The Widowing: Book II of The Detectivists

by Melanie Bacon

"Readers will clamor for more."
- Hallie Ephron, NY Times Bestselling Author

"A gripping crime drama, game but edgy."
- Kirkus Reviews
_________________________ Madeleine Barquist, police veterinarian and daughter of Jack the Ripper, is dragged by her detectivist partner Astraia Holmes into solving the death of popular suffragist leader Lady Deborah Peacham, killed by a hatpin plunged into her heart during an assault on Parliament. While investigating Lady Deborah’s mysterious death, the detectivists become aware of a more vicious murderer lurking in the shadows of society, their series of crimes hidden and unnoticed.

Almost immediately, the world-famous leaders of London’s temperance and suffrage communities realize they have secrets to hide and reputations to protect. They grow nervous, threatened by the direction of Maddie’s and Astraia’s investigation, and soon learn that a hatpin is not the only weapon available to desperate and lethal Victorians.

259 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 27, 2024

Reviews

[S. Jeyran Main · Rating 5 out of 5]

In *The Widowing*, Melanie Bacon crafts a gripping Victorian mystery with a dark twist. Madeleine Barquist, daughter of Jack the Ripper and police veterinarian, teams up with Astraia Holmes to solve the murder of suffragist leader Lady Deborah Peacham, killed by a hatpin in Parliament. As the investigation unfolds, a more dangerous killer emerges from the shadows.

Bacon expertly weaves suspense and societal intrigue, as the temperance and suffrage communities scramble to protect their secrets. The result is a thrilling, atmospheric read where no one is safe, and hidden dangers lurk at every turn.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eagerly Waiting For The Next Case

Only book two but this series is getting more and more interesting. Jack the Rippers daughter and Sherlock Holmes sister solving crime in Victorian England. I will warn readers the writing style and verbiage is very period based. It truly draws you into such engrossing characters and stories.

[Nicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm giving this 4 stars even though I was a little disappointed. I had been looking forward to reading this for ages as I had enjoyed the first one and loved the idea of the detectivists pair up. The story centring around the suffuriggetes and the temperance movement. The insight into the lives of women of the time both privileged and of humbler means was fascinating and the idea of 2 young women using their wits and skills to solve crimes that the men struggled to have the right insight into was intriguing to me. I like all the characters but I started to feel Maddie was under used, I wanted her knowledge and skills to help solve the case but she started to feel like she was just along to keep Astralia company. I was also a little concerned that there wasn't very much detecting as there was happy accidents and coincidences. And, I really dislikes that they kept getting themselves into dangerous situations slightly by naivete and poor judgement and then needed rescuing by various male characters - I'd have rather they either didn't let themselves be deceived or managed their own escapes. I would love to read the next one as I've become fond of the characters and the stories are interesting but please don't let them become damsels in distress!

[Jeremy Reppy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the books out of order, so I was missing some of the backstory when reading the book. However, there are enough references to prior events and characters that I don’t think I was disadvantaged.

The idea of the daughter of Jack the Ripper and the sister of Sherlock Holmes teaming up to solve mysteries is an amusing one. And it works well; they make a good team. In this book they are tasked with infiltrating the suffrage movement in order to identify the killer of a prominent suffragist (Lady Deborah) but that investigation will uncover a more disturbing villain.

There are plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. The characters are enjoyable; and some rather amusing. The book ends with a hint as to the lady detectives' next case. I look forward to reading about their further adventures/investigations.

[Ghulam Mustafa · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Widowing, Melanie Bacon crafts a gripping historical mystery set in the suffrage movement of Victorian London. Following detectives Madeleine Barquist and Astraia Holmes, the novel intricately weaves a murder investigation with rich historical detail, making the era come alive.

The story strikes a fine balance between suspense and character development, pulling readers into the lives of the detectives while exploring complex social issues of the time. Bacon's commitment to authenticity through period-accurate language adds depth to the reading experience.

This is a strong continuation of The Detectivists series, and fans of historical fiction and mystery will find it both engaging and thought-provoking. It keeps you guessing until the very end.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Madeleine Barquist is a police veterinarian and daughter of Jack the Ripper. Her detectivist partner Astraia Holmes asks Madi to help her solve the death of popular suffragist leader Lady Deborah Peacham. Unfortunately, the women encounter a more vicious murderer who's after them, too. Will the friends survive? And can they prove to Sherlock and Mycroft Holmes that they are capable women?
I liked the setting. The Victorian world is interesting and felt relaxed rather than frantic like I sometimes feel when reading books with modern settings.
I also like that both women are strong characters who can hold their own. Even the female suspects are smart and capable. And romance is not a priority for any of the characters.
I'm excited to read more books in this series!

[Amy Koller · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Widowing, Melanie Bacon continues the thrilling narrative of The Detectivists, following police veterinarian Madeleine Barquist and her partner, Astraia Holmes, as they investigate the murder of suffragist leader Lady Deborah Peacham. Set in Victorian London, the story uncovers a web of secrets and danger within the temperance and suffrage movements. With a gripping plot and rich historical detail, Bacon’s novel blends crime drama with suspense, leaving readers eager for more. This compelling sequel is a must-read for fans of mystery and historical fiction.

[peter david mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating case.

Full of well drawn likeable characters and elusive criminals. Mycroft Holmes gives Astraia and Maddie a case to solve which involves the murder of a prominent member of the suffrage movement. Attending a seance also results in a death. The medium turns out to be an imposter and follower of a cult. A second more deadly case now evolves with both women under threat, although as before Maddie bears the brunt of the trouble. An improvement on the first book as it no longer is hampered by the back story of Maddie being the daughter of Jack the ripper.

[Payal Sinha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book plunges the readers right into the Suffrage Movement to solve a murder mystery. This heroine-centric fiction has many things to recommend it. The Suffrage Movement era is well depicted and gives the readers a holistic picture of everyday life. The comic sense of the author is commendable and lightens any heavy moments. The suspense is built up like a crescendo and the suspect's identity is difficult to unravel.

[Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Widowing is the second book in the series and a riveting historical mystery that expertly blends suspense and societal intrigue. Melanie Bacon weaves a complex narrative as Madeleine Barquist and Astraia Holmes dive deep into the underbelly of Victorian society to solve the murder of Lady Deborah Peacham. With rich character development and a story full of unexpected twists, this book keeps you hooked from start to finish. A must-read for fans of crime fiction with a historical twist.

[Louise atkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous

I really enjoyed both books, fabulous strong women with their own minds in charge. The historical knowledge was to the point and imaginable. Really good stories, easy and enjoyable with a smile in places. Thank you, couldn't put either book down.

[Kenneth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying this series, though it stands at only two books right now. The characters are interesting, the situations are fun. Great Victorian detectives.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love this series. maddie is such a good character. i love that she's got like 3 men who wanna marry her and 3 adopted kids.