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Death and the Runaways
Two years before she would conceive of Frankenstein, sixteen-year-old Mary Godwin becomes captivated by the grim murder of a pregnant shopgirl and the disappearance of her stepbrother, involving her stepsister Jane “Claire” Clairmont and the seductive poet Percy Bysshe Shelley to solve the crime . . .
London, June 1814: On a day out in Hyde Park to celebrate the peace treaty with France, Mary and Jane are less than charmed by their brother Charles’s courtship with a girl from the local cheese shop. When Miss Winnet Davies is not swooning from the heat, she’s imploring Charles to buy her a pretty dress. But he hasn’t a tuppence—nor have they, as their father, philosopher William Godwin, is facing the prospect of debtor’s prison.
When a constable arrives at the Godwin home the following day, looking for Charles, Mary and Jane learn that the lifeless body of Miss Davies was found hanging from a tree branch and an examination revealed she was with child. Their stepbrother has gone missing.
Inclined toward morbidity, Mary assumes he too is dead, but her stepmother admonishes her and insists the sisters find their brother. Before they can search, a terrifying Bow Street Runner named Fisher calls and announces his intention to court Mary. Even if she wasn’t passionately infatuated with married poet and radical Percy Shelley, she is horrified by the massive Bow Street Runner’s plan.
Despite this, to find their brother and clear his name, Mary and Jane alternately enlist the help of the experienced and intimidating Fisher and Shelley himself, who is as enticed by the opportunity to be close to Mary as he is intrigued by the mystery. But the unfortunate shopgirl is only the first to die, and soon the sisters and Shelley face a merciless quarry who will do anything to silence them. . .
London, June 1814: On a day out in Hyde Park to celebrate the peace treaty with France, Mary and Jane are less than charmed by their brother Charles’s courtship with a girl from the local cheese shop. When Miss Winnet Davies is not swooning from the heat, she’s imploring Charles to buy her a pretty dress. But he hasn’t a tuppence—nor have they, as their father, philosopher William Godwin, is facing the prospect of debtor’s prison.
When a constable arrives at the Godwin home the following day, looking for Charles, Mary and Jane learn that the lifeless body of Miss Davies was found hanging from a tree branch and an examination revealed she was with child. Their stepbrother has gone missing.
Inclined toward morbidity, Mary assumes he too is dead, but her stepmother admonishes her and insists the sisters find their brother. Before they can search, a terrifying Bow Street Runner named Fisher calls and announces his intention to court Mary. Even if she wasn’t passionately infatuated with married poet and radical Percy Shelley, she is horrified by the massive Bow Street Runner’s plan.
Despite this, to find their brother and clear his name, Mary and Jane alternately enlist the help of the experienced and intimidating Fisher and Shelley himself, who is as enticed by the opportunity to be close to Mary as he is intrigued by the mystery. But the unfortunate shopgirl is only the first to die, and soon the sisters and Shelley face a merciless quarry who will do anything to silence them. . .
352 pages, Hardcover
Published July 29, 2025
About the author
Heather Redmond
17 books470 followersHeather Redmond is an author of commercial fiction and also writes as Heather Hiestand. First published in mystery, she took a long detour through romance before returning. Though her last known British ancestor departed London in the 1920s, she is a committed anglophile, Dickens devotee, and lover of all things nineteenth century.
She has lived in Illinois, California, and Texas, and now resides in a small town in Washington State with her husband and son. The author of many novels, novellas, and short stories, she has achieved best-seller status at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Her 2018 Heather Redmond debut, A Tale of Two Murders, has received a coveted starred review from Kirkus Reviews.
She has lived in Illinois, California, and Texas, and now resides in a small town in Washington State with her husband and son. The author of many novels, novellas, and short stories, she has achieved best-seller status at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Her 2018 Heather Redmond debut, A Tale of Two Murders, has received a coveted starred review from Kirkus Reviews.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 4, 2025
I was interested in reading a story about Mary Shelley as I am a fan of Frankenstein. I enjoyed the book for the atmosphere but found it fell a little flat for me. The mystery part was okay, but Mary, Jane and Shelley didn’t really do too much sleuthing. They were just walking the streets complaining about the heat and how poor they were. I wish there was a little bit more going on with the story. I didn’t feel too connected to the characters and felt like everyone was pretty terrible to each other. Mary’s family didn’t quite feel like a family. This seemed more of a forbidden romance than a mystery.
Thank you Kensington Publishing for an advanced copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Kensington Publishing for an advanced copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
August 6, 2025
Heather Redmond has now written three terrific historical mysteries that feature Mary Godwin --- the future author known later as Mary Shelley --- and other members of her family and circle of friends. Typically, a series like this might have been intended as a trilogy. I am hoping that this is not the case as the latest novel, DEATH AND THE RUNAWAYS, is set a mere two years prior to Mary’s conceiving of the novel that has made her immortal --- FRANKENSTEIN.
It is 1814 in London and while Mary is celebrating the recent peace treaty with France on a day in Hyde Park with her stepsister Jane and stepbrother Charles, they are still facing tough times as a family. Mary’s father, William Godwin, is in danger of being sent to a debtor’s prison and there are many times when the family has to be creative when figuring out their next meal. Further complicating matters is what appears to be an innocent exchange between Charles and the sister of his current girlfriend that will devolve into murder and unwarranted criminal accusations made against him.
When Winnet Davies, the twin sister to Charles Clairmont’s girlfriend Branwen, turns up dead, Charles is expected at the inquest as he was the last person seen with her. He chooses to hide instead of showing up at the police station and this puts even more suspicion on him. As far as Charles is concerned, Winnet made an improper request for money from him when they were together on the day of the peace treaty celebration, and he rebuffed her. When she turns up dead, the obvious victim of an act of murder, he does not know what to do and chooses to run and hide.
Chapters in the novel are presented successively from the points of view of both Mary and Jane and each of them is willing to do anything to protect Charles while they conduct their own inquiries into the murder, he is a suspect in. All of this is happening in the midst of the families financial concerns as well as Mary being forced into an attempted betrothal to a brute of a man named Fisher who was twice her age. It is evident to all that Mary is having growing feelings towards the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley who has been working with her father and is now apparently separated from his wife. Mary’s older sister Polly had once had intentions towards Shelley, but she is now out of town and temporarily out of the picture.
The murder streak continues, and the next victim is none other than Branwen Davies, an occurrence that makes things that much worse for young Charles. Mary and Jane discover Charles’ whereabouts and team with him to produce a plan that will keep him out of jail. With the aid of Shelley, the small group of runaways plot to leave London with discussions of heading possibly to Switzerland. When Shelley, who is now definitely an item with young Mary, shares some of Lord Byron’s poetry with her it gave me chills as thoughts to Byron’s Lake Geneva retreat and the weekend that brought us the creation of one of the most important works of all time would be created by the young woman then known as Mary Shelley.
Meanwhile, there is a real killer still on the streets of London who must be stopped. As tight and resolute as the small band of runaways may be it is quite possible they will not be able to escape unscathed from whatever evil force is behind these killings. DEATH AND THE RUNAWAYS is a deep examination of mostly real, historical figures who are placed in extreme fictional situations by an author, Heather Redmond, who is quite frankly one of the best in the business when it comes to historical fiction and mysteries. Fingers crossed that this is not the last Mary Shelley Mystery!
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
It is 1814 in London and while Mary is celebrating the recent peace treaty with France on a day in Hyde Park with her stepsister Jane and stepbrother Charles, they are still facing tough times as a family. Mary’s father, William Godwin, is in danger of being sent to a debtor’s prison and there are many times when the family has to be creative when figuring out their next meal. Further complicating matters is what appears to be an innocent exchange between Charles and the sister of his current girlfriend that will devolve into murder and unwarranted criminal accusations made against him.
When Winnet Davies, the twin sister to Charles Clairmont’s girlfriend Branwen, turns up dead, Charles is expected at the inquest as he was the last person seen with her. He chooses to hide instead of showing up at the police station and this puts even more suspicion on him. As far as Charles is concerned, Winnet made an improper request for money from him when they were together on the day of the peace treaty celebration, and he rebuffed her. When she turns up dead, the obvious victim of an act of murder, he does not know what to do and chooses to run and hide.
Chapters in the novel are presented successively from the points of view of both Mary and Jane and each of them is willing to do anything to protect Charles while they conduct their own inquiries into the murder, he is a suspect in. All of this is happening in the midst of the families financial concerns as well as Mary being forced into an attempted betrothal to a brute of a man named Fisher who was twice her age. It is evident to all that Mary is having growing feelings towards the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley who has been working with her father and is now apparently separated from his wife. Mary’s older sister Polly had once had intentions towards Shelley, but she is now out of town and temporarily out of the picture.
The murder streak continues, and the next victim is none other than Branwen Davies, an occurrence that makes things that much worse for young Charles. Mary and Jane discover Charles’ whereabouts and team with him to produce a plan that will keep him out of jail. With the aid of Shelley, the small group of runaways plot to leave London with discussions of heading possibly to Switzerland. When Shelley, who is now definitely an item with young Mary, shares some of Lord Byron’s poetry with her it gave me chills as thoughts to Byron’s Lake Geneva retreat and the weekend that brought us the creation of one of the most important works of all time would be created by the young woman then known as Mary Shelley.
Meanwhile, there is a real killer still on the streets of London who must be stopped. As tight and resolute as the small band of runaways may be it is quite possible they will not be able to escape unscathed from whatever evil force is behind these killings. DEATH AND THE RUNAWAYS is a deep examination of mostly real, historical figures who are placed in extreme fictional situations by an author, Heather Redmond, who is quite frankly one of the best in the business when it comes to historical fiction and mysteries. Fingers crossed that this is not the last Mary Shelley Mystery!
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
July 19, 2025
Heather Redmond's Mary Shelley mystery series is a treat for anyone who knows a bit about Shelley's work and life story. Shelley was young when she wrote Frankenstein—and since this series is set pre-Frankenstein, she's even younger in these mysteries.
The family setting in which the mysteries take place is complex. Her mother was feminist Mary Wollestonecraft, who died giving birth to her. When Mary was four, he father remarried. Her step mother had two children by a former marriage, so Mary found herself with two new siblings. In this mystery series, Mary has a close relationship with her step-sister. However, both step-sister and step-mother are depicted as more conventional than Mary, who has grown up reading her mother's works.
This makes for an interesting set of relationships among the series' central characters. There are both tensions and affections. There is also constant worrying about money, since Mary's father William Godwin tended to live beyond his means.
While this is a series, the individual volumes can be read as stand-alones, though reading them in order allows the reader to see the way the relationships among family members evolve over time.
If you enjoy historical mysteries with a literary aspect, you'll enjoy Death and the Runaways, whether you read it alone or after earlier volumes in the series.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.
The family setting in which the mysteries take place is complex. Her mother was feminist Mary Wollestonecraft, who died giving birth to her. When Mary was four, he father remarried. Her step mother had two children by a former marriage, so Mary found herself with two new siblings. In this mystery series, Mary has a close relationship with her step-sister. However, both step-sister and step-mother are depicted as more conventional than Mary, who has grown up reading her mother's works.
This makes for an interesting set of relationships among the series' central characters. There are both tensions and affections. There is also constant worrying about money, since Mary's father William Godwin tended to live beyond his means.
While this is a series, the individual volumes can be read as stand-alones, though reading them in order allows the reader to see the way the relationships among family members evolve over time.
If you enjoy historical mysteries with a literary aspect, you'll enjoy Death and the Runaways, whether you read it alone or after earlier volumes in the series.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.
