Murder in Blackfriars: A Below Stairs Mystery by Jennifer Ashley

(Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

In Victorian London, valiant cook and amateur sleuth Kat Holloway must help the man she loves solve the murder that will finally uncover his mysterious past, from the New York Times bestselling author of A Silence in Belgrave Square.

Kat Holloway’s beau, Daniel McAdam, has always had a past shrouded in mystery. He knows nothing about his origins, only that a kind man rescued him from the streets all those years ago. So when a man claiming he knows where Daniel comes from turns up dead moments before meeting with them, Daniel goes on the hunt for the killer. It soon becomes clear that to see justice served, Daniel will have to figure out who he truly is and where he came from. When Daniel asks Kat for her assistance, she readily complies, knowing she’ll do whatever it takes to protect the man she’s come to love.

The quest takes Kat and Daniel deep into the East End, where they face dangerous foes from Daniel’s rugged past, many of whom aren’t happy that Daniel now works with the police and will stop at nothing to keep Kat and Daniel from uncovering their secrets. As Kat begins to learn things about Daniel’s history she’s not certain she wants to know, she fears that the darkest secret—his true name and lineage—will tear apart the tender bonds they’ve begun to form.

my thoughts:

A new-to-me series about an amateur sleuth named Kat Holloway. She's determined to help her boyfriend solve a murder in order to find out more about his past. Yep, there is mystery, murder, romance, and, Victorian London. How fun does that sound? Plus, unforgettable characters and an unputdownable story. This is the latest book in the Jennifer Ashley's popular series, A Below Stairs Mystery, and from what I understand it is her last one unless she signs a new contract. So, looks like I may have stumbled upon a great new series right at the very end...hmm...hopefully not. 

All I know is that I really enjoyed getting lost in London and getting to know Kat and Daniel. I definitely plan on reading the other books in the series and I do hope that a new one or three are forthcoming in the future. I would happily recommend this book to fans of Ashley and to anyone looking for their next great murder mystery read - you are going to enjoy this one! Make sure to grab a copy ASAP! 

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!

The Secret of Bow Lane: A Below Stairs Mystery by Jennifer Ashley

(Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

A stranger who appears on Kat's doorstep turns out to be one Charlotte Bristow, legal wife of Joe Bristow, the man Kat once believed herself married to—who she thought died at sea twelve years ago. Kat is jolted by Charlotte’s claims that not only was Joe murdered, but he had amassed a small fortune before he died. Charlotte makes the cook an offer she cannot refuse—if Kat can discover the identity of Joe's murderer, Charlotte will give her a share of the fortune Joe left behind. 

With the help of Daniel McAdam, her attractive and charismatic confidante, Kat plunges into her own past to investigate. When it becomes apparent that the case of Joe’s death goes far deeper than simple, opportunistic theft, Kat and Daniel's relationship is put to the test, and Kat herself comes under scrutiny as her connection to Joe is uncovered. She must race to catch the real killer before she loses her job and possibly her life.

my thoughts:

The Secret Of Bow Lane by Jennifer Ashley is the sixth book in her popular series, A Below Stairs Mystery - and it is fantastic! I loved getting to know Kat and Daniel - what a dynamic duo! Kat is a cook who solves crimes with the help of her confidante, Daniel. In this latest installment, Kat is confronted by her past in the form of Charlotte Bristow - she's the legal wife of the man Kat thought she was married to and who fathered her child. Yep, DRAMA! Talk about uncomfortable truths and conversations, right? Kat was under the impression that her 'husband' had died several years ago, but Charlotte is now telling her that he was recently murdered. She wants Kat to find the killer and if successful, she will share her inheritance with Kat. Whoa! So, now Kat must dig deep into her past and try to figure out what happened, and she will need the help of Daniel to get through it all. Talk about putting your relationship to the test, eh? Will Kat and Daniel survive this new case? Will their romance remain intact once the killer has been caught? Yikes! So much is at stake...will Kat survive it all? 

Ashley has written a terrific story that makes the perfect addition to her series. It's chock full of drama and mystery. You can't help but get caught up with the story - it's just soooo good! The Secret of Bow Lane is a must-read for fans of the series and for anyone looking to get lost in a delicious cozy mystery - what a treat!

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!