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The Mayfair Dagger
A witty, feminist mystery set in the heart of 19th century London, this daring daring adventure featuring an intrepid woman detective will thrill fans of Deanna Raybourn and Katharine Schellman.
London, 1894. Albertine Honeycombe never wanted a husband, and certainly not the one that her cousin, Aubrey, is trying to marry her off to. She creates a Countess Von Dagga, a private detective aiding the upper echelons of women in society. As the Countess, she is a married woman, to a fictitious man, which allows her to move through the ton with more freedom.
When Lord Leech, one of her targets, is murdered, Albertine is suspect number one - having been the last person to see him. And when the Duke of Erleigh comes looking for her utterly fictitious husband, she realizes she has landed herself in hot water, without a tea bag. When Albertine also becomes the prime suspect in her fictional husband’s death, things are looking grim.
Unless Albertine can prove who murdered Lord Leetch, and keep the whereabouts of her fictional husband and her real name under wraps, her choices are step-mothering enough small children to start a school or hanging from the end of Her Majesty's rope.
London, 1894. Albertine Honeycombe never wanted a husband, and certainly not the one that her cousin, Aubrey, is trying to marry her off to. She creates a Countess Von Dagga, a private detective aiding the upper echelons of women in society. As the Countess, she is a married woman, to a fictitious man, which allows her to move through the ton with more freedom.
When Lord Leech, one of her targets, is murdered, Albertine is suspect number one - having been the last person to see him. And when the Duke of Erleigh comes looking for her utterly fictitious husband, she realizes she has landed herself in hot water, without a tea bag. When Albertine also becomes the prime suspect in her fictional husband’s death, things are looking grim.
Unless Albertine can prove who murdered Lord Leetch, and keep the whereabouts of her fictional husband and her real name under wraps, her choices are step-mothering enough small children to start a school or hanging from the end of Her Majesty's rope.
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First published April 23, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
April 6, 2024
I listened to Ava January's Victorian historical murder mystery set in London on audio, it is approximately 8 hours and 20 minutes long, and is ably narrated by Elizabeth Knowelden and Dennis Kleinman, voicing the characters of Albertine Honeycombe and Spencer, who has recently become the Duke of Earleigh, respectively. They both did a stellar job, it was just that I found this to be a mixed bag of a read, and my issues primarily centred around Albertine, whilst I occasionally found her to be an engaging character, a lot of the time I was infuriated and irritated by her, she came across as so naive, silly, so headstrong she is unable to check her idiocy, as in the whole coffin debacle, and takes her wonderful maid, Joan, without whom she is nothing, far too much for granted, and I cringed at her romantic developments with Spencer.
It is 1894, with her beloved father dead, Albertine is devastated to discover there was no provision for her in his will, and the cousin who inherited has insisted she marry a local farmer with 15 children she will be expected to care for. To escape this fate, she flees for London with Joan, and becomes a private detective, in memory of the dreams she and her dead brother, Algernon, had. She becomes Countess Dagga, with a fictional Count as a absent husband, so that she can live the independent life that would otherwise be denied to her. However, she had not forseen that the rich and powerful who engage her would be so reluctant to pay for her services as she is a woman, as is the case when she retrieves some letters from a Lord Grendel using them for the purposes of blackmail. When he is discovered murdered, she becomes the prime suspect as the last person known to have seen him alive. As she sets out to prove her innocence, she employs an undercover Spencer, working for Scotland Yard, not realising who he really is.
As Spencer gets to know Albertine, he realises there is no way she is a killer, and falls in love with her, only to find their path to love is littered with obstacles. Will the real killer be unmasked and the truth emerge in time to save Albertine before she can be hanged for a crime she did not commit? There are many reviewers who liked this, the first of a historical mystery series, far more than I did, so I would suggest reading other reviews prior to making a decision as to whether to read or listen to this. Many thanks to Dreamscape Media for an ALC.
It is 1894, with her beloved father dead, Albertine is devastated to discover there was no provision for her in his will, and the cousin who inherited has insisted she marry a local farmer with 15 children she will be expected to care for. To escape this fate, she flees for London with Joan, and becomes a private detective, in memory of the dreams she and her dead brother, Algernon, had. She becomes Countess Dagga, with a fictional Count as a absent husband, so that she can live the independent life that would otherwise be denied to her. However, she had not forseen that the rich and powerful who engage her would be so reluctant to pay for her services as she is a woman, as is the case when she retrieves some letters from a Lord Grendel using them for the purposes of blackmail. When he is discovered murdered, she becomes the prime suspect as the last person known to have seen him alive. As she sets out to prove her innocence, she employs an undercover Spencer, working for Scotland Yard, not realising who he really is.
As Spencer gets to know Albertine, he realises there is no way she is a killer, and falls in love with her, only to find their path to love is littered with obstacles. Will the real killer be unmasked and the truth emerge in time to save Albertine before she can be hanged for a crime she did not commit? There are many reviewers who liked this, the first of a historical mystery series, far more than I did, so I would suggest reading other reviews prior to making a decision as to whether to read or listen to this. Many thanks to Dreamscape Media for an ALC.
May 10, 2024
This was very nearly wonderful. It started off so strong—intriguing opening chapters, witty narrative, and promising characters. I liked it so much I was mentally composing my “recommended for fans of India Holton or Katherine Schellman” notes and contemplating a spot on my 2024 favorites list.
But alas. The humor is not sustained and a few of the choices chafed, most notably how the duke/detective interacted with the heroine’s best friend. It’s fine that he has a good relationship with her, but it’s so weird that it is so free and easy upon first meeting (and numerous times thereafter), in this time period, under these circumstances, and well before a relationship is established with the heroine. And while I liked the romance focus + cozy mystery and I appreciated that he likes the h’s character as well as her form, I so did not enjoy the rom-com grand public gesture at the end. So trite, so not in keeping with the period.
3.5 stars
Audio Notes: Elizabeth Knowelden is perfect, as always—no one does light, airy period voices like she does. The real surprise here is the male narrator, Dennis Kleinman. His voice is subtly rich and nuanced, and he delivers various voices with distinction and ease, including female ones. A great audiobook experience, even if the book itself was ultimately a bit of a disappointment.
But alas. The humor is not sustained and a few of the choices chafed, most notably how the duke/detective interacted with the heroine’s best friend. It’s fine that he has a good relationship with her, but it’s so weird that it is so free and easy upon first meeting (and numerous times thereafter), in this time period, under these circumstances, and well before a relationship is established with the heroine. And while I liked the romance focus + cozy mystery and I appreciated that he likes the h’s character as well as her form, I so did not enjoy the rom-com grand public gesture at the end. So trite, so not in keeping with the period.
3.5 stars
Audio Notes: Elizabeth Knowelden is perfect, as always—no one does light, airy period voices like she does. The real surprise here is the male narrator, Dennis Kleinman. His voice is subtly rich and nuanced, and he delivers various voices with distinction and ease, including female ones. A great audiobook experience, even if the book itself was ultimately a bit of a disappointment.
March 1, 2024
From the cover and description, I expected a solid mystery with a slow burn romance. This is a romp that never captured my attention. Albertine gets into some cringy situations. She’s more silly than sharp. The mystery is weak and the romance had no chemistry. The author has a great voice but bad characterization, unearned insta love, and strange pacing made this a miss for me.
I received an arc from NetGalley
I received an arc from NetGalley
April 22, 2024
Wickedly, joyous Lady Detective!
After her father, an Earl and renowned scientist dies followed by her brother Algernon, Albertine Honeycombe is left to the mercy of cousin Franklin, who’s always considered her as uncontrollable. When Franklin decides to marry her off to a farmer with fifteen children, Albertine decides to flee in the kitchen dogcart, along with her friend Joan.
She’s come to London to become a detective. A dream she and her brother Algernon always had.
Albertine (or Bertie) takes on the personae of Countess Avon Dagga, whose husband the Count is supposedly still abroad.
Breaking into the detecting business is not easy. She takes on some small tasks, but is never paid. When one of those tasks has her being arrested for murder Albertine has no-one to turn to, except maybe the Scotland Yard Inspector.
Albertina had taken on the case of retrieving some ill advised letters written by a prominent ton member Lady Roche to Lord Grendel from his study. Lady Roche is now being blackmailed by the powerful Lord. Albertine has a close call when Grendel finds her there during a masquerade ball. She manages to drug him and escapes. Unfortunately the next morning Grendel is found there dead! Not only that, but Albertine’s been accused by Baron Wallop (a vindictive man who Albertine had dealings with in a prior case) of theft, and possibly murdering both Lord Grendel and her non existent husband!
