Lady Darling Inquires After a Killer

Lady Darling #1

by Colleen Gleason

Lady Bridgerton meets The Thursday Murder Club in the first of a charming, Victorian-set mystery series from bestselling author Colleen Gleason.

Lady Darling is a woman “of a certain age.” Fifty, to be specific—which, in the eyes of London society, makes her uninteresting, eccentric, and a little intimidating.

She’s a widow.

An empty-nester (all of her children very successfully married-off).

She’s titled, influential…and very, very rich.

Now she just wants to be left alone to enjoy her pets and her gardens and her books.

Until someone turns up dead at a dinner party, and Lady Darling is on the scene.

What’s a smart, responsible, capable woman to do?

Find the killer, of course!

A thrilling, witty romp of a mystery series, the Lady Darling books will find fans with readers of historical cozies, Bridgerton, and The Thursday Murder Club.

“Gleason, author of the Phyllida Bright and American in Paris mysteries as Colleen Cambridge, launches a fabulously fun new Victorian-set mystery series that makes the most of her flair for expertly marrying cleverly crafted, dryly witty plots with an exuberantly engaging, marvelously original cast of characters.” — John Charles, Booklist

”Gleason is really on a roll!” — Publishers Weekly

"Lady Darling might be a woman past her prime, but with the cunning of Poirot and the subtlety of Miss Marple, she's a force to be reckoned with!" — Alyssa Maxwell, author of the Gilded Newport Mysteries

"A sparkling jaunt! Everyone should have a witty, clever, and determined friend like Lady Darling! I am eager to tag along on her next adventure!” — Jessica Ellicott, author of the Beryl & Edwina Mysteries

Genres: Mystery, Historical, Historical Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Murder Mystery, Historical Mystery

296 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 16, 2025

About the author

Award-winning, NEW YORK TIMES and USA Today bestselling author Colleen Gleason (who also writes as Colleen Cambridge) has written more than fifty novels in a variety of genres…but always feature smart, strong women determined to right wrongs and get shit done.

Colleen lives in the Midwest United States where she is fortunate enough to be working on her next book.

She loves to hear from readers via her website, Facebook, or GoodReads.

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been reading a few of the author's other series (under a pen name) and enjoyed the historical fiction / mystery aspects. In those ones, the protagonist are semi-famous figures from history... but here, the main character is pure fiction. I liked it just as much. Good setting, especially given the popularity of The Gilded Age in the US and Downton Abbey in England. A cross between them setting-wise, plus a focus on finding a suitable husband for a friend's daughter. Makes for a lot of engaging dialect, drama, and eventually, conflict. Looking forward to the second installment.

[eyes.2c · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Darling. Trouble is thy middle name!

Delightful Victorian cozy mystery romp starring the eccentric and lively Lady Darling, Irene Colchester, Dowager Marchioness of Darling has reluctantly returned to society to sponsor a friend’s daughter for the season. It’s nine years after the death of her beloved husband Edward,
The unusual Lady Darling feels that now she’s fifty others will make allowances for her idiosyncrasies. Mind you her French modiste Claude keeps designing her dresses with a low décolletage—the discussion about this is hilarious.
As Lady Darling is not in her dotage no-one believes her. She’s as sharp as she ever has been.
Lady Irene had an unusual childhood having been the daughter of a ship’s captain. This accounts for her straight thinking, and no nonsense approach to things, and a few other odd characteristics, like uncouth expressions.
Lady Darling’s re-entry to the social scene is noted by all. She had conveniently retired to the country after seeing that all her offspring had been married (for love). She’s reluctant to re-engage. But a close friend has asked Irene to sponsor her daughter’s come out into society.
Her charge’s introduction will be at the Enfield Ball. It’s been four years since the event was held. Then shockingly, the death of the hostess’ husband occurred.
There’s a host of delightful characters. I’m much taken by Barth, her new carriage driver who provides the least comfortable rides in the kingdom. Then there’s the mysterious “Wall of Man”, and so many others.
Within the space of a few days, two of the men she meets at a select dinner are murdered. One at the dinner and one at the theatre,
Lady Darling decides to take up detecting, like Sherlock Holmes. After all she is a friend of Conon Doyle’s. The games afoot!
A witty and amusing read!

