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Cleopatra Fox #11
Murder on Harley Street
When a patient is electrocuted by a medical therapy device, the manufacturer proves it was tampered with. Who killed her? And what grudge did they hold against her doctor, whose reputation now lies in tatters?
The medical profession’s faith in electric shock therapies for treating female nervous conditions is shaken after a patient dies while connected to one such device. Harry Armitage is hired by the doctor arrested for her murder, and he invites Cleo to help him uncover the truth. After all, the doctor is the same one who tried—and failed—to treat Cleo’s aunt. As they dig deeper, it becomes apparent the doctor has failed other patients too, and those patients’ loved ones want revenge.
Did that desire for revenge lead to the death of an innocent patient? Or did the victim have enemies of her own? As Cleo and Harry unravel the multi-layered mystery, they realize not everyone is who they seem. Suspects are hiding secrets that, if exposed, could shatter reputations and relationships.
Meanwhile, the manufacturer of a popular but highly addictive medicine has booked the Mayfair Hotel for a major presentation to important clients. As the day of the event looms, Cleo and Harry learn of a plot to sabotage it.
Can they solve the mystery and save the presentation? Or will it be ruined? And will someone get away with murder?
The medical profession’s faith in electric shock therapies for treating female nervous conditions is shaken after a patient dies while connected to one such device. Harry Armitage is hired by the doctor arrested for her murder, and he invites Cleo to help him uncover the truth. After all, the doctor is the same one who tried—and failed—to treat Cleo’s aunt. As they dig deeper, it becomes apparent the doctor has failed other patients too, and those patients’ loved ones want revenge.
Did that desire for revenge lead to the death of an innocent patient? Or did the victim have enemies of her own? As Cleo and Harry unravel the multi-layered mystery, they realize not everyone is who they seem. Suspects are hiding secrets that, if exposed, could shatter reputations and relationships.
Meanwhile, the manufacturer of a popular but highly addictive medicine has booked the Mayfair Hotel for a major presentation to important clients. As the day of the event looms, Cleo and Harry learn of a plot to sabotage it.
Can they solve the mystery and save the presentation? Or will it be ruined? And will someone get away with murder?
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 2, 2025
About the author
C.J. Archer
113 books5,818 followersC.J. Archer is the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of historical mystery and historical fantasy novels including the GLASS AND STEELE series, the CLEOPATRA FOX MYSTERIES, the MINISTRY OF CURIOSITIES and THE GLASS LIBRARY series.
She has loved history and books for as long as she can remember and feels fortunate that she found a way to combine the two. She has at various times worked as a librarian, IT support person and technical writer but in her heart has always been a fiction writer. She lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her husband, 2 children and Coco the black and white cat.
Subscribe to C.J.'s newsletter to be notified when she releases a new book. Join via her website: www.cjarcher.com
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She has loved history and books for as long as she can remember and feels fortunate that she found a way to combine the two. She has at various times worked as a librarian, IT support person and technical writer but in her heart has always been a fiction writer. She lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her husband, 2 children and Coco the black and white cat.
Subscribe to C.J.'s newsletter to be notified when she releases a new book. Join via her website: www.cjarcher.com
You can follow her on social media to get the latest updates on her books:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CJArcherAuthorPage
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorcjarc...
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
January 5, 2026
I always enjoy this series! So many great characters. Didn’t love the medical mystery quite as much but that is personal preference. I hope we see more of Rose Bolton in the future.
December 3, 2025
4+ stars I love these characters and the their development! I think the mystery in this one was thinner than usual and the conclusion of the mystery part really weighed on my suspension of disbelief.
There are several taboos and issues of the times addressed, all of which cross over into today.
Homophobia, classism, racism briefly, sexism, and medical malpractice leading to substance abuse and dependency.
I’m still looking forward to the next one and yet I do want more from it! A little more maturity for a start. The books have become more YA in nature, which isn’t a bad thing per se but I don’t think it’s where things started.
There are several taboos and issues of the times addressed, all of which cross over into today.
Homophobia, classism, racism briefly, sexism, and medical malpractice leading to substance abuse and dependency.
