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The Lost Girls: With bodies going missing is a serial killer on the loose...?
Don’t miss this page-turning historical mystery! For fans of Mary Shelley, Daphne Du Maurier, Diane Setterfield and Laura Purcell.
Is someone snatching dead bodies…?
1814, London
After triumphantly solving a murder case in Paris, Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin and Percy Shelley return to London penniless.
As Percy is still married to his estranged wife, he and Mary are shunned from polite society for living together out of wedlock.
Isolated and trapped in squalid lodgings, Mary finds herself alone while Percy escapes to the tavern. And one evening when she goes looking for him, a dead body is found.
But when Percy and Mary arrive at the scene the dead girl is gone…
When she receives a note from an old friend and discovers another girl is missing, Mary wonders if the crimes are connected.
What happened to the body? Was it taken by the murderer?
Can Mary and Percy come together to solve another tricky case…?
THE LOST GIRLS is the second book in the Mary Shelley Investigation thrilling Gothic murder mysteries with a tenacious literary heroine working as a female sleuth.
THE MARY SHELLEY INVESTIGATIONS
Book The Missing Wife
Book The Lost Girls
Book Death at the Altar
Is someone snatching dead bodies…?
1814, London
After triumphantly solving a murder case in Paris, Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin and Percy Shelley return to London penniless.
As Percy is still married to his estranged wife, he and Mary are shunned from polite society for living together out of wedlock.
Isolated and trapped in squalid lodgings, Mary finds herself alone while Percy escapes to the tavern. And one evening when she goes looking for him, a dead body is found.
But when Percy and Mary arrive at the scene the dead girl is gone…
When she receives a note from an old friend and discovers another girl is missing, Mary wonders if the crimes are connected.
What happened to the body? Was it taken by the murderer?
Can Mary and Percy come together to solve another tricky case…?
THE LOST GIRLS is the second book in the Mary Shelley Investigation thrilling Gothic murder mysteries with a tenacious literary heroine working as a female sleuth.
THE MARY SHELLEY INVESTIGATIONS
Book The Missing Wife
Book The Lost Girls
Book Death at the Altar
205 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2025
5 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 19, 2026
Its 1814 and after their disastrous time in Paris Mary, Percy and Claire (previously called Jane) are back in London and their next case involves two missing women. Can they crack the case?
I was really looking forward to catching up with Mary to see where she was next. The storyline was a little darker than the first and included lots of action.
When we catch up with Mary she is very much pregnant with Percy's child and investigating two cases. In some ways a lot has changed since the first book but not for the better. Although Mary, Percy and Claire have returned from Paris their circumstances have become worse. They are essentially living from hand to mouth but Percy still wants to live a lavish lifestyle. Despite Mary being pregnant Percy seems to be doing very little to support her and flits between Mary and his first wife Harriet. I did find Percy increasingly selfish in this book because he cared very little for Mary’s feelings. Whereas Mary always seems to put Percy’s feelings first even if that means she was to play peacemaker between Percy and Harriet so he can see his son.
The investigation in this case was definitely interesting and it was mainly Mary and Claire’s investigation. Claire witnesses a woman being attacked in Richmond Park and when they go to find the woman they don’t find a body only a scarf. Then things become complicated when a maid goes missing and there’s a possibility that the two cases are connected. To solve the case Percy does go undercover but then Mary and Claire finds themselves in a race against time to not only find the missing girls but also Percy.
I am really looking forward to the next book in the series and the next investigation that awaits Mary.
I was really looking forward to catching up with Mary to see where she was next. The storyline was a little darker than the first and included lots of action.
When we catch up with Mary she is very much pregnant with Percy's child and investigating two cases. In some ways a lot has changed since the first book but not for the better. Although Mary, Percy and Claire have returned from Paris their circumstances have become worse. They are essentially living from hand to mouth but Percy still wants to live a lavish lifestyle. Despite Mary being pregnant Percy seems to be doing very little to support her and flits between Mary and his first wife Harriet. I did find Percy increasingly selfish in this book because he cared very little for Mary’s feelings. Whereas Mary always seems to put Percy’s feelings first even if that means she was to play peacemaker between Percy and Harriet so he can see his son.
The investigation in this case was definitely interesting and it was mainly Mary and Claire’s investigation. Claire witnesses a woman being attacked in Richmond Park and when they go to find the woman they don’t find a body only a scarf. Then things become complicated when a maid goes missing and there’s a possibility that the two cases are connected. To solve the case Percy does go undercover but then Mary and Claire finds themselves in a race against time to not only find the missing girls but also Percy.
I am really looking forward to the next book in the series and the next investigation that awaits Mary.
February 19, 2026
Queue 🎶 music 🎵 from
“Music, When Soft Voices Die”
Performed by The Choir of Clair College
I just love it when I stumble upon a book that erases the preconceived (and learned) thoughts of well-known literature personas, and puts a new spin on the past. With vivid imagination and her own thorough and careful research, Donna Gowland delivers her second instalment of the Mary Shelley Investigations, giving readers another chance to see “what if” Percy Bysshe Shelley and Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley (along with her step-sister, Claire Clairmont) weren’t just writers, but sleuths!
I enjoyed diving into the days of Mary Shelley’s pregnancy, learning more about her relationship with her stepsister, Claire, and how much she fought for Percy’s affections. I was impressed with Gowland’s ability to seamlessly weave historical facts into her fictional detective mystery. A quick read, Gowland creates a suspenseful plot, several intense moments, and a twist I didn’t see coming. Now to see what I missed with the other two books in the series!
Thank you to @lovebookstours donnagowlandwrites and @sapere.books for my gifted ecopy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
“Music, When Soft Voices Die”
Performed by The Choir of Clair College
I just love it when I stumble upon a book that erases the preconceived (and learned) thoughts of well-known literature personas, and puts a new spin on the past. With vivid imagination and her own thorough and careful research, Donna Gowland delivers her second instalment of the Mary Shelley Investigations, giving readers another chance to see “what if” Percy Bysshe Shelley and Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley (along with her step-sister, Claire Clairmont) weren’t just writers, but sleuths!
I enjoyed diving into the days of Mary Shelley’s pregnancy, learning more about her relationship with her stepsister, Claire, and how much she fought for Percy’s affections. I was impressed with Gowland’s ability to seamlessly weave historical facts into her fictional detective mystery. A quick read, Gowland creates a suspenseful plot, several intense moments, and a twist I didn’t see coming. Now to see what I missed with the other two books in the series!
Thank you to @lovebookstours donnagowlandwrites and @sapere.books for my gifted ecopy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 16, 2025
The Lost Girls is the second book in this historical mystery series, with Mary Shelley as the main character. This one is darker than the first book, but it had to be because life back in London is quite dark for Mary. She's pregnant and shunned by her father, while Percy is still married, penniless, and as flighty as ever. She's hungry, cold, and ostracized by polite London society.
I began this series because of my interest in the life of Mary Shelley. The author skillfully weaves the historical facts of her life with a mystery in each book, but also includes hints of where Mary Shelley might have gotten her inspiration for Frankenstein. The Lost Girls is set in London amidst the fascination for resurrectionists and the procurement of bodies needed for medical school dissections. It's perfectly gruesome with a clever historical twist that I never saw coming. If you enjoy historical mysteries or have an interest in Mary Shelley, check out this series.
I began this series because of my interest in the life of Mary Shelley. The author skillfully weaves the historical facts of her life with a mystery in each book, but also includes hints of where Mary Shelley might have gotten her inspiration for Frankenstein. The Lost Girls is set in London amidst the fascination for resurrectionists and the procurement of bodies needed for medical school dissections. It's perfectly gruesome with a clever historical twist that I never saw coming. If you enjoy historical mysteries or have an interest in Mary Shelley, check out this series.
February 14, 2026
The Lost Girls is the second instalment in a historical mystery series by Donna Gowland, and although this was my first encounter with the series, it read perfectly as a standalone. That said, I enjoyed it so much that I’m already planning to go back and start at the beginning with the first one; there’s something deeply satisfying about watching the characters develop across a series.
Set in 1814 London, the novel centres around Mary Shelley, with Mary cast as the central figure in a dark mystery. The novel cleverly weaves historical facts from Mary’s life into a fictional narrative, blending truth and creative storytelling in a way that feels authentic rather than forced. This layering of reality and fiction adds depth to the story and gives the characters a convincing sense of place and time.
I really enjoyed how the women in this story are portrayed; strong, intelligent and independent, qualities that feel especially empowering given the historical context. Rather than being confined by the expectations of the era, they actively challenge the constraints placed upon them and drive the investigation forward.
The mystery itself unfolds at a satisfying pace. The tension builds steadily, revealing clues in carefully measured stages. The writing style makes it feel like the reader is uncovering these clues at the same time, encouraging the reader to piece together the puzzle alongside Mary. And of course when you think you have it figured out, the novel delivers an excellent twist that has you rethinking everything, always the mark of a well-crafted mystery! 🕵️♀️
All in all this was atmospheric, intelligent and engaging, striking a fine balance between historical fiction and suspense. I’d definitely recommend this to fans of the historical mysteries genre. 🖤
Thank you so much @lovebookstours and @sapere.books for my gifted copy of The Lost Girls to read and review 🙏🏻
Set in 1814 London, the novel centres around Mary Shelley, with Mary cast as the central figure in a dark mystery. The novel cleverly weaves historical facts from Mary’s life into a fictional narrative, blending truth and creative storytelling in a way that feels authentic rather than forced. This layering of reality and fiction adds depth to the story and gives the characters a convincing sense of place and time.
I really enjoyed how the women in this story are portrayed; strong, intelligent and independent, qualities that feel especially empowering given the historical context. Rather than being confined by the expectations of the era, they actively challenge the constraints placed upon them and drive the investigation forward.
The mystery itself unfolds at a satisfying pace. The tension builds steadily, revealing clues in carefully measured stages. The writing style makes it feel like the reader is uncovering these clues at the same time, encouraging the reader to piece together the puzzle alongside Mary. And of course when you think you have it figured out, the novel delivers an excellent twist that has you rethinking everything, always the mark of a well-crafted mystery! 🕵️♀️
All in all this was atmospheric, intelligent and engaging, striking a fine balance between historical fiction and suspense. I’d definitely recommend this to fans of the historical mysteries genre. 🖤
Thank you so much @lovebookstours and @sapere.books for my gifted copy of The Lost Girls to read and review 🙏🏻
February 13, 2026
The Lost Girls is an enjoyable second book in the Mary Shelley Investigation series. Although it is the second book it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone. Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley and Percy Shelley are the main characters in the Mary Shelley Investigation series and it is fascinating. The series uses parts of their lives as the starting point to the mystery. This time Claire, Mary’s sister (formerly known as Jane), witnesses what looks like the ending of a life. As Mary and Claire investigate they discover more than they bargained for, the disappearance of several girls, and the danger increases as they get closer to the truth.
I like the balance of fact and fiction and found myself quickly immersed in their world. The characters are well written and I have strong feelings about them. The women shine and I like that they are strong, curious, and independent. Mary is a likeable and relatable character as she is practical and takes charge of their life and the investigation. Percy, well, he relies on Mary to figure things out and often disappears when things get difficult. Claire is more helpful in this book but I still am confused by her role in Mary and Percy’s life and relationship. I really enjoyed the addition of Dr. James Berry and the help and access he provided to Mary.
The mystery they were solving kept me invested in the story as I tried to figure out what was going on along with Mary and I found myself turning the pages faster and faster as the danger increased. A quick and immersive read that I recommend this book to readers that enjoy historical mysteries with real people from the past as main characters.
Thanks to Love Book Tours for the gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I like the balance of fact and fiction and found myself quickly immersed in their world. The characters are well written and I have strong feelings about them. The women shine and I like that they are strong, curious, and independent. Mary is a likeable and relatable character as she is practical and takes charge of their life and the investigation. Percy, well, he relies on Mary to figure things out and often disappears when things get difficult. Claire is more helpful in this book but I still am confused by her role in Mary and Percy’s life and relationship. I really enjoyed the addition of Dr. James Berry and the help and access he provided to Mary.
The mystery they were solving kept me invested in the story as I tried to figure out what was going on along with Mary and I found myself turning the pages faster and faster as the danger increased. A quick and immersive read that I recommend this book to readers that enjoy historical mysteries with real people from the past as main characters.
Thanks to Love Book Tours for the gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 4, 2026
The Lost Girls by Donna Gowland was an historical thriller and the second book in the Mary Shelley Investigations series. Although I hadn’t read the first book, I found that this could easily be read as a standalone. That said, I always feel that starting a series from the beginning adds extra depth and understanding to the characters, and this is one I would happily go back to explore from the start.
Set in London in 1814, the story blended fictional events with real historical figures, which was one of the aspects that drew me in straight away. I found this approach fascinating, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the narrative. The setting was vividly described, bringing the streets, homes, and atmosphere of the time to life. The novel captured the rigid social structure of the era, highlighting hardship, endurance, and the stark divide between the lives and expectations of men and women. Reputation and respectability carried enormous weight, and the consequences of stepping outside society’s rules felt ever-present and deeply unsettling.
The dialogue felt realistic and engaging, revealing both character and social attitudes without ever feeling forced. As the story progressed, the tension steadily built, and towards the end I found myself fully absorbed as the clues began to slot into place. The sense of drama intensified, leading to a satisfying and well-executed twist that caught me by surprise.
Overall, The Lost Girls was an immersive and thought-provoking historical thriller that combined atmosphere, social commentary, and mystery with confidence. It left me intrigued by the wider series and keen to read more of Donna Gowland’s work.
Set in London in 1814, the story blended fictional events with real historical figures, which was one of the aspects that drew me in straight away. I found this approach fascinating, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the narrative. The setting was vividly described, bringing the streets, homes, and atmosphere of the time to life. The novel captured the rigid social structure of the era, highlighting hardship, endurance, and the stark divide between the lives and expectations of men and women. Reputation and respectability carried enormous weight, and the consequences of stepping outside society’s rules felt ever-present and deeply unsettling.
The dialogue felt realistic and engaging, revealing both character and social attitudes without ever feeling forced. As the story progressed, the tension steadily built, and towards the end I found myself fully absorbed as the clues began to slot into place. The sense of drama intensified, leading to a satisfying and well-executed twist that caught me by surprise.
Overall, The Lost Girls was an immersive and thought-provoking historical thriller that combined atmosphere, social commentary, and mystery with confidence. It left me intrigued by the wider series and keen to read more of Donna Gowland’s work.
February 1, 2026
The Girls Lost
It is a book that left me with mixed feelings.
From a mystery standpoint, the novel is quite strong. The idea of bodies going missing, the unsettling circumstances surrounding the crimes, and the steady unraveling of clues made this an engaging and suspenseful read. I thoroughly enjoyed the investigative elements and found the mystery itself to be well done.
However, the moral framework of the story may be difficult for some readers. The main characters, Mary Godwin and Percy Shelley, live together outside of marriage, and Percy is an adulterous man who leaves his wife and child to pursue another relationship. The couple then lives in extreme poverty, avoids responsibility, and repeatedly flees from creditors without showing meaningful remorse for their circumstances. As a result, I found the characters difficult to sympathize with and morally troubling to follow as protagonists.
In the author’s notes, it is revealed that the story includes a character who cross dresses and an implied same sex relationship. This information is not central to the mystery itself, but it may be important for some readers to be aware of when deciding whether this book is a good fit.
Overall, The Lost Girls succeeds as a mystery but may not be a good fit for readers seeking fiction that aligns closely with Christian values. Readers who prioritize mystery over character morality may still appreciate it, but for me, while the mystery was engaging, the themes and character choices limited my enjoyment.
It is a book that left me with mixed feelings.
From a mystery standpoint, the novel is quite strong. The idea of bodies going missing, the unsettling circumstances surrounding the crimes, and the steady unraveling of clues made this an engaging and suspenseful read. I thoroughly enjoyed the investigative elements and found the mystery itself to be well done.
However, the moral framework of the story may be difficult for some readers. The main characters, Mary Godwin and Percy Shelley, live together outside of marriage, and Percy is an adulterous man who leaves his wife and child to pursue another relationship. The couple then lives in extreme poverty, avoids responsibility, and repeatedly flees from creditors without showing meaningful remorse for their circumstances. As a result, I found the characters difficult to sympathize with and morally troubling to follow as protagonists.
In the author’s notes, it is revealed that the story includes a character who cross dresses and an implied same sex relationship. This information is not central to the mystery itself, but it may be important for some readers to be aware of when deciding whether this book is a good fit.
Overall, The Lost Girls succeeds as a mystery but may not be a good fit for readers seeking fiction that aligns closely with Christian values. Readers who prioritize mystery over character morality may still appreciate it, but for me, while the mystery was engaging, the themes and character choices limited my enjoyment.
November 23, 2025
Mary Wollenscroft Godwin hope I spelled that right?Very Sad in a way..
Shekkt, the famous Poet seems, in this ,take, to have been, mostly, A selfish, self serving Idiot! I am so sorry this young women and her step sister were taken in by him. She seems Mary, I mean quite imaginative and resourceful and yet dependent on the kindness of others...Claire seems more impulsive and headstrong. They both seem smart, young and surely, impulsive...Murder Investigations, done in their dire (not for Percy or Claire as much as for Mary...pregnant and, often, alone...)..This was, truly, extremely repetitive. A plot that was a bit convoluted, and soetimes , hard to follow...and All of the story, hard to believe and hard to Countenance. Where did Percy spend his frequent times away. How did Mary and Claire really fare at those extended a senses of his?