February 12, 2026
Interesting historical setting, interesting historical characters. However, though author apparently thinks the individual people are admirable, they are extremely unattractive (selfish financial moochers, adulterers, elitist intellectual snobs, etc.) Also, though plot is somewhat interesting it is not very plausible. Third in the series so will probably appeal to fans of this genre.
July 30, 2025
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Heather Redmond for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Death and the Runaways coming out July 29, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I have really enjoyed the series. I love spooky mysteries. I don’t think this one was my favorite. I thought it was missing something that was in the other books, however I really enjoy this author. I’ll definitely read more books by her.
I have really enjoyed the series. I love spooky mysteries. I don’t think this one was my favorite. I thought it was missing something that was in the other books, however I really enjoy this author. I’ll definitely read more books by her.
August 9, 2025
Heather Redmond has now written three terrific historical mysteries featuring Mary Godwin --- the future author who will be known as Mary Shelley --- and other members of her family and circle of friends. Typically, a series like this might have been intended as a trilogy. I am hoping that is not the case here as the latest installment, DEATH AND THE RUNAWAYS, is set a mere two years prior to Mary conceiving the novel that will make her immortal: FRANKENSTEIN.
It is 1814 in London, and while Mary is celebrating the recent peace treaty with France by spending the day in Hyde Park with her stepsister, Jane, and stepbrother, Charles, they are still facing tough times as a family. Mary’s father, William Godwin, is in danger of being sent to a debtor’s prison, and they often have to be creative when figuring out their next meal. Further complicating matters is what appears to be an innocent exchange between Charles and the sister of his girlfriend that will devolve into murder and unwarranted criminal accusations made against him.
When Winnet Davies turns up dead, Charles is expected at the inquest as he was the last person seen with her. But he chooses to run and hide instead of showing up at the police station, which casts even more suspicion on him. As far as Charles is concerned, Winnet made an improper request for money when they were together on the day of the peace treaty celebration, and he rebuffed her.
Chapters in the novel are presented from the points of view of both Mary and Jane, and each of them is willing to do anything to protect Charles while they conduct their own inquiries into the murder. All of this is happening in the midst of the family’s financial concerns, as well as Mary being forced into an attempted betrothal to a brute of a man named Fisher, who is twice her age. It is evident to all that Mary is having growing feelings for the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, who has been working with her father and is now apparently separated from his wife.
Meanwhile, the murder streak continues. Mary and Jane discover Charles’ whereabouts and team up with him to devise a plan that will keep him out of jail. With the aid of Shelley, the small group of runaways plot to leave London and possibly head to Switzerland. But as tight and resolute as they may be, it is quite possible that they will not be able to escape unscathed from whatever evil force is behind these killings.
DEATH AND THE RUNAWAYS is a deep examination of mostly real historical figures who are placed in extreme fictional situations by an author who is quite frankly one of the best in the business when it comes to historical fiction and mysteries. Fingers crossed that this is not Heather Redmond’s last Mary Shelley mystery!
Reviewed by Ray Palen
It is 1814 in London, and while Mary is celebrating the recent peace treaty with France by spending the day in Hyde Park with her stepsister, Jane, and stepbrother, Charles, they are still facing tough times as a family. Mary’s father, William Godwin, is in danger of being sent to a debtor’s prison, and they often have to be creative when figuring out their next meal. Further complicating matters is what appears to be an innocent exchange between Charles and the sister of his girlfriend that will devolve into murder and unwarranted criminal accusations made against him.
When Winnet Davies turns up dead, Charles is expected at the inquest as he was the last person seen with her. But he chooses to run and hide instead of showing up at the police station, which casts even more suspicion on him. As far as Charles is concerned, Winnet made an improper request for money when they were together on the day of the peace treaty celebration, and he rebuffed her.
Chapters in the novel are presented from the points of view of both Mary and Jane, and each of them is willing to do anything to protect Charles while they conduct their own inquiries into the murder. All of this is happening in the midst of the family’s financial concerns, as well as Mary being forced into an attempted betrothal to a brute of a man named Fisher, who is twice her age. It is evident to all that Mary is having growing feelings for the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, who has been working with her father and is now apparently separated from his wife.
Meanwhile, the murder streak continues. Mary and Jane discover Charles’ whereabouts and team up with him to devise a plan that will keep him out of jail. With the aid of Shelley, the small group of runaways plot to leave London and possibly head to Switzerland. But as tight and resolute as they may be, it is quite possible that they will not be able to escape unscathed from whatever evil force is behind these killings.
DEATH AND THE RUNAWAYS is a deep examination of mostly real historical figures who are placed in extreme fictional situations by an author who is quite frankly one of the best in the business when it comes to historical fiction and mysteries. Fingers crossed that this is not Heather Redmond’s last Mary Shelley mystery!
Reviewed by Ray Palen
August 9, 2025
Heather Redmond has now written three terrific historical mysteries featuring Mary Godwin --- the future author who will be known as Mary Shelley --- and other members of her family and circle of friends. Typically, a series like this might have been intended as a trilogy. I am hoping that is not the case here as the latest installment, DEATH AND THE RUNAWAYS, is set a mere two years prior to Mary conceiving the novel that will make her immortal: FRANKENSTEIN.
It is 1814 in London, and while Mary is celebrating the recent peace treaty with France by spending the day in Hyde Park with her stepsister, Jane, and stepbrother, Charles, they are still facing tough times as a family. Mary’s father, William Godwin, is in danger of being sent to a debtor’s prison, and they often have to be creative when figuring out their next meal. Further complicating matters is what appears to be an innocent exchange between Charles and the sister of his girlfriend that will devolve into murder and unwarranted criminal accusations made against him.
When Winnet Davies turns up dead, Charles is expected at the inquest as he was the last person seen with her. But he chooses to run and hide instead of showing up at the police station, which casts even more suspicion on him. As far as Charles is concerned, Winnet made an improper request for money when they were together on the day of the peace treaty celebration, and he rebuffed her.
Chapters in the novel are presented from the points of view of both Mary and Jane, and each of them is willing to do anything to protect Charles while they conduct their own inquiries into the murder. All of this is happening in the midst of the family’s financial concerns, as well as Mary being forced into an attempted betrothal to a brute of a man named Fisher, who is twice her age. It is evident to all that Mary is having growing feelings for the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, who has been working with her father and is now apparently separated from his wife.
Meanwhile, the murder streak continues. Mary and Jane discover Charles’ whereabouts and team up with him to devise a plan that will keep him out of jail. With the aid of Shelley, the small group of runaways plot to leave London and possibly head to Switzerland. But as tight and resolute as they may be, it is quite possible that they will not be able to escape unscathed from whatever evil force is behind these killings.
DEATH AND THE RUNAWAYS is a deep examination of mostly real historical figures who are placed in extreme fictional situations by an author who is quite frankly one of the best in the business when it comes to historical fiction and mysteries. Fingers crossed that this is not Heather Redmond’s last Mary Shelley mystery!
Reviewed by Ray Palen
It is 1814 in London, and while Mary is celebrating the recent peace treaty with France by spending the day in Hyde Park with her stepsister, Jane, and stepbrother, Charles, they are still facing tough times as a family. Mary’s father, William Godwin, is in danger of being sent to a debtor’s prison, and they often have to be creative when figuring out their next meal. Further complicating matters is what appears to be an innocent exchange between Charles and the sister of his girlfriend that will devolve into murder and unwarranted criminal accusations made against him.
When Winnet Davies turns up dead, Charles is expected at the inquest as he was the last person seen with her. But he chooses to run and hide instead of showing up at the police station, which casts even more suspicion on him. As far as Charles is concerned, Winnet made an improper request for money when they were together on the day of the peace treaty celebration, and he rebuffed her.
