Murder in Postscript

Lady of Letters #1

by Mary Winters, Ella Lynch (Narrator)

When one of her readers asks for advice following a suspected murder, Victorian countess and agony aunt Amelia has no choice but to investigate in this first book in a thrilling new historical mystery series.

Amelia Amesbury--widow, mother, and countess--is bored, crushingly so. In an attempt to fill the days, Amelia becomes an "agony aunt" for a London penny paper, doling out advice on fashion, relationships, and manners. But when a lady's maid writes Amelia to ask for advice when she believes her mistress has been murdered--and then ends up a victim herself--Amelia is determined to solve the case.

With the help of her best friend and a handsome marquis, Amelia begins to piece together the puzzle, but as each new thread of inquiry ends with a different suspect, the investigation grows ever more daunting. From London's docks and ballrooms to grand country houses, Amelia tracks a killer, putting her reputation--and her life--on the line.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Historical, Fiction, Audiobook, Romance

10 pages, Audible Audio

First published March 28, 2023

About the author

Mary Winters is the Edgar-nominated author of the Lady of Letters historical mystery series. She also pens cozy mysteries under the name Mary Angela. A longtime reader and fan of historical fiction, Mary set her latest work in Victorian England after being inspired by a trip to London. Since then, she’s been busily planning her next mystery—and another trip! Find out more about Mary and her writing, reading, and teaching at marywintersauthor.com.

Reviews

[PamG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mary Winters has penned the first book in a new series featuring Victorian era countess Amelia Amesbury and is set in London, England. This cozy historical mystery, Murder in PostScript , features great characterization and a view into the lives of the class system that existed as a backdrop to an investigation. Amelia is a widow as well as the mother and guardian of her late husband’s niece, Winifred. She also secretly writes the Lady Agony column for a London penny paper. When a lady’s maid, who believes her mistress was murdered, asks Lady Agony to meet her, Amelia agrees, albeit in disguise. She’s determined to solve the case with the help of her best friend Kitty, and a marquis friend of her husband’s family, Simon Bainbridge.

Amelia is honest and forthright. She stands by her convictions, and she’s outspoken when she feels strongly about something. The remaining characters aren’t as dynamic, but have complex traits that may be expanded upon in future books in the series. I enjoyed the interactions between the various characters and am looking forward to seeing how they develop in future novels.

Readers can easily understand why Amelia is bored and looks forward to the afternoon post which enables her to provide advice on fashion, relationships, and manners anonymously. Initially, only her friend Kitty and her childhood friend, Grady Armstrong, who is the editor of the penny magazine, know that Amelia is Lady Agony.

The author is a wonderful storyteller and I found myself progressing effortlessly through the narrative. With plenty of levels to the plot and several red herrings and twists, the story kept me engaged throughout. Multiple believable suspects with realistic motives give readers the opportunity to solve the mystery along with Amelia and her friends. Most of the action is relegated to the end of the book, but I enjoyed the journey. While the main mystery is solved, there was a thread that I wanted to be resolved that wasn’t. Hopefully, it will be pursued in a future book. There’s also the hint of a possible romance to be explored in the series. Themes include murder, friendship, family, infidelity, integrity, and much more.

Overall, this entertaining story contained humor as well as some somber aspects to it. It grabbed my attention with likeable characters, a mystery to be solved, and a society that was undergoing changes. The Author’s Note at the end of the book provides some history of advice columns and how they changed over time. I’m looking forward to reading more books by this author.

Berkley Publishing Group and Mary Winters provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for March 28, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 3.74 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.

[Chelsea Humphrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a refreshing swap from the typical dark thrillers I read. Cozy historical murder mystery? Yes please! I wasn’t aware going in that this would be the first in a new series, but I’m glad to have the chance to continue on with Victorian countess Amelia Amesbury, AKA Lady Agony. With characters you want to root for and a mystery that surprised me in its outcome, if you’re a lover of charming historical fiction you’ll want to put this one on your TBR.

*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.