This book made me wish to know more about the Real Characters of History...as opposed to these Fictional Ones.
I do not doubt the author's research and I wonder if Percy could have been such a selfish, self serving idiot?
Mary and Claire(who had money when They had none...must have had Many secrets). Mary, at 16 or 17'. Just seems Smart about everything but Percy and Claire.
What a sad existence for this young woman to have placed herself in...
I was hoping for a more engaging and satisfying story.
Needed more suspense and more emotional depth...felt more.like reporting.
!One Frankenstein!
Shekkt, the famous Poet seems, in this ,take, to have been, mostly, A selfish, self serving Idiot! I am so sorry this young women and her step sister were taken in by him. She seems Mary, I mean quite imaginative and resourceful and yet dependent on the kindness of others...Claire seems more impulsive and headstrong. They both seem smart, young and surely, impulsive...Murder Investigations, done in their dire (not for Percy or Claire as much as for Mary...pregnant and, often, alone...)..This was, truly, extremely repetitive. A plot that was a bit convoluted, and soetimes , hard to follow...and All of the story, hard to believe and hard to Countenance. Where did Percy spend his frequent times away. How did Mary and Claire really fare at those extended a senses of his?
This book made me wish to know more about the Real Characters of History...as opposed to these Fictional Ones.
I do not doubt the author's research and I wonder if Percy could have been such a selfish, self serving idiot?
Mary and Claire(who had money when They had none...must have had Many secrets). Mary, at 16 or 17'. Just seems Smart about everything but Percy and Claire.
What a sad existence for this young woman to have placed herself in...
I was hoping for a more engaging and satisfying story.
Needed more suspense and more emotional depth...felt more.like reporting.
!One Frankenstein!
February 21, 2026
This is the next instalment of the Mary Shelley Investigations by Donna Gowland. Although it’s part of a series, it works as a standalone, though I enjoyed it so much that I’m already adding the first book to my TBR list!
Set in a dark, miserable 1814 London, the story follows Mary, Claire, and Percy as they struggle to make ends meet. To make matters worse, Mary is heavily pregnant while Percy frequently vanishes, leaving the sisters to fend for themselves. I loved the character development, especially seeing Mary’s strength; it’s one of the main reasons I want to go back to the first book.
One evening Claire comes home convinced she’s witnessed a murder in Richmond Park. However, no crime is reported and the body appears to vanish (when they go back in the morning there is no body!!). But when a young woman goes missing shortly after, the trio begins to investigate, quickly getting tangled up in the murky world of body snatching and grave robbing.
The details in the book really transported me to the backstreets of old London. Even when the medical student, James, appeared, I couldn't help but feel suspicious! I also appreciated how the novel stays true to history, offering a real insight into Mary’s life and the events of the era. A thoroughly enjoyable read and I am looking forward to catching up on the first book and starting book three that arrived today! Thank you ☺️
Set in a dark, miserable 1814 London, the story follows Mary, Claire, and Percy as they struggle to make ends meet. To make matters worse, Mary is heavily pregnant while Percy frequently vanishes, leaving the sisters to fend for themselves. I loved the character development, especially seeing Mary’s strength; it’s one of the main reasons I want to go back to the first book.
One evening Claire comes home convinced she’s witnessed a murder in Richmond Park. However, no crime is reported and the body appears to vanish (when they go back in the morning there is no body!!). But when a young woman goes missing shortly after, the trio begins to investigate, quickly getting tangled up in the murky world of body snatching and grave robbing.
The details in the book really transported me to the backstreets of old London. Even when the medical student, James, appeared, I couldn't help but feel suspicious! I also appreciated how the novel stays true to history, offering a real insight into Mary’s life and the events of the era. A thoroughly enjoyable read and I am looking forward to catching up on the first book and starting book three that arrived today! Thank you ☺️
February 22, 2026
Bodies disappearing. Secrets buried beneath society
The Lost Girls was my first time stepping into Donna Gowland’s Mary Shelley investigations, and I was completely pulled into its dark, atmospheric mystery. Seeing Mary Shelley portrayed not just as a writer, but as an investigator navigating danger, societal judgment, and personal hardship, made this story feel both intimate and powerful.
What I loved most was how seamlessly historical reality blended with fiction. Mary isn’t sheltered or passive—she’s intelligent, determined, and relentless in uncovering the truth, even while pregnant and navigating Percy’s increasingly selfish behavior. The emotional tension between her personal struggles and the urgency of the investigation added so much depth.
The mystery itself unfolds slowly and intentionally, letting you piece together clues alongside Mary and Claire. From a violent encounter in Richmond Park to multiple missing women and secrets hiding beneath London’s surface, the stakes continue to rise. And just when you think you understand what’s happening, the story shifts in a way that makes you question everything.
This was atmospheric, intelligent, and deeply immersive. The darker tone, strong female characters, and layered suspense made it impossible not to stay invested. Even though this is book two, it read beautifully on its own, but I’m already eager to go back and experience Mary’s journey from the beginning.
The Lost Girls was my first time stepping into Donna Gowland’s Mary Shelley investigations, and I was completely pulled into its dark, atmospheric mystery. Seeing Mary Shelley portrayed not just as a writer, but as an investigator navigating danger, societal judgment, and personal hardship, made this story feel both intimate and powerful.
What I loved most was how seamlessly historical reality blended with fiction. Mary isn’t sheltered or passive—she’s intelligent, determined, and relentless in uncovering the truth, even while pregnant and navigating Percy’s increasingly selfish behavior. The emotional tension between her personal struggles and the urgency of the investigation added so much depth.
The mystery itself unfolds slowly and intentionally, letting you piece together clues alongside Mary and Claire. From a violent encounter in Richmond Park to multiple missing women and secrets hiding beneath London’s surface, the stakes continue to rise. And just when you think you understand what’s happening, the story shifts in a way that makes you question everything.
This was atmospheric, intelligent, and deeply immersive. The darker tone, strong female characters, and layered suspense made it impossible not to stay invested. Even though this is book two, it read beautifully on its own, but I’m already eager to go back and experience Mary’s journey from the beginning.
February 22, 2026
After reading the first book in this new series - The Missing Wife - I couldn't believe that we already had the next book to dive straight back into.
I loved getting to know the characters through the first book and the mystery and it was great to be back with Mary and Percy.
After the disaster in Paris, the pair have returned to a much changed life back in London.
When a dead body is found, but subsequently goes missing, Mary can't help but start investigating!
If I'm honest, I really wasn't too keen on Percy in this book - although I feel like this was what the author intended and maybe there's going to be some redemption later.
I don't really want to say too much about the personal developments in this book just in case you haven't read the first book.
I think the book would still read ok, but I'd definitely recommend reading these in order to follow the character development and circumstances much better.
So, without saying too much, Percy is definitely pretty selfish in this book and leaves Mary to navigate the awkward situation for him.
The case is another one that keeps us guessing, with 2 missing bodies and the possibility of the cases being connected.
And then Percy gets involved!!
This was another great read with a slightly darker atmosphere than the first.
I'm excited that I've also got the next book in the series to dive straight into again!
I can't wait to see where we head next.
I loved getting to know the characters through the first book and the mystery and it was great to be back with Mary and Percy.
After the disaster in Paris, the pair have returned to a much changed life back in London.
When a dead body is found, but subsequently goes missing, Mary can't help but start investigating!
If I'm honest, I really wasn't too keen on Percy in this book - although I feel like this was what the author intended and maybe there's going to be some redemption later.
I don't really want to say too much about the personal developments in this book just in case you haven't read the first book.
I think the book would still read ok, but I'd definitely recommend reading these in order to follow the character development and circumstances much better.
So, without saying too much, Percy is definitely pretty selfish in this book and leaves Mary to navigate the awkward situation for him.
The case is another one that keeps us guessing, with 2 missing bodies and the possibility of the cases being connected.
And then Percy gets involved!!
This was another great read with a slightly darker atmosphere than the first.
I'm excited that I've also got the next book in the series to dive straight into again!
I can't wait to see where we head next.
March 3, 2026
After their whirlwind story in Paris with elopement and mysterious crimes, Mary Shelley is now worrying about how they will find the means to make it to Christmas, let alone how they'll raise their baby whilst running from debtors.
When her stepsister Claire witnesses a murder and the body disappears, the Shelley's find themselves embroiled in another mysterious crime case that seems to have no leads, old faces, and a sinister plot covered up by upper members of society. Can they solve the case and save the lives of lost girls, or will they lose themselves to their despair?
Short but not sweet, Donna Gowland has written another fast paced crime thriller, utilising historic, spooky figures in a spooky Victorian setting, bringing a gothic feel without it being too overwhelming. Mary Shelley focuses on the themes of class divide, feminism, and her fall from grace, but from the poverty pov rather than showcasing her upbringing and education prior to it.
The characters don't really develop over the story as it's more focused on plot, and the cast is diverse enough in characterisation to pick someone you find enjoyable. It's a short story to be enjoyed in a day, though focuses more on the plot of the Shelley's survival in a changing London rather than the crime itself, but is another great addition to the Mary Shelley Investigation series.
Thank you LBT, Sapere Books, Donna Gowland for the arc copy of The Lost Girls!
When her stepsister Claire witnesses a murder and the body disappears, the Shelley's find themselves embroiled in another mysterious crime case that seems to have no leads, old faces, and a sinister plot covered up by upper members of society. Can they solve the case and save the lives of lost girls, or will they lose themselves to their despair?
Short but not sweet, Donna Gowland has written another fast paced crime thriller, utilising historic, spooky figures in a spooky Victorian setting, bringing a gothic feel without it being too overwhelming. Mary Shelley focuses on the themes of class divide, feminism, and her fall from grace, but from the poverty pov rather than showcasing her upbringing and education prior to it.
The characters don't really develop over the story as it's more focused on plot, and the cast is diverse enough in characterisation to pick someone you find enjoyable. It's a short story to be enjoyed in a day, though focuses more on the plot of the Shelley's survival in a changing London rather than the crime itself, but is another great addition to the Mary Shelley Investigation series.
Thank you LBT, Sapere Books, Donna Gowland for the arc copy of The Lost Girls!
November 25, 2025
The story begins roughly where The Missing Wife left off the Mary Shelley Investigations series. Mary and her lover Percy Shelley are back in London and find themselves ostracised from polite society as they are living together in sin. Percy is still married to his estranged wife Harriett. He spends his time in the taverns, drinking and whoring his days away. Mary is determined to find a way out their squalid living conditions. But soon enough, she finds herself embroiled in another deadly mystery. Mary’s stepsister Claire Claremont, who Marys suspects is a rival for Shelley’s affections, claims to have witnessed the violent death of a girl. But when Mary and Percy arrive at the scene of the crime the corpse has vanished. Shortly thereafter, more girls are reported as missing. There are shades of Robert Louis Stevenson’s ‘The Body Snatcher’ in the storyline and Gowland takes Mary to heart of the British medical establishment and the scientific advances that were being made at the time. I was fascinated by one character, Dr James Barry, in particular. These scenes shed light on how Mary may have been inspired to write her greatest work – Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus.
The Lost Girls works as both a fine period novel and as an intricate Gothic mystery. Gowland has brought Mary Shelley alive in these novels. Now I can’t wait for the third volume in the series.
The Lost Girls works as both a fine period novel and as an intricate Gothic mystery. Gowland has brought Mary Shelley alive in these novels. Now I can’t wait for the third volume in the series.
February 13, 2026
The first book felt like Mary finding her feet — she was unsure, a bit overwhelmed, and kind of stumbling into the mystery. The Lost Girls is her levelling up.
The plot moves faster, the stakes feel higher, and Mary trusts her instincts more. She pushes harder, asks better questions, and you can see her growing into the role rather than tripping over it.
Where book one had that “what is even happening” chaos, The Lost Girls is tighter and more confident — both in the mystery and in Mary herself.
The Lost Girls pulls you in straight away. A young woman goes missing, and Mary Shelley can’t shake the feeling that something about it just isn’t right. The more she asks around, the stranger everyone starts to act — little lies, weird silences, people dodging questions. You’re basically following Mary as she tries to untangle this knot of secrets, and you feel every bit of her frustration and determination. It’s fast, tense, and full of those “okay but what is actually going on here” moments. A proper page‑turner with a heroine who feels real and messy in the best way.
I'm looking forward to reading the finale in the series to see what happens next.
Thank you so much to Love Book Tours and Donna Gowland for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
The plot moves faster, the stakes feel higher, and Mary trusts her instincts more. She pushes harder, asks better questions, and you can see her growing into the role rather than tripping over it.
Where book one had that “what is even happening” chaos, The Lost Girls is tighter and more confident — both in the mystery and in Mary herself.
The Lost Girls pulls you in straight away. A young woman goes missing, and Mary Shelley can’t shake the feeling that something about it just isn’t right. The more she asks around, the stranger everyone starts to act — little lies, weird silences, people dodging questions. You’re basically following Mary as she tries to untangle this knot of secrets, and you feel every bit of her frustration and determination. It’s fast, tense, and full of those “okay but what is actually going on here” moments. A proper page‑turner with a heroine who feels real and messy in the best way.
I'm looking forward to reading the finale in the series to see what happens next.
Thank you so much to Love Book Tours and Donna Gowland for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2026
This is the second book in the Mary Shelly Investigations series. While it can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading The Missing Wife first.
I really enjoyed this sequel! With all the drama, it reminds me of an 1800s soap opera!
The mystery they had to solve was fantastic! I loved it even better than the first book.
Mary, poor sweet Mary, pregnant and left alone much of the time. I did like how her relationship with her step sister, Claire, was a bit better than the first book. And I liked Claire more in this book as well!
Percy, on the other hand, is just a cad.
We are joined by new side characters in this story, and it moves along at a nice pace. I found myself not wanting the investigation to end.
As with the first book, this one contained elements of the real life of Mary Shelley, who was the author of Frankenstein. I would consider this a historical fiction mystery - that makes you want to dive into the real life of Mary Shelley!
*Thank you to Love Book Tours, the author, and the publisher for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*
I really enjoyed this sequel! With all the drama, it reminds me of an 1800s soap opera!
The mystery they had to solve was fantastic! I loved it even better than the first book.
Mary, poor sweet Mary, pregnant and left alone much of the time. I did like how her relationship with her step sister, Claire, was a bit better than the first book. And I liked Claire more in this book as well!
Percy, on the other hand, is just a cad.
We are joined by new side characters in this story, and it moves along at a nice pace. I found myself not wanting the investigation to end.
As with the first book, this one contained elements of the real life of Mary Shelley, who was the author of Frankenstein. I would consider this a historical fiction mystery - that makes you want to dive into the real life of Mary Shelley!
*Thank you to Love Book Tours, the author, and the publisher for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*
February 14, 2026
First of all, this book gets a solid 4.5 stars out of 5 from me. Now to get into the why. This story follows a potential witness to a murder in a park by Mary Shelley's stepsister, Claire. Mary, Claire, and Percy put on their investigators' hats and try to solve exactly what happened that night, with the help of some friends they meet along the way. The twists and turns made it nearly impossible for me to put this book down. The last twist at the end (although unrelated to the case at hand) was jaw dropping and had me saying a silent OMGosh to myself. The timing of events was perfection and instead of "page turning", I was "page jerking" to read what happened next. I have been informed there is a 3rd book coming soon and cannot wait to get my hands on it to see what kind of unfortunate events these 3 can get themselves into. Thank you so much @lovebookstours and Donna Gowland for allowing me to read and review this book. I guess all those years of watching reruns of Murder She Wrote have given this style of storytelling a warm place in my heart. 💛
February 16, 2026
The Lost Girls by Donna Gowland is about a poet/ investigator named Percy Shelley & Mary Shelley, who was his mistress. One day, while taking a walk in Richmond Park, Percy had abandoned her mid-stroll to most likely go to the tavern. She came upon multiple people, but a scream in the distance drew her attention. She looked in and saw two figures, either in an embrace of passion or fighting, as it was hard for her to tell. Of course, it piqued her interest, so the next day, when it was light out. Percy & Claire went back to the spot where she thought she had seen the people. While poking around in the grass, they found an orange scarf that was very similar in color to the leaves around it. Initially, I was lost as to who these two characters were or what they did besides running from bill collectors & responsibilities; once I got further into the book, I had to find out what happened at the park. This book is part of a series, so if you are like me, getting easily lost when not having some kind of idea of who the characters are, you may want to read in order.
February 22, 2026
I received a copy of "The Lost Girls" the second in the "A Mary Shelley Investigation" series which could be read as a standalone. The novel begins with Mary's step sister Claire witnessing what she thinks is a murder of a girl but returning with Percy and Mary to the scene the body has vanished........Did Claire witness a murder of not, so begins another amusing adventurous romp through the less salubrious back streets and underbelly of Georgian London. Again Percy is absent a lot of the time hiding from his creditors and trying to raise capital to live on so it is up to Mary and Claire to investigate with Claire taking the lead and putting herself in danger once again as Mary is heavily pregnant.
The storyline is darker, more sinister, venturing into the grave robbing exploits of the teams of "Resurrectionists" supplying the medical demand of the anatomy teaching schools.
With a mixture of fact, fiction, mystery, history, romance and literary characters there are plenty of twists and turns, pacey and suspense making it a great page turner.
The storyline is darker, more sinister, venturing into the grave robbing exploits of the teams of "Resurrectionists" supplying the medical demand of the anatomy teaching schools.
With a mixture of fact, fiction, mystery, history, romance and literary characters there are plenty of twists and turns, pacey and suspense making it a great page turner.
February 15, 2026
We are back with Mary, Percy and Claire in this second installment of The Mary Shelley Investigations. The year is 1814 and the trio find themselves penniless and back in London, quite the change from their adventures in Paris in book one. Mary is now heavily pregnant and Percy annoyingly persists on disappearing on drunken escapades. They find themselves enthralled in the disappearance and possible murder of a young woman, which takes them into the sordid underworld of bodysnatching and grave robbing. I loved Mary's character development in this book, she is a no nonsense, tough woman with great leadership skills. I found Percy on the other hand to be annoying and for want of a better word, a bit of a wimp! Mary's meticulous investigation leads us to a prompt and meticulous outcome with a bit of an unexpected twist towards the end. I am really looking forward to the final episode of this wonderful series but will be sad to leave Mary behind.
February 21, 2026
Book 2 of the Mary Shelley investigations series.
Mary and Percy are back in London now and living by the seat of their pants. It's uncomfortable and sad and you wonder why Mary has accepted this way of living. I like her but find it all frustrating that Percy could be such a pain and get away with it. I guess Mary has seen something in him that the rest are yet to find.
Their relationship is a big theme throughout alongside the terrible crimes that they uncover. Claire witnesses something terrible and her and Mary decide they need to come to the bottom of it. It's not typical of women of their time and is, of course, terribly dangerous. However, it makes for a good read and you can't help but laugh at their techniques.
I like how this pulls in a mix of themes and leads us closer and closer to Frankenstein or at least, what could be the inspiration for it. James was a great addition and added a little twist near the end which you don't expect or see coming.
Mary and Percy are back in London now and living by the seat of their pants. It's uncomfortable and sad and you wonder why Mary has accepted this way of living. I like her but find it all frustrating that Percy could be such a pain and get away with it. I guess Mary has seen something in him that the rest are yet to find.
Their relationship is a big theme throughout alongside the terrible crimes that they uncover. Claire witnesses something terrible and her and Mary decide they need to come to the bottom of it. It's not typical of women of their time and is, of course, terribly dangerous. However, it makes for a good read and you can't help but laugh at their techniques.
I like how this pulls in a mix of themes and leads us closer and closer to Frankenstein or at least, what could be the inspiration for it. James was a great addition and added a little twist near the end which you don't expect or see coming.
February 24, 2026
1814 London is miserable and beautiful and foul all at once: squalid lodgings, tavern smoke, and anatomy theatres that smell of formaldehyde and cowardice. Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin and Percy Shelley are back and penniless, living out of favor for being unmarried and scraping by in cramped lodgings. When a dead girl disappears from a scene and another goes missing, they investigate a possible body‑snatching conspiracy tied to the medical establishment. Gowland leans into gothic atmosphere, anatomy theatres, and foggy streets, while the mystery unfolds at a steady, methodical pace. Mary is sharp and determined, Percy is earnest and distracted, and together they work through clues and uncomfortable social realities. If you prefer quiet, atmospheric historical mysteries with an academic edge rather than high-octane twists, this will do. It’s not my usual taste, but it held my attention enough to finish.
February 12, 2026
The Lost Girls is Donna Gowland’s second of the Mary Shelley Investigates series, and follows Mary and Percy, along with Mary’s Stepsister Claire as they settle back in London following their adventures in Europe.
Gowland paints a bleak picture of life for Mary. Now pregnant by Shelley, and constantly having to move to avoid bailiffs, the novel gives great insight into life in London in 1814. Social pariahs, the trio struggle to make ends meet, but Mary continues in her search for knowledge, attending lectures.
When Claire, left alone in a park at night, sees what she believes is a murder, Mary’s curiosity is piqued, and hunting for clues sees the trio involved in the seedy side of 1814 London, leading to an explosive finale.
The facts and fiction are deftly woven together in a compelling storyline that makes for addictive reading.
February 24, 2026
Is someone snatching dead bodies…?
1814, London
After triumphantly solving a murder case in Paris, Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin and Percy Shelley return to London penniless.
Mary’s stepsister Claire witnesses a murder in Richmond Park and with Percy very much preoccupied with their dire financial situation, the investigation in this gruesome case is very much led by the ladies.
After reading the first instalment (and loving it), I couldn’t wait to get started on this one and be re-immersed in Georgian London.
I love the way Donna Gowland uses the first few chapters to further develop the relationship between Mary & Percy. The characterisation is wonderful and I feel like I know them and was catching up with old friends.
I particularly love the version of Percy that she’s created - he is increasingly reminding me of Frank Spencer 😆
I can’t wait to get into the next instalment!
1814, London
After triumphantly solving a murder case in Paris, Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin and Percy Shelley return to London penniless.
Mary’s stepsister Claire witnesses a murder in Richmond Park and with Percy very much preoccupied with their dire financial situation, the investigation in this gruesome case is very much led by the ladies.
After reading the first instalment (and loving it), I couldn’t wait to get started on this one and be re-immersed in Georgian London.
I love the way Donna Gowland uses the first few chapters to further develop the relationship between Mary & Percy. The characterisation is wonderful and I feel like I know them and was catching up with old friends.
I particularly love the version of Percy that she’s created - he is increasingly reminding me of Frank Spencer 😆
I can’t wait to get into the next instalment!
February 11, 2026
4.5⭐️Historical Mystery
The Lost Girls by Donna Gowland
I enjoyed this one even more than the first book. It follows the two sisters as they try to solve a crime. One night Mary sees a dead body, and from there they are determined to find out what really happened.
My favorite part of these books is definitely the sisters. They’re always sneaking into places, dressing up, and getting into all kinds of chaos to find answers. This makes the story really fun to read. There are some great twists, too.
I also liked that this book didn’t focus as much on Perry. Perry comes across as a pretty self-centered artist who cares more about himself than anything else. I really liked the introduction of James. He was a great new friend for the sisters.
Overall, this was a fun mystery featuring Mary Shelley (the author of Frankenstein).
The Lost Girls by Donna Gowland
I enjoyed this one even more than the first book. It follows the two sisters as they try to solve a crime. One night Mary sees a dead body, and from there they are determined to find out what really happened.
My favorite part of these books is definitely the sisters. They’re always sneaking into places, dressing up, and getting into all kinds of chaos to find answers. This makes the story really fun to read. There are some great twists, too.
I also liked that this book didn’t focus as much on Perry. Perry comes across as a pretty self-centered artist who cares more about himself than anything else. I really liked the introduction of James. He was a great new friend for the sisters.
Overall, this was a fun mystery featuring Mary Shelley (the author of Frankenstein).
February 10, 2026
I really enjoyed reading The Lost Girls, I'm finding the fiction woven into the real life snippets of Mary Shelley's life fascinating. I loved the new murder mystery to solve and I enjoyed the direction it went in. I had no idea who the culprit was so the journey to the revelation was filled with anticipation. I really enjoyed the addition of James I thought he made an excellent character as well as an unlikely companion for them all. I must praise Donna Gowland's writing again she kept me engaged and eager to find out the outcome. She's really created excellent characters - I still wonder why Mary put up with Percy but love is blind I suppose. I'm really enjoying this series and I can't wait to see what book 3 has in store for us.
February 13, 2026
This is book two in the Mary Shelley Investigations series. Book one was set in Paris but in book two Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin and Percy Shelley are back in London. It’s the early 1800’s and Percy is still married to Harriet and seems to be enjoying free love here, there and everywhere! A new crime arises that the pair, and Mary’s untrustworthy and sour step sister Claire, have to solve. This book is set around the deadly world of a gang of resurrectionists. I found this book to be darker than the last with this theme, grave robbing and death disguised as science and medicine. It will be interesting to read the third and final book in the triology to see the outcome for this trio.
February 15, 2026
The Lost Girls is the second book in The Mary Shelley Investigations. Set in 1814 London Mary is on a mission to unravel another murder!
This book wastes no time delving straight into the plot of a missing girl. It is a real page turner, the mystery surrounding the case keeps you on tenterhooks as Mary goes deeper and deeper trying to uncover what has happened. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes a mysterious historical thriller full of twists and turns.
I look forward to experiencing the third book of the series very soon.
Thank you to @LoveBooksTours for my copy to review The Lost Girls.
This book wastes no time delving straight into the plot of a missing girl. It is a real page turner, the mystery surrounding the case keeps you on tenterhooks as Mary goes deeper and deeper trying to uncover what has happened. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes a mysterious historical thriller full of twists and turns.
I look forward to experiencing the third book of the series very soon.
Thank you to @LoveBooksTours for my copy to review The Lost Girls.
February 24, 2026
A gripping and emotionally layered read that kept me turning the pages. The story builds steadily, drawing you into the mystery while grounding everything in strong character work.
I really enjoyed how the tension unfolds and how the emotional threads are woven through the plot. The characters feel believable, and their experiences add weight to the unfolding events. There’s a quiet intensity to the writing that makes the story feel immersive without being overwhelming.
Overall, this was a compelling and engaging read. If you enjoy character-driven stories with depth and a steady sense of intrigue, The Lost Girls is definitely worth picking up. 📖
I really enjoyed how the tension unfolds and how the emotional threads are woven through the plot. The characters feel believable, and their experiences add weight to the unfolding events. There’s a quiet intensity to the writing that makes the story feel immersive without being overwhelming.
Overall, this was a compelling and engaging read. If you enjoy character-driven stories with depth and a steady sense of intrigue, The Lost Girls is definitely worth picking up. 📖
February 11, 2026
I really enjoyed it. This one is relatively short but packed with little twists, mystery, and loads of gothic atmosphere. It loosely follows Mary Shelley’s life and drops her into a murder mystery around London, which honestly is such a fun combo, especially if you love historical fiction like I do.
It’s the second in a series but works pretty well as a standalone. The pacing is great, it kept me engaged without ever dragging, and I loved how it captured the society of the time, especially all the dynamics around shame and reputation. It’s dark in places, but also genuinely fun to read… plus there is so much talk about eating biscuits, which made me weirdly happy. A clever, moody little mystery with big vibes! Looking forward to following this series.
It’s the second in a series but works pretty well as a standalone. The pacing is great, it kept me engaged without ever dragging, and I loved how it captured the society of the time, especially all the dynamics around shame and reputation. It’s dark in places, but also genuinely fun to read… plus there is so much talk about eating biscuits, which made me weirdly happy. A clever, moody little mystery with big vibes! Looking forward to following this series.
February 25, 2026
Historical mystery
I struggled to get into this one but i did percervere with and finished it, i felt it was more of a little historical and less about a murder mystery it was very cozy read read though i did like and this series is a recommended read. Thought it would be abit more faster paced than it was. But i did like that mary shelley and her life pre frankenstein publishing was used got see what she could of been like while she was writing at the being of her writing journey and investigsting is a great mix in it.
I struggled to get into this one but i did percervere with and finished it, i felt it was more of a little historical and less about a murder mystery it was very cozy read read though i did like and this series is a recommended read. Thought it would be abit more faster paced than it was. But i did like that mary shelley and her life pre frankenstein publishing was used got see what she could of been like while she was writing at the being of her writing journey and investigsting is a great mix in it.
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