An Oliver Herber Books ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fun start to a new series! Lady Irene is a hoot! I love her household staff and her long friendship with her housekeeper. I love her two friends who share a rather complex history. I love the mysterious man (men??). Is he one person or is it two people? I love when there is a spy-type character in a story who has connections with all classes. Priscilla and Hugh were a fun sideline. Hugh is much more interesting though. Lady Irene’s children are so funny. Onto more adventures!

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfection! Loved this first in the charming new histfic mystery series by one of my absolute fav authors! Is there anything Colleen Gleason can't do? From that outrageously gorgeous cover, to the inimitable Lady Darling herself and her compelling "cozy" whodunit tale, I was all in. You will be too. Highly recommended for any reader who wants to be thoroughly entertained by a delightful Victorian adventure!

[Linniegayl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't think I would like this one, but I really liked it! Lady Darling is a 50+ widow with four grown children in Victorian England. She ends up back in London (she much prefers the country) to serve as a chaperone for a friend's daughter who is making her debut. Turns out the young woman, Priscilla, has her sight set on a duke (not going to happen).

At the very first dinner party the two attend, one of the guests is murdered, and Lady Darling decides to investigate. We quickly learn that Lady Darling is bright, tenacious, likes being older (older women can get away with things), likes whisky, and more. I loved Lady Darling, and look forward to seeing more of her adventures.

[Lavender Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kind of book that keeps a smile on your face as you compulsively turn the pages. It is beautifully written, with an intriguing story and unforgettable characters. I love, love, love Lady Darling! Highly recommended!.

A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.

[Vaelith · Rating 1 out of 5]

The widowed marchioness, Lady Irene Darling is a recluse who wishes to stay out of sight in the quiet countryside. But when a friend implores her to sponsor her daughter, Priscilla Bedwith, and together with her, the two enter high society once more, things go awry when Irene is faced with the mysterious, cold-hearted murder of a man.

The book starts awfully slow, and when we do reach the prologue, it takes at least half of the book. Nonetheless, it's clear Colleen Gleason is a huge Sherlock Holmes' fan, and I'll list down my reasons why I did not enjoy the book below.

PROS

I honestly don't have much good to say about this book. The writing is good, though, especially for a historical fiction. But the dialogues could be loquacious and inconsequential, and the 'whys' and the 'buts' do get out of hand. Not to mention, some certain descriptions which could definitely have been edited out.

CONS

Just look at this and don't tell me you did not facepalm or cringe.

Her breasts bounced alarmingly behind the low décolletage, threatening to pop free from their confines due to such unexpected and unusual activity.

I'm literally gagging.

The first and foremost problem I have with the book, besides the writing (which was passable at the least) is the main protagonist herself.

Irene Darling, the biggest Sherlock Wannabe Sue I have ever seen and will ever see.

Now, let me tell you something before we proceed.

Irene is a friend of Arthur Conan Doyle. Yes, of the creator of Sherlock Holmes himself. This was a big ick for me, but I brushed it off. However...

She did hope they would be more competent than the ones portrayed in Mr. Conan Doyle’s stories.

Are you familiar with the stories of Sherlock Holmes, Mr. Bentley Bodham? The ones by Mr. Conan Doyle?

And in fact, you’ve interrupted my plan to play Sherlock Holmes.

“I’ve been investigating the deaths,” Irene told her. “Like Sherlock Holmes.”

If you cringed at these, then you understand how I feel.

Irene does not waste any second to tell us readers that yes, she knows Arthur Conan Doyle. Yes, she has read the Sherlock Holmes stories.

It is clear Colleen tried to make her out as some Sherlock wannabe, and failed miserably. The difference between Irene and Sherlock is that, for one, Sherlock has his credentials in his field and what he does. What does Irene have?

Nothing. And no, reading Arthur's murder mystery books does not equate you to a detective. Nor being friends with him. But Irene sure does think so.

I don't even need to begin with how reading a book about a murder mystery and reality is so different. No matter how many whodunnit books you have read, you are not Sherlock Holmes, or a qualified professional in that purview.

Irene is the equivalent of those korea boos who think they know how to speak Korean because they watch K-drama and K-pop.

And of course, Sherlock Holmes was a fictional character after all. One couldn’t truly compare oneself to a figment of an imagination, could they?

Yes, yes, they can't, Irene.