[Merry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings on this book. I enjoyed the writing and was at times very invested in the romance and mystery. Then the book seemed to wander a bit and my interest level dropped. A lot of red herrings and hints at romance. I plan to continue reading the series and rate it 3.5*

[Bonnie DeMoss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Victorian mystery is the first book in the A Lady of Letters mystery series. In London in 1860, Amelia Amesbury is a countess and widow, having lost her husband to illness after a short marriage. She also has a secret. She writes an advice column for a London paper under the name Lady Agony, doling out clever answers to readers’ questions about romance, family, fashion, and more. When she receives a note from a lady’s maid who believes her mistress has been murdered, it does not end there. Amelia soon finds out the maid has been killed as well. With the help of her best friend, and assisted by a handsome marquis with secrets of his own, Amelia begins to investigate both murders. All the while, she is still trying to keep her scandalous alter ego of Lady Agony a secret.

This is a fascinating, well-thought-out mystery that will keep you guessing. The fact that a countess is writing an advice column, which would open her up to scandal if it became public knowledge, is intriguing. Each chapter heading starts with a question to and answer from Lady Agony, which is a great touch and adds a bit of humor. The main characters are engaging and well written, especially the fun-loving favorite of high society, Kitty Hamsted, who is Amelia’s best friend and sometimes partner in investigating crime. During Amelia’s investigation, we get to see both sides of London society, from Kitty’s popular parties to a peek inside the life of a servant. This is a fun take on the cozy mystery genre, and it provides a unique premise that will delight readers. Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book from Berkley via The Historical Novel Society. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

[Faithsreadingthings · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️?? This was a fun and quick little murder mystery! There wasn’t anything very impressive about it which is why I gave it a 3.5 but there also wasn’t anything I necessarily didn’t like about it, it was just kind of a book that you read and your like ya that was fun while it lasted but then you never really think about it again lol. Just a nice lil read to pass the time as I listened to it on audio on my way to and from places😊 I really like the characters and I am excited to read the second book in this series!

[Anna Lee Huber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readers will be left wanting to pose their own most pressing questions to Lady Agony from Murder in Postscript, the first entry in a new historical mystery series with a clever premise surrounding a Victorian advice column. The plucky, endearing heroine and her intriguing romantic interest make an indelible sleuthing pair that readers will swiftly be rooting for, and the plot is twisty enough to keep them guessing till the very end. Charming, astute, and just plain fun.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amelia Amesbury is far more than a widowed countess and mother. In fact, she pens an advice column for a local newspaper under the pseudonym Lady Agony. The advice that she offers to her readers goes further than the written word. A recent letter from a reader has Amelia looking for a possible murderer. Not only is this not Amelia’s first time helping out her readers, she is not alone in this as she has the help of her best friend and now a marquis she meets named Simon who affects her more than she’d like to admit.

At first it seems that Amelia just might be on the right track, but the clues quickly lead to more than one possible suspect. No matter how confounding things get for her, she soldier’s on, desperate to find the killer before they can strike again.

This engaging new cozy mystery series starts off with a bang with our intrepid heroine leaving no stone unturned. The romance brewing between Amelia and Simon is set at a nice pace. Also, the formatting of this book contains a lot of letters from readers seeking advice and Amelia’s wise counsel. These exchanges add to the enjoyment of this delightful read. I can’t wait for the next book in this series to next see what Amelia will be getting into.

Many thanks to Berkley Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[katayoun Masoodi]

dnf, historical setting with modern people may not be my thing, i found it confusing that while the mc was wearing trousers and outside alone at night she was also worried that if people would find out about her writing an agony column would destroy her wards chances at being accepted into society, and she was worried about this while a dead body was lying there. not a great beginning for me and i was worried that there would be more, so decided not to continue.

[Lovely Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️

A woman writes an anonymous article in the local paper responding to anonymous questions from her readers. One such letter claims her employer’s accidental death was a murder, so Amelia does some investigating. All the while, Amelia is a newly widowed woman whose husband married her as an arrangement to be a mother to his daughter after his expected death.

I loved the relationship between Amelia and her new daughter! So wholesome!

[Sherwood Smith]

This is a fun, sprightly mystery set in a quasi Victorian setting; I think of this particular subgenre as the Bridgertons subgenre: basically modern people set in the vaguely sketched past, speaking and thinking like modern people, but getting to wear gorgeous clothes and ride around in carriages, etc.