I’m still looking forward to the next one and yet I do want more from it! A little more maturity for a start. The books have become more YA in nature, which isn’t a bad thing per se but I don’t think it’s where things started.
December 12, 2025
Charming, as always!
Wow! I've made it through all 10 (so far) books in the series. Although this one is definitely consistent in style with other books in the series, C.J. Archer managed to keep my interest while moving the main plot along nicely. I totally recommend this series.
Wow! I've made it through all 10 (so far) books in the series. Although this one is definitely consistent in style with other books in the series, C.J. Archer managed to keep my interest while moving the main plot along nicely. I totally recommend this series.
January 23, 2026
A really great mystery, per usual. I always enjoy what she writes about and her mysteries are so diverse that I never feel like, “we’ve been here before”.
The characters are all charming and I feel at this point like I’m with old friends when I read a new installment. Four stars instead of five because our heroes were constantly ducking into dark corners to kiss. The kissing is probably *why* some people read, but for me, it was a distraction, lol.
The characters are all charming and I feel at this point like I’m with old friends when I read a new installment. Four stars instead of five because our heroes were constantly ducking into dark corners to kiss. The kissing is probably *why* some people read, but for me, it was a distraction, lol.
January 29, 2026
This book is all over the place and the relationship development is too little too late. And it’s wild to me that Cleo and Harry are finally together but she’s keeping him a secret from her family. Cleo’s character was so much better in the first few books and I’m just waiting for that Cleo to come back, which is the only reason why I’m still reading this series.
December 8, 2025
Book 11 and I still want more!
The way the story weaves in taboo topics to where they don’t feel heavy nor insignificant is appreciated. There was in my opinion a missed opportunity with Harmony. Perhaps the stage is being set for a future storyline- fingers crossed.
Aunt Lillian is showing resilience and I like it. We even saw a tiny bit about the relationship between Floyd and Flossy. All of this while solving a murder.
Hired to prove a doctor didn’t murder his patient, Harry asked Cleo to assist. Not only for her keen mind but because it also gives them opportunities to spend time together.
There is a lot of good “stuff” to unpack in this story and I don’t want to spoil it for others. I don’t know how much of what was included about the electroshock therapy, medicines of the period, sexuality, etc. was accurate but it all created a great story as well as food for thought.
I am looking forward to Book 12!
Happy Reading!
The way the story weaves in taboo topics to where they don’t feel heavy nor insignificant is appreciated. There was in my opinion a missed opportunity with Harmony. Perhaps the stage is being set for a future storyline- fingers crossed.
Aunt Lillian is showing resilience and I like it. We even saw a tiny bit about the relationship between Floyd and Flossy. All of this while solving a murder.
Hired to prove a doctor didn’t murder his patient, Harry asked Cleo to assist. Not only for her keen mind but because it also gives them opportunities to spend time together.
There is a lot of good “stuff” to unpack in this story and I don’t want to spoil it for others. I don’t know how much of what was included about the electroshock therapy, medicines of the period, sexuality, etc. was accurate but it all created a great story as well as food for thought.
I am looking forward to Book 12!
Happy Reading!
December 14, 2025
Very Good Story
I have been following the Cleopatra Mysteries by C.J.Archer from the beginning. They are full of historical insight. Murder on Harley Street introduces addiction to cocaine and the use of electrical devices to cure patients, mainly women.
These books are relaxing and entertaining,a safe interlude between heavier reading. Recommended
I have been following the Cleopatra Mysteries by C.J.Archer from the beginning. They are full of historical insight. Murder on Harley Street introduces addiction to cocaine and the use of electrical devices to cure patients, mainly women.
These books are relaxing and entertaining,a safe interlude between heavier reading. Recommended
January 20, 2026
C.J. Archer is a fantastic author, and I truly enjoy all of her books. Cleopatra is a wonderful main character—smart, determined, and a natural detective. Just when she thinks she’s escaped danger, murder finds her once again!
I especially loved her relationship in this story. It’s fun, supportive, and genuinely uplifting, adding warmth and balance to the mystery. Another great read from an author I can always count on. 📚✨
I especially loved her relationship in this story. It’s fun, supportive, and genuinely uplifting, adding warmth and balance to the mystery. Another great read from an author I can always count on. 📚✨
February 25, 2026
3.5 / 4 Stars
***LIBBY Audio***
MC's: Cleo & Harry
A woman dies while undergoing electrical shock treatment. The mystery is why this happened and who could be behind it. Also, Cleo's uncle is hosting a convention at his hotel that revolves around the very gentleman who creates the tonic that has caused his wife's addiction. Needless to say none of the family members are happy with this....but it's too late to turn back.
I enjoy the Cleopatra Fox stories.....
***LIBBY Audio***
MC's: Cleo & Harry
A woman dies while undergoing electrical shock treatment. The mystery is why this happened and who could be behind it. Also, Cleo's uncle is hosting a convention at his hotel that revolves around the very gentleman who creates the tonic that has caused his wife's addiction. Needless to say none of the family members are happy with this....but it's too late to turn back.
I enjoy the Cleopatra Fox stories.....
December 5, 2025
Rating: 3.5 stars ⭐️
Another Cleopatra Fox mystery in the books. Archer really leans into the slowest of slow romantic burns for her characters in this series; I appreciate that she doesn’t want to rush the process, but we’re eleven books in and our couple has barely begun dating. The mystery was fun, with good twists and turns.
The queer scene in Victorian England featured heavily in this book, which was unexpected—I have no idea how much of it was historically accurate, but it would have been nice to have some citations at the end of the book, or been clear that this is all made up? Genuinely, I’m not sure if the culture described is accurate, but glad for queer representation in my Victorian mystery series…. even if it is fraught with angst and secrecy and mostly negative vibes.
The plotline around Aunt Lillian’s cocaine addiction has processed nicely, and plays a major role in the B plot of this story, but the lovable side characters in this series have mostly faded into the background. These books are short enough that I would love for an extra 50 pages to just see Cleo hanging out with Flossy, or getting tea with Aunt Lillian. The society elements are so fun, and we mostly ignored them in this book. We got one brainstorming session with Harmony, which feels inadequate! Floyd shows up a decent bit at least, but honestly, I would love some more of the interactions within the family, and with Victorian high society, and the class differences within the hotel.
Another Cleopatra Fox mystery in the books. Archer really leans into the slowest of slow romantic burns for her characters in this series; I appreciate that she doesn’t want to rush the process, but we’re eleven books in and our couple has barely begun dating. The mystery was fun, with good twists and turns.
The queer scene in Victorian England featured heavily in this book, which was unexpected—I have no idea how much of it was historically accurate, but it would have been nice to have some citations at the end of the book, or been clear that this is all made up? Genuinely, I’m not sure if the culture described is accurate, but glad for queer representation in my Victorian mystery series…. even if it is fraught with angst and secrecy and mostly negative vibes.
The plotline around Aunt Lillian’s cocaine addiction has processed nicely, and plays a major role in the B plot of this story, but the lovable side characters in this series have mostly faded into the background. These books are short enough that I would love for an extra 50 pages to just see Cleo hanging out with Flossy, or getting tea with Aunt Lillian. The society elements are so fun, and we mostly ignored them in this book. We got one brainstorming session with Harmony, which feels inadequate! Floyd shows up a decent bit at least, but honestly, I would love some more of the interactions within the family, and with Victorian high society, and the class differences within the hotel.
December 15, 2025
4/5 Stars | Clue Energy, Comfort Read Excellence 🕯️🕵️♀️💖
What I liked: I adore this series, full stop. Reading it feels like sitting down for a cozy game of Clue—except the candles are lit, the tea is hot, and there’s an entire tangle of long-term storylines and character arcs unfolding alongside the mystery. It’s the perfect palate cleanser: familiar, satisfying, and endlessly readable. Watching the familial and romantic relationship dynamics grow over the course of eleven books has been such a joy. There’s a comfort in returning to these characters again and again, knowing they’ll bring intrigue, warmth, and just the right amount of mystery.
