A Valiant Woman

Tabitha & Wolf Historical Mystery #11

by Sarah F. Noel

After their unexpected detour to Anglesey, Tabitha and Wolf are looking forward to a relaxing summer in Pembroke.

Now that Wolf has embraced his inheritance of the Pembroke title, he finds himself curious about its history. Tabitha surprises him by arranging a private tour of the Pembroke Castle ruins for what was supposed to be a lovely family day out. As they wander the castle grounds, listening to the stories told by the knowledgeable caretaker, Tabitha and Wolf make the shocking discovery of a dead body.

While there seems to be much local interest in explaining the corpse away as a victim of a freak accident, Tabitha can’t shake the idea that there is something far more sinister at work. As she and Wolf begin to investigate, they get pulled into not just a murder case, but a puzzle that is over seven hundred years old and involves the very first Earl of Pembroke.

Can Tabitha and Wolf uncover a murderer even as they find themselves pitted against shadowy forces, their every move watched and danger lurking where they least expect it?

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Cozy Mystery

228 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 9, 2025

Reviews

[Grandma Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a new series and author to me. What a blessed find. Tabitha and Wolf are a wonderful couple. Neither one are typical for their positions in this time period. Quite unconventional, which adds to the fun. I plan to go back and read the series from the beginning. The mystery had me stumped. Outstanding narrator. Highly recommend.

I was blessed with an audio ARC. Thank you NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.

This is a review of the audiobook.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Valiant Woman AUDIO by Sarah F Noel is part of a series, the Tabitha and Wolf Mysteries. This is number eleven in the series but was written well enough to provide much of the back story so could be read independently of the first ten books. Wolf is the Earl of Pembroke, a title he inherited when Tabitha’s first husband died. Theirs is a happy marriage and they spend much of their time together sleuthing. They are joined by Tabitha’s first husband’s mother, the Dowager Countess of Pembroke, who often gets in the way but certainly has her time and her place. In this case, as they are visiting Pembroke Castle, a body is found in an underground area deemed to dangerous to visit, but of course, they did. The man had been stabbed, but after further investigation it turned out he had been poisoned first, then stabbed, probably elsewhere.

This was a cute cozy mystery, historical to boot. Excellent characters, full of quirks and personality. Very well-written. The mystery was excellent and the perpetrator a total surprise. The Dowager Countess was a truly excellent character The “investigation” consisted mainly of talking to people and putting together the clues. There were no chases and only one kidnapping. The overall feel was calm and collected. It was an enjoyable listen.

The story was read by Vicki-Jo Eva who was the perfect choice for this book. She maintained the correct amount of calm and nobility while keeping the characters human.

I was invited to listen to A Valiant Woman by Dreamscape Select. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #DreamscapeSelect #VickiJoEva #SarahFNoel #AValiantWoman

[Regency_Fan_ Michelle RegencyFanMichelleAndMore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of experiencing Sarah F. Noel's writing for the first time in A Valiant Woman, part of the Tabitha and Wolf Mysteries series. The Victorian setting was a highlight for me. The author's writing style is engaging, and the story is well-structured, allowing for a standalone read. The characters are well-developed and quirky, making this cozy historical mystery a delight. The mystery itself was captivating, and the unexpected twist kept me engaged. The Dowager Countess is a memorable character due to her humor. The narrator, Vicki-Jo Eva, did an excellent job. This author is definitely one to watch in the genre.

I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook from Dreamscape Select, and I chose to provide my review. #Netgalley #DreamscapeSelect #VickiJoEva #SarahFNoel #AValiantWoman

[Anna Boliker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being the eleventh installemnt, the book can nevertheless be enjoyed on its own. There is enough background for new readers to catch up. The mystery was not easily solved, but the Group was successful in the end. Beside the mystery, the Group dynamics continues to be amiable and the dowdger being irritating.

The naration was nicely done, although I did have some issues with the audio-file (several repetitions over several chapters). Overall, this was an engaging, well-written and well-narrated historical cozy mystery.

Thanks to netgalley for the aac. Opinions are my own.

[Chia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, what a book! I devoured it in just a couple of hours (of course, it was a grey Sunday, and it was the perfect opportunity).
Despite this being my first T & W's book, I could see how easy it was for them to work together (I mean, apart from being partners in life... being husband and wife, they were the fantastic and brilliant individuals which worked in sync). The mystery was perfectly executed, and when they caught the culprit....
Vicki-Jo Eva was amazing. I really enjoyed her narration.

Thanks for the copy, NetGalley!

[Judith Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

treasures

This latest entry into Tabitha and Wolf’s lives continues their respite in Wales, but they have retired to their home. Of course, a murder is committed and our group is immediately involved. The Dowager and Langley add their talents to the investigation and the search begins. Ms. Noel continues the character development and the story goes on seamlessly. Another great read.

[Laura Prindable · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first read by this author and I was impressed. I loved the Victorian times, the mystery and the process of solving it and the characters. The narrator did a spectacular job.

4 stars

Many thanks to Net Galley and Dreamscape Select for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Roberta Godoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the eleventh book in a series I haven't read, but even so, I managed to understand the whole backstory and still enjoy the characters' adventures as they investigated a murder in the castle.

And the septuagenarian Dowager character is hilarious!

Excellent narration by Vicki-Jo Eva.

I'll go back to the first books to see where the story began!

[Sven · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series continues to be fun, shorter stories with enough mystery and fast pace to keep the reader motivated to turn the pages.

Tabitha and Wolf have a wonderful relationship along with their extended entourage. The mystery was intriguing and there were enough twists and turns that did not make it obvious.

#netgalley #AValiantWoman

[Samantha Seay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite coming to this installment without having read the earlier books, and occasionally feeling a bit adrift amid the characters’ references, I still found myself thoroughly enjoying the story as a whole.

[Susie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical romance at its best

Another great read. Tabitha and Wolf never fail to entertain the reader! And the predictable dowager always lurks in the background.

[Reader]

Another great story, I am now reading the next book,

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a William Marshal, first Earl of Pembroke, scholar is killed in the ruins of Pembroke Castle, the Victorian earl and his lady, Wolf and Tabitha, feel sure something sinister is behind the poisoning. Lots of twelfth century history of Pembrokeshire is revealed as the local antiquarians try to help the police and the aristocrats find the killer. Comic relief arrives in the form of the Dowager Countess, who relishes a good "investigation" and is supremely confident of her own importance. The rules of Victorian society and the atmosphere of southern Wales add to the fun.

[Reba · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first story in the Tabitha and Wolf Mysteries series for me. A Valiant Woman is set in the Victorian era with a well-structured writing that is perfect for standalone reading and is easy to hop into (as this is part 11 of the series). The characters are well-developed and well-formed, making this cozy historical mystery captivating. The mystery itself was intriguing.

*Warning for mention of animal harm in reference to murderous escalation*

Thank you to Netgalley for the free eAudio ARC.