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Lady of Letters #4
Murder in Matrimony
Countess-turned-advice columnist Amelia Amesbury has a wedding to plan alongside a new murder in this charmingly deadly historical mystery.
Countess Amelia Amesbury has her work cut out. As well as balancing her alter ego—secret advice columnist, Lady Agony—and the blackmailer threatening to reveal her real identity, her sister has also announced she’s getting married. It’s joyous news, but places all the planning for a high society wedding firmly at Amelia’s door.
Luckily, her good friend and local vicar Mr. Cross has agreed to the expedited nuptials, so that’s one less thing to worry about. Until Cross is found dead at the church. Now in between bridal arrangements, Amelia must follow the clues Mr. Cross left behind.
Clearly, he’d made some enemies during his parishioner work, as strange mishaps begin to occur wherever Amelia goes. But when the danger becomes all too real, Amelia must rely on her friends and the handsome Simon Bainbridge to help solve the murder, save the wedding, and Amelia’s life too . . .
Perfect for fans of witty historical mystery and Regency romances with a similar feel to Verity Bright and T.E. Kinsey.
Countess Amelia Amesbury has her work cut out. As well as balancing her alter ego—secret advice columnist, Lady Agony—and the blackmailer threatening to reveal her real identity, her sister has also announced she’s getting married. It’s joyous news, but places all the planning for a high society wedding firmly at Amelia’s door.
Luckily, her good friend and local vicar Mr. Cross has agreed to the expedited nuptials, so that’s one less thing to worry about. Until Cross is found dead at the church. Now in between bridal arrangements, Amelia must follow the clues Mr. Cross left behind.
Clearly, he’d made some enemies during his parishioner work, as strange mishaps begin to occur wherever Amelia goes. But when the danger becomes all too real, Amelia must rely on her friends and the handsome Simon Bainbridge to help solve the murder, save the wedding, and Amelia’s life too . . .
Perfect for fans of witty historical mystery and Regency romances with a similar feel to Verity Bright and T.E. Kinsey.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 25, 2025
31 people are currently reading
1236 people want to read
About the author
Mary Winters
4 books318 followersMary Winters is the Edgar-nominated author of the Lady of Letters historical mystery series. She also pens cozy mysteries under the name Mary Angela. A longtime reader and fan of historical fiction, Mary set her latest work in Victorian England after being inspired by a trip to London. Since then, she’s been busily planning her next mystery—and another trip! Find out more about Mary and her writing, reading, and teaching at marywintersauthor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
September 25, 2025
I always forget until I start reading again how much I love this series. I enjoy historical mysteries, and Ameila is a delightful character. Besides her role as Lady Amesbury, she has her secret identity as Lady Agony and her job as Winifred's stepmother. Now, her sister Marge has dropped her engagement and a wedding within a month, for Amelia to deal with, plan, and host her whole wild crazy extended family. Fortunately, she knows her priest, Mr Cross, will help with the ceremony. When she meets with him, he seems to have a lot on his mind and when he is murdered the evening after their meeting she gets pulled into the mystery especially when he leaves her a clue to the whole mystery. With the help of her friends, Simon Bainbridge and Kitty and Oliver, can she figure out what happened to the priest while planning a society wedding, keeping her identity secret and dealing with her large and boisterous family? Come along for a wild ride. Thanks to #Netgally, #Severn, and the author for an opportunity to read. #MurderinMatrimony #LadyofLettersMystery #MaryWinters #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader
October 22, 2025
4.5 stars
This series by Mary Winters continues to delight me with each new book, and Murder in Matrimony is perhaps my favorite so far. Not the least of which reason is the ‘where’d my fan go’ chemistry between Simon & Amelia. It’s always been there but whew, now that they’re kissing each other, that new, more pronounced, sort of tension had me melting into a contented swoon. But even without the romance that’s been brewing between those two since book one, I would be eager for each new read in this series. The blend of delightful wit, clever mystery, and charming characters is too much for me to resist, so needless to say I dove into Murder in Matrimony as quickly as I could.
Weddings bring a special sort of chaos into a family’s life, and Amelia discovers this firsthand as she plans her sister’s unexpected nuptials. In addition to the normal to-do’s that go along with wedding preparations, she must also grapple with the murder of the vicar who was going to perform the ceremony, thwart a blackmailer trying to force Lady Agony’s hand, and figure out what Mr. Cross wanted her help with before his untimely demise. Fortunately, Lady Tabitha is hosting the wedding breakfast on Amelia’s behalf, and I had such fun watching the ‘force to be reckoned with’ that is Tabitha meet the ‘force to be reckoned with’ that is Amelia’s family. One is refined and all proper etiquette; the other… well… not as much. I loved the entertaining front row seat to ‘city meets country’, and I grew all the fonder of the formidable Lady Tabitha in the process. The murder mystery has several intriguing facets and a couple of surprising twists that all kept me guessing, not to mention how some of its layers take on a life of their own and take Amelia and her sleuthing partners down avenues they didn’t foresee. I had an entirely different culprit in mind up until the moment someone else was revealed to be the murderer, and all the pieces came together for me not a moment sooner than they did for Amelia.
Bottom Line: Murder in Matrimony by Mary Winters hit all the right notes for me – smart, engaging, romantic, witty, and endlessly entertaining. There’s just something special about a clever mystery that can make you laugh, swoon, and gasp all in the same chapter, and Murder in Matrimony is that exact kind of special. Weddings and murder – thankfully – don’t usually go together, but they absolutely become the best sort of partners in this fun read. Winters has built a world I genuinely love visiting, with characters who feel like friends and stories that keep my brain and heart equally employed. The epilogue at the end, while I loved it, feels almost like a series farewell as it brings some plot arcs full circle, and I’m so hoping it’s not because I could happily read new adventures with Amelia and Simon for years to come.
Language: some infrequent, mild cursing
Romance: kisses only
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
This series by Mary Winters continues to delight me with each new book, and Murder in Matrimony is perhaps my favorite so far. Not the least of which reason is the ‘where’d my fan go’ chemistry between Simon & Amelia. It’s always been there but whew, now that they’re kissing each other, that new, more pronounced, sort of tension had me melting into a contented swoon. But even without the romance that’s been brewing between those two since book one, I would be eager for each new read in this series. The blend of delightful wit, clever mystery, and charming characters is too much for me to resist, so needless to say I dove into Murder in Matrimony as quickly as I could.
Weddings bring a special sort of chaos into a family’s life, and Amelia discovers this firsthand as she plans her sister’s unexpected nuptials. In addition to the normal to-do’s that go along with wedding preparations, she must also grapple with the murder of the vicar who was going to perform the ceremony, thwart a blackmailer trying to force Lady Agony’s hand, and figure out what Mr. Cross wanted her help with before his untimely demise. Fortunately, Lady Tabitha is hosting the wedding breakfast on Amelia’s behalf, and I had such fun watching the ‘force to be reckoned with’ that is Tabitha meet the ‘force to be reckoned with’ that is Amelia’s family. One is refined and all proper etiquette; the other… well… not as much. I loved the entertaining front row seat to ‘city meets country’, and I grew all the fonder of the formidable Lady Tabitha in the process. The murder mystery has several intriguing facets and a couple of surprising twists that all kept me guessing, not to mention how some of its layers take on a life of their own and take Amelia and her sleuthing partners down avenues they didn’t foresee. I had an entirely different culprit in mind up until the moment someone else was revealed to be the murderer, and all the pieces came together for me not a moment sooner than they did for Amelia.
Bottom Line: Murder in Matrimony by Mary Winters hit all the right notes for me – smart, engaging, romantic, witty, and endlessly entertaining. There’s just something special about a clever mystery that can make you laugh, swoon, and gasp all in the same chapter, and Murder in Matrimony is that exact kind of special. Weddings and murder – thankfully – don’t usually go together, but they absolutely become the best sort of partners in this fun read. Winters has built a world I genuinely love visiting, with characters who feel like friends and stories that keep my brain and heart equally employed. The epilogue at the end, while I loved it, feels almost like a series farewell as it brings some plot arcs full circle, and I’m so hoping it’s not because I could happily read new adventures with Amelia and Simon for years to come.
Language: some infrequent, mild cursing
Romance: kisses only
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
January 21, 2026
I enjoyed the most recent in this series. I still appreciate the inclusion of the Lady Agony letters before each chapter. I loved the fact that her sister wanted to stay true to herself. I will definitely be continuing this series.
September 3, 2025
This is book 4 in the Lady of Letters historical mystery series and I have enjoyed every one of them. Lady Amelia is back at it, dispensing advice through her anonymous Lady Agony column, and solving crime with the help of her friends Simon, Kitty and Oliver. When her friend and local priest is found dead, authorities assume it was an interrupted robbery, but Amelia won’t rest until she has answers. All the while she is juggling her sister’s wedding plans, a blackmailer who threatens to reveal her identity as Lady Agony, and her growing feelings for Simon. The ending was everything I could have wanted, and I hope there will be more books to come in this series. This one releases 10/7/25.
I received an eARC via NetGalley and all opinions are my own.
I received an eARC via NetGalley and all opinions are my own.
October 6, 2025
The main character of this book, Lady Amelia Amesbury, is not the typical "Lady" of Victorian English society. Amelia has some atypical opinions that she isn't afraid to share, either in person or through her anonymous newspaper advice column. Amelia's younger sister also has strong opinions and Madge has decided she wants to get married sooner than later and Amelia agrees to make that happen. That would be difficult enough on such short notice, but she also gets involved investigating two suspicious deaths - her parish priest and a young woman from a struggling East End family. Fortunately, her Aunt Tabitha is helping with the wedding planning and her best friend Kitty, as well as the dashing Lord Simon Bainbridge, help with the investigation.