What I didn’t like: I simply, respectfully, wanted more Cleo and Harry forward motion in this one. I am patient. I am loyal. I have waited eleven books and I will clearly wait eleven more if required. But they are precious, and I crave crumbs. Progress. A glance. A moment. Anything. I will continue to wait with my nose pressed to the glass, but know that my heart wants more.
What I liked: I adore this series, full stop. Reading it feels like sitting down for a cozy game of Clue—except the candles are lit, the tea is hot, and there’s an entire tangle of long-term storylines and character arcs unfolding alongside the mystery. It’s the perfect palate cleanser: familiar, satisfying, and endlessly readable. Watching the familial and romantic relationship dynamics grow over the course of eleven books has been such a joy. There’s a comfort in returning to these characters again and again, knowing they’ll bring intrigue, warmth, and just the right amount of mystery.
What I didn’t like: I simply, respectfully, wanted more Cleo and Harry forward motion in this one. I am patient. I am loyal. I have waited eleven books and I will clearly wait eleven more if required. But they are precious, and I crave crumbs. Progress. A glance. A moment. Anything. I will continue to wait with my nose pressed to the glass, but know that my heart wants more.
December 15, 2025
When a woman dies receiving electric shock therapy, Harry is hired by the doctor to prove that the death was caused by someone tampering with the device. Harry enlists Cleo’s help, but the doctor is the same one who prescribed the cocaine-laced elixir to Cleo’s aunt, and she has difficulty keeping an open mind. To add to Cleo’s headaches, the Mayfair Hotel is hosting a presentation for the manufacturer of the cocaine elixir. The husband of a woman who died after taking it is threatening to sabotage the event. The story is delightful, and I’m looking forward to book 12, coming out next summer.
March 31, 2026
I have very mixed feelings about this one. On the one hand… Cleo and Harry. Those stolen little romantic moments? Chef’s kiss. Sweet, innocent, and exactly the payoff after ten books of slow-burn torture. Honestly, I could’ve read 300 pages of just them smiling at each other and been perfectly happy.
The murder mystery, though… bless it, it exists. The medical side was fine, but the “surrounding factors” had me side-eyeing like, “Really? That’s how we’re doing this?” By the time we hit the final showdown, I just sighed and thought, well, that monologue certainly isn’t historically accurate, and my excitement sort of deflated like a sad party balloon.
On the bright side, Aunt Lillian is on the mend, and the family is starting to feel like an actual team instead of a collection of eccentric characters. So there’s hope—and I’m genuinely excited to see what mischief (and romance) comes next for Cleo, Harry, and the gang.
The murder mystery, though… bless it, it exists. The medical side was fine, but the “surrounding factors” had me side-eyeing like, “Really? That’s how we’re doing this?” By the time we hit the final showdown, I just sighed and thought, well, that monologue certainly isn’t historically accurate, and my excitement sort of deflated like a sad party balloon.
On the bright side, Aunt Lillian is on the mend, and the family is starting to feel like an actual team instead of a collection of eccentric characters. So there’s hope—and I’m genuinely excited to see what mischief (and romance) comes next for Cleo, Harry, and the gang.
May 10, 2026
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
I’m all caught up!! What a ride it’s been. Now to patiently wait for June for the next release.
I enjoyed the medical aspect of this one. Medical devices throughout history have always fascinated me, so getting to touch on early 1900s medical science was a nice crossing of interests.
I’m all caught up!! What a ride it’s been. Now to patiently wait for June for the next release.
I enjoyed the medical aspect of this one. Medical devices throughout history have always fascinated me, so getting to touch on early 1900s medical science was a nice crossing of interests.
March 28, 2026
A fun series
I enjoy this series more and more. Intriguing plots, lovely characters and settings, and a nice romance. The book can stand alone, but I'm glad I started with the first one. I have a richer experience.
I enjoy this series more and more. Intriguing plots, lovely characters and settings, and a nice romance. The book can stand alone, but I'm glad I started with the first one. I have a richer experience.
December 12, 2025
I fucking adore these novels. I hope they never come to an end!!
February 13, 2026
It took 11 books but Cleo and Harry finally got together 😵💫
This series teaches me patience I guess.
This series teaches me patience I guess.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2026
I love that this series hasn’t ended yet! I have to wait now for 4 months until the next book comes out. I’ve enjoyed binging on this murder mystery series.
May 17, 2026
Audiobook: 7 hr and 22 min 🕵️♀️ 🇬🇧 🩺
March 16, 2026
I continue to enjoy this 1900 London female detective stories. Cleopatra Fox is smart, fierce and independent for a woman of this era. She has teamed up with a handsome private investigator and are discovering more than the solution to murder cases. A fun, light read.
February 25, 2026
Have read the series to date. Most interesting about these stories is the details of everyday life and practices (among a certain set anyway) in turn of the century Victorian London.
January 28, 2026
How about if everyone who gives Cleo bad vibes didn’t end up being gay? Not sure if Archer is going for positive queer rep and bungling it horribly or
April 29, 2026
Yay Book #11! The flippy floppy of this book was great! I enjoy these books and love the characters. I can’t wait for the next!
December 3, 2025
Lots of queer villains all the time! But it doesn’t feel pointed I think. Glad to see Cleo and Harry progress and Lillian looking good. Not too much family in this one which I missed.
December 14, 2025
Loved this one a must read of the series can’t wait for the next
April 1, 2026
2.5 stars (rounded down mainly in anticipation of needing to round up next time). Sigh. Well, Cleo admitted she is in love with Harry in the previous book, but the only change is that now they stop to smooch one another in any dark doorway they happen to walk past.
I have mentioned before that CJ Archer seems to have an unusually strong interest in the plight of homosexuals during this time period, especially as it relates to causing people to behave in a suspicious manner --as if they are hiding something! -- during a murder investigation. Well, this book is no exception to that, with some suspect gays running around behaving unethically, but at least this time there are also some lesbians getting in on the action! (Referred to rather poetically as "sapphics" by the author. Is that the term that was commonly used at the time? I don't know and am too lazy to do any research to find out, but I believe it.)
Aside from the by-now-standard homosexual plot elements, in this book, we also see Aunt Lillian rise above her coke addiction, which is nice. Also, a bisexual douchebag from Italy calls Flossy fat and upsets her. I feel this particular issue will probably be addressed in a future book.
Speaking of future books, I don't know why, but for some reason I thought this might be the final book in this series. Alas, it is just the most recent audiobook release and I will have to suffer through more books to find out what happens to everyone. SIGH. You know, Ms Archer, of all the things you've written, I found the 6-book-series about the Glass Library to be the best, and I think in part it's because you didn't try to stretch out a few subplots over a crazy number of books. 6 is MORE than enough.
I know you're probably thinking "oh but this is a serious cozy murder mystery series as well and people are reading it for the hardcore detective plots!" and I have to say... I doubt that. As pure detective stories they're not terrible, but they're a bit weak and I think it would be hard to argue that the mysteries in these books could stand on their own without the extra character and subplot stuff. Which is fine -- that's the nature of a lot of cozies -- but in that case, PLEASE resolve subplots more quickly. If you MUST continue writing the same series, come up with more subplots, don't just stretch the existing ones so they take 8 books each to resolve, that's just annoying.
I have mentioned before that CJ Archer seems to have an unusually strong interest in the plight of homosexuals during this time period, especially as it relates to causing people to behave in a suspicious manner --as if they are hiding something! -- during a murder investigation. Well, this book is no exception to that, with some suspect gays running around behaving unethically, but at least this time there are also some lesbians getting in on the action! (Referred to rather poetically as "sapphics" by the author. Is that the term that was commonly used at the time? I don't know and am too lazy to do any research to find out, but I believe it.)
Aside from the by-now-standard homosexual plot elements, in this book, we also see Aunt Lillian rise above her coke addiction, which is nice. Also, a bisexual douchebag from Italy calls Flossy fat and upsets her. I feel this particular issue will probably be addressed in a future book.
Speaking of future books, I don't know why, but for some reason I thought this might be the final book in this series. Alas, it is just the most recent audiobook release and I will have to suffer through more books to find out what happens to everyone. SIGH. You know, Ms Archer, of all the things you've written, I found the 6-book-series about the Glass Library to be the best, and I think in part it's because you didn't try to stretch out a few subplots over a crazy number of books. 6 is MORE than enough.
I know you're probably thinking "oh but this is a serious cozy murder mystery series as well and people are reading it for the hardcore detective plots!" and I have to say... I doubt that. As pure detective stories they're not terrible, but they're a bit weak and I think it would be hard to argue that the mysteries in these books could stand on their own without the extra character and subplot stuff. Which is fine -- that's the nature of a lot of cozies -- but in that case, PLEASE resolve subplots more quickly. If you MUST continue writing the same series, come up with more subplots, don't just stretch the existing ones so they take 8 books each to resolve, that's just annoying.
January 22, 2026
Published in December 2025, the eleventh Cleopatra Fox mystery explores medical malpractice when a patient receiving electrotreatment gets electrocuted by the device. Was it tampered with? Who is responsible for her death? The book is available on Amazon in hardcover, paperback, Kindle, and audiobook.
In October 1900, London and the Mayfair Hotel are quiet until the manufacturer of Aunt Lilian’s addictive tonic books the hotel for a major medical presentation to important clients. Aunt Lilian supports the venture for the hotel's benefit.
Aunt Lilian’s former doctor, who prescribed the tonic, hires Harry when the device electrocutes a patient receiving electric shock therapies for female nervous conditions, and he gets arrested for her murder. Because of the connection to her aunt, Harry asks Cleo to help with the investigation. Together, they must ask delicate questions to patients, family, loved ones, and staff to uncover why the patient died and who killed her.
Their questions lead to dead ends, hard truths, and revelations that could destroy reputations, but are they motives for murder?
Archer continues the slow burn between Harry and Cleo, keeping their relationship secret from Cleo’s family but known to Harry’s. This balancing act and sneaking around feel childish. Archer explains from Cleo’s perspective that she must handle her family carefully, especially her uncle, and it is best to wait for him to see Harry as her equal before introducing him as her suitor. Still, what about the repercussions of secrecy? Floyd already suspects, and Cleo keeps deflecting and blackmailing him. Aunt Lilian, dealing with withdrawal from her tonic, is more attuned to Cleo, and Archer suggests she has an inkling. Flossy remains self-absorbed in her own world and problems.
The book provides a good murder mystery with undercurrents of romance and endearing characters. Archer’s vivid descriptions transport her audience back in time alongside Cleo and Harry as they pursue the truth in their whodunit adventures, making this a 3-star read.
For more reviews, please visit my site: https://roxannacross.com/category/boo...
In October 1900, London and the Mayfair Hotel are quiet until the manufacturer of Aunt Lilian’s addictive tonic books the hotel for a major medical presentation to important clients. Aunt Lilian supports the venture for the hotel's benefit.
Aunt Lilian’s former doctor, who prescribed the tonic, hires Harry when the device electrocutes a patient receiving electric shock therapies for female nervous conditions, and he gets arrested for her murder. Because of the connection to her aunt, Harry asks Cleo to help with the investigation. Together, they must ask delicate questions to patients, family, loved ones, and staff to uncover why the patient died and who killed her.
Their questions lead to dead ends, hard truths, and revelations that could destroy reputations, but are they motives for murder?
Archer continues the slow burn between Harry and Cleo, keeping their relationship secret from Cleo’s family but known to Harry’s. This balancing act and sneaking around feel childish. Archer explains from Cleo’s perspective that she must handle her family carefully, especially her uncle, and it is best to wait for him to see Harry as her equal before introducing him as her suitor. Still, what about the repercussions of secrecy? Floyd already suspects, and Cleo keeps deflecting and blackmailing him. Aunt Lilian, dealing with withdrawal from her tonic, is more attuned to Cleo, and Archer suggests she has an inkling. Flossy remains self-absorbed in her own world and problems.
The book provides a good murder mystery with undercurrents of romance and endearing characters. Archer’s vivid descriptions transport her audience back in time alongside Cleo and Harry as they pursue the truth in their whodunit adventures, making this a 3-star read.
For more reviews, please visit my site: https://roxannacross.com/category/boo...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews