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Tabitha & Wolf Historical Mystery #1
A Proud Woman: A Tabitha & Wolf Mystery: Tabitha & Wolf Mysteries, Book 1
For fans of Deanna Raybourn, Tasha Alexander, and Andrea Penrose...
Step into 1897 Victorian Unravel Love and Intrigue with The Tabitha & Wolf Historical Mystery Series, where Mystery meets Romance with a splash of Humour.
Tabitha was used to being a social pariah. Could her standing in society get any worse?
Tabitha, Lady Chesterton, the Countess of Pembroke, is newly widowed at only 22 years of age. With no son to inherit the title, it falls to a dashing, distant cousin of her husband's, Jeremy Chesterton, known as Wolf. It quickly becomes apparent that Wolf had consorted with some of London's most dangerous citizens before inheriting the title. Can he leave this world behind, or will shadowy figures from his past follow him into his new aristocratic life in Mayfair? And can Tabitha avoid being caught up in Wolf's dubious activities?
It seems it's well and truly time for Tabitha to leave her gilded cage behind for good!
Step into 1897 Victorian Unravel Love and Intrigue with The Tabitha & Wolf Historical Mystery Series, where Mystery meets Romance with a splash of Humour.
Tabitha was used to being a social pariah. Could her standing in society get any worse?
Tabitha, Lady Chesterton, the Countess of Pembroke, is newly widowed at only 22 years of age. With no son to inherit the title, it falls to a dashing, distant cousin of her husband's, Jeremy Chesterton, known as Wolf. It quickly becomes apparent that Wolf had consorted with some of London's most dangerous citizens before inheriting the title. Can he leave this world behind, or will shadowy figures from his past follow him into his new aristocratic life in Mayfair? And can Tabitha avoid being caught up in Wolf's dubious activities?
It seems it's well and truly time for Tabitha to leave her gilded cage behind for good!
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Published August 18, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
August 4, 2023
I enjoyed it and would rate a 3.75* for a first book of a new series. I enjoy lady detective stories and am reading several series currently and would add this to the list. Light touch of romance with the hints of more to come in later books.
I liked both of the characters but felt the book could really have been written for any period in time not limited to the end of the Victorian era (just my opinion). The subject matter is child prostitution and abuse so be aware that this is not a light mystery but not graphic.
I liked both of the characters but felt the book could really have been written for any period in time not limited to the end of the Victorian era (just my opinion). The subject matter is child prostitution and abuse so be aware that this is not a light mystery but not graphic.
October 18, 2023
Fruit Stripe gum
Plenty of romance/mystery novels rely on tropes. They're easy and comfortable and knowable, great for reading in bed or between errands. I call those books 'bubble gum' reading. This book is the Fruit Stripe gum of bubble gum reading. IYKYK
The story itself is horrific. The prostitution of minors is an indelicate topic. However, the characters, the plotting, and the dialog are ridiculously two dimensional.
The MC repeats several times how happy she is to be using her brain. I wish the Author had given Readers such an opportunity.
The male MC is also the most unbelievable of all the characters. I understand romance novel men are as fantastical as unicorns... but this guy was a bit much. It made what little drivel attempt at romance fall flat. (It was literally nothing more than a ballroom dance and a faint titillation of the heart, no steam, nada) Also, the male MC's lack of any defining male-ness of character, especially for the time period, was a huge dud.
Save your time friends. There are too many good books, even bubble gum books, to waste on this tasteless Fruit Stripe.
Plenty of romance/mystery novels rely on tropes. They're easy and comfortable and knowable, great for reading in bed or between errands. I call those books 'bubble gum' reading. This book is the Fruit Stripe gum of bubble gum reading. IYKYK
The story itself is horrific. The prostitution of minors is an indelicate topic. However, the characters, the plotting, and the dialog are ridiculously two dimensional.
The MC repeats several times how happy she is to be using her brain. I wish the Author had given Readers such an opportunity.
The male MC is also the most unbelievable of all the characters. I understand romance novel men are as fantastical as unicorns... but this guy was a bit much. It made what little drivel attempt at romance fall flat. (It was literally nothing more than a ballroom dance and a faint titillation of the heart, no steam, nada) Also, the male MC's lack of any defining male-ness of character, especially for the time period, was a huge dud.