Chapters in the novel are presented from the points of view of both Mary and Jane, and each of them is willing to do anything to protect Charles while they conduct their own inquiries into the murder. All of this is happening in the midst of the family’s financial concerns, as well as Mary being forced into an attempted betrothal to a brute of a man named Fisher, who is twice her age. It is evident to all that Mary is having growing feelings for the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, who has been working with her father and is now apparently separated from his wife.
Meanwhile, the murder streak continues. Mary and Jane discover Charles’ whereabouts and team up with him to devise a plan that will keep him out of jail. With the aid of Shelley, the small group of runaways plot to leave London and possibly head to Switzerland. But as tight and resolute as they may be, it is quite possible that they will not be able to escape unscathed from whatever evil force is behind these killings.
DEATH AND THE RUNAWAYS is a deep examination of mostly real historical figures who are placed in extreme fictional situations by an author who is quite frankly one of the best in the business when it comes to historical fiction and mysteries. Fingers crossed that this is not Heather Redmond’s last Mary Shelley mystery!
Reviewed by Ray Palen
August 29, 2025
I read this courtesy Kensington Books and NetGalley. The third in Heather Redmond’s series about Mary “Frankenstein” Shelley, only a couple of years before she has the nightmare that has inspired fiction—and nightmares—for centuries since, in this suspenseful work, Mary’s stepbrother Charles finds himself in an awkward situation since two women he is involved with are found hanged, one after another. He has to hide, and his mother (and Mary’s stepmother), a volatile and violent woman at the best of times (and prone to abusing her stepdaughters), gets worse as she worries about him. Mary, her stepsister Jane, and Percy Bysshe Shelley take it upon themselves to figure out who is behind the murders to clear Charles’s name. In addition, as Mary’s and Jane’s stepmother’s abuse to them gets worse and they become more and more afraid for their lives (if not from the actual killer, their stepmother), they have to figure out how they must save themselves. The mystery in this story is satisfyingly twisty, since there are possible culprits that just seem too obvious and it's also obvious that there is information that hasn’t been revealed yet. Kudos to Redmond for continuing to spin a tale that’s increasing in intensity and raising all sorts of questions. I can’t wait to see what happens next in Mary’s journey as a writer before her fateful nightmare!
#DeathandtheRunaways #NetGalley
#DeathandtheRunaways #NetGalley
September 22, 2025
It’s the 1800’s in London when we get to meet sisters Mary and Jane and their family. When their brother Charles is wanted for murder, they team up with their good family friend, Shelley, to first find out if Charles is hiding or dead, and second, try to find out the true murderer. While all of this is unfolding Mary finds herself the object of an unwanted courtship. She wasn’t raised to believe in marriage and she’s in love with the already married Shelley…however this man wants Mary desperately and will stop at nothing to get her, including blackmail.
Wow! This book is a good mystery that had me guessing the whole time! It was so interesting and at times maddening reading about the experiences and expectations put upon females in the 1800’s! I could not deal with some of the things they had to endure and was definitely born in the correct century 🙂
Thank you so much @kensingtonbooks for gifting us this book! It’s available now! 🌺🧜🏻♀️
Wow! This book is a good mystery that had me guessing the whole time! It was so interesting and at times maddening reading about the experiences and expectations put upon females in the 1800’s! I could not deal with some of the things they had to endure and was definitely born in the correct century 🙂
Thank you so much @kensingtonbooks for gifting us this book! It’s available now! 🌺🧜🏻♀️
July 29, 2025
Enjoyed this book so much. Such a fresh idea and so beautifully written.
Mary Shelly and her complex family are thrown into a murder mystery. This murder involves a young lady that her brother was courting, and he too has gone missing. Mary and her step-sister Jane will search for Charles and attempt to clear his name.
This book is part of a series, but you can read this book as a stand-alone. It is easy to follow, and the whole storyline is just perfect. I enjoyed the characters and their constant home problems plus the murder mystery that they need to solve. I look forward to going back and reading the first 2 books.
Thank you, Netgalley and Kensington Publishing, for this ARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
Mary Shelly and her complex family are thrown into a murder mystery. This murder involves a young lady that her brother was courting, and he too has gone missing. Mary and her step-sister Jane will search for Charles and attempt to clear his name.
This book is part of a series, but you can read this book as a stand-alone. It is easy to follow, and the whole storyline is just perfect. I enjoyed the characters and their constant home problems plus the murder mystery that they need to solve. I look forward to going back and reading the first 2 books.
Thank you, Netgalley and Kensington Publishing, for this ARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
February 18, 2026
In the last of the trilogy, the mystery takes second place to the Godwin family dynamics.
Mary Wollenscraft Godwin, Jane Godwin, and Shelley are supposed to find who really murdered two sisters to prove Mary and Jane's brother's innocence. However, most of the book focuses on Mary and Jane trying to earn enough money from their parents to feed the household, and on Mary and Shelley's romance.
Mary and Jane are treated much more kindly than they are in Love, Sex, and Frankenstein. Although still in their late teens, they are portrayed as responsible adults dealing with the issues plaguing their family.
Mary Wollenscraft Godwin, Jane Godwin, and Shelley are supposed to find who really murdered two sisters to prove Mary and Jane's brother's innocence. However, most of the book focuses on Mary and Jane trying to earn enough money from their parents to feed the household, and on Mary and Shelley's romance.
Mary and Jane are treated much more kindly than they are in Love, Sex, and Frankenstein. Although still in their late teens, they are portrayed as responsible adults dealing with the issues plaguing their family.
July 30, 2025
June 1814 The Godwin and Clairmont offspring and friends are out in Hyde Park watching the celebrations when the next day one of the females is found dead, and Charles Clairmont believed to be the last one to see her. They decide to investigate. A lot of description of their daily lives and poverty showing them up as fairly unlikeable and several of them totally useless.
Overall a well-written and enjoyable enough read.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Overall a well-written and enjoyable enough read.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 30, 2025
Thank You NetGalley for the Arc!
We go through a journey with Mary and Jane (stepsisters) that started with a murder and the disappearance of their brother that’s the primary suspect. At the same time , We also see Mary battling with following her heart, or doing what’s expected of her in order to help her family.
This book is fantastic if you’re a fan of historical fiction and mystery
We go through a journey with Mary and Jane (stepsisters) that started with a murder and the disappearance of their brother that’s the primary suspect. At the same time , We also see Mary battling with following her heart, or doing what’s expected of her in order to help her family.
This book is fantastic if you’re a fan of historical fiction and mystery
August 18, 2025
This is a slow moving mystery with Mary attempting to clear her brother of a murder. It's a deep dive into everyday problems for her, Jane, and Shelley. Her mundane life takes up much of the book along with the budding romance between her and Shelley. I would have preferred more action and investigation than all the teenage angst.
July 29, 2025
This was a wonderfully written story with a mystery to be solved. Mary and her sister Jane get embroiled in keeping their brother from being arrested. Mary's love Shelley becomes part of the investigation. There is so much in this book that will keep you interested. I enjoyed reading this.
September 1, 2025
Set in 1814 London and narrated by Jane “Claire “ Clairmont, when Winnet Davies is murdered, her brother Charles is suspected.
Redmond blends mystery with a plot to kill the Duke of Wellington.
Redmond blends mystery with a plot to kill the Duke of Wellington.
August 20, 2026
Strong characters, rich description of time and place plus a good mystery. I enjoyed this work, the last of the trilogy and thought its ending satisfying.
July 7, 2025
LOVED this book! Mary Shelley and her family are fascinating, complicated characters. The mystery was compelling. I plan to go back and read the previous books in this series.
Thank you, Kensington, for the ARC! All opinions are my own.
Thank you, Kensington, for the ARC! All opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews