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Two Spinsters and a Murder Mystery #3
Two Spinsters and a Madman
A foundling, a murder, and a home full of people society has deemed mad. Can two intrepid spinsters save themselves and this rare refuge?
Wealthy Louisa-Margaretta Haddington is spending a London season in the company of Mr Fortescue, a notorious rake and spendthrift. She knows she should not seek him out, but she finds him intriguing. Meanwhile, her old friend Judith St Clair has left her home to work in the Home, a refuge for men and women who are thought to be mad. The resident doctor is Mr Ludlow Fortescue, who is as serious as his London brother is irreverent. Though Judith finds the Quaker beliefs strange, the work is meaningful. When a foundling child is abandoned at the Home, its residents band together to care for her.
Then Mr Ludlow Fortescue is killed.
Suspicion quickly falls on the men and women who are residents of the Home, though Judith knows that not one of them would have intentionally harmed the doctor. Louisa-Margaretta, in order to escape her suitor, promises to solve the murder. But neither of the two friends knows where to start. And when a second foundling is left outside the Home, they begin to wonder if death and new life might be connected.
A Regency murder mystery in an uncommonly mystifying setting.
Wealthy Louisa-Margaretta Haddington is spending a London season in the company of Mr Fortescue, a notorious rake and spendthrift. She knows she should not seek him out, but she finds him intriguing. Meanwhile, her old friend Judith St Clair has left her home to work in the Home, a refuge for men and women who are thought to be mad. The resident doctor is Mr Ludlow Fortescue, who is as serious as his London brother is irreverent. Though Judith finds the Quaker beliefs strange, the work is meaningful. When a foundling child is abandoned at the Home, its residents band together to care for her.
Then Mr Ludlow Fortescue is killed.
Suspicion quickly falls on the men and women who are residents of the Home, though Judith knows that not one of them would have intentionally harmed the doctor. Louisa-Margaretta, in order to escape her suitor, promises to solve the murder. But neither of the two friends knows where to start. And when a second foundling is left outside the Home, they begin to wonder if death and new life might be connected.
A Regency murder mystery in an uncommonly mystifying setting.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2025
3 people are currently reading
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February 12, 2025I am an ARC reader and this is my honest opinion. I have read and enjoyed the first two books in this series, featuring two very different young women during Regency times. Louisa -Margaretta, a wilful girl who loves outdoor pursuits, is from a very rich family who took her away from London and an unsuitable romance to live in a castle in Derbyshire, England, and Judith St.Clair, the Parson's daughter, who has known poverty and prefers more gentle, indoor activities - when she's not helping her father care for his parishioners or taking care of her sister and brothers. The two have already solved two murders and became best friends, but at the end of book two they fell out. So we find Louisa -Margaretta not enjoying the London season and avoiding finding a husband, even though that is her goal, and Judith working as a helper in an unconventional Quaker home for mentally disturbed ladies. The two are reunited when a death occurs at the home. I felt that there was an awful lot about the ladies in the home, in fact I got a bit confused at times when some ladies were said to be one place, others another - more than was necessary. There was a revelation near the end but the friends didn't really solve the (two) murders as such and I was prepared to read at least one more chapter, if not two - but it suddenly ended. I'm hoping some of the storylines will continue in the next book. This one ended unsatisfactorily
April 27, 2025
Two Spinsters and a Madman by Eve Tarrington follows Louisa-Margaretta Haddington and Judith St. Clair in their third outing. They are travelling separate paths in the beginning of the book, with Louisa-Margaretta attending events and avoiding men, and Judith caring for the mentally ill, including Louisa-Margaretta’s sister-in-law after the events of the last book. What pulls them together is a murder on the grounds where Judith is staying and working.
The murder isn’t until 37% of the book is done, which I’m used to a death right off the bat, opening pages or opening SENTENCES. The two spinsters in question don’t even come together again until 42% of the way through. The first half of the book is Judith day in and out caring for patients in an asylum and Louisa-Margaretta moaning about how it’s boring going to parties and having men flirt with her. That’s a LOT of nothing happening that could be excised without jeopardising the murder plot.
Louisa-Margaretta seems to have zero feeling for anyone. Weeping over a loss of a family member? Oh well. She can’t empathise, she doesn’t show forgiveness, and she has a low tolerance for rudeness but will openly tell people they’re boring. She’s even annoyed her family money is funding orphan babies’ food. I can’t fathom how anyone would want to be her friend.
Judith is annoying too in her treatment of her former beau. Not sure how she can hold the high ground when she wouldn’t marry him and didn’t answer any letters he wrote to her. Is he supposed to just keep writing her words that receive no reply and stay single and unmarried the rest of his life? She counts herself among women loved and discarded by men, BUT IT WAS HER OWN CHOICE. She didn’t like his religion and she never wrote back to him.
The murder itself and the mystery of the book is almost non-existent. To avoid spoiling, I’ll refer to the murderer or murderers as “the guilty party”. The clues aren’t shown, no real sleuthing is done, and the characters just confront the the guilty party, who admits it immediately and that’s it. The end. I mean, I guessed immediately who had done it and why, because it’s the only thing that makes sense, but one usually wants multiple suspects, confrontation, clues, red herrings…but it was just a lot of “hey we found another baby, isn’t that weird? The baby is nursing and we love the baby; it’s so small and cute” or “the women are mentally ill; hopefully they get better” and essentially nothing else. Just pages and pages about women gardening and eating and babies eating and being held.
I‘ll try the next book in the series and I hope it’s better than this one. Mystery, please! And let Judith and Louisa-Margaretta be on the same page for once!
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The murder isn’t until 37% of the book is done, which I’m used to a death right off the bat, opening pages or opening SENTENCES. The two spinsters in question don’t even come together again until 42% of the way through. The first half of the book is Judith day in and out caring for patients in an asylum and Louisa-Margaretta moaning about how it’s boring going to parties and having men flirt with her. That’s a LOT of nothing happening that could be excised without jeopardising the murder plot.
Louisa-Margaretta seems to have zero feeling for anyone. Weeping over a loss of a family member? Oh well. She can’t empathise, she doesn’t show forgiveness, and she has a low tolerance for rudeness but will openly tell people they’re boring. She’s even annoyed her family money is funding orphan babies’ food. I can’t fathom how anyone would want to be her friend.
Judith is annoying too in her treatment of her former beau. Not sure how she can hold the high ground when she wouldn’t marry him and didn’t answer any letters he wrote to her. Is he supposed to just keep writing her words that receive no reply and stay single and unmarried the rest of his life? She counts herself among women loved and discarded by men, BUT IT WAS HER OWN CHOICE. She didn’t like his religion and she never wrote back to him.
The murder itself and the mystery of the book is almost non-existent. To avoid spoiling, I’ll refer to the murderer or murderers as “the guilty party”. The clues aren’t shown, no real sleuthing is done, and the characters just confront the the guilty party, who admits it immediately and that’s it. The end. I mean, I guessed immediately who had done it and why, because it’s the only thing that makes sense, but one usually wants multiple suspects, confrontation, clues, red herrings…but it was just a lot of “hey we found another baby, isn’t that weird? The baby is nursing and we love the baby; it’s so small and cute” or “the women are mentally ill; hopefully they get better” and essentially nothing else. Just pages and pages about women gardening and eating and babies eating and being held.
I‘ll try the next book in the series and I hope it’s better than this one. Mystery, please! And let Judith and Louisa-Margaretta be on the same page for once!
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 11, 2025
Much as I enjoy the unlikely pair of friends that are Louisa-Margaretta, 19th C celebutante, and Judith, a grieving parson’s daughter with a soft romantic underbelly, I wasn’t terribly excited by the third installment in the ‘Two Spinsters and..’ series. It read as a setup for the next two books, which promise to be incredibly action-packed. I wasn’t much engaged in the mystery and murders themselves, though we do see a few cameos from earlier books and resolutions of related plot lines - including that of a relative-by-marriage of Louisa-Margaretta.
We meet Judith working at a Quaker-run mental health rehab center - where in a departure from period norms, the residents are treated with respect and care - seeking purpose and absolution by helping a character we met in "Two Spinsters and a Duel” (the previous book in the series, which is helpful to read before starting this one). She’s moved by the Plain way of life for reasons both spiritual and practical - embracing her suitor of this faith would mean alienating her C of E clergyman father and family. She’s a dab hand,though she has an enemy in the high-handed doctor who serves the clinic’s residents.
The cautiously stable life at the center is upset by two foundling infants, who pop up like mushrooms after rain. Alarmingly, the arrival of the innocents are followed by two murders, and the quest to solve them begins. Louisa-Margaretta soon appears - while her and Judith’s friendship was fractured by events in Two Spinsters and A Duel, they are soon in lockstep and root out the truth. The dual mysteries of the infants’ provenance and who killed two asylum staff are wrapped up in underwhelming fashion, but what shines in this novel is the romantic turns puzzling our intrepid duo. Judith’s unsuitable Quaker suitor reappears and is as earnest as before, while she remains torn and emotionally immobile. Louisa-Margaretta, reeling from her own abandonment and heartbreak, entangles herself with a villain who is determined to have -but may well destroy - her.
There were a few lovely vignettes in the book, most notably how the presence of sweet little ones caused some measure of healing in a long-term asylum resident, and just how far a parent would venture to protect their own. The next novel in the series promises to be more exciting, so based on my love of the characters, I rate this a 3.5/4 *, rounded up to 4 for the ratings scale.
I received an advance review copy for free through BookSirens and the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
We meet Judith working at a Quaker-run mental health rehab center - where in a departure from period norms, the residents are treated with respect and care - seeking purpose and absolution by helping a character we met in "Two Spinsters and a Duel” (the previous book in the series, which is helpful to read before starting this one). She’s moved by the Plain way of life for reasons both spiritual and practical - embracing her suitor of this faith would mean alienating her C of E clergyman father and family. She’s a dab hand,though she has an enemy in the high-handed doctor who serves the clinic’s residents.
The cautiously stable life at the center is upset by two foundling infants, who pop up like mushrooms after rain. Alarmingly, the arrival of the innocents are followed by two murders, and the quest to solve them begins. Louisa-Margaretta soon appears - while her and Judith’s friendship was fractured by events in Two Spinsters and A Duel, they are soon in lockstep and root out the truth. The dual mysteries of the infants’ provenance and who killed two asylum staff are wrapped up in underwhelming fashion, but what shines in this novel is the romantic turns puzzling our intrepid duo. Judith’s unsuitable Quaker suitor reappears and is as earnest as before, while she remains torn and emotionally immobile. Louisa-Margaretta, reeling from her own abandonment and heartbreak, entangles herself with a villain who is determined to have -but may well destroy - her.
There were a few lovely vignettes in the book, most notably how the presence of sweet little ones caused some measure of healing in a long-term asylum resident, and just how far a parent would venture to protect their own. The next novel in the series promises to be more exciting, so based on my love of the characters, I rate this a 3.5/4 *, rounded up to 4 for the ratings scale.
I received an advance review copy for free through BookSirens and the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 27, 2025
Eve Tarrington continues to shine in Two Spinsters and a Thief, the fourth book in the Two Spinsters and a Murder Mystery series. With wit, sharp dialogue, and a dash of scandal, this Regency-era mystery offers a delightful blend of social satire and classic whodunnit.
This time, Miss Louisa-Margaretta Haddington is determined to reclaim her status and outshine her romantic rival by throwing a lavish house party at Wycliff Castle. But when a priceless portrait goes missing...and worse, a guest is murdered...the stakes are raised far beyond social embarrassment. Alongside her ever-pragmatic counterpart, Miss Judith St Clair, the two spinsters must unravel the mystery before their reputations (and freedom) are ruined.
What stands out in this installment is the balance between personal tension and investigative plotting. Louisa-Margaretta’s battle between social ambition and emotional vulnerability is both entertaining and relatable, while Judith's quieter arc offers a grounded emotional counterweight. Together, they make a compelling duo—clever, flawed, and utterly endearing.
The mystery itself is well-paced and engaging, filled with red herrings and enough societal commentary to keep fans of both Agatha Christie and Jane Austen satisfied. Tarrington’s prose sparkles with period-appropriate charm, but never gets bogged down in the overly ornamental. The result is a brisk, immersive read that feels both classic and refreshingly modern.
Highly recommended for readers who love historical cozies with strong female leads, rich period detail, and just the right amount of emotional depth beneath the lace and teacups.
This time, Miss Louisa-Margaretta Haddington is determined to reclaim her status and outshine her romantic rival by throwing a lavish house party at Wycliff Castle. But when a priceless portrait goes missing...and worse, a guest is murdered...the stakes are raised far beyond social embarrassment. Alongside her ever-pragmatic counterpart, Miss Judith St Clair, the two spinsters must unravel the mystery before their reputations (and freedom) are ruined.
What stands out in this installment is the balance between personal tension and investigative plotting. Louisa-Margaretta’s battle between social ambition and emotional vulnerability is both entertaining and relatable, while Judith's quieter arc offers a grounded emotional counterweight. Together, they make a compelling duo—clever, flawed, and utterly endearing.
The mystery itself is well-paced and engaging, filled with red herrings and enough societal commentary to keep fans of both Agatha Christie and Jane Austen satisfied. Tarrington’s prose sparkles with period-appropriate charm, but never gets bogged down in the overly ornamental. The result is a brisk, immersive read that feels both classic and refreshingly modern.
Highly recommended for readers who love historical cozies with strong female leads, rich period detail, and just the right amount of emotional depth beneath the lace and teacups.
March 3, 2025
I was drawn to this book because I enjoy historical/regency suspense, and the premise of two spinsters solving a murder intrigued me. I went in hoping for a Jane Eyre meets The Woman in White vibe, but unfortunately, it didn’t deliver that level of atmosphere or tension.
While this book is technically a standalone, I personally don’t think it can be read that way. I felt like I was missing important context, and having read the previous books might have helped me understand the writing style and characters better.
The story leaned more toward a cozy mystery than true suspense, which made it feel a bit slow for me. While it was a quick read, the ending left me unsatisfied. I even went back to reread certain parts, thinking I had missed the resolution—but it just wasn’t there. It felt like the author was saving too much for the next book, but there wasn’t enough in this one to make me want to continue the series.
If you enjoy light historical mysteries with a cozy feel, this might be worth a try. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite work for me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
While this book is technically a standalone, I personally don’t think it can be read that way. I felt like I was missing important context, and having read the previous books might have helped me understand the writing style and characters better.
The story leaned more toward a cozy mystery than true suspense, which made it feel a bit slow for me. While it was a quick read, the ending left me unsatisfied. I even went back to reread certain parts, thinking I had missed the resolution—but it just wasn’t there. It felt like the author was saving too much for the next book, but there wasn’t enough in this one to make me want to continue the series.
If you enjoy light historical mysteries with a cozy feel, this might be worth a try. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite work for me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 21, 2025
Not bad - but - I strongly suggest you read the first two books in this series before reading this one. I had not read "Two Spinsters and a Corpse" nor "Two Spinsters and a Duel" and it took me half of the "Two Spinsters and a Madman" book to figure out who was related to whom and what past events led to the two ladies being in the situations in which they find themselves in the beginning of this book.
Once I struggled through the first half of the book (which I had read as an ARC), and the two protagonists Julia and Louisa-Margaretta are together in the same location - I can truthfuly say that the mystery involved was intriguing and the ending surprising. I still don't understand all the nuances of the involved relationships, but had I read the first two books in the series I'm sure all would be clear.
I personally think that a reader should be able to pick up any book in a series and enjoy it from the beginning. Two series of this calibre that immediately come to mind are the Marcus Didius Falco books by Lindsey Davis and the Brother Cadfael books by Ellis Peters.
Once I struggled through the first half of the book (which I had read as an ARC), and the two protagonists Julia and Louisa-Margaretta are together in the same location - I can truthfuly say that the mystery involved was intriguing and the ending surprising. I still don't understand all the nuances of the involved relationships, but had I read the first two books in the series I'm sure all would be clear.
I personally think that a reader should be able to pick up any book in a series and enjoy it from the beginning. Two series of this calibre that immediately come to mind are the Marcus Didius Falco books by Lindsey Davis and the Brother Cadfael books by Ellis Peters.
March 9, 2025
Written in a style reminiscent of Jane Austen, this is the story of Louisa-Margarette Harrington, a wealthy spinster who has been spending “the season” in London and comes to The Home to visit her old friend, Judith St Clair. The Home is a Quaker facility for the mentally impaired and Judith is the caregiver for Mercy, who does not speak.
Louisa’s rigid standards for finding a husband make it difficult and she finds herself in the company of a gentleman who has a reputation as a cad and a rake, which intrigues her immensely, though she knows she must stay away from him.
When foundlings begin appearing at the Home, the mystery surrounding their births isn't the only mystery! The Home’s resident physician is found murdered, as is the Superintendent of the Home.
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy and I am pleased to leave this voluntary review.
I must recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a cozy mystery with many plots intertwined within. And the ending is truly one you won't see coming!
Louisa’s rigid standards for finding a husband make it difficult and she finds herself in the company of a gentleman who has a reputation as a cad and a rake, which intrigues her immensely, though she knows she must stay away from him.
When foundlings begin appearing at the Home, the mystery surrounding their births isn't the only mystery! The Home’s resident physician is found murdered, as is the Superintendent of the Home.
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy and I am pleased to leave this voluntary review.
I must recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a cozy mystery with many plots intertwined within. And the ending is truly one you won't see coming!
February 23, 2025
This is the third installment of the series, and although it is possible to read this as a stand alone, I found it quite confusing.
It is a refreshing combination with two sleuths, from slightly different social backgrounds and (almost) no fixed love interests.
In this particular story, the conclusion of the mystery was quite sudden (although comprehensible) and the murders themselves were described in very broad strokes. So one would probably have almost no chance to try and reason in parallel with the sleuths.
The atmosphere of the story is also quite repressing (maybe it is due to the location), insecure and rather on the dark side. It is also not easy to understand the characters and their relations based solely on their interaction within this installment.
So, a cozy mystery, but not an escape read imo.
Also, who is the madman?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It is a refreshing combination with two sleuths, from slightly different social backgrounds and (almost) no fixed love interests.
In this particular story, the conclusion of the mystery was quite sudden (although comprehensible) and the murders themselves were described in very broad strokes. So one would probably have almost no chance to try and reason in parallel with the sleuths.
The atmosphere of the story is also quite repressing (maybe it is due to the location), insecure and rather on the dark side. It is also not easy to understand the characters and their relations based solely on their interaction within this installment.
So, a cozy mystery, but not an escape read imo.
Also, who is the madman?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 25, 2025
This is the third in its series and I did not find it as immediately appealing as the preceding books. This was probably because the setting is certainly not what we are accustomed to reading. A Quaker managed home for the mad, no less. The fact that I find it uncomfortable to use the word "mad" to define the people living there does rather point up the fact that the author is stating a very clear difference between the 19th Century and today. And that is even though the patients in this home were looked after with compassion.
Murder in these circumstances gives Judith and Louisa-Margaretta yet another opportunity to exercise their abilities. In the end it has a satisfying solution, making this worthwhile read for anyone.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Murder in these circumstances gives Judith and Louisa-Margaretta yet another opportunity to exercise their abilities. In the end it has a satisfying solution, making this worthwhile read for anyone.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 21, 2025
O really enjoy this series so far, but this has been my least favorite. Mainly b/c our two adventurous spinsters are separated throughout the story. They are such an entertaining duo, it’s so much better when they are together. But it was still an interest story. Having time apart gave them the ability to tell their own story and for readers to get a better understanding of them. Judith definitely took a wild turn in this story, I hope to see her return to her previous life in the next book, she seemed happier, if still a bit melancholy. I’m excited to see where the story will go next. Definitely recommend reading these in order so they you can follow the storyline.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 25, 2025
This is the third book in the series and I believe I would have had a better understanding of the characters of Louisa-Maragretta, and her friend, Judith, and their past had I read the other two books. The story was fine, but I felt it was a bit long in the middle with no real advancement of the plot. I wasn't quite sure if the mystery was really wrapped up by the end of the story. There are additional questions that I had concerning what will happen next. I believe these will be addressed in the next book in the Two Spinsters and a Murder Mystery series..
I received a copy of the book through BookSirens. All opinions are my own and a positive review was not required.
I received a copy of the book through BookSirens. All opinions are my own and a positive review was not required.
February 5, 2025
This story reminded me that women of that time had little choice or recourse, but to give in to the wishes and demands of men. This really angers me. What a burden on their souls! Some women were intelligent enough to skirt around their dictates. I admired those that sought to escape what they knew they didn't want. I applauded the deaths, and had hopes that one such devious man would meet such an end. One can hope. A heavy but impactful story. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion
May 13, 2025
This is not really a mystery but a bridge to cover what happened to the women from the previous novel and what their lives and futures hold now that they are leaving the Institute. This reader recommends reading the previous book in the series to fully appreciate the character arcs. The basic plot is about two brothers with questionable morals, one of whom, a doctor, is murdered at the asylum. This is a sub plot to the story of the women in, and working for, the asylum.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 1, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I didn't enjoy this book as much as I had the others. The pace was a little slow for me. I also was a little disappointed in the resolution of the mystery. Despite this, I still look forward to reading the next book in the series, if only to find out if either or both of the heroines overcome their romantic woes.
February 19, 2025
This was a very interesting book and a real must for any Jane Austen fan.
The murders were surprisingly complex. The murderers unexpected.
The two heroines were very conflicted about things in their lives.
I gained a real insight into the Quakers and their ways.
This was a really good read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The murders were surprisingly complex. The murderers unexpected.
The two heroines were very conflicted about things in their lives.
I gained a real insight into the Quakers and their ways.
This was a really good read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 4, 2025
This was interesting Judith goes with Louisa-Margaretta's sister inlaw to a madhouse to take care of her while she gets better. The Doctor is murdered and then the superintendent and foundling babies are found
on the grounds and taken in. Louisa-Margaretta shows up when she hears about the murder and helps Judith find out who the murderer is. I enjoyed this book and I recommend it.
on the grounds and taken in. Louisa-Margaretta shows up when she hears about the murder and helps Judith find out who the murderer is. I enjoyed this book and I recommend it.
March 6, 2025
Well, this a quite confusing cozy mystery that really never resolves some of it's problems. I do like the setting and many characters. I don't like unanswered questions that act as though they were answered.
February 13, 2025
It was really hard to get into this book, it was confusing bouncing back and forth between the two main characters even though I had read the previous story.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews