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Lady of Ashes #2
Stolen Remains
After establishing her reputation as one of London's most highly regarded undertakers, Violet Harper decided to take her practice to the wilds of the American West. But when her mother falls ill, Violet and her husband Samuel are summoned back to England, where her skills are as sought-after as ever. She's honored to undertake the funeral of Anthony Fairmont, the Viscount Raybourn, a close friend of Queen Victoria's who died in suspicious circumstances--but it's difficult to perform her services when his body disappears. . . As the viscount's undertaker, all eyes are on Violet as the Fairmonts and Scotland Yard begin the search for his earthly remains. Forced to exhume her latent talents as a sleuth to preserve her good name, Violet's own investigation takes her from servants' quarters, to the halls of Windsor Castle, to the tombs of ancient Egypt--and the Fairmont family's secrets quickly begin to unravel like a mummy's wrappings. But the closer Violet gets to the truth, the closer she gets to becoming the next missing body. . .
Wrought with both heartfelt bravery and breathtaking suspense, "Stolen Remains "is a captivating tale of death and deception set against the indelible backdrop of Victorian London.
Wrought with both heartfelt bravery and breathtaking suspense, "Stolen Remains "is a captivating tale of death and deception set against the indelible backdrop of Victorian London.
304 pages, ebook
First published April 29, 2014
111 people are currently reading
1756 people want to read
About the author
Christine Trent
20 books329 followersChristine Trent is the author of the Heart of St. Mary's County series set in her beloved Maryland hometown. Book 3, THE CEDAR POINT AFFAIR, releases in July 2025 and Book 4, THE MADNESS OF MOLL DYER, will release in February 2026.
She is also the author of the ROYAL TRADES series about women in unusual professions, including THE QUEEN'S DOLLMAKER (a dollmaker to Marie Antoinette), A ROYAL LIKENESS (an apprentice to the great waxworker, Madame Tussaud), and BY THE KING'S DESIGN (a cloth merchant to the Prince Regent). These books were re-released in 2023.
Christine is best known for her LADY OF ASHES series featuring Violet Harper, a Victorian undertaker with a passion for her macabre work. Christine's latest entry in this historical mystery series is THE DEADLY HOURS, an anthology written with Susanna Kearsley, C.S. Harris, and Anna Lee Huber, which follows the travels of a cursed pocket watch through time.
Can't get enough historical mystery? Christine has also written two novels (NO CURE FOR THE DEAD and A MURDEROUS MALADY) featuring Florence Nightingale as an intrepid sleuth.
Learn more about Christine at www.christinetrent.com.
She is also the author of the ROYAL TRADES series about women in unusual professions, including THE QUEEN'S DOLLMAKER (a dollmaker to Marie Antoinette), A ROYAL LIKENESS (an apprentice to the great waxworker, Madame Tussaud), and BY THE KING'S DESIGN (a cloth merchant to the Prince Regent). These books were re-released in 2023.
Christine is best known for her LADY OF ASHES series featuring Violet Harper, a Victorian undertaker with a passion for her macabre work. Christine's latest entry in this historical mystery series is THE DEADLY HOURS, an anthology written with Susanna Kearsley, C.S. Harris, and Anna Lee Huber, which follows the travels of a cursed pocket watch through time.
Can't get enough historical mystery? Christine has also written two novels (NO CURE FOR THE DEAD and A MURDEROUS MALADY) featuring Florence Nightingale as an intrepid sleuth.
Learn more about Christine at www.christinetrent.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
September 24, 2016
Without Violet's troubled marital life, her romance with Sam and not enough bodies to be prepared for funerals to distract me, I could not muster any interest in this murder mystery. Add to that the incredibly selfish and rude people, from the Queen to the Inspectors that Violet had to deal with, made me very grumpy. I still have trouble understanding the reason for the murder and the fate of the murderers was comical and entirely too convenient. There were maybe two or three instances where I got curious about the mystery but besides that the story was flat and boring.
One thing I did enjoy was reading the author's note at the end which tells the research done to create a historically accurate setting. Unfortunately, there is only so much a nice setting can do if the characters themselves (besides Violet and Sam) are absolute shit. I'm not sure if I want to continue reading this series.
One thing I did enjoy was reading the author's note at the end which tells the research done to create a historically accurate setting. Unfortunately, there is only so much a nice setting can do if the characters themselves (besides Violet and Sam) are absolute shit. I'm not sure if I want to continue reading this series.
March 14, 2021
1869 England
I discovered Christine Trent as a result of reading The Deadly Hours novella collection. The Lady of Ashes Series is engaging historical mysteries with a female undertaker as the main character. I love all the history included about the undertaking practice and beyond.
I look forward to continuing the Lady of Ashes Series.
I discovered Christine Trent as a result of reading The Deadly Hours novella collection. The Lady of Ashes Series is engaging historical mysteries with a female undertaker as the main character. I love all the history included about the undertaking practice and beyond.
I look forward to continuing the Lady of Ashes Series.
February 4, 2022
When Lady of Ashes ended, I thought we’d be solving murder mysteries in the Wild West, so I was surprised to find we are back in London once again performing funeral services at the request of the Queen.
Violet heads to London and is staying with the Queen as she prepares Anthony Fairmont, the Viscount Raybourn, for his funeral, but the police are investigating as he died under mysterious circumstances. What a colorful family he has given us plenty for Violet to observe and question. Scotland Yard is involved and slightly annoyed that Violet is there at the behest of the Queen.
This was an interest case, and I soon found myself immersed in the story. Once again, we gain knowledge of the world of undertaking, but the primary focus was Raybourn’s death. From the building of the canal, to the housekeeper’s secret and blackmail, the author kept us going until the case’s conclusion.
I like Violet and found this amateur detective to be clever even at the expense of making the detectives of Scotland Yard appear dimwitted. The Raybourns’ are a miserable lot and I cannot say the Viscount will be missed. The author weaved several threads together as the case became more clear and the pieces clicked together for a satisfying conclusion.
Polly Lee once again narrates and does a splendid job of bringing the story and characters to life. She enhances the overall story and made listening
Fans of Victorian England and murder mysteries will enjoy Stolen Remains and the Lady of Ashes series on audio. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Violet heads to London and is staying with the Queen as she prepares Anthony Fairmont, the Viscount Raybourn, for his funeral, but the police are investigating as he died under mysterious circumstances. What a colorful family he has given us plenty for Violet to observe and question. Scotland Yard is involved and slightly annoyed that Violet is there at the behest of the Queen.
This was an interest case, and I soon found myself immersed in the story. Once again, we gain knowledge of the world of undertaking, but the primary focus was Raybourn’s death. From the building of the canal, to the housekeeper’s secret and blackmail, the author kept us going until the case’s conclusion.
I like Violet and found this amateur detective to be clever even at the expense of making the detectives of Scotland Yard appear dimwitted. The Raybourns’ are a miserable lot and I cannot say the Viscount will be missed. The author weaved several threads together as the case became more clear and the pieces clicked together for a satisfying conclusion.
Polly Lee once again narrates and does a splendid job of bringing the story and characters to life. She enhances the overall story and made listening
Fans of Victorian England and murder mysteries will enjoy Stolen Remains and the Lady of Ashes series on audio. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
September 2, 2014
Find this and other reviews at: http://flashlightcommentary.blogspot....
Christine Trent's Stolen Remains, the sequel to Lady of Ashes, left me in mind of A Royal Likeness and that isn't a good thing. Unlike most of Trent's readers, I found her first sequel lacked the appeal of its predecessor and here again, I feel the story failed to replicate the magic of the original publication.
Lady of Ashes struck me for a couple of reasons, the first among them being the detailed insight the story gave to the undertaker's profession. Unfortunately this element all but disappears in Stolen Remains. Have no fear, Violet is still practicing, but I was very disappointed at Trent's decision to downplay the details of her craft in favor of the mystery at hand.
On that note, I also failed to see the entertainment value in Trent's whodunit. Call me crazy, but the whole thing seemed way too coincidental. Violet just happens to be in London, just happens to have her supplies, Queen Victoria just happens to renew their far-fetched association... Give me a break.
Already frustrated with the direction and tone of the piece, Trent's self-promotional nod to her earlier novels annoyed me even further. The Laurent Doll Shop isn't essential to this series and the fact that scenes continue to take place here comes off as both amateurish and awkward.
There is a lot of buzz regarding the impending publication of A Virtuous Death and The Mourning Bells, but can't say I'm among those dying to get my hands on either tome.
Christine Trent's Stolen Remains, the sequel to Lady of Ashes, left me in mind of A Royal Likeness and that isn't a good thing. Unlike most of Trent's readers, I found her first sequel lacked the appeal of its predecessor and here again, I feel the story failed to replicate the magic of the original publication.
Lady of Ashes struck me for a couple of reasons, the first among them being the detailed insight the story gave to the undertaker's profession. Unfortunately this element all but disappears in Stolen Remains. Have no fear, Violet is still practicing, but I was very disappointed at Trent's decision to downplay the details of her craft in favor of the mystery at hand.
On that note, I also failed to see the entertainment value in Trent's whodunit. Call me crazy, but the whole thing seemed way too coincidental. Violet just happens to be in London, just happens to have her supplies, Queen Victoria just happens to renew their far-fetched association... Give me a break.
Already frustrated with the direction and tone of the piece, Trent's self-promotional nod to her earlier novels annoyed me even further. The Laurent Doll Shop isn't essential to this series and the fact that scenes continue to take place here comes off as both amateurish and awkward.
There is a lot of buzz regarding the impending publication of A Virtuous Death and The Mourning Bells, but can't say I'm among those dying to get my hands on either tome.
May 17, 2019
My Rating: 3.5*
All I can say is, I am glad Violet Harper returned to England! I just hopes she stays here with her husband Sam! I enjoy Victorian murder/mysteries as much for the plots as the setting so at the end of Book #1, I was concerned that everything would take place in Colorado! Fortunately, that was not the case.
Queen Victoria has summoned Mrs. Violet Harper to handle the funeral of one of her Lords. Not only must Violet delay it, she must try to help determine who did it.
"An idea that must surely work, else some of the queen's best-laid plans would burst into flame before disintegrating into swirling, throat-choking ashes." (quote from the book)
This was a quick easy read for me that I found entertaining and had some interesting nuggets of historical fact woven in. I knew something was amiss, and I did have my suspicions, but the key fact eluded me. It definitely was a surprise when it was revealed. There was one scene near the end with Violet, that I had to suspend my belief, as there was no way she would have been so lucid after what happened to her. But despite that, I did enjoy the overall story.
I look forward to reading book 3, 'A Virtuous Death'.
All I can say is, I am glad Violet Harper returned to England! I just hopes she stays here with her husband Sam! I enjoy Victorian murder/mysteries as much for the plots as the setting so at the end of Book #1, I was concerned that everything would take place in Colorado! Fortunately, that was not the case.
Queen Victoria has summoned Mrs. Violet Harper to handle the funeral of one of her Lords. Not only must Violet delay it, she must try to help determine who did it.
"An idea that must surely work, else some of the queen's best-laid plans would burst into flame before disintegrating into swirling, throat-choking ashes." (quote from the book)
This was a quick easy read for me that I found entertaining and had some interesting nuggets of historical fact woven in. I knew something was amiss, and I did have my suspicions, but the key fact eluded me. It definitely was a surprise when it was revealed. There was one scene near the end with Violet, that I had to suspend my belief, as there was no way she would have been so lucid after what happened to her. But despite that, I did enjoy the overall story.
I look forward to reading book 3, 'A Virtuous Death'.
October 29, 2014
This time the mystery came first. That makes it a better book for me than the first. There is still plenty of history. But hopefully in the next book the queen will not play a role. My ability to suspend disbelief in that regard has reached its limits.
July 3, 2018
This was a treat: an interesting & compelling read, which I read in one day!
Mrs. Violet Harper, widow of London undertaker Mr. Morgan, now running a funeral business in Colorado is currently visiting her sick mother in England.
Lord Raybourn, recently returned from Egypt where he was keeping tabs on Prince Albert Edward & the building of the Suez Canal by the French, is found dead of a gunshot wound to his face by his housekeeper and soon to be wife Mrs. Peet.
Violet is summoned by Queen Victoria to take over the preparations of the body and funeral of the now deceased Lord Raybourn , as well to ask questions about his death...
Due to the nature & extent of facial disfigurement of the corpse, Violet locks the coffin. After agreeing to open it for Mrs. Peet, so that she might take hair for a mourning brooch, Mrs. Peet is found dead, hanged by her neck.
Meanwhile, both Lord Raybourn's Valet & Cook have gone missing and then someone steals Lord Raybourn's remains demanding a ransom for their return.
In the house with Violet are the family:
* Stephen, 2nd son is the new Lord Rayburn; as his eldest brother Cedric, was assumed dead in the Crimean War
* Katherine, Stephen's wife
* Dorothy Fairmont, Lord Raybourn's eldest daughter whom he forced into spinsterhood
* Eleanor "Nelly" Bishop, Lord Raybourn's youngest daughter, whom he forced into an unwanted marriage & out of a career in journalism
* Gordon Bishop, Nelly's husband
* Toby Bishop, Nelly's & Gordon's son who always seems to disappear
Working against Violet is Inspector Hurst of Scotland Yard, who would prefer the death of Lord Raybourn be ruled suicide, but isn't quite convinced.
There were many twists and turns, the family members were written so that they appeared to the reader opposite of their true character.
The dialog was easy to read, the various practices of preparing a body for burial & a family for mourning was very interesting.
Mrs. Violet Harper, widow of London undertaker Mr. Morgan, now running a funeral business in Colorado is currently visiting her sick mother in England.
Lord Raybourn, recently returned from Egypt where he was keeping tabs on Prince Albert Edward & the building of the Suez Canal by the French, is found dead of a gunshot wound to his face by his housekeeper and soon to be wife Mrs. Peet.
Violet is summoned by Queen Victoria to take over the preparations of the body and funeral of the now deceased Lord Raybourn , as well to ask questions about his death...
Due to the nature & extent of facial disfigurement of the corpse, Violet locks the coffin. After agreeing to open it for Mrs. Peet, so that she might take hair for a mourning brooch, Mrs. Peet is found dead, hanged by her neck.
Meanwhile, both Lord Raybourn's Valet & Cook have gone missing and then someone steals Lord Raybourn's remains demanding a ransom for their return.
In the house with Violet are the family:
* Stephen, 2nd son is the new Lord Rayburn; as his eldest brother Cedric, was assumed dead in the Crimean War
* Katherine, Stephen's wife
* Dorothy Fairmont, Lord Raybourn's eldest daughter whom he forced into spinsterhood
* Eleanor "Nelly" Bishop, Lord Raybourn's youngest daughter, whom he forced into an unwanted marriage & out of a career in journalism
* Gordon Bishop, Nelly's husband
* Toby Bishop, Nelly's & Gordon's son who always seems to disappear
Working against Violet is Inspector Hurst of Scotland Yard, who would prefer the death of Lord Raybourn be ruled suicide, but isn't quite convinced.
There were many twists and turns, the family members were written so that they appeared to the reader opposite of their true character.
The dialog was easy to read, the various practices of preparing a body for burial & a family for mourning was very interesting.
June 12, 2014
3.5 stars
I didn't dislike this book, but I felt it was a simple continuation of "Lady of Ashes" and didn't really add a lot of substance. This book started off really interesting, and I enjoyed the first few chapters a lot, but after a while it seemed that it was just repeating things that had already happened in a slightly different scenario.
Still this is a good book full of wonderfully descriptive writing. I would definitely say that if you like books filled with darker subject matter and a true Gothic feel, then this book is one you will want to read.
I enjoyed the dialogue and liked the way the main character handled obstacles in her way. She is a unique character with a strong will.
Overall this was a very well written book, with a lot of interesting mysteries to be uncovered.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
I didn't dislike this book, but I felt it was a simple continuation of "Lady of Ashes" and didn't really add a lot of substance. This book started off really interesting, and I enjoyed the first few chapters a lot, but after a while it seemed that it was just repeating things that had already happened in a slightly different scenario.
Still this is a good book full of wonderfully descriptive writing. I would definitely say that if you like books filled with darker subject matter and a true Gothic feel, then this book is one you will want to read.
I enjoyed the dialogue and liked the way the main character handled obstacles in her way. She is a unique character with a strong will.
Overall this was a very well written book, with a lot of interesting mysteries to be uncovered.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
September 21, 2014
I loved the first book in this series and was truly hoping that this book would live up to the last one. It did in a lot of ways: the story was engrossing, the characters were very well written and the plot was excellent. I also like the mixture of historical fact with fiction. The only thing is that, unfortunately, this series is going the way of some of the others in the ilk. The heroine does the policeman's job and does things that would never be allowed. She makes the police seem like inept buffoons and without her they would never solve the case. She questions suspects and follows people and then is surprised when they retaliate. Ms. Trent, I beg you not to take the easy way out but portray this woman as she should be, honorable, trustworthy, reliable and sensible.
November 1, 2014
Sadly, this one didn't live up to the promise of the first. Everything seemed too contrived, from Violet's presence to some convenient appearances (including an overly-detailed explanation of someone's adventures told without apology despite the content and the audience).
Queen Victoria is strange and somewhat random in her requests. Violet's respect for the dead is still present, and there are a few little details, but for the most part her profession is incidental. I think Violet's friends and family made her interactions more natural, whereas here she was isolated most of the time. I'm also left wondering whether Paddington really had a crowded departure board at that time.
Queen Victoria is strange and somewhat random in her requests. Violet's respect for the dead is still present, and there are a few little details, but for the most part her profession is incidental. I think Violet's friends and family made her interactions more natural, whereas here she was isolated most of the time. I'm also left wondering whether Paddington really had a crowded departure board at that time.
July 6, 2021
3.5 Stars
rounded up to 4 Stars.
August 12, 2022
Too many characters
I enjoyed the plot but felt like there were too many key characters. It was difficult to remember who was who since it wasn't a book that I would continue reading often.
I enjoyed the plot but felt like there were too many key characters. It was difficult to remember who was who since it wasn't a book that I would continue reading often.
July 9, 2018
A great read, had no idea who did it until the end. Really enjoying reading through this series!
June 20, 2018
Believe it or not, I had fun reading this book, and I rate it 4 1/2 stars. There is a twist at the end I did not expect, and with the subject being death with the main character being a female undertaker, one would think that it would not be fun, but it was for me. Being an avid Anglophile, I climbed right into the Victorian setting with the Queen involved in solving the first murder working with Mrs. Harper, the undertaker. The author shows the reader all aspects of London during Queen Victoria's reign even going into White Chapel before Jack the Ripper though which was fine by me. This series has great promise for Anglophiles and people who just like mysteries and London, of course. I heartily recommend Stolen Remains !
April 27, 2015
I can't remember ever giving up on a book after only 18 pages. Until now.
Four chapter into the story and we’ve met several members of British Royalty, the victim, and assorted secondary characters. By now, the main character(s) should be well established in our minds. They haven't even made an appearance yet.
If I’m ever to the point where I’m so desperate for something to read, I’m ready to pick up the phone book, I might – might – try this book again. But I highly doubt it.
Four chapter into the story and we’ve met several members of British Royalty, the victim, and assorted secondary characters. By now, the main character(s) should be well established in our minds. They haven't even made an appearance yet.
If I’m ever to the point where I’m so desperate for something to read, I’m ready to pick up the phone book, I might – might – try this book again. But I highly doubt it.
January 21, 2016
This is the second volume in the Lady of Ashes mystery series about Victorian undertaker, Violet Harper. I found the plot had many twists and turns, the characters were interesting and the story line intriguing. I have not read the first one in this series although I have heard it was much better. I will continue with this series as I found it entertaining.
May 18, 2014
This book is neither suspenseful, nor is it well written. I had to skim through the last half and was bored through the end.
December 17, 2015
3 1/2 stars. The series is getting better (I didn't love the first book in the series). The story does have some predictable plot points and others that don't make sense but was a better read.
December 7, 2018
second time I just can't get past the first 3rd of this book. Maybe try book 3
July 19, 2019
I can't recommend this. The hope I had after book 1 died. I'm not sure I'll continue with this series.
September 13, 2022
Thank you Kensington Books, #partner for the advanced of Stolen Remains in exchange for my honest review. I got the audiobook from Scribd.
Although it’s been a while, I loved the first book in this series, Lady of Ashes, and knew that it was something I wanted to continue. I was already a big fan of Christine Trent’s previous books and this series really did get off to a great start…it simply was a matter of too many books, too little time. But I’m so glad I finally picked it up because I so enjoyed it.
The historical mystery subgenre is really one that I have come to love and being set in Victorian England makes it that much more appealing to me. I love that once again, we are not only given a strong mystery that kept me on my toes until the end, but we learn so much about the customs of death and undertaking during this time period. Not once did I find this to be repetitive, though perhaps because there was such a gap between me reading the first book and the second, but still I think the customs as so unique to what we do know that even if there had been some repetition, it would have been fine. It really is quite fascinating. This really is my favorite part of this series and is what keeps me reading – a female undertaker and learning all about this field. It’s not something I’ve read about before and I just cannot get enough!
I am curious to see where this series takes us next. It was interesting having Violet in favor of the Queen here, but will that always be the case? I guess I’ll have to read the next book to find out!
Audio thoughts: Because I had waited so long to read this one, by the time I picked it up, the audiobook was available and so I decided to listen to it. It was a good one to listen to as it really kept me quite engaged throughout and I thought the narrator, Polly Lee, did a great job bringing the story to life. I think if she is narrating the rest of the series that I will continue listening to the books.
You can see all my reviews at: https://www.alwayswithabook.com/
Although it’s been a while, I loved the first book in this series, Lady of Ashes, and knew that it was something I wanted to continue. I was already a big fan of Christine Trent’s previous books and this series really did get off to a great start…it simply was a matter of too many books, too little time. But I’m so glad I finally picked it up because I so enjoyed it.
The historical mystery subgenre is really one that I have come to love and being set in Victorian England makes it that much more appealing to me. I love that once again, we are not only given a strong mystery that kept me on my toes until the end, but we learn so much about the customs of death and undertaking during this time period. Not once did I find this to be repetitive, though perhaps because there was such a gap between me reading the first book and the second, but still I think the customs as so unique to what we do know that even if there had been some repetition, it would have been fine. It really is quite fascinating. This really is my favorite part of this series and is what keeps me reading – a female undertaker and learning all about this field. It’s not something I’ve read about before and I just cannot get enough!
I am curious to see where this series takes us next. It was interesting having Violet in favor of the Queen here, but will that always be the case? I guess I’ll have to read the next book to find out!
Audio thoughts: Because I had waited so long to read this one, by the time I picked it up, the audiobook was available and so I decided to listen to it. It was a good one to listen to as it really kept me quite engaged throughout and I thought the narrator, Polly Lee, did a great job bringing the story to life. I think if she is narrating the rest of the series that I will continue listening to the books.
You can see all my reviews at: https://www.alwayswithabook.com/
May 3, 2023
When I first read Lady of Ashes, I fell absolutely in love with Violet. And while I was looking forward to reading about how she was getting on with her family in Colorado, I’m equally as pleased about her new adventure around London.
As always, Violet goes about her profession as undertaker with a level-headed determination that is truly admirable. Even with a history with the family of the departed, she can compartmentalize her professionalism, and her personal attachments to an enviable degree.
And yet, none of that can quash her naturally curious mind. Violent craves answers like my cat craves catnip. And when she can’t find them, she uses her ingrained logic and inquisitive nature seem to take over. (Even if part of it is at the direction of the crown.)
The amount of pure research that went into this book, and the interpretation of the events, is absolutely astounding. I know very little about this era, and even less about Victorian England, but I truly felt like I was there, riding in the carriages with Violet, and walking the cobblestone streets. This, of course, made for a few jarring moments as the twits and turns came into view.
As we go through the mystery with Violet, I couldn’t help but feel like things were sitting just under the surface that I couldn’t yet scratch. And when they emerged, I can truly say that I was shocked. Usually, I like being able to figure out bits and pieces as the story goes on. But this one stumped me from beginning to end. Though I can’t say that all the surprises were unpleasant. It was quite fun to piece things together along with Violet, instead of wanting to rush ahead for her to get to the “Aha!” moment.
I’ve truly become invested in this world, and I’ve truly fallen in love with Violet and Sam Harper (though we didn’t see too much of Sam this time around). I am thoroughly enjoying this series, and I can’t wait to read more!
As always, Violet goes about her profession as undertaker with a level-headed determination that is truly admirable. Even with a history with the family of the departed, she can compartmentalize her professionalism, and her personal attachments to an enviable degree.
And yet, none of that can quash her naturally curious mind. Violent craves answers like my cat craves catnip. And when she can’t find them, she uses her ingrained logic and inquisitive nature seem to take over. (Even if part of it is at the direction of the crown.)
The amount of pure research that went into this book, and the interpretation of the events, is absolutely astounding. I know very little about this era, and even less about Victorian England, but I truly felt like I was there, riding in the carriages with Violet, and walking the cobblestone streets. This, of course, made for a few jarring moments as the twits and turns came into view.
As we go through the mystery with Violet, I couldn’t help but feel like things were sitting just under the surface that I couldn’t yet scratch. And when they emerged, I can truly say that I was shocked. Usually, I like being able to figure out bits and pieces as the story goes on. But this one stumped me from beginning to end. Though I can’t say that all the surprises were unpleasant. It was quite fun to piece things together along with Violet, instead of wanting to rush ahead for her to get to the “Aha!” moment.
I’ve truly become invested in this world, and I’ve truly fallen in love with Violet and Sam Harper (though we didn’t see too much of Sam this time around). I am thoroughly enjoying this series, and I can’t wait to read more!
September 6, 2017
below is my review of book one in the series which i read right before starting this on. i DNF this one.
i liked it as a historical fiction book. i would have liked it more if i wasn't expecting it to be a mystery.
i mean a killer is introduced i the first part of the book and then...... no mention.... no deaths waiting..... nope.. oh the killer speaks again..... waiting... hmm some a death yes this must be the murder..um nope. oh is it this one nope ok this one. well ok then. our very cool lady mortician will immediately be suspicious and go investigate since the book is more than halfway done..um nop..now.. nope..oh ok now.
sigh and then when the killer is finally revealed it is a total Agatha Christie cheat. ya know how Christie would introduce a character that was very minor and totally not involved in the main characters lives or even mentioned again until the murder is close to being solved. yup, that is this.
again if i wasn't expecting a mystery but just a historical ficton novel then this would have been way more enjoyable. but since it was touted as a mystery series i was disappointed. i started book 2 but was immediately confused because they were not in the place they or time where they left off in book 1. i am sure that was explained eventually but i stopped reading because of that confusion/frustration before she got to it. i am sure some of the frustration was probably leftover form book 1 taking so long to get to the murder mystery. i read them back to back.
January 8, 2019
I read this out of sequence. It was the last remaining in order to complete the series. I had benefit of having read all the others prior to reading this installment... that may have been both good and bad. Bad, in that I didnt get to experience the full experience of watching the main characters develop as intended. Bad in that I didnt get to experience the artistry of the author as it matured. Good, in that I had a yardstcik by which to measure and a familiarity with the characters that allowed me to perhaps read more into them.
I certainly didnt see the suprises at the end. I had no idea...and in part that was by design by the authors efforts. She didnt give us a lot to establish a sense a pattern or outcome or to develop a suspicion of any individual as a suspect. Important elements were not even hinted at and totally hidden until the very end. This in itself was both good and bad. Good in that I was totally taken off guard by what had truly happended. Bad in that I feel I was cheated by having no sense of what layed underneath the covers.
There was also a very convenient Perry Mason confession that I found totally unlikely to happen and a convenient dispatching of the guilty parties.
Although it felt disconnected and often repeating elements in order to fill pages I really did enjoy the read. I love the writing style of the author - the history lessons that accomapny each installment - the insight into the Victorian era society.
I do hope Ms. Trent will continue the series.
I certainly didnt see the suprises at the end. I had no idea...and in part that was by design by the authors efforts. She didnt give us a lot to establish a sense a pattern or outcome or to develop a suspicion of any individual as a suspect. Important elements were not even hinted at and totally hidden until the very end. This in itself was both good and bad. Good in that I was totally taken off guard by what had truly happended. Bad in that I feel I was cheated by having no sense of what layed underneath the covers.
There was also a very convenient Perry Mason confession that I found totally unlikely to happen and a convenient dispatching of the guilty parties.
Although it felt disconnected and often repeating elements in order to fill pages I really did enjoy the read. I love the writing style of the author - the history lessons that accomapny each installment - the insight into the Victorian era society.
I do hope Ms. Trent will continue the series.
June 25, 2018
mrs. harper (formerly mirs. morgan) is back in london, visiting her ailing mother when she's summoned by the queen to tend to the body of anthony fairmont. she's also to do her best sleuth out the one who committed the atrocious crime, even though police believe this was a suicide. all sorts of mayhem ensues including a kidnapped corpse (a corpsenapping?). violet must be very in her search for the truth, lest she end up in the care of an undertaker herself.
honestly, i'm not entirely sure how i felt about this book. that probably sounds weird given the rating i gave it. i certainly didn't hate it, but i still find the story lacking somehow. but it is still enjoyable enough that i plan to continue reading the series. at the very least, i'm rather fond of violet harper, and i think she's a great character. i also much prefer sam harper over mr. morgan. the hatred i feel for that man lives on, even if he doesn't.
honestly, i'm not entirely sure how i felt about this book. that probably sounds weird given the rating i gave it. i certainly didn't hate it, but i still find the story lacking somehow. but it is still enjoyable enough that i plan to continue reading the series. at the very least, i'm rather fond of violet harper, and i think she's a great character. i also much prefer sam harper over mr. morgan. the hatred i feel for that man lives on, even if he doesn't.
October 11, 2025
it was good. plot is a bit thin, involving the undertaker to spy on the family .. seems a bit of a stretch for the whole murder mystery thing. the invite to stay at the raybourn house for the sake of the sister's sanity... not overly believable- but sure lol.
the twist at the end of the who-dun-it though was very good. did NOT see that coming. and the "accidental-not-so-accidental" death at the end was surprising.. and a bit sad in a disappointed sort of way.. hard to explain how I felt when I read that.
I enjoyed the first book a lot and this second one enough that I shall continue on with the series.
though I'm skeptical, considering at the end of this one the queen has "another job" for violet... like really?? the queen is assigning an undertaker spying gigs?? ooookay....
the twist at the end of the who-dun-it though was very good. did NOT see that coming. and the "accidental-not-so-accidental" death at the end was surprising.. and a bit sad in a disappointed sort of way.. hard to explain how I felt when I read that.
I enjoyed the first book a lot and this second one enough that I shall continue on with the series.
though I'm skeptical, considering at the end of this one the queen has "another job" for violet... like really?? the queen is assigning an undertaker spying gigs?? ooookay....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2017
As the second installment in this series I enjoyed this one as much as the first. There are some spots where it might seem Implausible, but that is the nature of the series. I enjoy the setting... and the interactions between characters both fictitious and historical. I consider this type of story a "beach read", even though it has nothing to do with beaches and is in fact a bit morbid overall. I do like the main character and I like how this author interweaves different stories that seemingly have nothing in common to all tie together in the end. Looking forward to the next in the series.
September 10, 2021
This provides a unique look as several aspects of Victorian history, from building the Suez canal, the strange relationship Queen Victoria had with her ghillie John Brown, and the complicated funeral rituals for a wealthy family in the 1800's. I enjoyed the history aspects, including Violet's husband Sam as he travels Sweden to learn more about Alfred Nobel and using dynamite for mining. The complications around the mysterious death of Viscount Fairmont were less enjoyable. This is one of the more ludicrous plots around mistaken identity that I have read.
July 19, 2023
engaging story and characters, choppy writing
I love the idea of a female undertaker in Victorian England as a main character. The historical background seems well-researched and doesn’t have the jarring inconsistencies of many novels of this type. I found myself interested in the rich plot and well-developed characters, but the writing and story progression are a bit choppy with sudden shifts and conclusions, which left me feeling vaguely unsatisfied. Still, a really good series and I will be reading the sequels
I love the idea of a female undertaker in Victorian England as a main character. The historical background seems well-researched and doesn’t have the jarring inconsistencies of many novels of this type. I found myself interested in the rich plot and well-developed characters, but the writing and story progression are a bit choppy with sudden shifts and conclusions, which left me feeling vaguely unsatisfied. Still, a really good series and I will be reading the sequels
October 20, 2019
I really enjoyed the first book of this series and this one, the second, didn't disappoint either. The author has an excellent blend of romance, suspense, mystery, historical happenings and social commentary without too much of any one genre. Occasional apperances by Her Majesty, Queen Victoria, forever in mourning for her beloved Albert, adds a sense of realism. I highly recommend this book and this series.
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