After Lady Roche cannot or will not pay Albertine for her services, she and Joan decide they need a man to assist in their detecting business. Particularly the payment part.
Sweetman, Marquis of Reading, has recently inherited the family business. He’s now the Duke of Everleigh. Spencer is bowed down with responsibilities he doesn’t enjoy. Laughter has fled his soul. That is until he gets to know the utterly, lovely, and unruly Countess. He’d answered her advertisement as part of his cover to investigate her.
The problem is his dual occupations (Inspector and Duke) haven’t been disclosed to Albertine. When they are it’s in dire circumstances. Can Sweetman save her and thus himself. Will she forgive him his duplicitousness?
A giddy, thoroughly enjoyable mystery romance with heart and lightness. A story that zings and sings with all the tensions and delights.
(I so enjoyed this novel I’m off to discover more by works Ava January!)
A Crooked Lane ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
After her father, an Earl and renowned scientist dies followed by her brother Algernon, Albertine Honeycombe is left to the mercy of cousin Franklin, who’s always considered her as uncontrollable. When Franklin decides to marry her off to a farmer with fifteen children, Albertine decides to flee in the kitchen dogcart, along with her friend Joan.
She’s come to London to become a detective. A dream she and her brother Algernon always had.
Albertine (or Bertie) takes on the personae of Countess Avon Dagga, whose husband the Count is supposedly still abroad.
Breaking into the detecting business is not easy. She takes on some small tasks, but is never paid. When one of those tasks has her being arrested for murder Albertine has no-one to turn to, except maybe the Scotland Yard Inspector.
Albertina had taken on the case of retrieving some ill advised letters written by a prominent ton member Lady Roche to Lord Grendel from his study. Lady Roche is now being blackmailed by the powerful Lord. Albertine has a close call when Grendel finds her there during a masquerade ball. She manages to drug him and escapes. Unfortunately the next morning Grendel is found there dead! Not only that, but Albertine’s been accused by Baron Wallop (a vindictive man who Albertine had dealings with in a prior case) of theft, and possibly murdering both Lord Grendel and her non existent husband!
After Lady Roche cannot or will not pay Albertine for her services, she and Joan decide they need a man to assist in their detecting business. Particularly the payment part.
Sweetman, Marquis of Reading, has recently inherited the family business. He’s now the Duke of Everleigh. Spencer is bowed down with responsibilities he doesn’t enjoy. Laughter has fled his soul. That is until he gets to know the utterly, lovely, and unruly Countess. He’d answered her advertisement as part of his cover to investigate her.
The problem is his dual occupations (Inspector and Duke) haven’t been disclosed to Albertine. When they are it’s in dire circumstances. Can Sweetman save her and thus himself. Will she forgive him his duplicitousness?
A giddy, thoroughly enjoyable mystery romance with heart and lightness. A story that zings and sings with all the tensions and delights.
(I so enjoyed this novel I’m off to discover more by works Ava January!)
A Crooked Lane ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
January 11, 2024
This was a fun, sometimes goofy, romp of a historical mystery. It's solidly in cozy territory with characters that have a lot of fun along the way to not-really-solving a murder. This is more about hijinks and romance than sleuthing and that can be quite entertaining!
Albertine and Joan are out of their element, country girls who come to London to start a detective agency. Joan seems to be humoring Albertine at points, convinced they will go home and settle down to the prescribed life that has been laid out for them. Albertine is earnest in her wish to be a detective, despite not being able to collect payment for her work. Spencer comes along as a Scotland Yard inspector investigating a murder and pretends to take a job as the front for Albertine's business, who will hopefully make clients pay for her services. Spencer has recently inherited a dukedom, which clashes with his established life.
It's a little curious that Albertine's status as the daughter of an Earl is mentioned, but forgotten regularly. She would certainly have access to society in light of her late father's rank. When she finally knows that Spencer is a Duke, she is dejected, thinking about how she is beneath him. But she isn't?
There are moments that feel modern that pull you out of the story a little bit and the finale scene that does it a lot.
The very end opens the door for a sequel, with Albertine getting an offer to continue sleuthing. It'll be interesting to see how Albertine and Spencer evolve as a couple!
Albertine and Joan are out of their element, country girls who come to London to start a detective agency. Joan seems to be humoring Albertine at points, convinced they will go home and settle down to the prescribed life that has been laid out for them. Albertine is earnest in her wish to be a detective, despite not being able to collect payment for her work. Spencer comes along as a Scotland Yard inspector investigating a murder and pretends to take a job as the front for Albertine's business, who will hopefully make clients pay for her services. Spencer has recently inherited a dukedom, which clashes with his established life.
It's a little curious that Albertine's status as the daughter of an Earl is mentioned, but forgotten regularly. She would certainly have access to society in light of her late father's rank. When she finally knows that Spencer is a Duke, she is dejected, thinking about how she is beneath him. But she isn't?
There are moments that feel modern that pull you out of the story a little bit and the finale scene that does it a lot.
The very end opens the door for a sequel, with Albertine getting an offer to continue sleuthing. It'll be interesting to see how Albertine and Spencer evolve as a couple!
April 24, 2024
⭐️4 Stars⭐️
The Mayfair Dagger: A Novel by Ava January is a fabulous, witty, cosy historical budding romance read with mystery, mayhem and murder that I found very entertaining.
The story is set in London, 1894. After the death of Albertine’s father and brother the family estate is left to her cousin Aubrey who wants to marry her off to a neighbouring farmer with fifteen children. Albertine flees from her hometown with Joan her best friend in tow as an arranged marriage is not what she desires.
In London the women start up a detective agency that serves upper-class society women here Albertine takes on the persona of Countess Von Dagga with Joan playing the part of Albertine’s maid. After the first few clients don’t pay up she advertises for a man to be the face of her detective agency hoping this will solve her issue of being paid.
Enter Spencer Sweetman a Scotland Yard inspector who has recently inherited the title of Duke Of Erleigh and who replies to the job ad under false pretences, hoping to solve a murder. Is Spencer going to arrest Albertine for murder or will he fall in love with her?
Countess Von Dagga is a charming character, she’s an amateur sleuth who is kind hearted and still grieving the death of her brother.
This is a light hearted and fun feminist read with a touch of mystery and I enjoyed the accompanying sweet love story. I think this could be the start of a series I would love to keep reading.
Publication Date 23 April 2024
Publisher Crooked Lane Books
💖A huge thanks to the author Ava January for a copy of the book.
The Mayfair Dagger: A Novel by Ava January is a fabulous, witty, cosy historical budding romance read with mystery, mayhem and murder that I found very entertaining.
The story is set in London, 1894. After the death of Albertine’s father and brother the family estate is left to her cousin Aubrey who wants to marry her off to a neighbouring farmer with fifteen children. Albertine flees from her hometown with Joan her best friend in tow as an arranged marriage is not what she desires.
In London the women start up a detective agency that serves upper-class society women here Albertine takes on the persona of Countess Von Dagga with Joan playing the part of Albertine’s maid. After the first few clients don’t pay up she advertises for a man to be the face of her detective agency hoping this will solve her issue of being paid.
Enter Spencer Sweetman a Scotland Yard inspector who has recently inherited the title of Duke Of Erleigh and who replies to the job ad under false pretences, hoping to solve a murder. Is Spencer going to arrest Albertine for murder or will he fall in love with her?
Countess Von Dagga is a charming character, she’s an amateur sleuth who is kind hearted and still grieving the death of her brother.
This is a light hearted and fun feminist read with a touch of mystery and I enjoyed the accompanying sweet love story. I think this could be the start of a series I would love to keep reading.
Publication Date 23 April 2024
Publisher Crooked Lane Books
💖A huge thanks to the author Ava January for a copy of the book.
January 28, 2024
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway for an honest review of this title. I am not a huge fan of Historical books. However, this historical mystery was very,very good. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I read it in one day. It seems the main character Albertine Honeycombe always finds herself in trouble. When she trys to resolve her issues it seems one gets resolved and another personal problem arises. She's accused of murdering two men, one she knows, one that is completely fictious and doesn't even exist. The head of Scotland Yard doesn't believe she is capable of murder, but knows she's up to something irregular and he can't figure out what. Lots of action and twists and turns all around. It was serious where it should be and comedic in all the right places. I highly recommend this book. 👌
April 16, 2024
I really enjoyed that one. I'm impressed by how witty Ava January's writing is. The Mayfair Dagger is a historical mystery with fun and interesting characters, and a clever little romance.
January really did their research into the era, and fans of this genre are going to get a kick out of it. Really well done.
The audio version of The Mayfair Dagger is nicely performed by Elizabeth Knowelden and Dennis Kleinman.
an audiobook copy of The Mayfair Dagger was provided by Dreamscape Media, via NetGalley, for the the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
January really did their research into the era, and fans of this genre are going to get a kick out of it. Really well done.
The audio version of The Mayfair Dagger is nicely performed by Elizabeth Knowelden and Dennis Kleinman.
an audiobook copy of The Mayfair Dagger was provided by Dreamscape Media, via NetGalley, for the the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
October 26, 2023
Albertine is a struggling lady detective. When one case ends with a man dead, all eyes land on her. Well they land on her high society persona Countess Von Dagga. When Albertine hires a man to help her with her cases, she is unaware that the man is actually a detective investigating the Countess for suspected murder. Now Albertine needs to clear her name while the detective is hiding secrets of his own. This is a wonderful story of mystery, secrets and high society.
I loved this book! It was such a fun read filled with mystery and suspense. I would absolutely recommend this book to any friends and or family.
I loved this book! It was such a fun read filled with mystery and suspense. I would absolutely recommend this book to any friends and or family.
April 6, 2024
Albertine Honeycombe has fled an unwanted marriage along with her maid Joan. They have come to London to follow up on dreams held by Albertine's brother Algie before his death. His goal for the two of them was always to set up a detective agency like that of Sherlock Holmes and Watson.
In order to begin this, Albertine has made up a new name and a new fake husband so that she can claim a place in society and begin working. However, jobs are infrequent and generally the society women who asks for her help doesn't see any reason to pay for it. Her latest job is retrieving some blackmail letters from the safe of an unscrupulous gentleman. She finds the letters but is disturbed by the gentleman and is forced to use a sleeping potion developed by her father in order to get away.
Unfortunately, someone else came upon the sleep aristocrat and strangled him. This murder brings her to the attention of Scotland Yard in the person of Spencer Sweetman who, after a successful career at Scotland Yard, has inherited the title of Duke of Erleigh after the unexpected death of his brother. Spencer had never wanted to be the Duke. He preferred the relative freedom he had without the burdons of the dukedom.
Spencer finds himself the new public face of Albertine's detective agency as he investigates the possibility that she murdered Lord Grendel and possibly her spouse too. Aiding in throwing suspicion Albertine's way is Lord Wallop, a gambling cheat whose crimes Albertine exposed.
Neither Spencer nor Albertine were looking for love when they met, but love found them anyway. Before they can live happily ever after, they will have to deal with accusations of murder, false imprisonment, and lies each has told.
This was an entertaining historical mystery/romance with interesting characters.
In order to begin this, Albertine has made up a new name and a new fake husband so that she can claim a place in society and begin working. However, jobs are infrequent and generally the society women who asks for her help doesn't see any reason to pay for it. Her latest job is retrieving some blackmail letters from the safe of an unscrupulous gentleman. She finds the letters but is disturbed by the gentleman and is forced to use a sleeping potion developed by her father in order to get away.
Unfortunately, someone else came upon the sleep aristocrat and strangled him. This murder brings her to the attention of Scotland Yard in the person of Spencer Sweetman who, after a successful career at Scotland Yard, has inherited the title of Duke of Erleigh after the unexpected death of his brother. Spencer had never wanted to be the Duke. He preferred the relative freedom he had without the burdons of the dukedom.
Spencer finds himself the new public face of Albertine's detective agency as he investigates the possibility that she murdered Lord Grendel and possibly her spouse too. Aiding in throwing suspicion Albertine's way is Lord Wallop, a gambling cheat whose crimes Albertine exposed.
Neither Spencer nor Albertine were looking for love when they met, but love found them anyway. Before they can live happily ever after, they will have to deal with accusations of murder, false imprisonment, and lies each has told.
This was an entertaining historical mystery/romance with interesting characters.
April 23, 2024
4.5/5 stars
I really enjoyed this historical mystery and am keeping my fingers crossed that it might be the beginning of a new series?
Set in 1894 London, Albertine Honeycombe, the daughter of a deceased earl, is a woman on a mission to style herself as a private detective for the ton’s wealthy women and save herself from having to marry her cousin’s (the new earl) choice of a husband…a widower with 15 children.
Albertine is promoting herself as the Countess Von Dagga, complete with a fictitious absent husband which allows her entrance to the upper class and a more independent lifestyle. For her first major job, she is tasked with retrieving intimate letters for a client from Lord Grendel who is using them as blackmail. She becomes the number one suspect in his murder as she was the last to see him alive.
The Duke of Erleigh, who is also a Scotland Yard inspector, inadvertently/mistakenly finds himself undercover investigating Albertine as both a murder suspect for Grendel and possibly her missing “husband" as well.
This was a fun romp with lots of sly humor, some heart-tugging moments and the slow development of a sweet friendship between the mains. On a side note, Albertine’s “maid” Joan, who is actually a staff member from her childhood home who was treated more as a sister as they were growing up, steals the show with every scene she is included in. With her obsession with handsome men, her irreverent humor, as well as very little deference to her supposed mistress, she is a total hoot…but also a loyal friend.
I fell for these characters hook, line and sinker and am (hopefully!) looking forward to more from them all.
My sincere thanks to the author, NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing the free early arc of The Mayfair Dagger for review. The opinions are strictly my own.
I really enjoyed this historical mystery and am keeping my fingers crossed that it might be the beginning of a new series?
Set in 1894 London, Albertine Honeycombe, the daughter of a deceased earl, is a woman on a mission to style herself as a private detective for the ton’s wealthy women and save herself from having to marry her cousin’s (the new earl) choice of a husband…a widower with 15 children.
Albertine is promoting herself as the Countess Von Dagga, complete with a fictitious absent husband which allows her entrance to the upper class and a more independent lifestyle. For her first major job, she is tasked with retrieving intimate letters for a client from Lord Grendel who is using them as blackmail. She becomes the number one suspect in his murder as she was the last to see him alive.
The Duke of Erleigh, who is also a Scotland Yard inspector, inadvertently/mistakenly finds himself undercover investigating Albertine as both a murder suspect for Grendel and possibly her missing “husband" as well.
This was a fun romp with lots of sly humor, some heart-tugging moments and the slow development of a sweet friendship between the mains. On a side note, Albertine’s “maid” Joan, who is actually a staff member from her childhood home who was treated more as a sister as they were growing up, steals the show with every scene she is included in. With her obsession with handsome men, her irreverent humor, as well as very little deference to her supposed mistress, she is a total hoot…but also a loyal friend.
I fell for these characters hook, line and sinker and am (hopefully!) looking forward to more from them all.
My sincere thanks to the author, NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing the free early arc of The Mayfair Dagger for review. The opinions are strictly my own.
May 26, 2024
A blend of historical cosy mystery and romance, think Enola Holmes meets Bridgerton, The Mayfair Dagger was a fast paced and addictive read.
The year is 1894 and Albertine Honeycombe does not want to marry and especially not a farmer with fifteen children. To avoid this fate worse than death, she escapes to London and reinvents herself as the Countess Von Dagga, a married woman with an absent husband, she is afforded freedoms that she would not have as a single woman. Setting herself up as a private detective for women of the upper classes, Albertine soon gets herself into a tricky situation where she is the number one suspect in the murder of Lord Grendel. When the Duke of Erleigh comes looking for her made up husband she realises that she has landed herself in hot water.
The humour throughout this book had me laughing out loud, especially the banter between Joan, Albertine and Spencer. Joan especially stood out with her quick wit and reluctance to follow the status quo. I also loved Albertine and her loyalty and love for her late brother. Following his dreams now that he can’t was beautiful.
The romance aspect of the story was also incredibly well done and a lot of fun. The tension and attraction between the main characters was very believable and so heartwarming. And that fast paced ending had me on the edge of my seat and getting very irritated by any interruptions. I just had to see how it would all play out.
I recommend The Mayfair Dagger for readers of cosy mysteries and historical romance.
The year is 1894 and Albertine Honeycombe does not want to marry and especially not a farmer with fifteen children. To avoid this fate worse than death, she escapes to London and reinvents herself as the Countess Von Dagga, a married woman with an absent husband, she is afforded freedoms that she would not have as a single woman. Setting herself up as a private detective for women of the upper classes, Albertine soon gets herself into a tricky situation where she is the number one suspect in the murder of Lord Grendel. When the Duke of Erleigh comes looking for her made up husband she realises that she has landed herself in hot water.
The humour throughout this book had me laughing out loud, especially the banter between Joan, Albertine and Spencer. Joan especially stood out with her quick wit and reluctance to follow the status quo. I also loved Albertine and her loyalty and love for her late brother. Following his dreams now that he can’t was beautiful.
The romance aspect of the story was also incredibly well done and a lot of fun. The tension and attraction between the main characters was very believable and so heartwarming. And that fast paced ending had me on the edge of my seat and getting very irritated by any interruptions. I just had to see how it would all play out.
I recommend The Mayfair Dagger for readers of cosy mysteries and historical romance.
November 30, 2023
Albertine needs to make her own money to avoid a dire fate, so she utilizes teachings of her father to begin a detective agency.
Joan is more than a maid but less than a sister with a flair for the dramatic and an eye for a handsome man.
Spencer is a Scotland yard inspector who recently and unexpectedly inherited the title of duke and has an interesting time portraying the face of the detective agency incognito.
Then Albertine is in the frame for murder and can't rescue herself!
Good fun and sometimes farcical. I loved it!
I requested and received an EARC from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
Joan is more than a maid but less than a sister with a flair for the dramatic and an eye for a handsome man.
Spencer is a Scotland yard inspector who recently and unexpectedly inherited the title of duke and has an interesting time portraying the face of the detective agency incognito.
Then Albertine is in the frame for murder and can't rescue herself!
Good fun and sometimes farcical. I loved it!
I requested and received an EARC from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
November 24, 2023
A great mystery / romance.
Albertine is escaping her marriage to a farmer with 15 kids. She moves to London and sets up a detective agency. Through a series of unfortunate events she is suspected for murdering Lord Gendel.
Spencer, a Scotland yard inspector turned Duke is working his last case and infiltrates Albertines agency posing as the male front for her agency.
Through a series of events he knows that she is innocent and he also falls in love with her.
But do they get their hea?
A fun, flirty and clean read.
Albertine is escaping her marriage to a farmer with 15 kids. She moves to London and sets up a detective agency. Through a series of unfortunate events she is suspected for murdering Lord Gendel.
Spencer, a Scotland yard inspector turned Duke is working his last case and infiltrates Albertines agency posing as the male front for her agency.
Through a series of events he knows that she is innocent and he also falls in love with her.
But do they get their hea?
A fun, flirty and clean read.
September 29, 2023
This was fun. I have read this author before and they're light-hearted, easy reads. Not sure that it's strictly cozy but it's not historical romance. I enjoy the humour, often with this type of novel the humour is a bit over done but it was good. Outlandish in parts but funny. It doesn't mention anywhere that it's a series but I would read the next one if it is.
October 27, 2023
Set in 1894. I love books that are from this time period. Well written and great imagery. Can she solve the murder and clear her name? Mysteries are great. Albertine breaks tradition for ladies of her time. Such a strong character.
April 18, 2024
I would read something else by the author but it wasn't my favorite historical fiction novel. I enjoyed the dual POV writing style of this novel and I liked the main male character (Spencer) but I was annoyed with the main female character (Albertine).
June 4, 2024
DNF. I wanted a historical mystery, not a modern one with bad costumes.
April 25, 2024
The Mayfair Dagger by Ava January is a fun nineteenth-century murder mystery romance.
After the death of her brother and father Albertine Honeycomb was being pressured to marry the elderly neighbor with fifteen children. Wanting to escape her fate and fulfill her brother's detective dreams she assumes the identity of the Countess Von Dagga. As a Countess with
a fake husband, she can gain access to society and get the jobs she needs to survive...or so she thinks. Turns out no one wants to pay a woman. On a job to retrieve some letters for a patron, she drugs Lord Gredel and finds herself shocked when she learns that he was later murdered that night.
I liked Albertine Honeycomb immensely as a character. She has a big heart and is often trying to help people, who don't appreciate it. Her maid Joan is quirky and funny and the perfect sidekick for all of Albertine's mischief. Their antics have a little bit of a Lucy/Ethel feel at times.
Spencer was a great love interest I think his seriousness balanced out some of Albertine's sillier qualities.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Elizabeth Knoweldone and Dennis Kleinman. They both did a great job bringing the characters to life for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for this audiobook. This review was given voluntarily and all opinions are my own.
After the death of her brother and father Albertine Honeycomb was being pressured to marry the elderly neighbor with fifteen children. Wanting to escape her fate and fulfill her brother's detective dreams she assumes the identity of the Countess Von Dagga. As a Countess with
a fake husband, she can gain access to society and get the jobs she needs to survive...or so she thinks. Turns out no one wants to pay a woman. On a job to retrieve some letters for a patron, she drugs Lord Gredel and finds herself shocked when she learns that he was later murdered that night.
I liked Albertine Honeycomb immensely as a character. She has a big heart and is often trying to help people, who don't appreciate it. Her maid Joan is quirky and funny and the perfect sidekick for all of Albertine's mischief. Their antics have a little bit of a Lucy/Ethel feel at times.
Spencer was a great love interest I think his seriousness balanced out some of Albertine's sillier qualities.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Elizabeth Knoweldone and Dennis Kleinman. They both did a great job bringing the characters to life for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for this audiobook. This review was given voluntarily and all opinions are my own.
April 20, 2024
I listened to the audiobook version of this and never wanted it to end! This story is about a woman trying to live out her brother's dreams, in hopes of honoring him. But being a detective might not be her calling... especially when she might've accidentally murdered someone...
This book had engaging, fun side characters as well as two main characters who were written with their own unique characteristics that pull them together. The Duke of Erleigh approaches Albertine thinking that she could be a killer but finds a woman with a heart of gold but perhaps a little foolish in her adventures. Together, they form a duo that London's society has certainly never seen!
The Mayfair Dagger was an engaging, entertaining, and mysterious novel that captured my attention! I highly recommend this book for fans of historical romance or mystery!
So excited to look more at this author's other works!
Thank NetGalley for the ARC, I loved this one!
This book had engaging, fun side characters as well as two main characters who were written with their own unique characteristics that pull them together. The Duke of Erleigh approaches Albertine thinking that she could be a killer but finds a woman with a heart of gold but perhaps a little foolish in her adventures. Together, they form a duo that London's society has certainly never seen!
The Mayfair Dagger was an engaging, entertaining, and mysterious novel that captured my attention! I highly recommend this book for fans of historical romance or mystery!
So excited to look more at this author's other works!
Thank NetGalley for the ARC, I loved this one!
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June 14, 2024Really over ‘allegedly dangerous/intelligent heroine who becomes an incompetent wreck upon introduction to the hero’
If the only way you can make your hero shine is by denigrating your heroine then you wrote it badly, sorry not sorry.
If the only way you can make your hero shine is by denigrating your heroine then you wrote it badly, sorry not sorry.
October 15, 2023
I requested an advance copy of this book based just on the plot description and am so glad I did, and that I was fortunate enough to get the copy. I thoroughly enjoyed this story of Albertine’s attempt to create a life for herself and her closest friend in London by starting a detective agency. There is good mystery, strong and believable characters, humor, emotion, and romance. I highly recommend it and hope it is the start of a series. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 7, 2024
A great read. The author keeps you guessing what’s coming next and I felt myself invested in every suspenseful twist and turn the story took along the way. Would recommend!
May 23, 2025
Quick light read.
September 28, 2023
Cute, light historical mystery. It felt more historical romance with mystery than the other way around, but was fun.
May 4, 2024
Not my usual style, it has dukes and lords and ladies, etc. I liked the mystery solving and detective work and it was very engaging. It was a great audio book.
October 21, 2023
This was an enjoyable historical mystery. I think I was expecting a romance, and maybe some steaminess. There was a little bit of romance, and no explicit steaminess, but a few moments that nodded towards sensuality. There were also some humorous moments that I enjoyed. I liked the protagonist, Albertine, and she had qualities that I admired.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
October 12, 2023
Albertine and her friend Joan have escaped to London to avoid marriage and live out a dream. She just wants to live freely helping other women, but between the lies the must tell and her impulsive nature all does not go as planned. Delightful
January 11, 2024
This was a lovely read. The initial setting promised a story about a talented private detective who would use subterfuge to expose those who were selfish and exploitative. It turned on the death of one of her targets and developed into a murder hunt. However, as the book progressed, it evolved into a comedy with some farcical elements. Not least the coffin scene! After a dramatic ending and a happy ever after ending, the book left you with a feel good factor. The characterisation is great! In particular, the female lead, Albertina who as well as being resourceful and determined is universally likeable. A really enjoyable novel
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