Save your time friends. There are too many good books, even bubble gum books, to waste on this tasteless Fruit Stripe.
July 11, 2024
1897. The Earl of Pembroke is dead and his heir has finally been traced as 'Wolf' Wolfson Chesterton who worked as a thief taker. Soon the widow, Tabitha, (not really that likeable) and Wolf are involved in an investigation. The Duke of Somerset has been discovered dead and a diamond necklace stolen.
A decent start to a new series.
A decent start to a new series.
June 7, 2024
The author tried. I don’t like negative reviews. Anyone who can take their thoughts and create a story and transfer it to paper deserves some appreciation. However, to the author, I would suggest more research and attention to details. Syntax, vocabulary, phrasing, decorum, etiquette, etc., is important when writing period pieces. This book lacked all.
To the potential reader, if you like a very cozy Victorian era mystery then read on. If you are more familiar with Deanna Raybourn, Anna Lee Huber, or Andrea Penrose, then I suggest you give this series a miss. There isn’t really a mystery. You can skip entire sections and pick up without missing anything important.
The narrator can, at least, read; however her cadence was awkward and I felt like I was listening to a children’s book. The voice inflections made it difficult to determine if the speaker was serious or joking and every speaker other than Tabitha sounded as though they were 40+ years old; even the children. One character was given in Irish brogue when the storyline clearly stated she was raised in Whitechapal, which I believe is Cockney.
So, in the end my review is only to assist other readers/listeners in deciding if they want to spend their time and money or keep looking. I hope this helps.
To the potential reader, if you like a very cozy Victorian era mystery then read on. If you are more familiar with Deanna Raybourn, Anna Lee Huber, or Andrea Penrose, then I suggest you give this series a miss. There isn’t really a mystery. You can skip entire sections and pick up without missing anything important.
The narrator can, at least, read; however her cadence was awkward and I felt like I was listening to a children’s book. The voice inflections made it difficult to determine if the speaker was serious or joking and every speaker other than Tabitha sounded as though they were 40+ years old; even the children. One character was given in Irish brogue when the storyline clearly stated she was raised in Whitechapal, which I believe is Cockney.
So, in the end my review is only to assist other readers/listeners in deciding if they want to spend their time and money or keep looking. I hope this helps.
November 21, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. Tabitha is a remarkable, modern woman who endured appalling treatment from her husband. As a widow, she begins to feel her freedom return. When the new Earl, a cousin of her husband, arrives to take on his role, he asks Tabitha to stay and help manage both him and the household. Wolf, a former thief-taker, soon draws them into a murder and robbery investigation involving a local crime lord. The adventure kicks off as Tabitha becomes his partner in the case, with plenty of humour as their unlikely partnership develops - and some truly horrific crimes come to light. Now I’m on to the next book and can’t wait to dive in.
August 5, 2023
Sins of the Father
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was hard tp put down even when my bed was calling out to me.
Tabitha is a wonder, a truly modern woman who received deplorable treatment from her husband. As a widow she begins to feel her freedom returning. When the new Earl , a cousin, shows up to assume his new role, he asks Tabitha to stay on to help sort out him and the household. Wolf, a former thief-taker, gets the household envolved in a murder/robbery investigation for a local crime lord. And the fun begins as Tabitha becomes a partner in the investigation. There is plenty of humor as the unlikely partnership commences. And there are horrific crimes exposed.
I'm on to the next book. Can't wait to get started.
if-taker
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was hard tp put down even when my bed was calling out to me.
Tabitha is a wonder, a truly modern woman who received deplorable treatment from her husband. As a widow she begins to feel her freedom returning. When the new Earl , a cousin, shows up to assume his new role, he asks Tabitha to stay on to help sort out him and the household. Wolf, a former thief-taker, gets the household envolved in a murder/robbery investigation for a local crime lord. And the fun begins as Tabitha becomes a partner in the investigation. There is plenty of humor as the unlikely partnership commences. And there are horrific crimes exposed.
I'm on to the next book. Can't wait to get started.
if-taker
September 23, 2023
Characters’ eyebrows would rise a ridiculous amount of times 🤨
At first I thought I won’t be able to connect with the main character, Tabitha, but it passed, I enjoyed reading it and would recommend it to those who like historical cozy mysteries, but I must admit this book wasn’t as lighthearted as I thought it would be, it deals with child prostitution, domestic abuse and violence.
At first I thought I won’t be able to connect with the main character, Tabitha, but it passed, I enjoyed reading it and would recommend it to those who like historical cozy mysteries, but I must admit this book wasn’t as lighthearted as I thought it would be, it deals with child prostitution, domestic abuse and violence.
November 8, 2023
Stopped reading about a third of the way in. Plot was tolerable, was starting to be a little disappointed in the character development. Stopped reading when a character used the word, "okay". This word did not exist in the story's time period. Author needs to do a better job understanding her chosen era.
July 5, 2023
Excellent!
What a terrific historical mystery! This author is comparable to the great authors who started writing lengthy, historical mysteries 30 years ago. Definitely not the garbage being turned out by too many incompetent, inept self proclaimed , self published authors of the past few years! For intelligent, informed, educated readers this book is a reading delight! Wonderful start, hopefully, to a new series!
What a terrific historical mystery! This author is comparable to the great authors who started writing lengthy, historical mysteries 30 years ago. Definitely not the garbage being turned out by too many incompetent, inept self proclaimed , self published authors of the past few years! For intelligent, informed, educated readers this book is a reading delight! Wonderful start, hopefully, to a new series!
March 31, 2025
Different plot from any I read.
This definitely has some major triggers. Usually nothing bothers me, but this subject disgusted me ( as in how can people do that). I would have liked some more conversation with the two MC’s, but all in all it was a decent read.
This definitely has some major triggers. Usually nothing bothers me, but this subject disgusted me ( as in how can people do that). I would have liked some more conversation with the two MC’s, but all in all it was a decent read.
Read
July 13, 2024DNF
June 18, 2025
A Proud
This is an excellent read! I love a good mystery. The characters are interesting and engaging. This was my first time reading Sarah's work and I look forward to reading the next book.
This is an excellent read! I love a good mystery. The characters are interesting and engaging. This was my first time reading Sarah's work and I look forward to reading the next book.
December 27, 2024
an enjoyable read
This is a mystery being solved by Wolf, the new earl of Pembroke, and Tabitha, the widow of the previous earl. The story is an easy read despite the subject matter (pedophilia and abuse) and the need of a good editor.
This is a mystery being solved by Wolf, the new earl of Pembroke, and Tabitha, the widow of the previous earl. The story is an easy read despite the subject matter (pedophilia and abuse) and the need of a good editor.
February 23, 2025
This book can be summed up with: All tell, no show.
It is difficult enough for me to "get into" a 3rd person omniscient style. Throw in the utter lack of world building and character development and the story just falls flat. The author does not describe a "ball", but tells us they are at one. That's it. We "hear" about characters but we never SEE them as they grow/struggle, etc. They have no presence. They are just "there" and the narrator tells us what they think/feel/did. Our male main character could have been so incredibly interesting. Instead, he was more like... background decor.
It's a serviceable enough story, if not a bit dark of a subject that never quite feels as weighty as it should. The errors/typos were quite prevalent as well. At one point, a boy comes from finishing his supper to needing to leave the scene to go eat with the rest of the staff. Those kind of continuity mistakes throw a reader out of the story. I'm going to pass on the rest of the series as the writing style isn't appealing to my brain.
It is difficult enough for me to "get into" a 3rd person omniscient style. Throw in the utter lack of world building and character development and the story just falls flat. The author does not describe a "ball", but tells us they are at one. That's it. We "hear" about characters but we never SEE them as they grow/struggle, etc. They have no presence. They are just "there" and the narrator tells us what they think/feel/did. Our male main character could have been so incredibly interesting. Instead, he was more like... background decor.
It's a serviceable enough story, if not a bit dark of a subject that never quite feels as weighty as it should. The errors/typos were quite prevalent as well. At one point, a boy comes from finishing his supper to needing to leave the scene to go eat with the rest of the staff. Those kind of continuity mistakes throw a reader out of the story. I'm going to pass on the rest of the series as the writing style isn't appealing to my brain.
December 13, 2023
amazing and impressive
I truly would hope this type of story could not be real, but it has proved to happen. Very good writing, very fine characters, very twisting plot. Will look forward to the next one.
I truly would hope this type of story could not be real, but it has proved to happen. Very good writing, very fine characters, very twisting plot. Will look forward to the next one.
August 16, 2023
Captivating 1st book
Love a mystery that includes laughter. I like well written suspense with characters that are “cheeky”. Hope the next books continue in same vein.
Love a mystery that includes laughter. I like well written suspense with characters that are “cheeky”. Hope the next books continue in same vein.
July 23, 2023
Good
I enjoyed this first book in the Tabitha & Wolf series. I figured out who killed the Duke about 80% of the way, but still an enjoyable read. I like Wolf, Tabitha, and all the other characters. I did find the parts about the molestation repulsive, but thankfully the author didn't go into great details about that part of the plot. I will check out the next book in the series.
I enjoyed this first book in the Tabitha & Wolf series. I figured out who killed the Duke about 80% of the way, but still an enjoyable read. I like Wolf, Tabitha, and all the other characters. I did find the parts about the molestation repulsive, but thankfully the author didn't go into great details about that part of the plot. I will check out the next book in the series.
November 3, 2025
Very good book I like that they exposed a child molester and didn’t let it get pushed under the rug or something stupid like that. I probably will finish the next book but as a trigger warning to others, there is a lot of talk of brothels with underage girls and I’m talking about like 8 to 10 years old and incest Molestation/rape it doesn’t go into detail, but you know that it happens.
August 12, 2023
A "New to Me" Series I Look Forward to Following
I love historical mysteries. We take it for granted when murders are solved using today science, but how intriguing it is to see one solved without that help. My only caveat is the number of peers in this story. Keeping them all straight made me want to get a notebook to keep them all straight. I'll look forward to the next book.
I love historical mysteries. We take it for granted when murders are solved using today science, but how intriguing it is to see one solved without that help. My only caveat is the number of peers in this story. Keeping them all straight made me want to get a notebook to keep them all straight. I'll look forward to the next book.
July 8, 2025
2.5 stars! I wanted to like it so much more! It's really not that I DIDN'T like it, more that it was not outstanding in any way... I enjoy cozy mysteries from this time period, and in that respect I guess it was fine, but even though the story is all about how the main character isn't allowed to do anything intellectual or whatever because of society, nothing feels really specific to this time period other than maybe the level of technology (indoor plumbing yes, airplanes and internet no). This is another book where I had to look up the order of British peers because I don't really remember that stuff most of the time. FYI, it's Duke > Marquess > Earl > Viscount > Baron. Is a count the same as a viscount? Fuck if I know! Yes, I could easily find out if I cared, but ehhhh well, now you know how much I care.
ANYWAY. What was my problem with the book? Nothing really, it just doesn't stand out. The main character and her love interest both have wildly modern views on society, which is always a bit of an eyeroll, and AGAIN the evil bad guy is running a pedophile ring and a load of little girls need saving. I never thought I'd have to say the phrase, "pedophiles are getting really boring" but here we are. Maybe it's because I recently read a book with a similar plot and a main character I really disliked (if you're interested, here's my review of 'A Gentlewoman's Guide To Murder') but I was just underwhelmed both by all the little girls getting raped AND by the indignity of being a woman in that time period. I mean of course both things are bad, but it can't be your book's whole personality, because sadly, a lot of other books have that same personality.
At least this book had a main character I didn't want to slap all the time. She was fine. Not super likable or anything, but fine. Mostly did not do or say anything wildly stupid or offensive. The love interest dude was a bit too perfect... I was waiting for him to start off as a bit of a douchebag or to have flaws, but that never happened -- he's hot, he's smart, he's kind, he's good at everything, he's rich, he's in shape, he's a sexy bad-boy with a shadowy past that brought him into contact with the criminal underworld but he's not a criminal, etc. Oh and his name is Wolf. I mean, why wouldn't it be, lol.
Halfway through the book, the MC adopts a random little 4-year-old orphan girl (and begrudgingly, also her 8-year-old older brother) off the streets. This ridiculously adorable and perfect girl might as well have been named Mary Sue, but I guess it's okay because at least she's a child.
THE PLOT, FOR MY MEMORY WHEN I READ THE NEXT BOOK:
ANYWAY. What was my problem with the book? Nothing really, it just doesn't stand out. The main character and her love interest both have wildly modern views on society, which is always a bit of an eyeroll, and AGAIN the evil bad guy is running a pedophile ring and a load of little girls need saving. I never thought I'd have to say the phrase, "pedophiles are getting really boring" but here we are. Maybe it's because I recently read a book with a similar plot and a main character I really disliked (if you're interested, here's my review of 'A Gentlewoman's Guide To Murder') but I was just underwhelmed both by all the little girls getting raped AND by the indignity of being a woman in that time period. I mean of course both things are bad, but it can't be your book's whole personality, because sadly, a lot of other books have that same personality.
At least this book had a main character I didn't want to slap all the time. She was fine. Not super likable or anything, but fine. Mostly did not do or say anything wildly stupid or offensive. The love interest dude was a bit too perfect... I was waiting for him to start off as a bit of a douchebag or to have flaws, but that never happened -- he's hot, he's smart, he's kind, he's good at everything, he's rich, he's in shape, he's a sexy bad-boy with a shadowy past that brought him into contact with the criminal underworld but he's not a criminal, etc. Oh and his name is Wolf. I mean, why wouldn't it be, lol.
Halfway through the book, the MC adopts a random little 4-year-old orphan girl (and begrudgingly, also her 8-year-old older brother) off the streets. This ridiculously adorable and perfect girl might as well have been named Mary Sue, but I guess it's okay because at least she's a child.
THE PLOT, FOR MY MEMORY WHEN I READ THE NEXT BOOK:
June 18, 2023
spoilers
Murder mystery set in Victorian London. The victim was guilty of child sexual abuse. Usually that is something I do not read it was handled in way I could handle. The building of characters and found family were interesting. I will try more in the series. It’s like reading an episode of masterpiece theater.
Murder mystery set in Victorian London. The victim was guilty of child sexual abuse. Usually that is something I do not read it was handled in way I could handle. The building of characters and found family were interesting. I will try more in the series. It’s like reading an episode of masterpiece theater.
November 10, 2025
The story is fascinating, much different from what I was expecting, but to be honest, I didn't really know what to expect. The main character, Tabitha, has quite the life! When her husband dies, she is left with an estate, being Duchess Pembroke with no make heirs to take over. At least that's what she thinks because there is only a cousin who nobody has heard from in years. But lo and behold he is tracked down fairly quickly. When he moves in, he asks Tabitha to stay and help him get his arms around the management of such a large household. She agrees and that's where the first part of the story begins.
The new Duke of Pembroke also needs to learn how to deal with an upper level of society than he is familiar with. There are social functions and other ways that he, named Jeremy, but going by Wolf, the name given him by the gang he used to be involved with, learns from Tabitha how to perform his functions. The story goes on and on until there is a crime committed that captures their attention. Another nobleman is murdered and some priceless jewelry is stolen, with fingers pointing at the gang that Wolf used to be part of. HIs old mate wants him to find out who was really the murderer because he is sure it wasn't his safe-cracking thief.
This part of the story takes a lot of time to unfold. It is very interesting, but nothing like I was expecting in a book with the title of this one. There is so much that I could tell about everything that transpires, but I will leave it up to the curious reader to find out. The one thing I will mention is that even though I thought the book would end with a conclusion, I was wrong. The story goes on.
The new Duke of Pembroke also needs to learn how to deal with an upper level of society than he is familiar with. There are social functions and other ways that he, named Jeremy, but going by Wolf, the name given him by the gang he used to be involved with, learns from Tabitha how to perform his functions. The story goes on and on until there is a crime committed that captures their attention. Another nobleman is murdered and some priceless jewelry is stolen, with fingers pointing at the gang that Wolf used to be part of. HIs old mate wants him to find out who was really the murderer because he is sure it wasn't his safe-cracking thief.
This part of the story takes a lot of time to unfold. It is very interesting, but nothing like I was expecting in a book with the title of this one. There is so much that I could tell about everything that transpires, but I will leave it up to the curious reader to find out. The one thing I will mention is that even though I thought the book would end with a conclusion, I was wrong. The story goes on.
July 25, 2025
Genre: Historical Mystery
Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️ (rounded down)
Spice: 0/5 🧼
Summary: At just 22 years old, Tabitha is a widow —but her husband’s death brings only relief due to his brutal ways. When a distant cousin named Wolf arrives to take over the estate, he surprises her by asking her to stay on and help manage the household. She knows it will raise eyebrows in polite society, but with her reputation already in tatters, Tabitha has nothing to lose. What begins as an unlikely partnership in estate management soon deepens, as the two find themselves drawn into a mystery Wolf has been summoned to solve.
Thoughts: I really enjoyed this one! The writing felt so eloquent and had this beautiful, timeless quality to it. I went in expecting a cozy mystery, but it surprised me with how layered it was. There were some very dark, deep themes so I would definitely recommend checking trigger warnings before diving in.
I absolutely loved the characters, and the relationship progression felt really natural. The historical setting was so immersive. While it felt true to the time, I loved that the author found a way to work in both main characters having a refreshingly modern mindset.
My only critique is that a couple of side characters had very similar backstories, and it made navigating the family trees a little confusing. But overall, this was such a strong start to what is a series, and I’m excited to keep going!
Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️ (rounded down)
Spice: 0/5 🧼
Summary: At just 22 years old, Tabitha is a widow —but her husband’s death brings only relief due to his brutal ways. When a distant cousin named Wolf arrives to take over the estate, he surprises her by asking her to stay on and help manage the household. She knows it will raise eyebrows in polite society, but with her reputation already in tatters, Tabitha has nothing to lose. What begins as an unlikely partnership in estate management soon deepens, as the two find themselves drawn into a mystery Wolf has been summoned to solve.
Thoughts: I really enjoyed this one! The writing felt so eloquent and had this beautiful, timeless quality to it. I went in expecting a cozy mystery, but it surprised me with how layered it was. There were some very dark, deep themes so I would definitely recommend checking trigger warnings before diving in.
I absolutely loved the characters, and the relationship progression felt really natural. The historical setting was so immersive. While it felt true to the time, I loved that the author found a way to work in both main characters having a refreshingly modern mindset.
My only critique is that a couple of side characters had very similar backstories, and it made navigating the family trees a little confusing. But overall, this was such a strong start to what is a series, and I’m excited to keep going!
January 22, 2026
3 Stars — Intriguing start, uneven finish
A Proud Woman started out intriguing. Tabitha and Wolf make a compelling pair — an ex‑con with a Robin Hood heart and a kind, capable woman who takes him (and his “bear” of a companion) into her home after her husband’s death. Their slow shift from strangers to partners in mystery‑solving, and eventually to a found‑family dynamic with the children they rescue along the way, was one of my favorite parts of the book.
I especially enjoyed the mystery surrounding Wolf’s true identity as a nobleman in hiding, and the gentle, protective friendship between him and his gruff sidekick. Their tenderness with the children added warmth and depth to the story.
However, the book lost momentum for me in the last third. It easily could have wrapped up in 25 chapters — the final ten felt stretched, with little happening to move the plot forward. I was also disappointed by the storyline involving a murdered man with disturbing behavior toward minors. This plot point felt out of place and unnecessarily dark for a cozy mystery, and it pulled me out of the story.
Overall, it was an interesting start to the Tabitha mysteries, but I’m unsure if I’ll continue the series. There were moments I enjoyed, but the pacing and unexpected content kept it from being a favorite.
A Proud Woman started out intriguing. Tabitha and Wolf make a compelling pair — an ex‑con with a Robin Hood heart and a kind, capable woman who takes him (and his “bear” of a companion) into her home after her husband’s death. Their slow shift from strangers to partners in mystery‑solving, and eventually to a found‑family dynamic with the children they rescue along the way, was one of my favorite parts of the book.
I especially enjoyed the mystery surrounding Wolf’s true identity as a nobleman in hiding, and the gentle, protective friendship between him and his gruff sidekick. Their tenderness with the children added warmth and depth to the story.
However, the book lost momentum for me in the last third. It easily could have wrapped up in 25 chapters — the final ten felt stretched, with little happening to move the plot forward. I was also disappointed by the storyline involving a murdered man with disturbing behavior toward minors. This plot point felt out of place and unnecessarily dark for a cozy mystery, and it pulled me out of the story.
Overall, it was an interesting start to the Tabitha mysteries, but I’m unsure if I’ll continue the series. There were moments I enjoyed, but the pacing and unexpected content kept it from being a favorite.
February 25, 2025
The first of an excellent series. What I love about these books is that they are so well researched. They deal with a lot of social issues, such as domestic abuse, the position of women, marriage customs, property laws, poverty and destitution, prostitution, child labour, education plus lots of stories about life as an aristocrat in 19th century Britain. I loved the way that she has managed to tie her characters in with the customs and culture of the time. She includes historical figures. I like looking them up to find out more about their lives.
There is romance and there is mystery. The characters are all too human and very well drawn, so you will want to know how they get on. The romance isn't all dresses and dancing as so many historical romances are. It's a much fuller type of romance, about getting on together, working together, getting through the differences, getting annoyed and retreating, standing up for your values and then finding the common ground.
The mystery part is exciting too. The twists and turns of the story keep your interest and you'll want to read the next one.
I love the titles too, picking out all the virtues of heroines. It is well worth binging on the whole series as I have just done.
There is romance and there is mystery. The characters are all too human and very well drawn, so you will want to know how they get on. The romance isn't all dresses and dancing as so many historical romances are. It's a much fuller type of romance, about getting on together, working together, getting through the differences, getting annoyed and retreating, standing up for your values and then finding the common ground.
The mystery part is exciting too. The twists and turns of the story keep your interest and you'll want to read the next one.
I love the titles too, picking out all the virtues of heroines. It is well worth binging on the whole series as I have just done.
January 27, 2026
I found this story to be flat and barely interesting. The story drags on; I find it turgid. However, it does discuss a topic rarely explored during this time -- child molestation.
Tabitha, the Countess of Pembroke, is now widowed (at 22 years). Because she and her husband had no children, the title goes to a distant cousin, Jeremy Chesterton. He is known as Wolf and brings with him a large valet, Bear. These two obviously were active in the underbelly of London before Jeremy's ascension to his new title. Wolf asks Tabitha to stay on the estate and teach him what he needs to learn to be an effective earl.
Wolf and Tabitha are called upon to investigate a death; there is no conflict between the couple. She knows just what to do, and Wolf agrees, or at least leaves her with a free rein. I found the story flat and predictable. I found the story to be painfully slow. Wolf and Tabitha even include one of the maids in the investigation. Strange.
Tabitha & Wolf Mystery
** 1. A Proud Woman (2023)
2. A Singular Woman (2023)
3. An Independent Woman (2023)
4. An Inexplicable Woman (2023)
5. An Audacious Woman (2024)
Tabitha, the Countess of Pembroke, is now widowed (at 22 years). Because she and her husband had no children, the title goes to a distant cousin, Jeremy Chesterton. He is known as Wolf and brings with him a large valet, Bear. These two obviously were active in the underbelly of London before Jeremy's ascension to his new title. Wolf asks Tabitha to stay on the estate and teach him what he needs to learn to be an effective earl.
Wolf and Tabitha are called upon to investigate a death; there is no conflict between the couple. She knows just what to do, and Wolf agrees, or at least leaves her with a free rein. I found the story flat and predictable. I found the story to be painfully slow. Wolf and Tabitha even include one of the maids in the investigation. Strange.
Tabitha & Wolf Mystery
** 1. A Proud Woman (2023)
2. A Singular Woman (2023)
3. An Independent Woman (2023)
4. An Inexplicable Woman (2023)
5. An Audacious Woman (2024)
July 31, 2024
Another Kindle Unlimited book that is best described as not my cup of tea. I really enjoy this genre of book, but unfortunately I didn't get on with this author. The writing was far too much telling me what I was reading, it never really showed me a picture of the houses or the people, or the ball. It just told me "it's a ball".
The characters also felt very flat, there's definitely some potential here don't get me wrong, but I just felt like it wasn't fulfilled. Tabby Cat I am told time and again is intelligent, but I rarely saw it in their actions, Wolf was boring as anything, Bear was stereotypical for this genre as was Rat.
It's very obvious that Wolf and Tabby Cat are meant to fall in luv with one another but whilst they start to feel some attraction in this book I didn't buy it for one bleeding second.
I don't want to seem harsh as this book was still entertaining, it's just not what I was looking for and isn't a series I will continue to read.
The characters also felt very flat, there's definitely some potential here don't get me wrong, but I just felt like it wasn't fulfilled. Tabby Cat I am told time and again is intelligent, but I rarely saw it in their actions, Wolf was boring as anything, Bear was stereotypical for this genre as was Rat.
It's very obvious that Wolf and Tabby Cat are meant to fall in luv with one another but whilst they start to feel some attraction in this book I didn't buy it for one bleeding second.
I don't want to seem harsh as this book was still entertaining, it's just not what I was looking for and isn't a series I will continue to read.
September 8, 2023
Difficult topic well handled for young readers
Basically this is a good YA novel, along the lines of Little Women. Even the subject of child sexual abuse is handled as being unpleasant, not described horrifically. It focuses on a type of abuse, incest, and sexual slavery still common today. I guess dealing with the fact young boys would also have been involved was too much to include. Nothing wrong with a sanitized approach to this topic but don't expect an adult novel. In fact it might be a good book for a girl around 12 yrs old to read with an adult to begin discussing relationships and self-care. (Maybe not the father part?)
The writing was actually quite good and the characters likable and their motives open and caring.
I'd like to read something by the author written for adults but maybe she's more valuable as a writer young people can enjoy.
Basically this is a good YA novel, along the lines of Little Women. Even the subject of child sexual abuse is handled as being unpleasant, not described horrifically. It focuses on a type of abuse, incest, and sexual slavery still common today. I guess dealing with the fact young boys would also have been involved was too much to include. Nothing wrong with a sanitized approach to this topic but don't expect an adult novel. In fact it might be a good book for a girl around 12 yrs old to read with an adult to begin discussing relationships and self-care. (Maybe not the father part?)
The writing was actually quite good and the characters likable and their motives open and caring.
I'd like to read something by the author written for adults but maybe she's more valuable as a writer young people can enjoy.
January 22, 2024
Good start to the series
3.5 stars. I liked the main characters. I enjoyed the book. It is a clean historical mystery. I will continue on to the next to see where the author takes these characters. There was one scenario which was not believable where the MFC who is 22 presents herself as a mother searching for her adult daughter. There was no costuming or veil in the scene (just a more risque dress and a little make up) and I don't think it was believable. This is a mystery in a historical setting but the characters are very unconventional. So if you are looking for a book where the characters are historically accurate, I don't think this is for you. If you are looking for a clean mystery in a historical setting with likeable characters and a hint of romance (not much), you may like it.
3.5 stars. I liked the main characters. I enjoyed the book. It is a clean historical mystery. I will continue on to the next to see where the author takes these characters. There was one scenario which was not believable where the MFC who is 22 presents herself as a mother searching for her adult daughter. There was no costuming or veil in the scene (just a more risque dress and a little make up) and I don't think it was believable. This is a mystery in a historical setting but the characters are very unconventional. So if you are looking for a book where the characters are historically accurate, I don't think this is for you. If you are looking for a clean mystery in a historical setting with likeable characters and a hint of romance (not much), you may like it.
April 14, 2024
I liked the book overall. While it was "clean", it covered a very disturbing subject matter so I certainly appreciated that the author wasn't overly graphic.
At first I thought the book would solely be told from Tabitha's point of view, not first person but her experience... I was disappointed to find that the point of view switched between multiple characters, and often rather abruptly. I have a hard time with this writing style, it makes the writing more tedious to read and feels amateur. For sure, I have never written a book, I respect the time and talent it takes to produce a well written book. While this book overall was well written, I feel like it would have been much improved if the narrative would have been cleaned up into just one point of view. For me, it's the difference between a 2/3 star review and a 4/5 star review.
At first I thought the book would solely be told from Tabitha's point of view, not first person but her experience... I was disappointed to find that the point of view switched between multiple characters, and often rather abruptly. I have a hard time with this writing style, it makes the writing more tedious to read and feels amateur. For sure, I have never written a book, I respect the time and talent it takes to produce a well written book. While this book overall was well written, I feel like it would have been much improved if the narrative would have been cleaned up into just one point of view. For me, it's the difference between a 2/3 star review and a 4/5 star review.
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