This is such a wonderful series! The character comes to life through Winters' writing, and Amelia is someone I'd like to have as a friend. The letters from Amelia's "Lady Agony" column are tied to the events in the story and give us a further look into Amelia's personality as well as the conventions of the time. I've enjoyed all the books in the series, but this one is my favorite. The case which touches on working conditions of London's poor brings out a new depth to Amelia's character. There are also some incredibly romantic scenes between Amelia and Simon, whose friendship has been growing into something more throughout the series. The cases are sad, but have satisfying resolutions, and the overall ending of the book is perfect!
Thank you to Severn House and NetGalley for the advance copy of the ebook for review consideration. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
This is such a wonderful series! The character comes to life through Winters' writing, and Amelia is someone I'd like to have as a friend. The letters from Amelia's "Lady Agony" column are tied to the events in the story and give us a further look into Amelia's personality as well as the conventions of the time. I've enjoyed all the books in the series, but this one is my favorite. The case which touches on working conditions of London's poor brings out a new depth to Amelia's character. There are also some incredibly romantic scenes between Amelia and Simon, whose friendship has been growing into something more throughout the series. The cases are sad, but have satisfying resolutions, and the overall ending of the book is perfect!
Thank you to Severn House and NetGalley for the advance copy of the ebook for review consideration. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
September 21, 2025
Thank you to @netgalley, @marywintersauthor and @austenprose for an eARC of this book. Mary Winters knocks it out of the park with this one. Romance, family drama, friendship, and social justice are all combined beautifully to tell a charming and page-turning tale. I loved how the motivation behind Amelia’s Lady Agony column has deepened, as have the many different relationships she has with the characters I’ve enjoyed in all four books. This is a historical mystery not to miss, whether you’ve read all the others or not.
October 16, 2025
I'm so happy to have found a new to me Victorian mystery series! This genre is fast becoming a favorite of mine. Murder in Matrimony is book 4 in the Lady of Letters series and the first one I've read so far. I was able to jump right into the series without any difficulty. There were bits and pieces of recaps of the previous books throughout. This one can definitely be read as a stand-alone.
Right away I connected with Amelia as the main character. She's intelligent, insightful, and charming. I loved the idea of her career as an advice columnist. It was such a unique and fun premise for the time period.
The romantic aspects of the story were fantastic. I could absolutely feel the chemistry between Amelia and Simon. I enjoyed all of the supporting characters and found each one of them to be absolutely delightful. The mystery itself was well thought out and intriguing. Overall, this was a very enjoyable read. I'm looking forward to diving into the earlier books in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Right away I connected with Amelia as the main character. She's intelligent, insightful, and charming. I loved the idea of her career as an advice columnist. It was such a unique and fun premise for the time period.
The romantic aspects of the story were fantastic. I could absolutely feel the chemistry between Amelia and Simon. I enjoyed all of the supporting characters and found each one of them to be absolutely delightful. The mystery itself was well thought out and intriguing. Overall, this was a very enjoyable read. I'm looking forward to diving into the earlier books in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
November 2, 2025
Yay!! So happy 🥰
Lady Amelia Amesbury, a young widow and the secret author of the advice column “Lady Agony,” finds herself in quite the tangle this time. A blackmailing reader threatens to expose her true identity unless she reveals the name of the jewelry thief from the previous book. At the same time, Amelia’s sister announces she will marry within the month, leaving Amelia to plan the entire wedding while managing her own worries.
When the local vicar, Mr. Cross, who is also her close friend, is found dead, the police believe it was a simple robbery gone wrong. Amelia, however, suspects there is more to the story, especially since he was quietly involved in advocating for workers’ rights.
The mystery is well balanced with moments of humor and heart. Amelia’s lively country relatives descending upon her London townhouse add a wonderful sense of chaos, especially when set against Aunt Tabitha’s insistence on perfect manners. The growing affection between Amelia and Simon provides a lovely romantic thread that feels both sweet and genuine.
Sophie Roberts continues to be the ideal narrator for this series, capturing every bit of wit, warmth, and tension.
I listened to this one using my own Audible credit, and it was worth every minute.
Lady Amelia Amesbury, a young widow and the secret author of the advice column “Lady Agony,” finds herself in quite the tangle this time. A blackmailing reader threatens to expose her true identity unless she reveals the name of the jewelry thief from the previous book. At the same time, Amelia’s sister announces she will marry within the month, leaving Amelia to plan the entire wedding while managing her own worries.
When the local vicar, Mr. Cross, who is also her close friend, is found dead, the police believe it was a simple robbery gone wrong. Amelia, however, suspects there is more to the story, especially since he was quietly involved in advocating for workers’ rights.
The mystery is well balanced with moments of humor and heart. Amelia’s lively country relatives descending upon her London townhouse add a wonderful sense of chaos, especially when set against Aunt Tabitha’s insistence on perfect manners. The growing affection between Amelia and Simon provides a lovely romantic thread that feels both sweet and genuine.
Sophie Roberts continues to be the ideal narrator for this series, capturing every bit of wit, warmth, and tension.
I listened to this one using my own Audible credit, and it was worth every minute.
August 6, 2025
This was my first foray into the Lady of Letters series by Mary Winters. While I was not previously familiar with the characters, Ms. Winters did just enough to catch the reader up without spending too much time summing up the previous books/storylines.
The protagonist Amelia straddles the line between upper-crust naivety and female intuition while trying to solve the murder? of her dear friend and clergyman Mr. Cross. Unfortunately his is not the only death she comes across, and she has to try and figure out how all the puzzle pieces fit while trying to plan and host her sister’s wedding and deal with Lady Agony’s secret blackmailer! Luckily she has the charming Simon and best friend Kitty to help bounce ideas off of as they know her true identity.
At 240 pages, the book is the perfect length. It is very much a cozy, but with just enough murder and confusion to keep it from becoming too syrupy. The letters that begin every chapter, followed by the printed responses by Lady Agony, give this book a unique feature that surprisingly never grows old. I will be picking up Ms. Winter’s next book.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
The protagonist Amelia straddles the line between upper-crust naivety and female intuition while trying to solve the murder? of her dear friend and clergyman Mr. Cross. Unfortunately his is not the only death she comes across, and she has to try and figure out how all the puzzle pieces fit while trying to plan and host her sister’s wedding and deal with Lady Agony’s secret blackmailer! Luckily she has the charming Simon and best friend Kitty to help bounce ideas off of as they know her true identity.
At 240 pages, the book is the perfect length. It is very much a cozy, but with just enough murder and confusion to keep it from becoming too syrupy. The letters that begin every chapter, followed by the printed responses by Lady Agony, give this book a unique feature that surprisingly never grows old. I will be picking up Ms. Winter’s next book.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
November 30, 2025
MURDER IN MATRIMONY by Mary Winters
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book 4: A LADY OF LETTERS MYSTERY
Amelia Amesbury, or rather, Lady Agony continues to write her advice newspaper column and starts to receive threats. On top of everything she needs to plan a wedding—for her little sister. But her plans go askew when her rector who was going to officiate the ceremony is murdered. Amelia is determined to discover whodunnit, even if the trail leads to the most dangerous areas of London.
Amelia continues to grow as a character and detective. She is more confident in herself and trusts others to help. Kitty and Oliver are indispensable as friends and fellow detectives. And Amelia’s slow burn romance with Simon is one of my favorite parts of the series. The mystery has all the ingredients of perfection.
I highly recommend all four books of this series
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book 4: A LADY OF LETTERS MYSTERY
Amelia Amesbury, or rather, Lady Agony continues to write her advice newspaper column and starts to receive threats. On top of everything she needs to plan a wedding—for her little sister. But her plans go askew when her rector who was going to officiate the ceremony is murdered. Amelia is determined to discover whodunnit, even if the trail leads to the most dangerous areas of London.
Amelia continues to grow as a character and detective. She is more confident in herself and trusts others to help. Kitty and Oliver are indispensable as friends and fellow detectives. And Amelia’s slow burn romance with Simon is one of my favorite parts of the series. The mystery has all the ingredients of perfection.
I highly recommend all four books of this series
September 17, 2025
Murder in Matrimony is a captivating Victorian cozy mystery. Join Countess Amelia as she navigates her roles as columnist and detective in a tale featuring a lively family, her sister's wedding, a vicar’s murder, a charming love interest, and fascinating characters: Amelia Amesbury, a clever and rebellious heroine. The story unfolds in an elegant setting, filled with intriguing suspects and a murder at a wedding. The book moves at a steady pace, with sharp dialogue and a satisfying mystery that includes gossip, secrets, and social insights. The twists along the way are genuinely entertaining. I absolutely love these books! They’re enchanting and playful, celebrating women in Victorian times. I look forward to more stories from this author.
I enjoyed the acknowledgment and learning where she got the inspiration for this exciting novel.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and read it with pleasure. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review. Thank you, @severnhouseimprint and NetGalley.
I enjoyed the acknowledgment and learning where she got the inspiration for this exciting novel.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and read it with pleasure. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review. Thank you, @severnhouseimprint and NetGalley.
October 4, 2025
my heart is SO full. this is a dear family now🥹 there is so much to love about murder in matrimony as a murder solving book but what drew me in is the heartful, simple and endearing characters brought to life by mary winters.
it feels like walking back to the field you've loved roaming in as a child and the air feels fresh and new. a lovely novel as always
thank you so much for the arc copy 🩷
it feels like walking back to the field you've loved roaming in as a child and the air feels fresh and new. a lovely novel as always
thank you so much for the arc copy 🩷
August 10, 2025
This is probably best for fans and not new readers since it relies on a plot point from the last book. There were instances of telling and it just wasn’t as witty as previous books even though I was entertained. There’s a bigger cast of characters and Simon didn’t have as big a role in the mystery, although he certainly appears in another capacity— which makes me happy. I can’t tell if this is the final book. It’s not a bad note to end on, but I have high hopes for more of Amelia. Maybe someday Tabitha will learn who Lady Agony is.
