Ghost in the Garden

Silver and Grey #3

by Mary Lancaster

Partners in crime… but not in love?

Silver & Grey take on their first official inquiry, when Mrs. Angela Lambert hires Constance and Solomon to discover the truth about the ghost haunting her garden.

Constance enters the household disguised as Angela’s maid, but the apparently trivial case turns serious with the discovery of Caleb Lambert’s underworld connections, and his involvement in the fatal collapse of a slum dwelling. Bringing him to justice becomes more important than the mystery of the ghost – or is the ghost somehow involved?

A murdered body in the cellar further complicates matters, as does a threat to Constance’s colorful mother.

Alone in a houseful of dangerous murder suspects, with only Angela’s doubtful protection, Constance’s feelings for Solomon begin to clarify – as does the true impossibility of a personal relationship between them.

But Solomon, it seems, has other ideas…

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Silver and Grey Series
Book 1 - Murder in Moonlight
Book 2 - Evidence of Evil
Book 3 - Ghost in the Garden
Book 4 - The Trick of the Treasure
Book 5 - Word of the Wicked

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Mystery

262 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 13, 2025

About the author

Mary Lancaster is a USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction and historical romance. She lives in Scotland with her husband, one of three grown-up kids, and a small dog with a big personality.

Her first literary love was historical fiction, a genre which she relishes mixing up with romance and adventure in her own writing. Several of her novels feature actual historical characters as diverse as Hungarian revolutionaries, medieval English outlaws, and a family of eternally rebellious royal Scots. To say nothing of Vlad the Impaler.
Her most recent books are light fun Regency romances, with occasional forays into Victorian mystery.

Connect with Mary on-line:
Website: http://www.MaryLancaster.com
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Reviews

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Constance Silver and Solomon Grey are partners in their investigation business, known as Silver and Grey. Their first case as partners is to catch a ghost. Constance goes undercover as a maid for their client, Angela Lambert, to uncover the ghost. Angela's husband, Caleb Lambert and his partner Huxley Gregg are slum lords. Lambert stays in the shadows, while his partner is blamed for the collapse of a slum building killing and maiming tenants. While Constance and Solomon look for a ghost, they find the missing Gregg. The case takes a not so unexpected turn.
Silver and Grey are a unique couple, who may seem mismatched, but have a lot in common when it comes to solving cases. A strong attraction and heated kisses.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silver & Grey take on their first official inquiry, when Mrs. Angela Lambert hires Constance and Solomon to discover the truth about the ghost haunting her garden. Constance enters the household disguised as Angela’s maid, but the apparently trivial case turns serious with the discovery of Caleb Lambert’s underworld connections, and his involvement in the fatal collapse of a slum dwelling. A murdered body in the cellar further complicates matters, as does a threat to Constance’s colourful mother.
The third book in the series & whilst it could be read on its own I’ve loved getting to know Solomon & Constance & I’m loving how their relationship both professional & personal is developing. An intriguing case which starts with an apparent easy task of finding a ghost or more likely who is the woman entering the garden a couple of times a week & where does she go. However things quickly change as Solomon & Constance dig into the Lamberts’ past & dealings. A very well written engrossing book which sent shivers down my spine at times. The ending whilst not unexpected was still a bit of a surprise & I can’t wait to see what comes next
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Mary Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

Great continuation to the series. Silver and Grey have set up an Agency and this is their first case. A woman wants to find out wether a ghost walking near her house is corporal and wants it stopped.

Constance moves into the household as a maid. She dislikes Angela's husband, Caleb who tries it on wth her and this hints at some bad things in Constances own past. Meanwhile Grey looks into the destruction of slum dwelling and who was at fault. I must admit I twigged who with Caleb was responsible for the mistakes that caused the tradegy. At the same time Silver and Grey's relationship moves on a bit more.

Heartily recommend.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

[Marion Löw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another exciting sleuth story about the endearing detective couple, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The plot is, as always, very well written and with many possible suspects, tensions and dynamics and twists, it is gripping to the end. This time it involves secrets, deceit, fraud, negligence and murder and is filled with emotion, action, danger and suspense . I liked the fact that you get to know Constance's mother and that the relationship between Silver and Grey develops more romantically. The ending made me smile and I'm already looking forward to their next adventure.

Constance Silver and Solomon Grey‘s recently opened sleuth agency is hired to investigate ghost apparitions in Mrs. Lambert’s garden and Constance infiltrates her household undercover as her lady’s maid. But the pair soon discover that there is more to the story: Mr Lambert is a nefarious businessman and womanizer with underworld connections, the household staff are a loyal and tight-knit community and Constance's life could therefore be in danger, especially when in the course of their investigation she discovers the body of Lambert's partner, who is jointly responsible with him for the deaths of many innocent tenants in a collapsed slum dwelling…

If you enjoy historical romance mysteries with very likable protagonists, twists and action, this book is for you!

I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.

[Anna Boliker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new installment in the romantic cozy mystery series. As the first case of Silver & Grey develops, several “side” issues are described that provide the social and historical background for the main story. Living conditions for the workers and poor in 19th century London being in the forefront. We also get to know a bit more about Constance, but the details about her past and her business still remain uncovered. On the other hand, Sol’s story is not being discussed in this book. But we get to see a bit of the Tizsas (fresh from their ghostly trip to Scotland) and a glimpse at several other characters from the Crime&Passion series. Which I liked very much (fun to see the characters from another point of view). Although, inspector Harris is rightfully seething amongst that many amateurs dabbling in his job at the same time. Maybe “Silver&Gray” will become “Crime&Passion” in the further installments, so they all can officially work together ;)

The twists and turns of the mystery were not always obvious and the relationship story line did lead to an important development (that might have an impact on the agency name). A bit too much of the almost teenage angst throughout the book, although the reasoning behind it is matching the two previous installments.

An enjoyable read- look forward to the last chapter!

I received an ARC from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to give this 5 stars! Because come on through Solomon Grey!
My new book hero is Solomon! We have them opening their inquiry agency all is quiet until a wife of a notorious slum Lord complains of a ghost in the garden!
Constance Silver behavior is odd in this story more so than previous ones!
She admires this woman Angela and I can’t really figure out why as she constantly show’s ruthlessness even towards murder!
After posing as the maid to Angela more clues lead to not only the “ghost” but who was responsible for a tenement home collapse and killing and maiming several poverty stricken people without a roof over their heads!
Solomon is looking at the big picture and is reluctant to leave Constance in danger!
Solomon has several interactions with Constance mother Juliet and he certainly knows how to interact with the least and the lofty!
When another murder is committed and he is closely linked to the first! Solomon only wanted to keep Constance from danger draws her right back into it! Angela is so fascinated with her she offers her a position in her empire!
But there are several moving parts as always and one surprise are two at the end that will keep you on your toes!
I love when an unexpected twist brings what we all wished for since the first book! This is one of my favorite authors and when she brought this one to a thrilling conclusion and beginning! Bravo well done!

[Winnifred D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes: class difference; MC's team up to solve a mystery
Steam level: 1 (kissing only)
Part of a series, and although it works OK on its own, I recommend reading the previous books first.

This HR/mystery series continues to be twisty, spooky fun and this entry amps up the romance between the leads. Constance and Solomon, now a detective duo, are hired for their first case, and it shifts from questions regarding the supernatural to real-life tragedy and then murder.

Character development is the hallmark here, with the author expanding on not only Con and Sol's feelings for each other but their relationship with Con's mom. Although I appreciated the authors' shading of assorted baddies, I felt that a little less time could have been dedicated to the Lamberts and their household and more time to the MC's, who spend sections of the plot apart. I also found myself occasionally annoyed by Con, who at times comes across as uncharacteristically naive concerning both Lamberts, and while things are wrapped up sufficiently, the mystery does become overly convoluted toward the end. Nitpick: a few word choices were questionable for the time period/context.

Bottom line: I have really been enjoying this series. While I didn't like this entry as much as the last, it's suspenseful, fast-paced, and establishes Con and Sol's courtship.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This delightful mystery introduces us to the sharp and spirited Constance Silver and the enigmatic Solomon Grey as they dive into their very first official investigation. What begins as a seemingly whimsical ghost hunt in the garden of the elegant but troubled Angela Lambert quickly spirals into something far darker—and far more dangerous.

Disguised as a maid, Constance navigates a household steeped in secrets, where whispers of criminal underworld dealings and tragic building collapses suggest that the ghost may not be the most sinister presence after all. When a body turns up in the cellar, the stakes are raised, and Constance finds herself in deeper than she ever expected.

The chemistry between Constance and Solomon crackles on the page—intellectual equals, emotionally complex, and undeniably compelling. Their relationship dances between camaraderie and tension, with moments of unexpected tenderness that hint at something more… even if Constance isn’t quite ready to admit it.

The real strength of this story lies in its atmosphere: part Gothic mystery, part Victorian crime drama, with just the right amount of romantic intrigue to keep your heart fluttering as your mind races to solve the case.

I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each book in this series just gets better. The attraction between Constance Silver and Solomon Grey continues to escalate, however, neither of them has the courage to express themselves freely, and it is only as the suspense ramps up that they have to acknowledge their feelings and learn to compromise. The romance in this novel is low-key, but the tension keeps escalating to an unexpected conclusion. Although their latest client appears to be a well-off woman, Constance nevertheless recognizes Angela's humble beginnings. She also knows that Caleb Lambert is an unsavoury character, but has to acknowledge that there is something more to the man when she sees him in a vulnerable situation. Finding the ghost in the garden proves complicated, opening up a can of worms. They find an unexpected source of information through Constance's mother, and to some degree, this brings a new level of understanding between the two women. This mystery romance is part of a series, however, each book is a standalone and comes to a satisfying conclusion. I received a copy of this novel as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silver and Grey now have an investigative agency and have been hired by Mrs. Angela Lambert to investigate what appears to be a ghost in her garden. Constance goes undercover as Angela’s lady’s maid. They learn quickly that Angela’s husband and his partner are slum lords, and are connected to a building collapse that caused injury and death. What seemed to be a simple case soon turns dangerous. The action, danger, and suspense in this exciting story keeps you guessing until the end. There are several suspects in two murders. Constance and Solomon must weed through an unfriendly household, an untrustworthy client, evidence, clues, secrets, and deceit to pinpoint the murderer(s). There are some familiar characters from previous stories, and some new ones. Constance’s mother is a delight. She encourages the feelings between our intrepid couple that have been simmering below the surface. Entertaining story, great characters, and a wonderful ending. I look forward to what happens next.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

[Sahar's Honest Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ghosts, Secrets, and Murder
Angela hires Silver and Grey to investigate a ghost in her garden—but Solomon and Constance suspect something far less supernatural. As they dig into the shadows of the Lambert household, secrets multiply, and soon, murder makes an unwelcome appearance. Who is the ghost, and who is the killer?
Silver and Grey are determined to uncover the truth, no matter the danger. But justice comes at a price—and so does unspoken longing. Constance may be Solomon’s investigative partner, but she doesn’t believe she’s worthy of more. As the owner of a brothel, she’s used to being judged—but Solomon seems to see her differently. Could he convince her she’s more than she believes?
This historical mystery, laced with slow-burn romance and clever twists, was a thoroughly enjoyable read. I’d recommend it to readers who like their mysteries set in the past—with secrets, suspense, and a hint of forbidden romance.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Potentially offensive items: subtle racism, adult situations, (referenced) premarital sex, prostitution, violence, violence against women, murder, fraud, lying, dysfunctional family

The Silver and Grey series is a cozy mystery/sweet romance series. I thought this was the second book, so I read it out of order. Constance Silver (owner of a brothel who tries to get her girls into better occupations) and Solomon Grey (wealthy businessman who sticks to firm lines of propriety, except for his friendship with and attraction to Ms. Silver) have gone into business solving mysteries, and their first is the mystery of a ghost that appears in the garden of a shady businessman.

Ghost in the Garden is set in the Victorian Era. Constance and Solomon are good leads and work off of each other's strengths--even when they disagree. I enjoyed this book as much as I enjoyed the first.

[Anne-Mammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series featuring two very unusual sleuths, a Madame in a select brothel and a wealthy business man with a social conscience, is enjoyable if not great literature. Mary Lancaster's style flows easily and the period feel is good. I have to say though that I bristled at the use of the word "posh" which was not found until 1910. Still, this is only a minor detail. My reservations come from the actual mystery and the way it was solved, it was all rather pedestrian. Perhaps the most enjoyable bit was Constance's mother and her relationship with Silver as well as the young girl Janey. So now as the relationship between Silver and Grey is going to be on a more traditional footing, it will be interesting to see how this affect the way they solve their mysteries. Time will tell.

[Cri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in the "Silver and Grey" series is the perfect continuation of the story.

The first investigation of the newly opened agency of Constance and Solomon takes center stage in the plot but we get to meet some new, unexpected characters - Connie's mother was a nice addition - and some well liked friends from the "Crime and Passion" series, which I strongly recommend reading if you have not yet dived into it.

The ending was a really sweet and nice touch and I cannot wait for the next book!

I have received an advance copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily, thanks to the author for it.

[Janet Denise Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS OF SUCCESSFUL MYSTERY DRAMA WITH INTENSITY!

Yes, 5 STARS for Book 3 in this most intense & interesting series by Mary Lancaster : Silver and Grey Book 3. Grey characters that grab the readers attention & keep it. I first came across Constance & Sol in another series by this author so her hits just keep on coming. That couple are mentioned in this book both by Sol visiting them & them at the big charity ball event.

The action & mystery keeps the readers on edge right up to the end of the read with a special bit of a different kind of mystery comes to the fore & can't help but end this read with a bang.

RECOMMEND

[CG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another exciting mystery solved

This is part of a continuing story of Constance Silver, brothel madam, and Solomon Grey, a wealthy entrepreneur of mixed heritage. How they meet and their previous adventures are told in the first two books of this series. Here, we find them undertaking their first case as partners in a private investigation firm. As they try to unravel a ghostly mystery, they are drawn into more serious issues. Not to mention navigating their growing feelings for one another. I can't wait to see where they go next!

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book three of this wonderful series takes us on many twists and turns of the mystery. Some were obvious while a number of them were not. Silver and Grey take on their first case, finding the ghost in a ladies garden. The story line has some important developments and most likely will lead into the next book. The characters, Silver and Grey are always a delight to follow. Because of their differences in culture and background it's always fun to see how they meld on each case. Overall wonderful

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Silver and Grey’s first official case is not one that they would have chosen. A ghostly figure has been seen by several people and the lady of the household hires them to find out the truth of the matter. At first glance the case seems rather benign but as they start to find out more, it turns deadly. The first book I have read in this series but very enjoyable.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of those classic historical Victorian England mystery stories where the agency is ran by two people who can't seem admit their feelings for each. Which by the way is sign that the novel is going to be very good.
Our two heros encounter a woman who claims the ghosts haunt her gardens. They take the case and decide to disguise themselves as servants. From there they embark on the adventure of a life time.
I received an ARC from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.

[Dorothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ghost in the garden
By Mary Lancaster

A wildly, worldly wonderful tale written by a gifted author. It’s about two detectives from different backgrounds and cultures. This is only the second book in the series but it’s already gathered a following. There are some unexpected twists but at the end of the day and the end of the book our detectives find the culprit/culprits and one culminating scene that will change our characters lives forever. Great second in series, great love story and great mystery. I loved it. I think you will to. Fun read.

[Petula · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is from a Victorian mystery series that is easier to follow if you read them in order, but each book has its own murder / mystery to solve. In this one, like the previous, guessing the guilty party is next to impossible. That is what makes each book so much fun. The growing relationship between the hero and heroine will also keep you smiling. You can't help falling in love with them. I hope we stl have many more mysteries to solve.
I loved it.

[Lyn D Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This third book in The Silver and Grey series was another intriguing and captivating historical mystery romance. I'm enjoying getting to know them better with each story and how their relationship, both professional and personal, is developing more romantically with each story. I really liked how we got to know Constances mother. The ending was interesting and made me smile. I look forward to the next story. I highly recommend reading!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Constance and Solomon are hired to solve the case of a ghost in a garden. In order to solve it, Constance goes undercover as a lady's maid to the wife of a mob boss. Uncovering several dead bodies, they must solve murders as well. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for my honest review.

[Mindy B (reader_of_the_lost_arcs) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so glad Constance and Solomon have started a detective agency together. They are adorable and they made good strides in their budding relationship. And we even get to meet Constance's mom! I look forward to the next book.
Thank you to Dragonblade for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

two detectives falling in love

Wonderful, surprising story of the newest detective agency in London. Although it did leave me a little confused. Did the actual criminal get caught? Or just an unfortunate circumstance for the cook? Lovely murder mystery tale. I love all of Mary Lancaster’s books!

[Beryl J Loomis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relationships

I have enjoyed this series. But I think this one is my favorite so far. The romance is a great part of it but the relationships among all the people in the book even Knox. It feels like the author intimately knows them ALL, not just the main characters. I think this is one that I may find myself reading again just for the joy of knowing the characters!

[Layne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystery and Murder

Constance and Solomon are working on another case with many suspects and murder around every corner. There's something else just below the surface between them. Are they going to realize what it is? Will.they do something about it? Mary Lancaster has written another great book in this series and I certainly hope there are more to come

[Cynthia Houser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ghost in the Garden

This is another awesome book in this series. This is my favorite! (except for the ending) Lol. The characters are well developed and interesting. I love a good mystery and this book had several. Constance 's mother is introduced in this book. Will they be able to have a relationship? I very much look forward to the next book in the series. I need answers? 😊

[Shirley Hamlod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another really good book in this series. Constance and Solomon try to find a ghost but find lots of other crimes including double murder. This book has an interesting plot and lots of intriguing characters. The crimes are far reaching and seemingly unsolvable. However, our intrepid investigators are determined to solve all the crimes committed.

[Lisa Staples · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!!

I couldn't choose between slowing down and thoroughly enjoying this book...or racing to the end to see who did it. Not to mention what would become of Silver and Grey. Now I have to wait for the next book...