Amelia is a countess, who, to fill her time, answers dilemmas as an Agony Aunt. (The book has a note explaining the concept at the back). She has the charge of a child, possesses the estate of her dead husband with no male heir in sight, and decides to solve crimes when one of the people writing to her for advice begs to meet her in secret, and turns up dead.

The plot is slow to develop, but once it gets going, it's a real page turner. I really liked Amelia and her made-family. I suspect that this is the setup for a series, for there was a hint of romance toward the end. I think it could be very successful for the readers who want modern people in Victorian clothes, unfettered by the many customs and restraints of that era. Including legal ones.

[ColleenSC (colleenallbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder in Postscript, the first in a new historical mystery series from @marywintersauthor, is coming out March 28th, 2023. As a bookseller, I had the chance to read it thanks to @this_is_edelweiss and @berkleypub. When I saw it was available, I immediately started because I love this author’s work.

This book is set in Victorian England. The main character, Amelia, is a widowed countess with a secret - she writes a Lady Agony column for a newspaper! I immediately liked and sympathized with Amelia. She doesn’t come from a high society background, and she has an irresistible independence and honesty. She loves her job and is dedicated to her audience, but she is also devoted to her niece Winifred and to the memory of her husband.

When a woman who wrote a letter to her dies, Amelia is compelled to investigate. She meets a dashing nobleman who knew her deceased husband and is willing to help her. I appreciate a Victorian man who supports a woman in her avant-garde endeavors.

Every chapter begins with an excerpt from Amelia’s Lady Agony writing. Check out the Blog section on Mary’s website for a fascinating post about Victorian Agony columns!

I highly recommend this book. Pre-order now! The plot moves along nicely, with Amelia’s investigations taking her upstairs and downstairs, to shipyards and balls, sometimes in disguise and often in danger. I love Simon and Amelia together; we all know I can’t resist a potential romance. The fantastic group of characters is the heart of this book, and I really want to see them work together again! I’m excited for everyone to read this, and I hope the series will continue for many books.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Set in 1860 London

Lady Amelia Amesbury has a secret. She came to London with her husband Edgar who died shortly after from a degenerative disease. While continuing to raise Edgar’s niece, Winifred takes much of her time, she still was bored. “mind-numbingly bored”. So when a friend offered her a job at his penny paper she gladly accepted and Lady Agony was born. Only a very few people know the real identity of Lady Agony. She gives advice on love, etiquette, fashion, and more. She sometimes gets some odd requests as well. Her latest letter is from Charlotte who “witnessed something dreadful” and begs Lady Agony to meet her. Against her better judgment, she goes to the designated spot but all she finds is the body of a young woman, Charlotte.

Believing had she just arrived a few minutes earlier she could have saved the girl Amelia is bound and determined to find her killer. With the help of her best friend Kitty Hamsted and her new friend the Marquis of Bainbridge, she follows each clue wherever it leads no matter how much danger it puts her in.

I am very impressed with Lady Amelia Amesbury. She grew up in a small village working at her family’s inn when a young man arrived and soon proposed. It was then he revealed he was an Earl and that he was part of one of the wealthiest families in London. Sadly, then two months later he was gone. Amelia adapted and followed all the rules of a widow, devoutly watched over by Edgar’s aunt Tabitha. But Amelia is a strong independent thinking woman. While she would never do anything to hurt the family name she doesn’t let the name rule her. This character was strong from the start but she continued to grow and develop throughout the entire story.

The author has surrounded her protagonist with several strong characters as well. Aunt Tabitha, one of the old guard, prim and proper most of the time, tries to keep a tight hold on Amelia as much as she can. Edgar’s niece, Winifred is a sweetheart and smarter than her years and quickly became a favorite of mine. Her friends Kitty and Grady are fun and on hand when she needs them. Then there is the handsome Marquis Simon Bainbridge. I loved the way he and Amelia banter back and forth. The character development of these core characters is so well done.

Ms. Winters has captured the time period so well and plotted out a very complex mystery. With plenty of suspects, the story moves at a great pace. I was delighted to tag along with her around the streets of London and even to the county to get the answers she needed. I loved every twist and the lengths Amelia went through in her efforts to find the truth.

The Lady Agony theme is very entertaining. Getting to read the letters and Amelia’s answers added to my reading enjoyment.

Murder in Postscript is an excellent debut for this series. This book checked all my boxes for a fine historical cozy mystery. It truly was A Perfect Escape! I am looking forward to the next A Lady of Letters Mystery.

[Shilo Quetchenbach · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was an interesting concept but ended up sadly disappointing. It reads like a first draft or outline. Something about the writing style is flat and ‘putting down the facts to flesh out later’ in style and it doesn’t flow - it jerkily stops and starts.

Her niece does not read like she is 10 - she thinks and speaks like an adult.

I am not a history expert, but i have read a lot of historical romances of various eras and this does not feel historically accurate. Too many details feel off, as well as too many turns of phrase.

The plot is…. rather ridiculous. She gets a note saying the writer witnessed a murder. When she goes to meet her she finds her dead. She insists she will investigate and prove it is a murder with… exactly no evidence or indication of where to begin. And she insists her late husband's friend assist her and not leave it to the authorities or tell them.

The dialogue of the characters and thoughts of the main character are very flat and /or have odd emphasis and emotion. It’s like they’re in a monotone except for an exclamation here or there
It just all feels like it needs another edit to smooth things out and make the writing flow better.

Example: the carriage jolts, she and her late husband's friend (who shows up unannounced at odd times) end up in "an awkward half embrace." Once they straighten themselves out he says "Excuse me. It seems we encountered a bump in the road." Which is possibly the most awkward bit of dialogue ever written and completely kills any building sexual tension.

Writing style is very important to me and can make or break a story. This one is definitely not for me as I can't get past the writing to concentrate on the story.

*Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for providing an early copy for review.

[Hannah Wright · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read all the reviews talking about how “delightful” this book was…but it turns out too much delightfulness can be quite boring.

[Rachaelbookhunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Agony is the secret pen name of Lady Amelia Amesbury. Women from all classes across London write to her anonymously seeking advice. One letter arrives from a maid stating that she believes her mistress was murdered. Amelia, in disguise, sets out to meet up with the young woman but discovers her murdered instead. With the help of a Marquis and her best friend Amelia is determined to find the killer.

Reading this I was immediately transported to 1860. Everything is wonderfully described. The limitations of the time and rules/expectations of society play in to how Amelia is able to investigate.

Amelia is a delightful character. She thinks nothing of following someone into the park in the dead of night. There are some wonderfully creepy (in a cozy way) scenes. The advice she doles out to readers is fun and helps show more of her character
We get letters at the beginning of each chapter. The other characters are charming as well including Aunt Tabitha who is a stickler for rules.

I didn't guess the killer but I suspected them at one point. I don't want to say too much about the motive and means except that I should have considered it but didn't. I love what happens when killer and Amelia meet! This is going to be a fun series to follow!

[♥Rachel♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Countess Amelia Amesbury has taken many changes in her life in stride, from becoming countess, mother and then widower. Her secret occupation answering letters as Lady Agony for a London newspaper has been a welcome distraction. She finds giving frank, useful advice, with a little bit of cheek and fun to be fulfilling. However, one of her writers claims to know of a murder, her mistress, and when Amelia goes to meet her to find out how to help, she finds the poor woman dead. Amelia’s determined to find out who murdered the lady’s maid and her mistress.

With the help of a family friend, the Marquis Simon Bainbridge, Amelia sets out to find the murderer, hunting down clues and asking questions. Her investigation does not go unnoticed and soon she finds herself facing danger and threats to unmask her identity as Lady Agony, something that risks the reputation of her young stepdaughter and the family name.

I enjoyed Murder in Postscript overall. The letters were fun, the plot was entertaining, and I liked the relationship between Amelia and Simon that hints at a romance to come. However, I did struggle with the writing style with a lot of telling instead of showing. It made it hard to feel fully immersed in the story, being told of things instead of “experiencing” them through the characters. Also, the dialogue didn’t feel natural in spots. Still, with these issues I did like the story overall and I look forward to the next one.

A copy was kindly provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

What a charming series debut!

I was instantly captivated by Mary Winters’ writing voice as well as her heroine, Lady Amelia Amesbury… aka Lady Agony. The young countess, widowed merely two months after her marriage, is guardian to her late husband’s niece and the secret author of the popular Lady Agony advice column. I loved how the letters to Lady Agony – and her replies – prefaced each new chapter, partly because they were just plain fun to read & partly because it gave me further insight into Amelia’s personality – spunky, a little sassy, and full of heart.

For that matter, I found all of the characters to be extremely likable – even crusty Aunt Tabitha (Amelia’s late husband’s aunt) who seems to have a good heart & equally good intentions despite her reticence. From Tabitha to Winnifred (Amelia’s ward) and Kitty (Amelia’s best friend), Murder in Postscript is full of strong female supporting characters that readers will want to spend even more time with on the pages. Luckily, this is the first in a series with hopefully many more to come! And then there’s Simon…. the swoony marquis who was Amelia’s late husband’s best friend, newly returned from time in America. He’s obviously captivated by Amelia at first meeting, and their friendship made me giddy with the potential for a delicious romance in future books. I loved how he treated Amelia with respect, even affection, and how he valued her for who she is.

The mystery is packed with plausible suspects, spanning both the upstairs and downstairs of Victorian society. Drawn by a letter to Lady Agony, from a lady’s maid, with the words, “I think my mistress was murdered,” Amelia stumbles on a mystery that will test her amateur investigative skills and further cement her budding friendship with Simon. With him close at her side and bodies piling up, she seeks to solve the murders while continuing to preserve her secret identity as Lady Agony. Red herrings and some unexpected twists will keep readers on their toes, and the banter between Simon and Amelia will leave you grinning from ear to ear.

Bottom Line: I thoroughly enjoyed reading Murder in Postscript by Mary Winters, and I think you will, too. The Victorian setting and Lady Agony letters create exactly the right mood for the story, and Amelia and Simon’s relationship is completely delightful. I can’t wait to see where their friendship-with-the-growing-possibility-for-more takes them in future books. The mystery is smart and well-plotted, the conversations are engaging, and the characters are layered and genuinely likable. Not to mention the cleverly done hook in the epilogue that has you already invested in and waiting for book two!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Daniella van Vliet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Writing was stylistically jarring at times. Would I read the sequel? Yes

[Chautona Havig · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun mystery that had a twist I didn't see coming, despite being fairly confident of the murderer. Knowing who without comprehending the why (and I should have. DUH!) kept me turning page after page.
One thing I loved the most is that in an age of far too many "not like other girls" stories, this one actually fits in a way that isn't annoying. What a relief.
There were a few American anachronisms (homey instead of the English "homely" was one), and they jarred me out of the story for a moment, but with an engaging heroine, lovely supporting cast, enough detail to make me feel like I was there without so much that it became burdensome...
Well done.

[Melissa’s Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Absolutely adored this new historical cozy mystery by Mary Winters! When I saw the darling cover, I was immediately intrigued. The story is clever, witty, and fun with a hint of romance. The characters range from charming, and endearing to snooty and downright vicious. The mystery kept me guessing with a variety of suspects and red herrings. Perhaps the most charming aspect is the advice given in the Lady Agony column which the author explains in the afterword is based on actual Victorian agony columns.

After the death of her husband, Countess Amelia Amesbury decides to help out her friend who runs a Victorian London penny paper by secretly writing a lady’s advice column under the pen name of Lady Agony. What she doesn’t anticipate is a murder investigation when one of her readers asks for advice, believing her mistress was murdered. Determined to discover the truth when the maid ends up murdered too, Amelia enlists help from her deceased husband’s best friend, the handsome marquis, Simon Bainbridge. When she’s not doling out advice as Lady Agony, attending society functions, and searching for a killer, Amelia’s also trying to prepare for her adopted daughter Winifred’s first piano recital. Can she manage all her responsibilities and protect herself and her family when she becomes the target?

Loved Amelia and Simon! From lavish ballrooms to the seedy London docks, this story takes the reader on a wild ride as they search for clues. All their interactions were filled with delicious romantic tension. I can’t wait to see how their relationship progresses. The mystery is intriguing and kept me guessing. I enjoyed the complex backstories of both Amelia and Simon which add an interesting dimension to the story. It’s a delightful, fun read I thoroughly enjoyed. Looking forward to more A Lady of Letters Mysteries.

When I wasn’t able to read, I listened to the audiobook version of the book. It was fantastic! The narrator did a fabulous job distinguishing each of the characters. Her voice created the perfect tone for this book. She brought out the witty dialogue in such a way that I found myself grinning while listening.

Definitely recommend, especially to historical and cozy mystery fans. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley but also purchased the audiobook version, All opinions are my own and my review is completely voluntary.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

MURDER IN POSTSCRIPT
by Mary Winters, Berkley, out now.

SYNOPSIS
"When one of her readers asks for advice following a suspected murder, Victorian countess Amelia Amesbury, who secretly pens the popular Lady Agony column, has no choice but to investigate in this first book in a charming new historical mystery series.
_____________

MY THOUGHTS
What a fine read! As Countess Amelia gets swept into a murder investigation, I got swept into this delightful tale, perfect for readers who adore historicals as much as I. Great humor and heart also grace MURDER IN POSTSCRIPT, as revealed in Amelia's answer to one reader obsessed with a friend's tresses:

"Dear Hair, There, and Everywhere,
Some women are born with great hair.
Others are born with great wit, vivacity, or kindness. Cultivate one of the latter.
Or purchase a wig. The choice is just that simple.

Yours in Secret,
Lady Agony"
~~

I loved the spirited female writer/sleuth, her swoony marquis, and the unpredictable twists that kept me guessing right to the end. And author Mary Winters' luscious language, a joy to read:

"Amelia set down her cordial. Whatever may come, she would go to St. James's Park tonight. It would be dark, and she would have to disguise herself to cloak her identity. If it was a ruse, she would know it and flee. Flee. Glancing around her posh surroundings, she decided a word never sounded so delightful."
_____________

Historical mystery/romance lovers, don't delay, put MURDER IN POSTSCRIPT on your TBR list today! Hearty thanks to author Mary Winters, Berkley Publishing Group, and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine.

#murderinpostscript #authormarywinters #berkleypublishinggroup #NetGalley #cozyvictorianromancemystery #pennydreadfulcolumnwriter #ladyagony #bookstagramcommunity

[Audrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

A cozy mystery set it what I am guessing is Regency England but could be later. I was grateful for the things the book DIDN’T do: no keeping secrets from friends, no rush into romance, no neglecting duties and family, no obnoxious, bullying people to put up with all the time. There were so many cliche traps the book could have fallen into but didn’t. The characters were actually likable, the family dynamics were enjoyable, and the heroine didn’t have to shoulder her burdens alone. Definitely recommended for fans of the genre.



*Reader’s Choice Nominee Fall 2024*

Language: Clean
Sexual Content: None
Violence/Gore: Several murders off-page; not graphic
Harm to Animals: None
Harm to Children: None
Other (Triggers): classism, sexism

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start for a new (to me) series! I loved getting to know Amelia and her niece/daughter, Winifred, and I’ve always been a big fan of the advice columnist as sleuth so this book was right up my alley. Add to that the fact that Amelia is widowed (so not bound by the restrictions of society), smart, and savvy (no TSTL moments), and I was hooked. The mystery itself was well-paced and the rest of the characters are equally well-developed and likeable. Looking forward to the next in the series.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mysteries are the bread and butter of my reading journey, so it's only natural that I gravitate towards these books. And throw in a historical setting and a potential romance on the horizon? Well, now I'm in heaven. I loved every moment of this book, from cover to cover. The heroine was charming, kind, and a little eccentric in a way that modern women appreciate but women of that time would find odd. Her backstory was fascinating, since while she was a widow, she was only married a few months and so lacked the jaded quality that many widows tend to have in historical fiction. Left with a child to raise, she bounded into life with ambition and cheerful good will, and honestly, it just gave me the coziest vibes reading about her daily life experiences. Despite the fact that she was trying to solve a murder that turned into a double homicide rather quickly, it didn't feel all that dark. With the entrance early on of a handsome young man who knew her husband and who had clearly taken an interest in her wellbeing, the spark of romance just wrapped up this story in a nice little bow....well, sort of. This is the first in a series. And no romance really happens quite yet, but there is the promise of it in future books. The sexual tension was palpable.

No one would think that a widowed countess and single mother of a young child would secretly be an advice columnist, but that's exactly who Amelia Amesbury is. Having been married just two months, she had barely enough time to learn the expectations of society before her husband died from an illness he had long suffered. What better way to pass the time than help her childhood friend, who happens to be the editor at a popular newspaper, answer letters from readers who needed advice on life and love? However, while it is generally an enjoyable pastime, things take an unexpected turn when she receives a letter from a distraught lady's maid claiming that her mistress has been murdered. When Amelia goes to meet her in secret, she is shocked to discover she has been murdered as well...and she can't tell anyone what she knows without revealing her secret identity. Luckily, she has people who can help that include her glamorous yet adventurous best friend as well as a recently returned from America marquess named Simon Bainbridge, whose resourcefulness comes in handy...even if his protectiveness can be frustrating. With the three of them on the case, they are sure they can solve it. As long as Amelia's life remains safe from harm, which feels less and less likely the closer they get to the truth.

Amelia was just delightful in every way, even when I would have appreciated if she were more mindful of her own wellbeing. Sometimes diving headlong into dangerous activities, she wasn't afraid of adventure or putting herself at risk for the benefit of others, which I could hardly fault her for. At the same time, I could completely understand how her friends could be exasperated by her at times. Her friendship with her best friend, Kitty, was genuine and relatable, and although we don't get a lot of backstory on how it came to be, it didn't feel like it was needed. I could instantly see the chemistry between them, and it was clear how much they saw each other as practically sisters. Much to Kitty's husbands chagrin, poor fellow knew Amelia could be a bad influence on his wife but didn't have the heart to tell his wife no on anything. I would actually adore a novella about their relationship...Setting that aside, the third character in the trio is Simon, who knew Amelia's husband and has a tragic history that makes him skeptical of relationships beyond what is found in friendships. He was engaged once but found his fiancee with another man a week before the wedding. Despite that, I found his character to be generally good-natured. Most of the time characters like that tend to be grumpy, but he had a wonderful sense of humor and was the perfect partner for Amelia. They were a good balance of each other, with her being more spontaneous and him being more methodical, so the investigation was quite effective with them at the helm. And the tension...oh, I needed them to kiss so badly. Alas, we must wait.

Given that this is the first in a series, I am so excited to see where these two characters go next. It is the slowest of slow burns between them, but the chemistry was amazing that I know when they finally give in, it's going to be epic.

**I received a free copy via NetGalley and this is my honest review.**

[Natasha Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid 4 Star read! ⭐️ This is a Cozy Historical Murder Mystery! Honestly, I randomly picked his up at a local bookstore and it was recommended from a staff member! I just took a chance on it! I have never read a cozy mystery so this was my first! I absolutely loved it! 😍 Amelia & Simon are quite the team! I absolutely would recommend this book to anyone in a reading slump or looking to drive into new genres etc! Just pick it up! It’s worth it!

Overall, 4 Stars! ⭐️ I loved this book! Such a fun read!

[eyes.2c · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quirky mystery with a young widow who spends her time answering Agony letters, caring for her stepdaughter and solving mysteries.
Admirably pleasing read

[Nicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

[3.5]

Great introduction to the series, I'm definitely reading the rest. I liked the concept of her being a columnist so it felt very much like Lady Whistledown without it being gossipy. I'm intrigued by the potential romance that's brewing and I'm curious how things are gonna unfold. This was a little bit of a slower, lower stakes mystery than what I usually read but definitely nothing wrong with that.

[The Lit Bitch · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I see books with any mention of “Bridgerton-like’ in the summary or taglines, I am at once skeptical and yet can’t pass up on said book based on hope of finding another wonderful series that is indeed like Bridgerton! I often get asked what books would I recommend for Bridgerton fans, and that is such a hard question because there are so many historical romances out there that have a Bridgerton feel but aren’t necessaitly Bridgerton like if that makes sense. So sometimes when I see this statement on books, I become skeptical because there is nothing like Bridgerton but yet like so many others I can’t resist finding then next Bridgerton like book to fall in love with.

That’s how this book came to be on my review radar. It was described as “… the first novel in a new historical mystery series perfect anyone who loves the secret identity intrigue and swoon-worthy romance of Bridgerton“. So naturally I couldn’t resist even though I was skeptical. The idea of a new murder mystery series with a hot romance even if it didn’t quite live up to the Bridgerton claim, intrigued me enough that there was no way that I would pass on this!

I am a huge fan of historical mysteries and romances and any time that the two cross over is a win-win for me. I am always on the look out for new lady detectives and sleuth series to dive into. There are so many good ones out there—-Veronica Speedwell, Lady Darby, Lady Sherlock—and new female detectives are hitting shelves everyday so when I saw this was a debut and a new series, I knew it must be worth checking out if it had already been acknowledged as an upcoming series rather than just a standalone.

Right off the bat, I have to say that while I was worried that this book was going to piggy back on the success of Bridgerton, it did hold true to the billing by providing a swoon worthy Bridgerton-esque romance. The romance in this book was delightful to read and I loved that Amelia was a widow who was essentially now a single parent. While she was still young and only married for a short period of time, she didn’t come across as this virginal debutant that is so often the case in historical romances (and mysteries with a romantic element). She felt more womanly and in my opinion more interesting. The chemistry between Amelia and Simon was indeed worthy for fans of Bridgerton who are hoping to capture that same heat, attraction, tension, and chemistry that the series is known for. While this book is ultimately a murder mystery, I thought it did a nice job adding in the element of romance and gave readers a couple they could cheer on and invest in.

I also really liked how the book was structured with the self help advice feature in the paper. It felt different and I loved reading the column at the beginning of the chapters. I thought this was a nice way to break up the story and keep readers engaged and invested, plus mindful of there the story began and where it was going. It also really gave the modern reader a glimpse into the Victorian era and all the restrictions of class and gender that was a hallmark of the age. For history fans, I think they will enjoy this unexpected aspect of the story. I know I certainly enjoyed it more than I was anticipating. And I thought it was a cleaver way to introduce the murder mystery to readers. Overall this book felt very balanced in the areas of romance, history, and mystery. I didn’t feel like it leaned harder in any direction and I feel like there is plenty of room within the upcoming series for things to grow and mature all around.

So have I indeed found a new ‘lady detective’ series to enjoy? Indeed I have. I think this series shows promise and a lot of room for growth. I think the author, though new, has a talent for writing strong characters with interesting back stories and a delightful mystery, plus the romance didn’t eclipse the mystery but left enough interest to keep readers invested in the budding romance. The author has written a strong independent woman in Amelia and I think that readers will enjoy her and be eager for more in this series, I know I certainly am! I will say I do hope the heat in the romance it turned up a bit in future books though!

[Wendy W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four and a Half Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭒
Murder in Postscript by Mary Winters is the first book in a new historical cozy mystery series. The series follows Amelia, the main character as she solves crimes in an era where women are not allowed to do such dirty work.

Story Recap:
Amelia Amesbury is a mother, a widow, and a countess, and she has a secret. She writes an advice column for a London paper where she gives advice to anyone who writes to Lady Agony.

When a ladies' maid writes to Lady Agony that her mistress is dead and then the maid becomes a victim, Amelia starts to investigate. She enlists the help of her best friend, Kitty, as well as a handsome Marquis, Simon Bainbridge, to help solve the murders.

My Thoughts:
I have been enjoying mysteries more and more lately, especially those set in Victorian England, and this new series is another one to add to my list. I enjoyed the main character, Amelia very much. She’s honest and forthright in her investigation and she is a woman that I could easily root for.

As happens often in the first book of a series, I found the beginning a bit slow as we were introduced to the characters and the setting, but not so slow that I ever wanted to give up. And once the mystery got going, the pace picked up considerably and I couldn’t wait to get to the ending.

I enjoyed this book very much and I am already anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.

Recommendation:
I highly recommend Murder in Postscript to anyone who enjoys historical mysteries. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[The Romance Book Disciple (Samantha) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

This was delightful!!! I loved the mystery and Amelia is a wonderful character. Her life is so interesting. There is the whisper of possible romance, but it isn't the central plot. If you like the Lady Sherlock series, I think this is right up your alley!