Vessel (1994) Kate Ross (Julian Kestrel Mysteries #2) Set in London in 1824 “I don’t know what there is to thank me for. Did you expect I should throw her into the street?” “No, sir, I knew you’d treat her uncommon fine. That’s why I sneaked her in when I thought you was […]
Cut to the Quick (1993) Kate Ross (Julian Kestrel Mysteries #1) Set in England in 1824 Julian Kestrel had first appeared in London society a year or two ago, and hardly anything was known about him. … If he had been anything but a dandy, such vagueness about his pedigree would have been fatal, but […]
Death at the Manor (2022) Katharine Schellman (Lily Adler Mystery #3) Set in England in 1815 “My aunt and Miss Clarke were at school together as girls. When neither of them had married after a few years, they began to talk of setting up their own household together, rather than remaining with their families in […]
Silence in the Library (2021) Katharine Schellman (Lily Adler Mystery #2) Set in London in 1815 Lily knew others thought her father handsome, but she never could—whenever he looked at her, lines of disapproval appeared between his eyes. They were there now. Laying aside the visual reminders of her grief felt too much like leaving […]
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 […]
Band Sinister (2018) KJ Charles Set in England in the 1810s I do love this story. First and foremost because of Guy. Philip’s candle had only been a stub. It guttered now, and went out in a soft sigh, and he stood in the darkness, listening to a sick woman moaning, while her brother wept […]
The Soldier’s Scoundrel (2016) Cat Sebastian (The Turner Series #1) Set in England in ~1815 It was always an unexpected pleasure when the truth aligned with what he wanted to say. This was anarchy. He had witnessed firsthand what happened when people felt entitled to deliver their own justice, and he absolutely wouldn’t stand for […]
A Nobleman’s Guide to Seducing a Scoundrel (2023) KJ Charles (The Doomsday Books #2) Set in Kent in 1823 To the surprise of everyone, Rufus d’Aumesty is the Earl of Oxney. After a seven month battle, he was affirmed as the heir, yet his uncle Conrad is still fighting to try and regain the title […]
The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen (2023) KJ Charles (The Doomsday Books #1) Set in Kent in 1810 Gareth Inglis was raised by his uncle who made it clear to Gareth that he wasn’t wanted. When his father dies he learns just how awful his father was. “Your father decided that. He thought it was […]
The Duke at Hazard (2024) KJ Charles (The Gentlemen of Uncertain Fortune #2) Set in England in ~1810s The Duke of Severn inherited at age six, and since that day has never been allowed to be anything except the Duke. The Duke had been Harmsford since his birth. He had become Severn at the age […]
A Christmas Dance (2014) Alissa Johnson It was a nightly ritual for them. Mrs. Meldrin would have her glass of warm milk, Mr. Meldrin his brandy and the two of them would sit before the fire and share a few quiet moments alone, discussing the events of the day. Patience sometimes left her door open […]
The Gentle Art of Fortune Hunting (2021) KJ Charles (Gentlemen of Uncertain Fortune #1) Set in London in the Regency(?) Era The siblings had agreed that Alice needed a little town-bronze, which was to say a little knowledge of humanity’s infinite capacity to disappoint, before it became common talk that the plain girl came with […]
The Secret Casebook of Simon Feximal (2015) KJ Charles Set in England in 1894- “I inherited it from my uncle three months ago. The house has stood empty for many years because of its evil reputation. I felt that was an absurd superstition, and I need to sell the place, so I thought I could […]
Flight of Magpies (2014) KJ Charles (A Charm of Magpies #3) Stephen stuffed his hands in the pockets of the topcoat that Crane had insisted on buying him for this chilly winter. It had been a great deal more expensive than Stephen, who accepted gifts with startling gracelessness, had wanted; a great deal cheaper than […]
A Case of Possession (2014) KJ Charles (A Charm of Magpies #2) “And we must act in a civilised fashion in this country, you know.” … “Come with me to the office today, I want you in Limehouse. I’m going to call in some obligations and do a bit more work on Rackham’s affairs. Buy […]
Unfit to Print (2018) KJ Charles Set in London in the late Victorian Prostitution and exploitation were words Vikram thought should be shouted aloud, along with poverty. Gil had spent his childhood here under his father’s carelessly affectionate eye. The old man might have played the fool, or the knave, with his housemaid, but he […]
Rag and Bone (2016) KJ Charles (A Charm of Magpies World) He gave it a cautious shake, heard the faintest rattle. A sealed jug, full of something. He could break the seal, prise off the wax, and have a look inside. Or he could find a rusty hatpin and jam it into his eyeball, because […]
The Lily of Ludgate Hill (2024) Mimi Matthews (Belles of London #3) Set in London in 1862 Much of the first part of this story takes place concurrently with The Belle of Belgrave Square. Lady Anne Deveril has spent the past 6 1/2 years joining her mother in mourning for Lord Arundell, as her parents […]
The Belle of Belgrave Square (2022) Mimi Matthews (Belles of London #2) Set in London in 1862 I discovered I started this story in January 2025, and then lost track of it until this past Friday. Julia Wychwood hates the season. She’s beautiful with a substantial dowry, but seemingly no offers. But she has her […]
The Perfect Crimes of Marian Hayes (2022) Cat Sebastian (London Highwaymen #2) Set in London in 1751 The second book in the London Highwaymen series takes place concurrently with The Queer Principles of Kit Webb but from Marian and Rob’s points of view. We learn why Marian hates the duke (her husband) so much, why […]
A Queer Trade (2015) K.J. Charles (A Charm of Magpies World) “It’s the way of things. Burn your love letters, or have ’em put in the ground with you, or they’ll be tomorrow’s packing paper.” Hall gave a slightly rueful smile. “I put ’em aside for packing, when I notice, rather than foul use.” “Is […]
The Queer Principles of Kit Webb (2021) Cat Sebastian (London Highwaymen #1) Set in England in 1751 “I’ve already told you what I think. Paying the blackmailer is letting your father get away with it. I want to make him suffer,” Marian added with a degree of relish Percy found entirely understandable. This was so […]
Murder in Highbury (2024) Vanessa Kelly (Emma Knightley Mysteries #1) Set in Highbury, England in 1815 Mrs. Emma Knightley and her friend Mrs. Harriet Martin stumble upon the body of the vicar’s wife, Mrs. Elton. Harriet panics and is foolish while Emma keeps her head and orders her friend to run for the Dr. Hughes […]
A Power Unbound (2023) Freya Marske (The Last Binding #3) Set in England in 1909 Jack felt old and tired. Giving combat orders to young people while heavy with fatigue was like reaching for a guidekeeper: another habit he’d fallen easily back into. He didn’t like it any more than the other. Alanzo Rossi, Alan […]
A Restless Truth (2022) Freya Marske (The Last Binding #2) Set on the Atlantic Ocean ~1908 Grief’s jaws were not blunt of tooth. They snapped shut like a poacher’s trap. “Clarence!” cried Violet, edging sideways on her chair to better display herself to the open doorway. “I’m not decent!” Her cousin scowled and shut the […]
A Marvellous Light (2021) Freya Marske (The Last Binding #1) Set in England in 1908 “You’ve been cursed, and you think this is a time to make jokes?” Blyth shoved his sleeve down again. “I’ve been cursed, so I’ll make all the jokes I please.” A chauffeur was not needed. Robin referred vaguely to friends […]
Subtle Blood (2021) KJ Charles (The Will Darling Adventures #3) Set in England in 1924 “I might have to buy one, actually, it was such fun. Shall we, Maisie? We can call her Suzy.” “Su— A Hispano-Suiza?” Kim demanded. “Do you know how fast those beasts go?” “We do now,” Maisie said. “I’d like a […]
The Sugared Game (2020) KJ Charles (The Will Darling Adventures #2) Set in England in 1924 “You’re Welsh,” Will pointed out. “You’ve got no room to talk about spelling.” “Nothing wrong with Welsh spelling, thank you,” Maisie said, with an edge on her accent. “Come off it. You put two ‘l’s in everything and don’t […]
Slippery Creatures (2020) KJ Charles (The Will Darling Adventures #1) Set in London in 1923 When Uncle William had died, Will remembered an ancient piece of lore about bees, and he’d cleared his throat and told the books, “He’s gone.” He’d been a working part in the State machine for years, a tool to be […]
The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love (2024) India Holton (Love’s Academic #1) Set in Europe in 1890 I’d forgotten how very silly India Holton stories are. That’s not to say they are bad, because they aren’t, but if you aren’t expecting the silliness it can be a bit of a surprise. Devon might be guiltless […]
Once Upon a Murder (2024) Samantha Larsen (A Lady Librarian Mystery #2) Set in England in ~1785 Although Tiffany Woodall enjoys being the librarian for the Duchess of Beaufort, not all is good in her world, as she has barely seen Samir Lathrop since the events of the previous book, despite her feelings for him. […]
A Novel Disguise (2023) Samantha Larsen (A Lady Librarian Mystery #1) Set in England in ~1783 Miss Tiffany Woodall knows she is lucky that her half-brother has allowed her to remain to keep house for him, even if she didn’t love or even like him. But after his unexpected death she has nothing, and so […]
Think of England (2014) KJ Charles Set in England in 1904 A foreigner and a dandy, because while his shirt was impeccable and the tailcoat and tapering trousers cut to perfection, he was wearing a huge green glass ring and, Curtis saw with dawning horror, a bright green flower in his buttonhole. “The supply lines […]
Proper English (2019) KJ Charles Set in Shropshire England in 1902 “Er, are you thinking of moving to London?” “Absolutely not,” Pat assured him, and noted the tiny relaxation on his face. If she had been metropolis-minded, everyone would have expected her to set up household with her bachelor brother. They’d settled in Pat’s room, […]
In My Dreams (2020) Elin Annalise (Aces in Love #1) The problem with a lot of ace stories, is they spend a lot of time defining and explaining asexuality. If it’s not done well, it’s a lot of “well, Bob” and gets boring really quickly. Polly and her best friend Brooke work at a nature […]
Death in the Spires (2024) KJ Charles Set in Oxford in 1905 It’s been ten years, but the crime that caused Jeremy Kite to quit Oxford without finishing his degree continues to follow him. This time it’s a letter to his employer. Jeremy Kite is a murderer. He killed Toby Feynsham. Ask him why. Jem […]
Something Spectacular (2023) Alexis Hall (Something Fabulous #2) I was somewhat hesitant to read this book as I thought it was Arabella’s book, and I’m not sure I can handle an entire book with her as the main characters (Bonny was difficult enough and that book wasn’t from his point-of-view) but this is Peggy’s story […]
Something Fabulous (2022) Alexis Hall (Something Fabulous #1) I struggled the first time I read this, partially because I was having a difficult time reading anything, and partially because I went into it thinking “historical romance” instead of “fantasy rom com”. This time I went in thinking fantasy rom com and I enjoyed it much […]
The Missing Page (2022) Cat Sebastian (Page & Sommers #2) Set in Cornwall, England in 1947 Not knowing how to respond to that, as he could hardly accept a compliment bestowed on a version of himself that was twenty years out of date, he pasted on a smile. “The letter from the solicitor said the […]
The Ruin of a Rake (2017) Cat Sebastian (The Turner Series, #3) Set in London in 1817 “You ordered tea,” Courtenay said. “I like tea,” Julian responded. “You like sugary milk.” Courtenay, as if to demonstrate the point, poured about an inch of tea into Julian’s cup and then added a nearly equal amount of […]
The Lawrence Browne Affair (2017) Cat Sebastian (The Turner Series #2) Set in Cornwall, England in 1816 “Five servants quit,” Halliday said, tapping Lawrence’s desk in emphasis. Dust puffed up in tiny clouds around the vicar’s fingertips. “Five. And you were woefully understaffed even before then.” Five fewer servants? So that was why the house […]
Hither, Page (2019) Cat Sebastian (Page & Sommers #1) Set in England in 1946. Do you know, James, this evening I thought to myself: I would like to put paper stars and glass balls on a tree.” “I see you’ve reached the heights of depravity.” “I’d suggest going easy on this fellow. He had a […]
The Impossible Fortune (2025) Richard Osman (Thursday Murder Club #5) A year has passed since the last adventure of the Thursday Murder Club–and since Stephen’s death. And Joyce’s daughter is getting married. It’s at the wedding that the best man (having heard about the Thursday Murder Club from Paul) goes to Elizabeth for help. “So […]
The Masquerades of Spring, Audio Book (2024) Ben Aaronovitch narrated by Kobna Holdbrook-Smith (Rivers of London) Set in New York City in 1926 (B)ecause the landlords knew that the coloured folk couldn’t get lodgings in the white neighbourhoods, they could charge more than twice the normal rent. Since coloured folk mostly got paid half of […]
The Soldier’s Dark Secret (2015) Marguerite Kaye (Comrades in Arms) Set in England in France in 1815 Jack struggles to deal with the things he saw during the way, not just the Battle of Waterloo, but before. Dammit! It had been two years. He should be over it by now. Or if not over it, […]