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Un asesinato en su puerta Un Misterio de Tarot y Hojas de Té (Libro Uno)

Asesinato, intriga y hierbas medicinales en el Londres victoriano envuelto en niebla...

Clara Wetherly pensaba que dirigir la botica de su difunta abuela le traería paz—hasta que un hombre envenenado aparece muerto detrás de su tienda y los agentes de policía encuentran uno de sus frascos en la escena del crimen.

El tranquilo mundo de tinturas y tés de Clara se ha convertido en una pesadilla. Marcada como asesina por los periódicos matutinos y confinada bajo arresto domiciliario, tiene dos esperar a su ruina—o demostrar que alguien ha llegado a extremos mortales para incriminarla.

Con su compañero felino Marmalade, un diario fantasmal que se niega a permanecer cerrado, y un inspector irritantemente perspicaz vigilando cada uno de sus movimientos, Clara se sumerge en un misterio entrelazado con planes de expansión ferroviaria, viejas rivalidades y secretos que vale la pena matar por proteger.

En una ciudad de sombras iluminadas por gas, hasta la verdad llega empapada de peligro.

Un cautivador misterio victoriano que ✦ Una protagonista femenina inteligente ✦ Conocimientos auténticos de herboristería ✦ Un toque de elementos paranormales ✦ Un romance de desarrollo lento ✦ La atmósfera envolvente del Londres victoriano

Perfecto para amantes de misterios históricos con heroínas fuertes, tensión gradual y un toque de lo sobrenatural.

292 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 16, 2025

39 people are currently reading
119 people want to read

About the author

Zia Bellamy

23 books10 followers

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5 stars
40 (25%)
4 stars
62 (40%)
3 stars
46 (29%)
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5 (3%)
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2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for  Andrea Milano.
527 reviews59 followers
December 16, 2025
2,5 ⭐
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Un cozy mistery ambientado en el Londres de mitad de siglo XIX con una protagonista que se dedica al mundo de la herboristería y un inspector de Scotland Yard. Entre ellos, un gato color naranja que aporta sus dotes detectivescos y un puñado de vecinos entrometidos.
La historia pintaba interesante; sin embargo, no logré conectar con los personajes ni meterme de lleno en la trama que me pareció incluso un poco aburrida.
Esta novela es el inicio de una saga, pero la verdad es que no tengo ganas de seguirla... Lo siento por Clara, Marmalade y el inspector Redgrave, pero a mí, como lectora, me han perdido.
3 reviews
August 27, 2025
Good book but major flaw in editing and proofreading continuity in story.

The premise of the story and knowledge of the author is good. Easy enough to guess the bad person from first meeting, but the main characters and development of support group is well done. Major flaw happens at chapter 19, it is like the author stopped writing for a while and came back without rereading what had already taken place. Clara (MH) had already come to conclusions and found the clues needed which went with her being a strong sensible character. Chapter 19 comes along with a Duchess and it now seems that Clara needed the Duchess to point out what Clara already had discovered in prior chapters and discussed with others. Then in the confrontation with the bad person we seem to lose pages of interaction as Clara and the murderer are talking and then the detective is there. Description of murderer with physical problems and how Clara attacked them, but we actually didn’t get to read that bit because it isn’t there.
It also seems unlikely that with how close Clara and her Grandmother were supposed to be and all the knowledge passed down that Clara didn’t know that Grandma got herbal supplies from the Duchess? Reads like the Duchess character was a late inclusion and forced to fit hoping we wouldn’t notice how badly the story works around her.
Please authors, have at least 3 honest people read your book completely through after you have reread your own work first.
What would have been an exceptional work is now just frustration in mediocrity.
Profile Image for fred jones.
1,781 reviews11 followers
September 17, 2025
I loved this book. A well written and researched, atmospheric and vivid Victorian cozy mystery. When Clara a Bloomsbury herbalist discovers a body outside her shop she is the prime suspect when murder is suspected. Her investigation leads her into a high level conspiracy, corruption and murder. The characters are strong and well described, the setting covered with impressive detail.I really loved The cat diary entries I always knew they were in charge of us. I cannot recommended this book enough. Worth more than 5*. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Holly Bennett.
Author 3 books3 followers
June 29, 2025
I received an advanced copy for free and these are my own thoughts. A new author for me and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The atmosphere of the mid 1850s is replicated and I liked the characters. Marmalade, the cat, is not over done and a nice side line. The beginning of the book sucks you right in and the second half is intense and exciting. The increase in characters in the second half was quite fun, cozy and charming.

I love herbs, delving into old remedies and appreciated the research the author did. Looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Bailey Williams.
41 reviews
June 15, 2025
A fun, mystery read with great characters and a self-assured guardian cat. A wholesome approach to a murder mystery with multiple crimes and a wrong-fully accused botanical shop owner. Clara transforms thought-out this story from a young, unsure girl to a confident women who trusts in what she knows. Bellamy keeps you guessing on who the true murderer is and gives you a look at 1800s London society and how a group of women band together to find the culprit. Bellamy's attention to detail on herb properties, character development, and sarcastic humor all build together to create a feel good detective story with a hint of magic to draw in all who read this book.
Profile Image for Flora C..
6 reviews1 follower
October 21, 2025
Para los amantes de las tramas Cozy. Lo intenta pero no siempre lo consigue. De todos modos, un librito ingenuo y encantador, que hace de lo previsible y de los lugares comunes su mayor virtud. No repetiré con este tipo de literatura pero reconozco que cumple su función con creces: entretiene!
Profile Image for holybanes.
21 reviews
August 25, 2025
You can see that Clara did not read enough true crime because, girl, with that attitude you will get yourself in even more trouble
I enjoyed this book very much and Marmalade is the best addition to it.
Profile Image for Laurel.
73 reviews8 followers
September 27, 2025
3.5
carino ma con una pessima traduzione, piena di ripetizioni.
Profile Image for Michele Cools.
32 reviews
July 27, 2025
Wat een gezellige en leuke boek om te lezen , als je van mysterie houdt en graag mee zoekt in een boek van wie iets gedaan heeft en of wat er enigsinds aan de hand is, is dit een perfect boek.

Clara heeft een thee en kruidenwinkel geerfd van haar grootmoeder Genevieve . Ze heeft alles geleerd van haar grootmoeder , ook medicinale bereidingen is hier een onderdeel van vooral met botanica . Ze is single en heeft een poes Marmelade . Aangezien er al 3 generaties de winkel runnen gebeuren er toch wel gekke en mysterieuze dingen in de winkel en Marmelade is een poes met een neus voor juiste beslissingen te nemen , maar ook een redder.
Op een nacht gebeurd er iets in het steegje achter haar winkel waar ze in de ochtend een lijk vindt , bij het lijk ligt bewijsmateriaal dat helemaal richting Clara wijst en meteen wordt ze hoofdverdachte. Aangezien onderzoek en niet voldoende bewijs moet Clara niet naar de gevangenis. De gespecialiseerde onderzoeker Dr. Morris van het lijk zet ook al het bewijs richting Clara .
Clara blijft volhouden ook naar inspecteur Redgrave dat ze onschuldig is , ze neemt zelf het onderzoek mee in handen . Al gauw stoot ze op heel wat gebeurtenissen waar ze zelf ook slachtoffer in word.
Gelukkig heeft ze heel veel vrienden die haar helpen en Marmelade. Zo gaat ze op zoek naar de dader en komt ze heel veel dingen te weten waardoor de puzzel helemaal in elkaar past . Redgrave en Clara hun samenwerking maakt hun goede partners in crime. Pakken ze samen de echte dader op, dat lees je allemaal in deze leuke boek.

1 nadeel hoofdstukken zijn soms erg lang , een leuke indeling is wel dat er ook hoofdstukken bij zijn uit het perspectief van de poes Marmelade die haar verhaal ook verteld.

Ik heb er van genoten .
Profile Image for Lu.
554 reviews
June 28, 2025
I really enjoyed this Victorian, cozy mystery set near London. The story line pulled me right in and I was hooked! The characters are believable and interestingly developed. Clara is the charming, knowledgeable protagonist who must clear her name and help solve the murder, whether or not there are risks involved.( Luckily Marmalade looks after Clara.) Then there is the aristocratic ‘by the book’ Scotland Yard Inspector Graham Redgrave. He fits the genre with his inclination to dismiss the help of a woman and then comes to appreciate her input and expertise in the world of botanicals. A nice pairing of personalities that I hope to see more of in the rest of the series.

Marmalade is the quintessential companion for a woman who owns an apothecary and understands how to use botanicals of all types. Marmalade begins telling the story and soon charmed his way into my heart.

The plot moved along nicely and was complex and yet understandable, as all the pieces and suspects were set in place. I enjoyed the supportive women who joined together with Clara to catch the killer and to befriend her in her future endeavors.

I look forward to the next book and to further adventures including Clara and Detective Redgrave (and Marmalade!).

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Paola DG.
337 reviews7 followers
October 10, 2025
Hace rato que tenía ganas de leer un cozy mistery, y gracias a @yoenmodolector encontré este libro 😍

Lo primero que me conquistó fue la portada, y lo segundo, que el nombre de la autora empezaba con Z y lo necesitaba para el reto anual de autores de @nuestrorinconliterario !!!

Este es un libro ambientado en el Londres victoriano, donde Clara, la propietaria de una herboristería familiar, se ve envuelta en una lucha de poderes y muerte, a causa de su negativa a vender la propiedad que heredó de su abuela.

Desde el momento en el que aparece un hombre muerto en su puerta trasera, se convierte en la principal sospechosa de un crimen. Y se da cuenta enseguida que si quiere salir ilesa de esa situación, debe defenderse ella misma, y es por eso que, con la inestimable ayuda de su gato Marmalade, y del fantasma de su abuela, comienza a usar sus conocimientos y sus contactos para realizar una investigación paralela.

Es una historia muy tierna, que me conquistó desde el primer momento 😍 A pesar de que no soy amante de los gatos, amé a Marmalade! Es lo más!

Si tienen ganas de un cozy mistery, se los súper recomiendo, ya que se desarrolla en una época muy interesante, nos introduce en el mundo de las plantas medicinales, el tarot y las enseñanzas que traspasan generaciones de una forma tan natural, que terminé con muchas ganas de aprender más de todos estos temas 😍
Profile Image for Suzanne.
53 reviews
August 22, 2025
This book was a very enjoyable cozy with an intelligent, independent female protagonist whose companion is a smart cat named Marmalade, who subtly assists as much as he can in the mystery-solving. Clara is working hard to keep her herbal apothecary thriving in 1850's London, not a time known for supporting independent women in business. There is, of course, a murder, and that brings Inspector Redgrave from Scotland Yard to investigate what appears at first glance to be a poisoning committed by Clara. The more I read, the more I was rooting for them all, and for the lovely cast of supportive characters. I found myself crying some happy tears as the story unfolded. I felt as if I knew these folks and I am so looking forward to meeting them again.

A very interesting thread throughout the book were the herbal medicinal/therapeutic properties and remedies for various ailments, as was the author's gift of a "recipe" for modern use, which I hope to try. Having been involved in the medical field for donkey's years, I recognized several plants that are still in use today in modern medicine.

Thank you to BookSirens for providing this advance reader copy for review consideration. I am leaving this review voluntarily and all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Sam.
511 reviews4 followers
July 22, 2025
he disfrutado mucho el libro. El ambiente que crea. Cómo funciona la mente de Clara... Pero reconozco que le falta una buena pasada de edición (contradicciones graves, fundamentalmente, nivel no puedo escuchar una conversación a través de una ventana, pero me oyen jadear; o cierro la puerta con llave al entrar y en el párrafo siguiente ha entrado alguien detrás de mí y recorre la casa antes de salir... Pero también cosas pequeñas como dos conclusiones opuestas en el mismo párrafo, con apariencia de querer decir lo mismo hasta que te fijas. Y repeticiones, conclusiones del misterio a las que llegan y parece que se les olvidan... Expresiones traducidas literalmente en lugar de interpretadas...) Pero, bueno, en general está bien y crea un ambiente bonito y agradable.
Profile Image for Jackie Welcel.
446 reviews6 followers
July 25, 2025
This was a good read. If you like books set in Victorian times with very smart females you would definitely enjoy this. A murder occurs in 1856 in the alley behind Clara's herbal apothecary shop. A detective from Scotland Yard investigates and Clara is a prime suspect. They need absolute proof of any suspicions. Now there would be cameras everywhere to catch the culprits. Cell phones to call for help, and DNA evidence for positive proof. I like that so many of the women worked together and were strong characters. Inspector Redgrave looks like he may need more help so I will eagerly read the next books in the series. I wish there were shops like Clara's today for us.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
1,019 reviews5 followers
December 22, 2025
Can Clara clear her name and prove she wasn’t involved in murder?

After her grandmother passed, Clara took over running the herbalist shop generations of women in her family ran. At times, Clara swears she can sense her grandmother’s presence in the shop. Then a man is found dead in the alley behind her shop, with one of her bottles. No surprise when she ends up as the main suspect in the man’s death, especially since he came into her shop that day. I really did enjoy this story. As I read it, I easily pictured the Victorian era with the language, the clothing, the furnishings and all the other details Zia Bellamy incorporated in her story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
1,019 reviews5 followers
December 23, 2025
Can Clara clear her name and prove she wasn’t involved in murder?

After her grandmother passed, Clara took over running the herbalist shop generations of women in her family ran. At times, Clara swears she can sense her grandmother’s presence in the shop. Then a man is found dead in the alley behind her shop, with one of her bottles. No surprise when she ends up as the main suspect in the man’s death, especially since he came into her shop that day. I really did enjoy this story. As I read it, I easily pictured the Victorian era with the language, the clothing, the furnishings and all the other details Zia Bellamy incorporated in her story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Melanie Ollila.
301 reviews6 followers
June 1, 2025
I enjoyed this cozy Victorian mystery set in the 1850s.

Clara is a very wise and intelligent FMC that owns and operates an apothecary that has been handed down by the women of her family.

I think the character development was good, while slightly predictable on the whodunnit still interesting on how it all connected. I like the intrigue of the investigator and how he slowly came to appreciate the abilities of the women in London.

There were definitely several dangling threads to pull for an ongoing series surrounding the characters introduced.

And learning about the herbalism of the apothecary was very interesting!
Profile Image for Martina Wolfová.
Author 5 books24 followers
September 12, 2025
Poslouchala jsem knihu jako audio na YT a moc se mi to líbilo. Viktoriánská Anglie; mladá bylinkářka a apatykářka Clara, která se stává podezřelou z vraždy a odvážně (až někdy trochu zbrkle) se pouští do pátrání po skutečném vrahovi, aby očistila vlastní jméno; striktní inspektor Redgrave ze Scotland Yardu, který je ovšem obdařen dostatečně otevřenou myslí; jeden velmi všímavý a neohrožený kocour Marmelade a lehký závan levandulového parfému Clařiny babičky, která podle všeho dohlíží na svou vnučku a následovnici i z onoho světa - to vše vytváří takový mix, že mě to chytlo od začátku a bavilo až do samotného konce :-D
Profile Image for fred jones.
1,781 reviews11 followers
September 17, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I loved this book. A well written and researched, atmospheric and vivid Victorian cozy mystery. When Clara a Bloomsbury herbalist discovers a body outside her shop she is the prime suspect when murder is suspected. Her investigation leads her into a high level conspiracy, corruption and murder. The characters are strong and well described, the setting covered with impressive detail.I really loved The cat diary entries I always knew they were in charge of us. I cannot recommended this book enough. Worth more than 5*
Profile Image for Rose A. Jacobs.
58 reviews2 followers
December 14, 2025
Adorable cozy mystery with an equally cozy Victorian London setting filled with intrigue. When Clara discovers a dead body outside her herbal shop she becomes the prime suspect and one the detective is skeptic to trust. Soon they start working together and I loved the mysterious sex appeal that the detective exhumed. Not sure if these two will get together (as this is a first in the series) but I would love to see their relationship flourish. I adored the cat, Marmalade, in which we are in her pov about how humans don’t pick up on clues right in front of their noses. Adorbs! Would have loved to hear more from Marmalade. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Lori.
1,760 reviews5 followers
July 1, 2025
First I must apologize for being so tardy in my review. Note to self, don't sign up for books when moving across the country!

This was a new to me author and I really enjoyed her writing style. I enjoyed watching the characters grow and loved Marmalade! The writing was descriptive enough that I could see the characters and the scenes, but not flowery.

I loved watching the local women all gather together to help Clara investigate the murder. Although the detective was a typical 1800's gentleman, I liked him.

I look forward to seeing these characters in more books.
Profile Image for Katha.
4 reviews
July 20, 2025
I really liked the book a lot. It has a unique atmosphere, great characters, a wonderful cat, and a dash of paranormal activity. It is a cozy mystery, but there is also suspense. And an apothecary shop in Victorian London is a wonderful setting. Unfortunately, though, the editing is not very good. There are sentences that are repeated, one scene is written twice, and a part of the final confrontation is missing. Therefore, I had to deduct a star. But I still recommend the book a lot. If you can live with these errors, it will be a great read.
Profile Image for Me Christine Crawley.
158 reviews1 follower
August 26, 2025
This is an engaging and atmospheric tale set in Victorian London, the scene setting was exquisite and very visual. The characters are well-written and easy to imagine, there is plenty of intrigue and the book keeps you guessing.

I enjoyed Clara's journey throughout the book as she finds resilience to defend herself, and I love the support she finds along the way, I also enjoyed the way Clara works on those not too keen on her. A great, cozy, murder mystery.

I chose to read this book and received an ARC, my review is done voluntarily.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,535 reviews13 followers
December 21, 2025
An intriguing beginning

Very fun book. Extra special because we get Marmalade’s pov, it is a cats world and we’re just living in it lol. I know it may seem weird but if you’ve ever read a Women’s Murder Club book when the ladies are plotting to trap the killer I totally felt that same vibe. Just in 1800’s England. A very clever plot and with a complex conspiracy driving it. I did knock it down a star because there were some repetitive bits where information was discovered and then discussed more than once. Other than that a whimsical and entertaining story!
5 reviews1 follower
September 5, 2025
As far as I can tell this novel is completely self written and published, and for the lack of a team… this is very very well written. Yes, it could benefit from some revision at parts. Some things are repetitively explained in too close succession. But overall I really enjoyed the writing style, especially in comparison to the infantile nature of most cozy mysteries. Really good storytelling. And the concept was very enjoyable. I have purchased the second book in paperback.
Profile Image for Diya Narayan.
28 reviews
October 22, 2025
This book feels like slipping into a warm, foggy evening, mysterious, comforting, and full of intrigue. It’s the kind of story one savors with chamomile tea and a cozy blanket. Clara’s quiet wit and the soft pull of history make it engaging, even as the twists unfold slowly, like secrets shared in confidence.
Profile Image for Gloria.
2,032 reviews12 followers
July 17, 2025
Very enjoyable Victorian cozy murder. When a man is found murdered behind Clara's shop. She becomes the prime suspect. She decides to find the murderer with the help of the Ladies of Bloomsbury, her cat, and her deceased grandmother.
105 reviews
August 24, 2025
Entretenido. Es molesto que den vueltas y vueltas sobre lo mismo en la investigación y con cada pista que les lleva al mismo sitio digan: "vaya, no me lo esperaba".
Marmalade es el mejor personaje del mundo. 😸
Profile Image for BOOKSISTERSWORLD BOOKSISTERS.
152 reviews2 followers
August 26, 2025
image of my own world

I loved the story and found it very close to mine, I can relate in so many ways, it gave me ideas and somehow a new interpretation of signs in my own life. Loved it more than words can say.
649 reviews
September 29, 2025
A new author for me but one I will certainly follow. This is a nice start of a nice Victorian cozy mystery. I really enjoyed it.
I received a review copy and I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews

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