My next problem with Irene is how Colleen has made her out to be this formidable, girlboss Mary Sue who knows what to do when even the experts don't, because... because she's a girlboss.

the other women—older but no less dramatic—

Ah, yes. 'All praise to Irene Darling, the only woman who knows what to do when a man is murdered out of nowhere, because only she has read Arthur's books. Lol at those dramatic women who faint at such a horrifying picture. Like, even the gents, the manservants and the butlers don't know a whit about what to do doing a crime scene, because when have they ever come across such a situation like this? I mean, even Irene has never, but she's just better, okay? Because she read the Sherlock Holmes books.'

Rather elementary, my dear Miss Bedwith.

This, to a seventeen-year old clueless girl who RIGHTFULLY has no experience in solving murder cases and was only trying to help. Not that Irene has any experience either— Oh, nooo. She read the Sherlock Holmes books, stupid me!

"Of course,” replied Mr. Smayle. “If the inspector didn’t see it, then he has no right to it."

Right, right. Let us not give a potentially important clue to the QUALIFIED experts in this case, because... they're just useless, right?

It's like, Colleen deliberately underpowered Scotland Yard just to make Irene appear as some All-Mighty god or something.

Next point of contention is Irene's utterly obnoxious and misogynistic behavior.

Oh, dear, I think I might be feeling a bit off myself, Mr. Bentley-Bodham. It’s—it’s just so unsettling to see a dead person so unexpectedly—in his own study!” She swayed alarmingly, confident that his gentlemanly instinct would induce him to catch her before she fell.

This gave me second-hand embarrassment.

You are the first person to react in such a manner—although, to be fair, you are likely the only person in the world—aside from myself and Mr. Conan Doyle, of course—who is aware that yours truly was the, ah…inspiration for that character.

What is that I hear? Arthur turning in his grave? No wonder. Not when people produce crap like this regarding him. It's like, no Irene, just because you have the same name as a character in a book, doesn't mean they were named after you.

Some of the other ladies screamed and acted as if they were going to faint...

Because Irene the ever formidable and sturdy never faints when she is faced with a murder scene, because... she has some experience with it, right? No, she does not. She's just... better. Stronger. Smarter. And definitely a not-like-the-other-girls girl, and this is more evident with the quotes below.

She even treats her own ward, Prescilla so rashly.

The girl was already babbling.

“Ah, quite so—and there is Mrs. Merryweather,” said Irene, interrupting what would likely have been either an unnecessary comment regarding the reaction to her entrance, or something equally inane.

RUDE. Never leave your kids to be sponsored by Irene Darling. She is so irresponsible she even allowed the murderer to threaten Prescilla as a hostage.

You know those books by feminist authors (not that I have anything against them) who write female characters in historical fiction to have these nascent feminist views that were obviously unnatural and non-existent for that time period, like tight corsets or women having little rights?

It’s rather a nuisance being a lady most of the time, don’t you agree? One can’t do this, one daren’t do that, but one must certainly do some other ridiculous thing like bind oneself up in clothing that doesn’t allow one to bend over or even to breathe—thank Heaven fashion has gotten on past those bloody hobble skirts!—and so on.

"And so what if they did?” Irene replied. “It’s not against the law for a woman to drink whisky—though there are plenty of other things that are against the law for a woman to do,” she grumbled. “Such as vote, and hold office, and have equal custody of her children—"

Why must women be required to wear so many layers of clothing?

It's like, they're forcing these views on that female character to make her stand out from all those dumb bimbos who aren't insightful enough to think ahead of their time, smh. This is the difference between Austen's female characters and these modern writers'. For the sake of god, if you're writing historical fiction, stop making your female characters sound way ahead of their time with modern feminist views.

Moving ahead, although Irene loves to remind us how much she loves Sherlock Holmes' stories, she's not a good detective herself.

She confronts literal suspects with stupid questions like: 'DiD yOu Do AwAy WiTh MiStEr HaRoLd?' Like the real murderer would say, 'Why, but why certainly yes!'

I shall speak to Mr. Feverley and demand he tell me why he did such terrible things.

Like he'd go like, 'Ah yes, my deepest apologies but I had to.'

Irene had no fear for her own safety. Perhaps she should have done, but she simply could not believe Mr. Feverley—despite doing what she suspected him of doing—would cause her any harm. Especially in her own sitting room.

This is how the minor character dies in the beginning of a horror movie.

Men always seemed to think that women were incapable of clear thinking and preparation.

No, in this case, you are the dumb one for setting off to meet alone with a potential murderer, Irene. The meeting with the eccentric One-Eyed Jack made my head hurt. It was so stupid and careless.

And now, this quote:

Did the man not realize how many layers of corset and crinoline were beneath a woman’s gown? It would be no small feat to shove a knife far enough through boning, thick seams and layers of heavy material into Priscilla’s flesh, no matter how sharp it was. Irene relaxed a bit more.

Colleen, please do your research. I know women wore lost of layers of clothing, but a sharp knife is MORE than enough to unalive them. He didn't have to stab her through her clothing, he could very well attack her not-so-clothed throat.

You know that man who was murdered? Well, it felt more like a joke, the way Irene and her daughters treated his death. Not a single one of them took is seriously, not with Irene, a fifty-year old woman playing Sherlock Holmes.

Now, you might think, 'Well, she must have SOME credentials to play detective.' Ah, but of course she does!

I was there, of course. And I was the one who noticed that he was dead, after all. Someone intelligent and capable must be responsible for finding the villain who did such a thing. I am the most intelligent and capable person I know—and I have little else to occupy my time—so why shouldn’t it be me?

—well, I know I’m smarter than that Inspector Burgess.

I kid you not, I lost all my will to continue with the book after reading that. Like, OF COURSE you are more qualified than an Inspector who spent most of his life in this field.

Let's wrap up this tediously long review, shall we?

The book was slow, a point I have already established. What got me through was the only fact that there were a little more than 200 pages.

There is a controversy surrounding Irene in the book which did catch my interest, but that, just like many other conflicts in the book was wrapped up within a chapter. Even the final conflict was an anti-climatic climax.

In fact, I was more interested in Prescilla's love life than stick-my-nose-everywhere Irene.

There are wasted potentials in side characters like Adina Trewlove and her mysterious uncle, Mr. Finley Marshall.

In fact, the latter is even described as 'interesting and titillating' in the prologue, yet he has little appearance in the book. I was so sure and still am that he was Irene's love interest most likely.

The revelation of the murder mystery was BORING. I couldn't have cared less whoever it was. The mystery and suspense was awfully maintained.

I promise it shan’t be another four years before I host a ball, but, good Heavens, this is becoming quite a disruptive custom.

Well said, Mrs. Enfield, well said.

In the end, I just want to say that I was so surprised with the well-received reviews. I, for one, was utterly disappointed. This is why you never listen to the reviews. Not recommended at all.


Rating: 1 star

[Caitlin Justice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Lady Darling Inquires After a Killer by Colleen Gleason follows Lady Darling, who becomes a sponsor for a friend's daughter for the season. At one of the first activities of the season, a man dies and Lady Darling takes it upon herself to find the killer.
I absolutely love Lady Darling! Her humor and stubborn attitude made her so likeable. I also liked that Lady Darling didn't let people get in her way. This book was written in a fun and playful tone that made it easy and a joy to read. I didn't expect the killer, but there were plenty of clues along the way to make it believable. The pacing kept my attention locked in.
This was a great read!

[Abigail McKenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5 stars

was the mystery a bit simple? sure. but by golly if I didn't have a grand ol' time with this book. Lady Darling is an absolute icon in so many ways, and I'm very hopeful we'll get another adventure with her soon!

*content warnings for mild profanity and murder

[Bethany Swafford · Rating 3 out of 5]

Widowed and with all her children married, Lady Darling looks forward to a life away from the strictures of society. However, when an old friend asks her to sponsor her daughter’s debut in London society, she feels she has no choice but to accept. When a man is found dead at a dinner party, the inquisitive Lady Darling, an admirer of Sherlock Holmes, cannot resist investigating. With help from her trusted servants and a fashionable modiste, she follows the trail into London’s shadowy streets to find the truth.

I love a bold heroine who isn’t afraid to learn all she can. There’s no denying that Lady Darling is that, but I found myself annoyed with her through most of the book. She claims that she was the inspiration behind Arthur Conan Doyle’s Irene Adler. She thinks she is smarter than everyone else, including the police. When the murder happens, there is no hesitation. She immediately believes she is the only person who can learn the truth because...she isn’t afraid to ask blunt questions.

I also deducted a point because of Lady Darling’s unceasing complaints regarding corsets. She is a “modern” woman, who detests corsets and how uncomfortable they are! (Oh, and corsets can stop a blade, according to her.)

Overall, I was mostly annoyed while reading this one. I suppose readers who enjoy a book with a heroine who is out of her time will enjoy this one. I received an advanced reader’s copy via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Heatherinblack · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little disjointed. But extremely fun.

I wonder if Dowagers really has a much freedom as Lady Darling takes. The girl’s betrothal was obvious. The answer for the solution was weak. But it was a LOT of fun. I look forward to the next.

[Cait · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Darling is an absolute delight as a character, and her first (I hope) novel is an entertaining, absorbing romp of a mystery novel. The plot was tightly paced and neatly woven, and the period details feel just right. But it is Gleason's characters that kept me reading Lady Darling Inquires After a Killer the entire weekend. Lady Darling reminded me of Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers and Deanna Raybourn's Killers of a Certain Age--if they were titled, rich, and lived 150 years ago. Irene was entirely her own person, though, and I really loved Gleason's writing. The side characters were well-written too, and I am sincerely hoping for more of this series because I need to come back to them all!

Thanks to NetGalley and Oliver Heber Books for the opportunity to read and review this ebook ARC. All opinions are mine alone.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Booksprout for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion.

This is the start of a new historical cozy mystery series and I am delighted totally delighted from page 1. I feel like I have met my Victorian soul sister... Her name is Irene Darling, and I feel she is living my life.... or the life I would like to be living if I were a Victorian Englishwoman - including the vocally judgmental parrot, and the beloved spoiled doggies.

Lady Darling is a widowed marchioness who is also an empty nester. While there are some joys to London, she is not enamoured of the nonsense of High Society, and outside of marrying off her children, has been enjoying long stretches of country life. But she has agreed to help a friend launch her daughter, Miss Priscilla Bedwith, in Society for the Season.

Irene Darling is rather eccentric and notorious, but is also very self-assured, and despite not being raised in the Ton, knows how it work, how to wield her status and power, and how not to take it too seriously.

There are many layers to this story, including Irene dealing with aspects of her past, including being widowed, after losing her beloved husband, and an empty nester. She is trying to guide the naive Miss Bedwith and encourage an appropriate match, despite the young miss having neither real connections or an overly large dowry, but also an overly tight grip on societal norms and expectations, and an overly high expectations for herself. Irene Darling is also dealing with gossip and sneers about a past scandal and how it has affected some of her own friendships... all while dealing with creaky knees and hips, and her unexplained flushes at night.

Then, to take the cake, just as when she starts introducing her new charge at a small dinner party hosted by a friend, their evening is ruined when they find their hostess's husband dead in his locked study.

One interesting fact is that Lady Darling happens to be a good friend of Arthur Conan Doyle, and the inspiration for one of his characters. After her own experiences, she has little confidence in the competence of the authorities, so she sets out to investigate the murder herself... in between being a mother, and a Society madam guiding her debutante charge through the Season.

Loved this story - it was warm, cozy, funny, and intriguing because there are still so many little threads of her story that are not neatly trimmed, despite this particular case being settled, as is her charge's marital aspects, by the end of this story. One interesting tool Ms. Gleason used was to tell the story from two perspectives - Irene, and from Priscilla's viewpoint. An interesting contrast of viewpoints and personalities - and while I did not really like the prudish Priscilla, the contrasting viewpoints were amusing and worked well to drive the story and add an interesting dynamic - since I am reading it as a fellow 50-ish woman with the woefully creaking knees and hips.

I am Irene, and she is me... and I want more.

4.75 stars out of 5 - despite being annoyed by Priscilla and a couple of other characters.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5 stars

I was so excited to see that Gleason/Cambridge had a new series coming out, and just like her other ventures, this one seems destined to be just wonderful.

Lady Darling is a 50-year-old wealthy, widowed aristocrat. As the Dowager Marchioness of Darling, she has seen her four children successfully and happily married off and is looking forward to some "me" time which includes coddling her pets, gardening and reading. However, she doesn't count on the dead body at a dinner party she attends. As she feels pulled into the investigation of her host's death, she finds that she has an affinity (and the means) for ferreting out villains.

While this story started a little slow for me, I reminded myself that all initial books in a series have a lot to set up...characters, backstories, relationships, settings, etc. But as it hit its groove, boy did it deliver. Lady Darling is a treasure and such an original character...she's "of society" but doesn't necessarily enjoy that society, she's refreshingly herself, she's opinionated but of course with age comes wisdom. She's a doting mother, a bereaved widow who still mourns her beloved husband and a highly intelligent woman who is uniquely placed to solve puzzles (while also being entertained and challenged by them). She's such fun, and with her backstory (she grew up traveling the world on her father's ship and also has a few secrets of her own), there's so much rich material to pull from in further adventures...I can't wait to see what she gets up to next.

A very well-written, entertaining and humorous beginning.

My sincere thanks to the author, NetGalley and Oliver Heber Books for providing the free early arc of Lady Darling Inquires After a Killer for review. The opinions are strictly my own.

[Amalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four reasons I'm giving Four Stars to Lady Darling Inquires After a Killer by Colleen Gleason:

1. The time and place - The book takes us to the elevated circles of high-society London, where - amidst a whirlwind of drawing room teas, visits to the theater and elegant balls - a seemingly ordinary gentleman is murdered. During a dinner party. In his own home.

2. The Protagonist - Lady Darling is a most unusual heroine (and she will take good care to constantly remind you of it). Beside being a devoted mother, an animal lover, the owner of creaky knees and a small pistols, she is the (self-proclaimed) smartest and most capable person in the room. She does have a big heart to go with the big ego.

3. The elementary angle - Lady Darling is an aficionado of Sherlock Holmes (and friend of Arthur Conan Doyle) and channels his methods of observation throughout the book. But she is not averse to a little action when needed, hence the little gun.

4. The fun factor - This is a fun romp through Victorian London, a light and amusing read with an eccentric heroine, and there is even a little something that could add a romantic interest to future books. A promising start to a new series.

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[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thank NetGalley and Oliver Heber Books for an advance reader copy of Lady Darling Inquires After a Killer. All opinions and comments are my own.

The dowager Marchioness of Darling is definitely the person you’d want to have around you in a crisis. Thus, when a murder occurs at a party that’s the talk of the season, since she’s the self-proclaimed “most intelligent person she knows,” why shouldn’t she identify the killer -- and in the meantime, see that the course of true love runs smooth?

An enjoyable historical mystery set in Victorian times with a romantic under-story, Lady Darling Inquires After a Killer is an entertaining introduction to the titled lady sleuth. She’s quite the character, with her references to Sherlock Holmes (and a certain famous lady friend of his), and her exploits include a dogged pursuit of the truth. And in the meantime, if there’s an opportunity for the sharing of old secrets and the renewal of deep-rooted friendships, so much the better. Lady Darling has got quite a knack for this detecting business, and it will stand her in good stead in future books.

[Charmaine Fernando · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun read that I thoroughly enjoyed! Colleen Gleason is a new author for me, and I am so glad I decided to read this new book, Lady Darling Inquires After a Killer.

Lady Darling, Irene Colchester, the Dowager Marchioness of Darling is a woman of independent means and having married off her children to love marriages of their own (she and her husband, Edward were very happily married till nine years ago when he died), she was looking to have some much needed R&R for herself only to be pulled back to the social scene at the request of a dear friend looking to introduce her daughter to society. The first ball they attend is the Enfield ball where a murder takes place. It has been four years since this ball was last hosted so there is a crush of people eager to attend only to have the host’s husband murdered during the party.

Irene Darling takes it upon herself to step in and solve this mystery, which is entertaining, humorous, and delightful! I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward with eager expectation to the next book. My thanks to Booksprout and Oliver Heber Books for the ARC and submit my honest review voluntarily.

[Mark Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

While Lady Darling, a rich widow of a certain age, enjoys her life in the country, she agrees to spend the season in London to be chaperone for a friend’s daughter. But when their host turns up dead at the first dinner party they attend, Lady Darling decides to investigate. Can she find the killer?

Having enjoyed some other books this author has written, I was looking forward to this one. I felt the book was over written, which is often the case with the author, but it was a bit more than some of her others. The story took a little time to get going, but once it did, I enjoyed it and was along until we reached the logical end, although it did feel like there was a leap or two. Lady Darling is lots of fun and I did enjoy getting to know the rest of the cast. My biggest issue was something in Lady Darling’s backstory. I can understand the justification for it, but it still didn’t sit right with me. Plenty of people are enjoying this book, so if the time and place appeal, give it a chance and see what you think for yourself.

Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colleen Gleason is filling a gaping hole in the intrepid heroines of historical mysteries with “Lady Darling Inquires After a Killer.” Lady Darling is a widow of 50 with grown children, money in the bank, and time on her hands. She prides herself in her eccentricity (if there had been a “We Do Not Care Club” in the 1800s, she might have started it). She has a menagerie of pets. She experiences hot flashes. She is clever and knows how to search out clues.

When Lady Darling discovers a body at a dinner party she jumps into action. This is just the type of mental stimulation she has been looking for. Not that she’s been looking for a body, but rather a challenge of the type that is beyond the usual social calls a lady is supposed to make. As this is the first time she’s tried to solve a murder she is careful to sift through the clues even though some are red herrings.

This book is perfect for readers who enjoy historical mysteries and have been looking for an older intrepid heroine. I am looking forward to the next book in the series!

I received an advance review copy for free from Netgalley and Oliver Heber Books, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Zoé · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a perfect mix of lighthearted 19th century gossip and a cozy murder mystery. The standout for me was the main character: an aristocratic widow who is stubborn, grumpy and bossy but somehow still endearing. She storms through scenes with sharp opinions and cutting remarks, but you can tell she genuinely wants the best for the people around her.

I liked the witty dialogue and funny situations, like during the theatre scene where the play itself is irrelevant: what matters is the audience, gossiping, judging outfits, and whispering about the latest murders.

At first, I thought I’d made a mistake and picked up book two in a series, because a past event kept being mentioned. Turns out, that’s just part of the story. I guess this book will be the start of a series though.

If you like Bridgerton-style balls, debutantes hunting for husbands, and a murder or two in fancy London homes, this book will be for you.

Thank you to NetGalley and Oliver Heber Books for the ARC. This is my honest opinion of the book.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gave me total Phyllida Bright vibes with a sprinkle of Bridgerton drama—but with its own twist. Instead of “the help” (Phyllida Bright), we’re in the head of a proper lady (Lady Darling), and instead of channeling Poirot, it’s got that Sherlock Holmes flavor.

All the cozy mystery boxes are checked ✅: amateur sleuthing, an off-page murder, a charming little town, and yes—adorable animals (two dogs + a bird who screams “INTRUDER!” had me cracking up).

That said… I never really cared about the murder itself. It happened super early to a character we didn’t know, so I was way more into the side stories—the rekindled friendships, a young lady being sponsored in society, and all the courtship drama—than the actual whodunit. Lady Darling basically glanced at the scenes, asked a few questions, and was like, “Yup, here’s your murderer.” End of story.

But honestly? I adored Lady Darling. She’s witty, fed up with society’s nonsense, and fully living by “I’ll do what I want, thank you very much” energy. 👑

Fingers crossed this turns into a series, because I need more Lady Darling—and maybe a little something with the Wall of Man (IYKYK 😉).

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was a great blend of mystery and humor and I already want more. Lady Darling is an intriguing character who does not conform to society's expectations of her and is proud of it. She has some mysteries in her past connecting her to Arthur Conan Doyle that are never fully explained and that I hope are revisited in future books. She is not afraid to jump right into solving a murder and teaches the police a thing or two, whether they want her help or not. I love her devotion to her friends and we get to see it play out across the book as we piece together what may have happened (or not) 4 years ago at a party which ended in a death. I am partial to strong female main characters who live their lives on their terms and Lady Darling does not disappoint. I can't wait to see what she gets into next.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy.

[Pat Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story revolves around a middle aged lady who keeps have “heat attacks”. Very reminiscent of Angela Lansbury’s Murder She Wrote. The mystery, itself was very well plotted and I tried very hard to keep up with the clues to solve it, but could not. Truly enjoyed that part. I did feel that some of the story dragged a bit and the VERY descriptive writing got rather old after a while. Some descriptions were very well written, such as the scene entering the Enfield Ball, but most were just rooms someone entered that didn’t need all that described-in my opinion. But then, I am more of an action reader and not focused on a lot of detail- so it could just be me. The characters were well written and the reader is left with a bit of a mystery at the end concerning a certain “Wall of Man” that will probably be expounded on in future stories. A good story, with an interesting and witty woman.

I received this story for free and these are my own views.

[Homerun2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

What fun! Irene, Lady Darling, a widowed marchioness, has reluctantly come to London for the season to sponsor and chaperone a friend's marriageable daughter. Irene wasn't born an aristocrat but the daughter of a ship captain who had an unconventional and unfettered growing up.

She is rich, titled, and would really prefer to be in the country away from the constraints of society and corsets. But she is doing her best to launch her friend's daughter Priscilla into a favorable match. Irene has been involved in scandal before, so when she once again is on the scene when a dead body is found, society is shocked and tongues wag.

She is headstrong and intelligent and bulls her way into discovering the murderer. Entertaining, with lots of humor and hints of future enjoyment. A pleasurable read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my all-time favorite authors, no matter what name she is writing under have done it again with Lady Darling Inquires After a Killer (Lady Darling Mysteries Book 1). I was thrilled to be able to read this Victorian era woman sleuth story by Colleen Gleason. This is a type of cozy mystery that has been drawing attention lately and I certainly have enjoyed several, but I loved this one. Lady Darling s a widow with grown children so she has freedom that many younger women would not have. I like her references to Sherlock Holmes stories as well as her tactful, honest and clever way of dealing with those of upper society. Then her humble and respect way of dealing with all the ones society considers less than themselves.

When faced with murder, Lady Darling is at work along with friends/workers to solve the case. Colleen Gleason’s storytelling kept me hooked from start to finish. I can't wait to dive into the next book in this series.

[NelleRenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in a series and in my opinion it will be something to anticipate. Lady Darling is the Dowager Marchioness of Darling but also a ship captain’s daughter and at age 50 would prefer to be in the country with her wonderful pets (that add some humor to the story). A friend has asked her to sponsor her daughter’s coming out in London and she agrees, after all she has married off her children in love matches. While at a dinner the first murder happens and at the theater the second one occurs. The Lady is intrigued and with the help of an array of friends sets out to solve the whole done it. It is refreshing to have a story about a woman, who others would have said was too old to get involved, who is intelligent and quirky enough to get involved. It was a very engaging story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Farah G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Darling is a 50-something widow who is perfectly happy to accept society's disinterest in her - especially now that she has successfully married off all 4 of her children very advantageously.

But a request from a dear friend to help launch her daughter into society (and secure another one of those advantageous marriages for her!) means that Lady Darling's plans to peacefully pursue her own interests whilst living in the countryside are thwarted for the time being.

And then, a most dramatic and unexpected murder at a dinner party forces her to take on the rather unusual role of sleuth!

Witty, entertaining, and offering a fascinating character in the form of the inimitable Lady Darling, this book is worth a read.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[M Steinbrink · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an absolute hoot! It was funny, witty and the characters were very likeable and quirky. Lady Darling, being a widow of a certain age, can do what she wants and she really does! From solving a murder to helping young ladies navigate their social season, she can do it all and with lots of wit and great humor thrown in. I didn’t expect the killer, but looking back I could have guessed if I tried harder, but I was just enjoying the book and watching the mystery get solved! I truly hope this will be the start of a long series because I would love to read more about Lady Darling, her friends and family and the mysterious Jack!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own.

[Karen Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very fun debut in a new series. Lady Darling was not raised in the ton, having been a shocking choice for her husband at the time, but after many years and 3 successfully wed children, she is comfortable in the power granted her in her dowager Marchioness status, and happy to wield it like a weapon when needed, such as solving the murder that happened during a dinner party. Well, nobody else was going to do it, so she simply had to step in! I love a 50 year old heroine. (Not enough to ding off a star but I did get tired of the Sherlock Holmes references. The point was made, stop hammering it!)

I enjoy this author's writing, whichever world or pen name I've read her in, and am always excited for more historical cozy fantasy. No great shock this was a winner.

[Roslyn Stillman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book by this author that I have read. I found it an enjoyable read. It was a very cozy mystery. The characters where well written and the storyline well thought out. If I had taken a little bit more notice, the clues to who the murderer was were there, but I just enjoyed the read. I did find that the writing style was different to the usual books I read, with parts of it being skipped as they weren’t needed for my enjoyment. There were a few mysteries left that I hope will be answered in the next book. I look forward to more adventures. I received this as an ARC from Netgalley and freely give my review.