3.5 stars. I received an arc from NetGalley
3.5 stars. I received an arc from NetGalley
October 6, 2025
Note: I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a fun romp through Victorian London that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Lady Agony/Amesbury is back - this time weaving the frivolity of wedding planning with the drama of murder investigation. The first chapter spends perhaps a bit too much time breathlessly explaining all of the characters and their backstories for a fourth installment in a series. But dear reader, do yourself a favor and soldier on because once you get past that, this book is a warm, fun mystery with just the touch of wry humor that I appreciate in a character. I also love that none of Amelia’s familial relations we meet along the way are 100% irredeemable. Much like normal families, there are tensions and steadfast disagreements - but no one is out for blood.
The mystery investigation, also, has all the pieces one expects - undercover sleuthing, misdirection, and of course a very satisfying conclusion (no spoilers!). I appreciated the range of characters introduced, as well as the nuance that the author brought to many of the social issues discussed. Overall a very fun read!
This was a fun romp through Victorian London that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Lady Agony/Amesbury is back - this time weaving the frivolity of wedding planning with the drama of murder investigation. The first chapter spends perhaps a bit too much time breathlessly explaining all of the characters and their backstories for a fourth installment in a series. But dear reader, do yourself a favor and soldier on because once you get past that, this book is a warm, fun mystery with just the touch of wry humor that I appreciate in a character. I also love that none of Amelia’s familial relations we meet along the way are 100% irredeemable. Much like normal families, there are tensions and steadfast disagreements - but no one is out for blood.
The mystery investigation, also, has all the pieces one expects - undercover sleuthing, misdirection, and of course a very satisfying conclusion (no spoilers!). I appreciated the range of characters introduced, as well as the nuance that the author brought to many of the social issues discussed. Overall a very fun read!
October 7, 2025
I am delighted to return to this fantastic Victorian mystery series featuring Lady Amelia Amesbury, columnist and occasional detective. In Murder in Matrimony, the fourth book in the series, Amelia is quite busy. First, her sister Madge is getting married in a month and the wedding is at her house so Amelia is juggling wedding preparations, the arrival of her entire lively family, and her sister’s cold feet. Then, her close friend, Reverend Cross, is murdered leaving her a cryptic letter and a mystery to solve, while someone threatens to reveal her secret identity as the columnist Lady Agony.
This is such an entertaining and immersive series with a strong, smart, and confident protagonist. Lady Amelia is a widow who lives in Mayfair with her young ward and her late husband’s fierce aunt. As in the previous books, she investigates with the help of her friend Kitty (and, this time, even her husband Oliver) and with Simon, her charming love interest.
The mystery is intriguing with lots of secrets and a good pace and I loved the inclusion of the blackmail plot, even though it was resolved a bit too quickly and too easily. The family drama surrounding her sister’s wedding was also engaging with the arrival of the drunk uncle and the loud aunt, and the romance between Amelia and Simon was well-developed as it moved forward and it reached a satisfying ending. I loved how each chapter begins with a letter to Lady Agony and her witty responses are quite amusing. Murder in Matrimony is an engaging and thrilling cozy mystery and I am looking forward to the next books!
This is such an entertaining and immersive series with a strong, smart, and confident protagonist. Lady Amelia is a widow who lives in Mayfair with her young ward and her late husband’s fierce aunt. As in the previous books, she investigates with the help of her friend Kitty (and, this time, even her husband Oliver) and with Simon, her charming love interest.
The mystery is intriguing with lots of secrets and a good pace and I loved the inclusion of the blackmail plot, even though it was resolved a bit too quickly and too easily. The family drama surrounding her sister’s wedding was also engaging with the arrival of the drunk uncle and the loud aunt, and the romance between Amelia and Simon was well-developed as it moved forward and it reached a satisfying ending. I loved how each chapter begins with a letter to Lady Agony and her witty responses are quite amusing. Murder in Matrimony is an engaging and thrilling cozy mystery and I am looking forward to the next books!
October 23, 2025
Lady Amelia Amesbury's sister announces she's engaged and demands to be married by the end of the month. With little time to plan, Amelia asks a beloved priest, Mr. Cross, to officiate. Mr. Cross is murdered soon after and leaves Amelia with an article about the death of a girl named Rose Rothschild. The two deaths are connected somehow and Amelia aims to discover how, while also dodging blackmailing threats from a reader who claims to know her identity as Lady Agony, the authoress of the penny papers.
I thought this book was biting off more than it could chew with all of the different subplots. You'd think Amelia would be stretched too thin with all of the problems she has to solve, but she was flustered at most. I was worried that all of the subplots wouldn't receive enough attention to properly resolve them and I'm glad to say I was (mostly) wrong.
The issue of the blackmailer was the first problem resolved and how it was resolved was highly amusing. It's because the blackmailer was a boy mom. Amelia's best friend, Kitty, realizes that the blackmailer is her own mother-in-law, Mrs. Hamstead. They tell Kitty's husband, Oliver, about Amelia's identity as Lady Agony and he respects her writing. He confronts his mother, lying that he is Lady Agony and, all of a sudden, Mrs. Hamstead completely changes her opinion on Lady Agony and the penny papers. Suddenly, she thinks Lady Agony provides such great advice and is so admirable for having such diverse thinking. With a character like that, you can only win by weaponizing her son against her. I really liked how Amelia's friendships deepened and how she accrued more people into her schemes later on. It was fun to read about characters like Oliver, who were typically there in the background, coming along for the ride. And because Oliver was involved, Kitty could get even more involved since she was originally worried about making excuses to her husband to explain her random, last-minute trips with Amelia.
The connection between Mr. Cross and Rose Rothschild was more interesting and I'm glad the mystery carried over from the start of the story to the very end. At first, I thought the murderer was Mr. Penroy - I think that's his name? - who took over Mr. Cross' parish. Or even Rose's dad, since he didn't like Mr. Cross encouraging his daughter to work outside of their pub, but then that wouldn't explain why Rose was killed. I figured it out as soon as the character was introduced, but I think Mary Winters did a good job of eking out the mystery and answers until everything was confirmed.
Rose started working for Mr. Baker, head of an up-and-coming baking factory, at the suggestion of Mr. Cross. Rose was a very talented baker and sold a recipe to Mr. Baker. However, Mr. Baker swindled her and didn't provide as much money as she was owed considering the profit he'd make once the cookies were sold to the public. Mr. Baker took out the screws from a ladder, asked Rose to use it to retrieve something, and then she died from the fall. Mr. Baker then killed Mr. Cross, who was suspicious of Rose's death and was gifted a copy of the cookie recipe, and then burned down the Rothschild's business since the recipe belonged to Rose's mother.
My one complaint, as per usual with these cozier mysteries, is how the murderer is apprehended. Mr. Baker was waiting for Amelia at the factory after dark. He was informed of a break-in and knew she had to be involved, especially since she was at the factory buying cookies a few days prior and she was so close to Mr. Cross. He was going to kill her and throw her body into the River Thames, but Simon, Kitty, and Kitty's husband Oliver intervene. However, Mr. Jakeman ultimately saves Amelia since he was Mr. Baker's hired help who was going to do the killing and throwing. He has stronger allegiances to Amelia so he apprehended Mr. Baker until the authorities arrived.
I don't think Simon, Kitty or Oliver needed to be there. Mr. Jakeman was already present so why couldn't he be the sole reason Amelia survived her encounter with Mr. Baker? Mr. Jakeman is an established character since book 3, in which he's an informant from the poorer districts of London. He's helped Amelia in this book as well and Mr. Baker would have no idea of Amelia and Mr. Jakeman's friendship. Mr. Jakeman playing along and pretending to help Mr. Baker and then pulling a fast-one would have sufficed. The book felt too crowded with the other characters present and it didn't make much sense that they figured Amelia sneaked off to the factory on her own. As for endings, I guess this wasn't as bad as others.
And of course, there's the final subplot to contend with: the wedding. I was looking forward to this the most because I love wedding drama but it was pushed to background for the most part. Madge Scott, the bride, wasn't even there for the first half of the book. And Aunt Tabitha took care of all the wedding planning. I understand why this was done, considering there was no way Amelia could have slipped in and out of the house as easily to solve two murders and a blackmailing scheme if her sister was around fussing about wedding details. Once the wedding drama did start, it was pretty fun because Madge is such a mess of a character. In an an entertaining way that was so much fun to read.
She announces her engagement, demands a wedding by the end of the month, and then shirks all wedding preparation (and expenses) onto her sister. When Madge does reappear, she's throwing a fit because she doesn't know if she really wants to get married or if she rushed into it. So then she picks a fight with her fiancé. When everything's good between them, Madge and her fiancé leave the night before the wedding and elope. It was so messy. My one complaint is that no one - no one! - ever tells Madge off for how impulsive or immature or entitled or rude she's acting. Like, I love the drama for entertainment purposes, but it would have been doubly entertaining if someone yelled at her or smacked her for her ungratefulness. I guess I couldn't have my cake and eat it too.
The one good thing that came out of Madge's disappearing act is that it gave Amelia and Simon the chance to use the party for their own impromptu wedding. I wasn't a big fan of Simon for much of the series, but his possessiveness in this book was toned down significantly. I loved his relationship with Amelia here since he was cooperative, loving, and protective (rather than possessive). It's weird to think that this is the last book where we know Amelia as Lady Amesbury. Now she's Lady Bainbridge!
I hope there's more to come from this series. As I was reaching the end, I realized how much of a comfort this series is for me.
My favourites in this series are book two and this current book and I don't know which one I liked more.
I thought this book was biting off more than it could chew with all of the different subplots. You'd think Amelia would be stretched too thin with all of the problems she has to solve, but she was flustered at most. I was worried that all of the subplots wouldn't receive enough attention to properly resolve them and I'm glad to say I was (mostly) wrong.
The issue of the blackmailer was the first problem resolved and how it was resolved was highly amusing. It's because the blackmailer was a boy mom. Amelia's best friend, Kitty, realizes that the blackmailer is her own mother-in-law, Mrs. Hamstead. They tell Kitty's husband, Oliver, about Amelia's identity as Lady Agony and he respects her writing. He confronts his mother, lying that he is Lady Agony and, all of a sudden, Mrs. Hamstead completely changes her opinion on Lady Agony and the penny papers. Suddenly, she thinks Lady Agony provides such great advice and is so admirable for having such diverse thinking. With a character like that, you can only win by weaponizing her son against her. I really liked how Amelia's friendships deepened and how she accrued more people into her schemes later on. It was fun to read about characters like Oliver, who were typically there in the background, coming along for the ride. And because Oliver was involved, Kitty could get even more involved since she was originally worried about making excuses to her husband to explain her random, last-minute trips with Amelia.
The connection between Mr. Cross and Rose Rothschild was more interesting and I'm glad the mystery carried over from the start of the story to the very end. At first, I thought the murderer was Mr. Penroy - I think that's his name? - who took over Mr. Cross' parish. Or even Rose's dad, since he didn't like Mr. Cross encouraging his daughter to work outside of their pub, but then that wouldn't explain why Rose was killed. I figured it out as soon as the character was introduced, but I think Mary Winters did a good job of eking out the mystery and answers until everything was confirmed.
Rose started working for Mr. Baker, head of an up-and-coming baking factory, at the suggestion of Mr. Cross. Rose was a very talented baker and sold a recipe to Mr. Baker. However, Mr. Baker swindled her and didn't provide as much money as she was owed considering the profit he'd make once the cookies were sold to the public. Mr. Baker took out the screws from a ladder, asked Rose to use it to retrieve something, and then she died from the fall. Mr. Baker then killed Mr. Cross, who was suspicious of Rose's death and was gifted a copy of the cookie recipe, and then burned down the Rothschild's business since the recipe belonged to Rose's mother.
My one complaint, as per usual with these cozier mysteries, is how the murderer is apprehended. Mr. Baker was waiting for Amelia at the factory after dark. He was informed of a break-in and knew she had to be involved, especially since she was at the factory buying cookies a few days prior and she was so close to Mr. Cross. He was going to kill her and throw her body into the River Thames, but Simon, Kitty, and Kitty's husband Oliver intervene. However, Mr. Jakeman ultimately saves Amelia since he was Mr. Baker's hired help who was going to do the killing and throwing. He has stronger allegiances to Amelia so he apprehended Mr. Baker until the authorities arrived.
I don't think Simon, Kitty or Oliver needed to be there. Mr. Jakeman was already present so why couldn't he be the sole reason Amelia survived her encounter with Mr. Baker? Mr. Jakeman is an established character since book 3, in which he's an informant from the poorer districts of London. He's helped Amelia in this book as well and Mr. Baker would have no idea of Amelia and Mr. Jakeman's friendship. Mr. Jakeman playing along and pretending to help Mr. Baker and then pulling a fast-one would have sufficed. The book felt too crowded with the other characters present and it didn't make much sense that they figured Amelia sneaked off to the factory on her own. As for endings, I guess this wasn't as bad as others.
And of course, there's the final subplot to contend with: the wedding. I was looking forward to this the most because I love wedding drama but it was pushed to background for the most part. Madge Scott, the bride, wasn't even there for the first half of the book. And Aunt Tabitha took care of all the wedding planning. I understand why this was done, considering there was no way Amelia could have slipped in and out of the house as easily to solve two murders and a blackmailing scheme if her sister was around fussing about wedding details. Once the wedding drama did start, it was pretty fun because Madge is such a mess of a character. In an an entertaining way that was so much fun to read.
She announces her engagement, demands a wedding by the end of the month, and then shirks all wedding preparation (and expenses) onto her sister. When Madge does reappear, she's throwing a fit because she doesn't know if she really wants to get married or if she rushed into it. So then she picks a fight with her fiancé. When everything's good between them, Madge and her fiancé leave the night before the wedding and elope. It was so messy. My one complaint is that no one - no one! - ever tells Madge off for how impulsive or immature or entitled or rude she's acting. Like, I love the drama for entertainment purposes, but it would have been doubly entertaining if someone yelled at her or smacked her for her ungratefulness. I guess I couldn't have my cake and eat it too.
The one good thing that came out of Madge's disappearing act is that it gave Amelia and Simon the chance to use the party for their own impromptu wedding. I wasn't a big fan of Simon for much of the series, but his possessiveness in this book was toned down significantly. I loved his relationship with Amelia here since he was cooperative, loving, and protective (rather than possessive). It's weird to think that this is the last book where we know Amelia as Lady Amesbury. Now she's Lady Bainbridge!
I hope there's more to come from this series. As I was reaching the end, I realized how much of a comfort this series is for me.
My favourites in this series are book two and this current book and I don't know which one I liked more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2025
First, thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book!
This book deals directly with the fallout of events that occurred in the previous books of the series, so I would recommend against reading it as a standalone even though the murder mystery itself is contained within this book.
I always love visiting with Amelia, Simon, and the gang, and this book offers really delightful payoff in several of Amelia's relationships (platonic and romantic) and her personal growth, and the Victorian London setting is perfectly written to enhance the atmosphere without being distracting. The murder mystery isn't the most intricate in the series but it does the job of setting up motive, clues, and red herrings plausibly well. The second mystery (I won't name the type for spoilers), however, didn't seem entirely necessary for me; it seemed to function more as a plot device to advance certain personal relationships.
That leads me to my largest issue with this book; all of the fan-favorite cast of characters make an appearance, but given how large that cast has grown, it felt like most of them were being name dropped into scenes and given one or two lines for show rather than adding depth to the story. The portrayal of the secondary characters just felt a bit flat compared to previous installments.
3/5 stars. This is perfectly good murder mystery with a collection of beloved characters I would happily read again, but it just lacked some of the sharpness and sparkle of previous installments that made this series stand out. That said, I have every intention of picking up the next installment (if there is one)!
This book deals directly with the fallout of events that occurred in the previous books of the series, so I would recommend against reading it as a standalone even though the murder mystery itself is contained within this book.
I always love visiting with Amelia, Simon, and the gang, and this book offers really delightful payoff in several of Amelia's relationships (platonic and romantic) and her personal growth, and the Victorian London setting is perfectly written to enhance the atmosphere without being distracting. The murder mystery isn't the most intricate in the series but it does the job of setting up motive, clues, and red herrings plausibly well. The second mystery (I won't name the type for spoilers), however, didn't seem entirely necessary for me; it seemed to function more as a plot device to advance certain personal relationships.
That leads me to my largest issue with this book; all of the fan-favorite cast of characters make an appearance, but given how large that cast has grown, it felt like most of them were being name dropped into scenes and given one or two lines for show rather than adding depth to the story. The portrayal of the secondary characters just felt a bit flat compared to previous installments.
3/5 stars. This is perfectly good murder mystery with a collection of beloved characters I would happily read again, but it just lacked some of the sharpness and sparkle of previous installments that made this series stand out. That said, I have every intention of picking up the next installment (if there is one)!
June 11, 2025
If you are looking for a Victorian era story that gives off Bridgerton vibes then this is the story for you. It also has the elements of a mystery and is apart of a series. However, I haven't read the other books I will in the sometime future. I overall found this book to be very humorous and it gave me a good laugh.
We are introduced to Countless Amelia who runs an advice column under pseudonym. However there are people out there who knew her true identity and trying to expose her. things seem to get worse when the vicar who is supposed to be performing the wedding of her ceremony is found dead. Will Amelia be able to solve the mystery and make things right.
I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.
We are introduced to Countless Amelia who runs an advice column under pseudonym. However there are people out there who knew her true identity and trying to expose her. things seem to get worse when the vicar who is supposed to be performing the wedding of her ceremony is found dead. Will Amelia be able to solve the mystery and make things right.
I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.
June 28, 2025
Perfection. I loved the murder mystery, I loved the marriage, the crazy family, and the ending was everything I have been wanting from book 1. Swoon.
October 31, 2025
https://openbooksociety.com/article/m...
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Murder in Matrimony is, to me, the best in this series! The setting is London in 1860. The engaging characters come alive, demonstrated rather than described. Lady Amelia is the young widow of Lord Edgar Amesbury. Amelia was now part of London society despite her prior life in the countryside. Edgar died a few short weeks after they wed. Amelia and his niece, Lady Winifred, became as close as mother and daughter through mutual grief. They, and Lady Tabitha, Edgar’s aunt, lived at the family estate. Tabitha has taken it on herself to make sure that Amelia and Winifred learn proprieties of high society.
Aunt Tabitha has not yet discovered Amelia’s alter ego, Lady Agony. She became an advice columnist after Edgar’s death, helping her to discover her own voice. She writes anonymously with few exceptions. One is Mr. Cross, her vicar and friend. The second is Kitty, her best friend, who has helped Amelia investigate crimes encountered in her role as an Agony Aunt.
Marquis Simon Bainbridge is well-known in London and was the best friend of Amelia’s late husband. Initially, they did not like each other, but they became very close friends since he began helping her solve crimes with Kitty. Amelia befriends his younger sister, Lady Marielle, through challenges of meeting young men and Simon’s overprotective manner.
Amelia’s youngest sister, Madge, has been visiting her. Madge and her young man, Captain Fitz, met while she was there. The day she went home to Somerset, they announced they were getting married! In two weeks! Madge trusted Amelia to plan the wedding and host the wedding breakfast. How can Amelia say ‘no’ to one of her favorite people?
Amelia spoke with the vicar to schedule the wedding. Despite the short notice, Mr. Cross fit it in. They discussed a reader who was trying to blackmail Amelia by threatening to reveal her identity unless she prints the name of the thief who stole – then returned – family jewelry from several people. Amelia refused, as she promised to keep the identity secret if all stolen items were returned. When out for a walk, someone in a hansom cab veered straight toward her, and she barely escaped the horses’ hooves.
Mr. Cross’s curate, Mr. Dougal, came to see Amelia. He went into the church and found Mr. Cross murdered in the vicarage. It was devastating to both of them. The police thought he interrupted a robbery in progress, as the poor box was missing. They considered it was someone associated with a poor parish in a rough part of town, where Mr. Cross helped out.
Mr. Dougal gave Amelia an envelope that Mr. Cross had asked him to give her. Inside was a newspaper clipping about a young woman, Rose, who died after falling from a ladder at her job. It was determined to be an accident. The vicar and Amelia had collaborated to improve dangerous working conditions at factories, so she assumed he wanted her to look into where Rose worked.
Mr. Cross’s kind heart had led him to help at St.-George-in-the-East, as the people were poor and he wanted better lives for them. He wanted them to their raise their families in the church, and stop drinking or working in the pubs. The father of Rose, the woman who died, owned and operated a pub to keep food on their table. Cross wanted safe places for them to work, and ways to pull them from poverty, addiction, and crime. Amelia wondered if Rose’s death was connected with Mr. Cross’s murder, and wanted to find her friend’s killer.
Kitty’s husband, Oliver, seemed to be the kind of guy we might call a nerd today. He was a brilliant writer. He excelled in research, long before Google, even before the Dewey Decimal System was used in libraries. When he learned what Kitty, Amelia, and Simon were involved with, his puzzle-loving brain transformed him into a man who wanted to join Amelia’s “merry band of misfits”!
Even when Madge returned for her wedding, the investigations continued. They had several theories, but weren’t able to pull the right thread to unravel the blanket covering the truth. I was a little sad that my “pet suspect” was not one of the bad guys! The killer’s identity, motive, and cunning were a shock, someone I had not considered. There was, however, a very wonderful surprise at the end that I didn’t anticipate. I highly recommend Matrimony is Murder, and the rest of the series, especially to those who appreciate cozy mysteries in the early Victorian era interwoven with interesting historical notes.
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Murder in Matrimony is, to me, the best in this series! The setting is London in 1860. The engaging characters come alive, demonstrated rather than described. Lady Amelia is the young widow of Lord Edgar Amesbury. Amelia was now part of London society despite her prior life in the countryside. Edgar died a few short weeks after they wed. Amelia and his niece, Lady Winifred, became as close as mother and daughter through mutual grief. They, and Lady Tabitha, Edgar’s aunt, lived at the family estate. Tabitha has taken it on herself to make sure that Amelia and Winifred learn proprieties of high society.
Aunt Tabitha has not yet discovered Amelia’s alter ego, Lady Agony. She became an advice columnist after Edgar’s death, helping her to discover her own voice. She writes anonymously with few exceptions. One is Mr. Cross, her vicar and friend. The second is Kitty, her best friend, who has helped Amelia investigate crimes encountered in her role as an Agony Aunt.
Marquis Simon Bainbridge is well-known in London and was the best friend of Amelia’s late husband. Initially, they did not like each other, but they became very close friends since he began helping her solve crimes with Kitty. Amelia befriends his younger sister, Lady Marielle, through challenges of meeting young men and Simon’s overprotective manner.
Amelia’s youngest sister, Madge, has been visiting her. Madge and her young man, Captain Fitz, met while she was there. The day she went home to Somerset, they announced they were getting married! In two weeks! Madge trusted Amelia to plan the wedding and host the wedding breakfast. How can Amelia say ‘no’ to one of her favorite people?
Amelia spoke with the vicar to schedule the wedding. Despite the short notice, Mr. Cross fit it in. They discussed a reader who was trying to blackmail Amelia by threatening to reveal her identity unless she prints the name of the thief who stole – then returned – family jewelry from several people. Amelia refused, as she promised to keep the identity secret if all stolen items were returned. When out for a walk, someone in a hansom cab veered straight toward her, and she barely escaped the horses’ hooves.
Mr. Cross’s curate, Mr. Dougal, came to see Amelia. He went into the church and found Mr. Cross murdered in the vicarage. It was devastating to both of them. The police thought he interrupted a robbery in progress, as the poor box was missing. They considered it was someone associated with a poor parish in a rough part of town, where Mr. Cross helped out.
Mr. Dougal gave Amelia an envelope that Mr. Cross had asked him to give her. Inside was a newspaper clipping about a young woman, Rose, who died after falling from a ladder at her job. It was determined to be an accident. The vicar and Amelia had collaborated to improve dangerous working conditions at factories, so she assumed he wanted her to look into where Rose worked.
Mr. Cross’s kind heart had led him to help at St.-George-in-the-East, as the people were poor and he wanted better lives for them. He wanted them to their raise their families in the church, and stop drinking or working in the pubs. The father of Rose, the woman who died, owned and operated a pub to keep food on their table. Cross wanted safe places for them to work, and ways to pull them from poverty, addiction, and crime. Amelia wondered if Rose’s death was connected with Mr. Cross’s murder, and wanted to find her friend’s killer.
Kitty’s husband, Oliver, seemed to be the kind of guy we might call a nerd today. He was a brilliant writer. He excelled in research, long before Google, even before the Dewey Decimal System was used in libraries. When he learned what Kitty, Amelia, and Simon were involved with, his puzzle-loving brain transformed him into a man who wanted to join Amelia’s “merry band of misfits”!
Even when Madge returned for her wedding, the investigations continued. They had several theories, but weren’t able to pull the right thread to unravel the blanket covering the truth. I was a little sad that my “pet suspect” was not one of the bad guys! The killer’s identity, motive, and cunning were a shock, someone I had not considered. There was, however, a very wonderful surprise at the end that I didn’t anticipate. I highly recommend Matrimony is Murder, and the rest of the series, especially to those who appreciate cozy mysteries in the early Victorian era interwoven with interesting historical notes.
October 16, 2025
MURDER IN MATRIMONY by Mary Winters
The Fourth Lady of Letters Mystery
Always one to go her own fun loving way Margaret Scott is a bit of a troublemaker and not one for protocol or niceties, as her elder sister Lady Amelia Amesbury can attest. It still comes as a shock when Madge announces that she and Captain Fitz are to be wed and that the wedding is to be that very month! Now Amelia will have to perform miracles, with the help of her none too pleased Aunt Tabitha, to arrange a wedding in time. In addition to arranging everything for the nuptials Amelia has something else to deal with. A reader of her Lady Agony column says they know her true identity and is blackmailing her. At least she has the friendship of her vicar, Mr. Cross. But the following day his curate comes rushes to her home to tell her that Mr. Cross has been killed. While the police declare it's a robbery gone bad, Amelia believes it's murder. But how does the newspaper clipping he sent her fit in? Amelia will have to puzzle the pieces together all while planning a wedding and dealing with a blackmailer. Fortunately, she has her good friends to help her.
I absolutely love this series and MURDER IN MATRIMONY may be my favorite entry thus far. We have humor, romance, and a brilliantly confounding mystery. I love that Amelia and Simon are finally admitting their feelings for each other. And darn Maude's timing, although things happily worked out in the end. It was such fun having Amelia's family come to London. Uncle Henry with his drink and Aunt Gert with her duck had me grinning! I also like Amelia's relationship with Lord Drake and was happy to see more of Isaac Jakeman.
I was distressed when I discovered that Mr. Cross was our murder victim. I found him to be a wise and caring man and a good person to whom Amelia could speak honestly about anything and everything. As to his replacement...ugh. The church will be much poorer. I enjoyed how his murder was just the tip of the iceberg and Amelia had to solve a variety of other mysteries to get to the bottom of his death. I also appreciated Amelia's visits to the East End, witnessing how the poorer people actually lived. It changed her and it was nice to see her grow. I also really like seeing her friendships grow even stronger with one unlikely person coming to the fore.
Love, loyalty, and family combine in a cracking good mystery making MURDER IN MATRIMONY one of my favorite, if not most favorite read of the year.
The Fourth Lady of Letters Mystery
Always one to go her own fun loving way Margaret Scott is a bit of a troublemaker and not one for protocol or niceties, as her elder sister Lady Amelia Amesbury can attest. It still comes as a shock when Madge announces that she and Captain Fitz are to be wed and that the wedding is to be that very month! Now Amelia will have to perform miracles, with the help of her none too pleased Aunt Tabitha, to arrange a wedding in time. In addition to arranging everything for the nuptials Amelia has something else to deal with. A reader of her Lady Agony column says they know her true identity and is blackmailing her. At least she has the friendship of her vicar, Mr. Cross. But the following day his curate comes rushes to her home to tell her that Mr. Cross has been killed. While the police declare it's a robbery gone bad, Amelia believes it's murder. But how does the newspaper clipping he sent her fit in? Amelia will have to puzzle the pieces together all while planning a wedding and dealing with a blackmailer. Fortunately, she has her good friends to help her.
I absolutely love this series and MURDER IN MATRIMONY may be my favorite entry thus far. We have humor, romance, and a brilliantly confounding mystery. I love that Amelia and Simon are finally admitting their feelings for each other. And darn Maude's timing, although things happily worked out in the end. It was such fun having Amelia's family come to London. Uncle Henry with his drink and Aunt Gert with her duck had me grinning! I also like Amelia's relationship with Lord Drake and was happy to see more of Isaac Jakeman.
I was distressed when I discovered that Mr. Cross was our murder victim. I found him to be a wise and caring man and a good person to whom Amelia could speak honestly about anything and everything. As to his replacement...ugh. The church will be much poorer. I enjoyed how his murder was just the tip of the iceberg and Amelia had to solve a variety of other mysteries to get to the bottom of his death. I also appreciated Amelia's visits to the East End, witnessing how the poorer people actually lived. It changed her and it was nice to see her grow. I also really like seeing her friendships grow even stronger with one unlikely person coming to the fore.
Love, loyalty, and family combine in a cracking good mystery making MURDER IN MATRIMONY one of my favorite, if not most favorite read of the year.
October 26, 2025
Wedding and Murder in Victorian London
Mary Winters delivers another utterly charming and suspenseful installment in the "Lady in Letters" mystery series with Murder in Matrimony. This fourth adventure for Countess-turned-sleuth Amelia Amesbury masterfully blends the high-stakes tension of a murder investigation with the delightful chaos of wedding planning, creating a page-turner that is as heartwarming as it is thrilling.
Amelia Amesbury already has her hands full. Juggling her secret life as the advice columnist "Lady Agony" is tricky enough, especially with a blackmailer lurking in the shadows. But when her sister announces her engagement, Amelia’s duties as a sister and countess are multiplied tenfold by the immense task of orchestrating a high-society wedding. The one spot of calm in the storm is the kindly Vicar Mr. Cross, who readily agrees to perform the expedited ceremony. That is, until he is found murdered in his own church.
Suddenly, Amelia’s to-do list is horrifically updated: find a gown, manage the guest list, and solve a vicar’s murder. Winters excels at placing her heroine in these impossible yet compelling situations. The investigation is seamlessly woven into the fabric of Amelia’s daily life, with clues and suspects emerging between cake tastings and dress fittings. The premise that Mr. Cross left behind clues from beyond the grave adds a layer of poignant urgency to the case, reminding Amelia—and the reader—that this was a good man who may have been doomed by his own charitable work.
The stakes feel higher than ever in this entry. As Amelia digs deeper, the "strange mishaps" that begin to plague her escalate into genuine, palpable danger. It’s here that the supporting cast truly shines. The ever-dependable and handsome Simon Bainbridge is a steady and welcome presence, and the dynamic between him and Amelia continues to simmer with a chemistry that fans of the series will adore. The reliance on her friends adds a layer of warmth and loyalty to the narrative, emphasizing that Amelia is not alone in her fights, whether against a blackmailer or a killer.
Murder in Matrimony is a perfectly crafted historical mystery. Winters’ prose is elegant and evocative, transporting the reader to the drawing rooms and gas-lit streets of Victorian London with ease. The plot is tight, the clues are fair, and the solution is both satisfying and emotionally resonant.
Mary Winters delivers another utterly charming and suspenseful installment in the "Lady in Letters" mystery series with Murder in Matrimony. This fourth adventure for Countess-turned-sleuth Amelia Amesbury masterfully blends the high-stakes tension of a murder investigation with the delightful chaos of wedding planning, creating a page-turner that is as heartwarming as it is thrilling.
Amelia Amesbury already has her hands full. Juggling her secret life as the advice columnist "Lady Agony" is tricky enough, especially with a blackmailer lurking in the shadows. But when her sister announces her engagement, Amelia’s duties as a sister and countess are multiplied tenfold by the immense task of orchestrating a high-society wedding. The one spot of calm in the storm is the kindly Vicar Mr. Cross, who readily agrees to perform the expedited ceremony. That is, until he is found murdered in his own church.
Suddenly, Amelia’s to-do list is horrifically updated: find a gown, manage the guest list, and solve a vicar’s murder. Winters excels at placing her heroine in these impossible yet compelling situations. The investigation is seamlessly woven into the fabric of Amelia’s daily life, with clues and suspects emerging between cake tastings and dress fittings. The premise that Mr. Cross left behind clues from beyond the grave adds a layer of poignant urgency to the case, reminding Amelia—and the reader—that this was a good man who may have been doomed by his own charitable work.
The stakes feel higher than ever in this entry. As Amelia digs deeper, the "strange mishaps" that begin to plague her escalate into genuine, palpable danger. It’s here that the supporting cast truly shines. The ever-dependable and handsome Simon Bainbridge is a steady and welcome presence, and the dynamic between him and Amelia continues to simmer with a chemistry that fans of the series will adore. The reliance on her friends adds a layer of warmth and loyalty to the narrative, emphasizing that Amelia is not alone in her fights, whether against a blackmailer or a killer.
Murder in Matrimony is a perfectly crafted historical mystery. Winters’ prose is elegant and evocative, transporting the reader to the drawing rooms and gas-lit streets of Victorian London with ease. The plot is tight, the clues are fair, and the solution is both satisfying and emotionally resonant.
October 20, 2025
Two murders, blackmail, & a surprise engagement keep Countess Amelia Amesbury on her toes in this exciting 4th installment of the Lady of Letters cozy mystery series. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading Amelia’s adventures as a secret advice columnist by day writing under the nom de plume Lady Agony & investigating mysteries by night. Along the way, she’s found a swoon worthy romance with the handsome Lord Simon Bainbridge, but just when she thinks her & Simon’s growing relationship may turn into something more, she’s faced with another mystery.
After discovering the identity of a high society thief, Amelia is facing blackmail. Someone wants the thief exposed or they threaten to ruin her reputation by revealing that she is Lady Agony. Amidst this turmoil, Amelia’s sister announces that she’s engaged & wants to get married within the month. Amelia enlists the help of her favorite priest Mr. Cross to help expedite the nuptials, but when he’s found dead, Amelia’s world is thrown into chaos. Mr. Cross’ murder is supposedly a robbery gone wrong, but Amelia thinks the clues point to something else. Enlisting the help of her friends, Simon, Kitty, & Oliver, Amelia embarks on another thrilling investigation which puts her life squarely in danger.
I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy mystery! Amelia is such a fun, relatable character. She’s faced with a lot in this story & I loved deciphering the clues right along with her. Each chapter begins with a delightful letter from Amelia’s Lady Agony column & hints at clues in the chapter ahead. The mystery is full of twists & turns as Amelia tries to find a murderer & identify a blackmailer. I also enjoyed getting to know more of Amelia’s family who’ve all arrived for her sister’s wedding, as well as seeing her relationship with Simon continue to develop.
Simon’s roguish, piratical side comes out in this story, much to Amelia’s delight. Loved their sigh-worthy kisses & their charming relationship as Simon learns to balance Amelia’s safety with her need to investigate. The thrilling ending kept me eagerly turning the pages as Amelia faces a killer.
Highly recommend this charming mystery & series! I received an advanced copy from the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are completely my own & provided voluntarily.
After discovering the identity of a high society thief, Amelia is facing blackmail. Someone wants the thief exposed or they threaten to ruin her reputation by revealing that she is Lady Agony. Amidst this turmoil, Amelia’s sister announces that she’s engaged & wants to get married within the month. Amelia enlists the help of her favorite priest Mr. Cross to help expedite the nuptials, but when he’s found dead, Amelia’s world is thrown into chaos. Mr. Cross’ murder is supposedly a robbery gone wrong, but Amelia thinks the clues point to something else. Enlisting the help of her friends, Simon, Kitty, & Oliver, Amelia embarks on another thrilling investigation which puts her life squarely in danger.
I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy mystery! Amelia is such a fun, relatable character. She’s faced with a lot in this story & I loved deciphering the clues right along with her. Each chapter begins with a delightful letter from Amelia’s Lady Agony column & hints at clues in the chapter ahead. The mystery is full of twists & turns as Amelia tries to find a murderer & identify a blackmailer. I also enjoyed getting to know more of Amelia’s family who’ve all arrived for her sister’s wedding, as well as seeing her relationship with Simon continue to develop.
Simon’s roguish, piratical side comes out in this story, much to Amelia’s delight. Loved their sigh-worthy kisses & their charming relationship as Simon learns to balance Amelia’s safety with her need to investigate. The thrilling ending kept me eagerly turning the pages as Amelia faces a killer.
Highly recommend this charming mystery & series! I received an advanced copy from the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are completely my own & provided voluntarily.
October 22, 2025
🖋️ 𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝗯𝗲
Mary Winters weaves her signature blend of sophistication and wit through this charming cozy historical mystery. The story centers on Countess Amelia Amesbury, better known to readers of the London Informer as “Lady Agony,” a sharp and compassionate advice columnist who also happens to have a knack for uncovering scandalous truths. The prose glides with period authenticity—ballroom chatter, delicate tea services, whispered gossip, and that fine line between propriety and curiosity. It’s a seamless blend of cozy mystery and gentle romance (intelligent, graceful, and quietly addictive).
❤️ 𝗠𝘆 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 & 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
✨ I loved how this installment layered multiple mysteries without ever feeling predictable—it kept me guessing while still offering the comforting rhythm of a cozy whodunit.
✨ Lady Agony’s letters were a delight (I highlighted half of them!); they’re clever, heartfelt, and hilariously pointed.
✨ The camaraderie among Amelia, Kitty, Simon, and Oliver shines—their friendship and loyalty add warmth and charm to the intrigue.
✨ Lady Tabitha made me laugh more than once with her blunt traditionalism and unsolicited commentary, yet her heart and sense of duty remain endearing.
✨ This series keeps getting better, balancing elegant mystery, friendship, and the softest touch of romance.
📚 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗘𝗻𝗷𝗼𝘆
💐 Cozy historical mysteries steeped in elegance and charm (think Miss Scarlet and the Duke or Downton Abbey).
💐 Heroines who balance grace, empathy, and intellect.
💐 Clean, closed-door stories with gentle romantic tension.
💐 Immersive period settings—carriages, soirées, teacups, and whispered scandals.
💐 Slow-burn romances that enhance, not overshadow, the mystery.
🤔 𝗔 𝗙𝗲𝘄 𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗯𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀
Some readers may wish for higher stakes or faster-paced suspense, but for lovers of cozy historical mysteries, the deliberate pacing feels just right. It’s not about shock twists; it’s about wit, warmth, and watching clever minds at work.
💕 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘄𝗼𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗲 💕
𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 & 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: ★★☆ (/3)
𝗘𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗵: ★★☆ (/3)
𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: ★★★ (/3)
🔍 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀
Spice: Butterflies (Sweet Kisses only) • Language: None
Content: Murder and workplace abuse
Mary Winters weaves her signature blend of sophistication and wit through this charming cozy historical mystery. The story centers on Countess Amelia Amesbury, better known to readers of the London Informer as “Lady Agony,” a sharp and compassionate advice columnist who also happens to have a knack for uncovering scandalous truths. The prose glides with period authenticity—ballroom chatter, delicate tea services, whispered gossip, and that fine line between propriety and curiosity. It’s a seamless blend of cozy mystery and gentle romance (intelligent, graceful, and quietly addictive).
❤️ 𝗠𝘆 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 & 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
✨ I loved how this installment layered multiple mysteries without ever feeling predictable—it kept me guessing while still offering the comforting rhythm of a cozy whodunit.
✨ Lady Agony’s letters were a delight (I highlighted half of them!); they’re clever, heartfelt, and hilariously pointed.
✨ The camaraderie among Amelia, Kitty, Simon, and Oliver shines—their friendship and loyalty add warmth and charm to the intrigue.
✨ Lady Tabitha made me laugh more than once with her blunt traditionalism and unsolicited commentary, yet her heart and sense of duty remain endearing.
✨ This series keeps getting better, balancing elegant mystery, friendship, and the softest touch of romance.
📚 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗘𝗻𝗷𝗼𝘆
💐 Cozy historical mysteries steeped in elegance and charm (think Miss Scarlet and the Duke or Downton Abbey).
💐 Heroines who balance grace, empathy, and intellect.
💐 Clean, closed-door stories with gentle romantic tension.
💐 Immersive period settings—carriages, soirées, teacups, and whispered scandals.
💐 Slow-burn romances that enhance, not overshadow, the mystery.
🤔 𝗔 𝗙𝗲𝘄 𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗯𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀
Some readers may wish for higher stakes or faster-paced suspense, but for lovers of cozy historical mysteries, the deliberate pacing feels just right. It’s not about shock twists; it’s about wit, warmth, and watching clever minds at work.
💕 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘄𝗼𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗲 💕
𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 & 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: ★★☆ (/3)
𝗘𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗵: ★★☆ (/3)
𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: ★★★ (/3)
🔍 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀
Spice: Butterflies (Sweet Kisses only) • Language: None
Content: Murder and workplace abuse
October 23, 2025
Are you addicted to a particular genre, or you do read all sort of genres?
Countess Amelia Amesbury keeps herself busy writing an anonymous column. A blackmailer has threated to reveal her identity. Her sister, Marge, has announced her engagement and asks to hold her wedding breakfast at Amelia’s home. As Amelia helps to plan the wedding, she is stunned when her friend and vicar, Mr. Cross, is found murdered. Who murdered Mr. Cross and why? Will Amelia uncover the blackmailer? Will Amelia’s relationship with Simon move to the next level? With all of this going on, can she plan and host a high society wedding that involves her large family?
My thoughts on this novel:
• This novel was the 4th in the Lady of Letters mystery series. I have just read the third novel in the series, and I need to go back and read the first two. This novel starts right where the 3rd novel ended. It is probably best to read this after book #3 as a major plot point is from the previous novel.
• I enjoyed this cozy historical mystery. It was a perfect book to read during a stressful month.
• Lady Amelia is a delightful character. I loved that she is a strong woman who wants to keep her own independence.
• There was a great romance and chemistry between Simon and Amelia.
• This was a clean romance.
• There was a lot going on with family drama. I loved Lady Tabitha versus Amelia’s family. I also loved that Lady Tabitha took on planning the wedding breakfast.
• The mystery was intriguing and engaging.
• I enjoyed the Lady Agony letters at the start of each chapter.
• I loved the great ending.
• Will there be another book in this series? I hope so.
• The acknowledgements section described the sad real historical event that was the inspiration for the mystery.
Overall, Murder in Matrimony by Mary Winters was a witty and engaging historical mystery with great characters.
Book Source: Thank-you to @marywintersauthor @severnhouseimprint @austenprosefor a review copy of this novel as part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour.
This review was first posted on my blog at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2025...
Countess Amelia Amesbury keeps herself busy writing an anonymous column. A blackmailer has threated to reveal her identity. Her sister, Marge, has announced her engagement and asks to hold her wedding breakfast at Amelia’s home. As Amelia helps to plan the wedding, she is stunned when her friend and vicar, Mr. Cross, is found murdered. Who murdered Mr. Cross and why? Will Amelia uncover the blackmailer? Will Amelia’s relationship with Simon move to the next level? With all of this going on, can she plan and host a high society wedding that involves her large family?
My thoughts on this novel:
• This novel was the 4th in the Lady of Letters mystery series. I have just read the third novel in the series, and I need to go back and read the first two. This novel starts right where the 3rd novel ended. It is probably best to read this after book #3 as a major plot point is from the previous novel.
• I enjoyed this cozy historical mystery. It was a perfect book to read during a stressful month.
• Lady Amelia is a delightful character. I loved that she is a strong woman who wants to keep her own independence.
• There was a great romance and chemistry between Simon and Amelia.
• This was a clean romance.
• There was a lot going on with family drama. I loved Lady Tabitha versus Amelia’s family. I also loved that Lady Tabitha took on planning the wedding breakfast.
• The mystery was intriguing and engaging.
• I enjoyed the Lady Agony letters at the start of each chapter.
• I loved the great ending.
• Will there be another book in this series? I hope so.
• The acknowledgements section described the sad real historical event that was the inspiration for the mystery.
Overall, Murder in Matrimony by Mary Winters was a witty and engaging historical mystery with great characters.
Book Source: Thank-you to @marywintersauthor @severnhouseimprint @austenprosefor a review copy of this novel as part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour.
This review was first posted on my blog at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2025...
October 3, 2025
Barbara’s rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Series: A Lady of Letters Mystery #4
Publication Date: 10/7/25
Period: Victorian London
Number of Pages: 240
Lady Amelia Amesbury hardly has a minute to spare in this fast-paced, brilliantly written historical mystery! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed each installment in the series, but this might just be the best one yet.
With her sister’s wedding to plan, a blackmailer on her trail, multiple murders to solve, and her Lady Agony column to manage, Amelia is nearly at her wits’ end. She’s so busy, in fact, that there’s barely time to explore her growing feelings for Simon Bainbridge—until a dire situation forces her to confront them.
Since the death of her husband, Amelia has leaned on the local vicar, Mr. Cross, as both a spiritual guide and a close friend. When she goes to the church to ask him to officiate her sister's wedding, all seems well. But the next morning brings shocking news: Mr. Cross has been murdered. Even more unsettling, he’d sent Amelia a cryptic message hinting at another suspicious death. Were both victims murdered? And how are their deaths connected?
As if that weren’t enough, someone is threatening to expose Amelia’s secret identity as the voice behind Lady Agony—unless she reveals the identity of the elusive Mayfair Marauder. But Amelia refuses to be manipulated, and she’ll need all her wits to unmask the blackmailer.
Whew! Are you tired yet? I know Amelia is! Despite the whirlwind of plotlines, the author keeps the narrative tightly woven and easy to follow, with clever pacing and satisfying twists. The familiar cast returns—Kitty and Oliver, Simon, Aunt Tabitha, and a maturing Winifred—to lend continuity and warmth to the mystery.
This book has everything I love in the series: wit, heart, mystery, and a heroine you can root for. And there’s a delightful surprise at the end that fans will especially appreciate.
Highly recommended—happy reading!
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Series: A Lady of Letters Mystery #4
Publication Date: 10/7/25
Period: Victorian London
Number of Pages: 240
Lady Amelia Amesbury hardly has a minute to spare in this fast-paced, brilliantly written historical mystery! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed each installment in the series, but this might just be the best one yet.
With her sister’s wedding to plan, a blackmailer on her trail, multiple murders to solve, and her Lady Agony column to manage, Amelia is nearly at her wits’ end. She’s so busy, in fact, that there’s barely time to explore her growing feelings for Simon Bainbridge—until a dire situation forces her to confront them.
Since the death of her husband, Amelia has leaned on the local vicar, Mr. Cross, as both a spiritual guide and a close friend. When she goes to the church to ask him to officiate her sister's wedding, all seems well. But the next morning brings shocking news: Mr. Cross has been murdered. Even more unsettling, he’d sent Amelia a cryptic message hinting at another suspicious death. Were both victims murdered? And how are their deaths connected?
As if that weren’t enough, someone is threatening to expose Amelia’s secret identity as the voice behind Lady Agony—unless she reveals the identity of the elusive Mayfair Marauder. But Amelia refuses to be manipulated, and she’ll need all her wits to unmask the blackmailer.
Whew! Are you tired yet? I know Amelia is! Despite the whirlwind of plotlines, the author keeps the narrative tightly woven and easy to follow, with clever pacing and satisfying twists. The familiar cast returns—Kitty and Oliver, Simon, Aunt Tabitha, and a maturing Winifred—to lend continuity and warmth to the mystery.
This book has everything I love in the series: wit, heart, mystery, and a heroine you can root for. And there’s a delightful surprise at the end that fans will especially appreciate.
Highly recommended—happy reading!
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 5, 2025
this was a LOVELY surprise of a book, and i plan to go back and read all of mary winters’ works. though i had not read the previous books in the series, winters does a fantastic job of sprinkling in the lore of the past in a way that adequately informs new readers, but that (i imagine) doesn’t bore or talk down to readers who have experienced those past stories. the lore also intrigued me so much i can’t wait to go back and read the originals 🔎
murder in matrimony was a number of my favorite things, all rolled into one—strong female protagonist who goes quite a bit against the grain of her time but has people who love her for that, not in spite of that, a mmc that is one of those people, an older matriarch that acts as an all-seeing eye and is hard on the outside but a total softie on the inside, and family bonds that come from love and friendship, not just blood. this was cozy in the sweetest way. my heart was so warmed and full, and i am officially claiming lord simon bainbridge as my newest book boyfriend because 🥵
not only were the friendships and family bonds and love story delicious and beautiful, but the mystery had me on the edge of my seat. i genuinely couldn’t figure out if anything was connected and who the culprit was right up until the very end. and it had one of my FAVORITE kinds of payoffs (but for that, dear reader, you must embark on this delightful journey for yourself ✨). the moments of intrigue, mixed in with feelings of warm and fuzzies, while also exploring the differences in class in this time period and how many of the lessons our protagonist learns are still relevant today, made for a truly unique and awe-inspiring experience. i loved loved loved this. and, of course, it made me want to be a part of bridgerton, yet again 🦚
in kate’s keys,
— bridgerton vibes all the way and you know we love
— a cozy murder mystery
— bless an mmc who loves and supports the way this man does
— the GREATEST friendships and family connections
10/10 ✨
thank you to netgalley, severn house, and mary winters for providing me with an e-arc for review 🫶
murder in matrimony was a number of my favorite things, all rolled into one—strong female protagonist who goes quite a bit against the grain of her time but has people who love her for that, not in spite of that, a mmc that is one of those people, an older matriarch that acts as an all-seeing eye and is hard on the outside but a total softie on the inside, and family bonds that come from love and friendship, not just blood. this was cozy in the sweetest way. my heart was so warmed and full, and i am officially claiming lord simon bainbridge as my newest book boyfriend because 🥵
not only were the friendships and family bonds and love story delicious and beautiful, but the mystery had me on the edge of my seat. i genuinely couldn’t figure out if anything was connected and who the culprit was right up until the very end. and it had one of my FAVORITE kinds of payoffs (but for that, dear reader, you must embark on this delightful journey for yourself ✨). the moments of intrigue, mixed in with feelings of warm and fuzzies, while also exploring the differences in class in this time period and how many of the lessons our protagonist learns are still relevant today, made for a truly unique and awe-inspiring experience. i loved loved loved this. and, of course, it made me want to be a part of bridgerton, yet again 🦚
in kate’s keys,
— bridgerton vibes all the way and you know we love
— a cozy murder mystery
— bless an mmc who loves and supports the way this man does
— the GREATEST friendships and family connections
10/10 ✨
thank you to netgalley, severn house, and mary winters for providing me with an e-arc for review 🫶
October 22, 2025
Another delightful 5-star romp with Lady Amelia Amesbury
Mary Winters’ latest release is a terrific addition to her wonderful Lady of Letters Mystery series. While charming and witty and twisty — all the things we’ve loved about the earlier books — the novel also delves into the societal injustices of the time and place. London in the 1860s wasn’t an easy city to live in, unless one was a member of the ton, and that’s the backdrop to Winters’ latest venture.
Faced with solving the murder of her friend the vicar Mr. Cross, Lady Amesbury also comes face to face with the poverty and lack of opportunities for those living in the East End — a situation she herself has been spared through her marriage to a member of the aristocracy.
Threaded through the mystery are Lady Amesbury’s growing concerns that she, and others of her station, have a responsibility for those less fortunate, raising the novel to something more than just a fun read.
But what a fun read it is! From the frantic arrangements of a hasty wedding to the constant hijinks we’ve come to expect from our intrepid sleuth, Murder in Matrimony pulls out all the stops. From the descriptions of the locations to the clothes to the rituals of the times, Winters ability to bring the era alive shines in her latest outing.
Then there’s the mystery. Clue after clue, Amelia unwinds the events that led to her friend’s death, uncovering a much more complicated story than she imagined at the beginning. As with all good mysteries, the personal and the public stakes entwine to make the tension higher and the obstacles larger. Undaunted by what she uncovers, Amelia also learns to rely even more on a little help from her friends, including from unexpected quarters.
Murder in Matrimony can be read as a standalone, but a word of warning! New readers will be scrambling to go back to the beginning and read them all.
For fans of Father Brown and Downtown Abbey, Murder in Matrimony will transport readers for a stirring ride through Victorian-era London.
Mary Winters’ latest release is a terrific addition to her wonderful Lady of Letters Mystery series. While charming and witty and twisty — all the things we’ve loved about the earlier books — the novel also delves into the societal injustices of the time and place. London in the 1860s wasn’t an easy city to live in, unless one was a member of the ton, and that’s the backdrop to Winters’ latest venture.
Faced with solving the murder of her friend the vicar Mr. Cross, Lady Amesbury also comes face to face with the poverty and lack of opportunities for those living in the East End — a situation she herself has been spared through her marriage to a member of the aristocracy.
Threaded through the mystery are Lady Amesbury’s growing concerns that she, and others of her station, have a responsibility for those less fortunate, raising the novel to something more than just a fun read.
But what a fun read it is! From the frantic arrangements of a hasty wedding to the constant hijinks we’ve come to expect from our intrepid sleuth, Murder in Matrimony pulls out all the stops. From the descriptions of the locations to the clothes to the rituals of the times, Winters ability to bring the era alive shines in her latest outing.
Then there’s the mystery. Clue after clue, Amelia unwinds the events that led to her friend’s death, uncovering a much more complicated story than she imagined at the beginning. As with all good mysteries, the personal and the public stakes entwine to make the tension higher and the obstacles larger. Undaunted by what she uncovers, Amelia also learns to rely even more on a little help from her friends, including from unexpected quarters.
Murder in Matrimony can be read as a standalone, but a word of warning! New readers will be scrambling to go back to the beginning and read them all.
For fans of Father Brown and Downtown Abbey, Murder in Matrimony will transport readers for a stirring ride through Victorian-era London.
November 12, 2025
"Murder in Matrimony" is the fourth book in Mary Winters' Lady of Letters mystery series set in the Victorian era. Lady Amelia Amesbury and her late husband's Aunt Tabitha scramble to make hasty arrangements when Amelia's sister, Madge, announces that she and Captain Fitz are soon to be married. Tabitha is annoyed at the inconvenience, and is appalled when she learns the number of guests that she will have to accommodate. Meanwhile, Amelia is heartbroken when an unidentified attacker murders the goodhearted vicar of her local church, the Reverend Mr. Cross, who was to have performed Madge's wedding ceremony. The vicar left Amelia a clue—a newspaper clipping about a young girl who fell off a ladder and died in the factory where she worked.
Adding to her woes, someone is blackmailing Amelia, whose pseudonym is Lady Agony, the author of a popular advice column. The extortionist is threatening to reveal Lady Agony's secret identity if she refuses to disclose who took and subsequently returned valuable jewels that he stole from members of the aristocracy. Amelia has good reason for refusing to do so. Finally, she and Lord Simon Bainbridge are becoming more open in their feelings for one another.
This engrossing work of fiction has a large and colorful cast of characters. Amelia, as usual, plays amateur sleuth with the helpful assistance of her confidantes. We root for Amelia, who was touched by Mr. Cross's charitable deeds on behalf of the poor in London's East End. She believes that too many affluent men and women ignore the plight of impoverished people who live in hovels and can barely afford to put food on the table. Among the novel's flaws are its predictable plot, one-dimensional villain, and implausibly neat conclusion. Overall, however, "Murder in Matrimony" is a diverting tale with romance, a touch of danger, and poignant passages about the inestimable value of good friends and a loving family.
Adding to her woes, someone is blackmailing Amelia, whose pseudonym is Lady Agony, the author of a popular advice column. The extortionist is threatening to reveal Lady Agony's secret identity if she refuses to disclose who took and subsequently returned valuable jewels that he stole from members of the aristocracy. Amelia has good reason for refusing to do so. Finally, she and Lord Simon Bainbridge are becoming more open in their feelings for one another.
This engrossing work of fiction has a large and colorful cast of characters. Amelia, as usual, plays amateur sleuth with the helpful assistance of her confidantes. We root for Amelia, who was touched by Mr. Cross's charitable deeds on behalf of the poor in London's East End. She believes that too many affluent men and women ignore the plight of impoverished people who live in hovels and can barely afford to put food on the table. Among the novel's flaws are its predictable plot, one-dimensional villain, and implausibly neat conclusion. Overall, however, "Murder in Matrimony" is a diverting tale with romance, a touch of danger, and poignant passages about the inestimable value of good friends and a loving family.
October 7, 2025
Murder in Matrimony in this is a wonderful Regency romance and mystery by Mary Winters and is the fourth book in A Lady of Letters Mystery series. You could read this book alone, but it is truly better to read the series.
Countess Amelia Amesbury is trying to keep everything in balance. She is trying to plan her sister’s wedding, she is the advice columnists, Lady Agony, and someone is trying to blackmail her. She is trying to solve a murder. When her close friend the local vicar, Mr. Cross, is murdered her world is turned upside down as she tries to find the murderer from some clues Mr. Cross left her. Simon Bainbridge her close friend is trying to keep her safe, assist with her with her family, and help solve the murder. Will they finally find true love?
I was so thrilled to be swept up the world of Amelia Amesbury again. It was fascinating to walk with Amelia as she tried to solve the murder of Mr. Cross and interpret the clues he left behind. I enjoyed how each chapter starts with a letter to Lady Agony and hearing Amelia’s interesting response to the letter. Amelia’s double life as Lady Agony brings intrigue to the story.
It was great to connect with Amelia’s London friends and meeting Amelia’s family brought depth and humor to the story. Simon Bainbridge is always a gentleman and I have enjoyed watching his love for Amelia grow through the series.
Murder in Matrimony is a great read that you do not want to miss. I enjoyed the sweet romance, the intriguing mystery, and the engaging characters. This will be a 2025 favorite for me. I highly recommend.
I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.
Countess Amelia Amesbury is trying to keep everything in balance. She is trying to plan her sister’s wedding, she is the advice columnists, Lady Agony, and someone is trying to blackmail her. She is trying to solve a murder. When her close friend the local vicar, Mr. Cross, is murdered her world is turned upside down as she tries to find the murderer from some clues Mr. Cross left her. Simon Bainbridge her close friend is trying to keep her safe, assist with her with her family, and help solve the murder. Will they finally find true love?
I was so thrilled to be swept up the world of Amelia Amesbury again. It was fascinating to walk with Amelia as she tried to solve the murder of Mr. Cross and interpret the clues he left behind. I enjoyed how each chapter starts with a letter to Lady Agony and hearing Amelia’s interesting response to the letter. Amelia’s double life as Lady Agony brings intrigue to the story.
It was great to connect with Amelia’s London friends and meeting Amelia’s family brought depth and humor to the story. Simon Bainbridge is always a gentleman and I have enjoyed watching his love for Amelia grow through the series.
Murder in Matrimony is a great read that you do not want to miss. I enjoyed the sweet romance, the intriguing mystery, and the engaging characters. This will be a 2025 favorite for me. I highly recommend.
I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.
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