Blackmailed

Browns of Butcher’s Hill #2

by Holly Bush

Phillip Brown’s sister discovers a dead man, shot in the back, behind the dress shop she where she’s employed. Sarah Brown begs her brother to find out who has shot the man as the shop owner is fearful and harassed, caught up in the dead man’s crimes. The investigation leads Brown to danger from a notorious dockside fence. While uncovering the murder, his supervisor demands he investigate thefts at his home, the man convinced his servants are thieves. Brown uncovers the true culprit with the help of the daughter of the owner of the Wiest Cannery.

Virginia Wiest has recovered from a frightening abduction and returned from a long European holiday where she has allowed herself to heal, if she could only dismiss Phillip Brown, her rescuer, from her mind. She is able to help him discover who is selling artifacts from his supervisor’s home through her society contacts. But there is no doubt Phillip Brown will be furious with her when he finds out she has placed herself in danger on the docks in an effort to keep him safe.

This historical mystery includes a Happy for Now (HFN) conclusion.

Genres: Historical

208 pages, ebook

Published August 19, 2025

About the author

“Love always has something to say. Sometimes it shouts from the highest hill, and sometimes it whispers so softly one must listen closely to hear. Do not turn away. It is a rare and precious commodity. Treasure it.” The Gentrys of Paradise

Holly's newest series is a historical mystery set in Baltimore in 1867, The Browns of Butcher's Hill. The first book is available called Kidnapped. Blackmailed releases in August of 2025 and Murdered in November of 2025.


Holly's historical romances are set in the US during the turbulent and transformative years of the late 1800’s.

The Thompsons of Locust Street, Philadelphia, chronicles five siblings from Scotland with some danger and mystery surrounding their move to America. The series order is The Bachelor's Bride, The Bareknuckle Groom, The Professor's Lady, and The Captain's Woman. The final book in the series will release in 2024.

The Gentrys of Paradise begins with the novella Into the Evermore where readers meet Virginia horse breeders, Eleanor and Beauregard Gentry. The following books feature their children, Adam, Matthew, and Olivia in For the Brave, For This Moment, and For Her Honor.

The Crawford Family Series following the fortunes of the three Boston born Crawford sisters and includes Train Station Bride, Contract to Wed, Her Safe Harbor, and companion novella, The Maid’s Quarters.

Cross the Ocean and Charming the Duke are both British set Victorian romances. Fan favorites stand-alone historical romance novels include Romancing Olive and Reconstructing Jackson. Holly's books are described as ‘emotional, with heartfelt, sexy romance.’

She also writes General Fiction under the name of Hollis Bush.

Holly makes her home with her husband, one happy Labrador Retriever, a clever Jack Russell rescued from the pound, and two difficult cats in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Connect with Holly at www.hollybushbooks.com, on Twitter @hollybushbooks, and on Facebook at Holly Bush. Follow Holly on her Amazon author page to receive new release updates and on BookBub to check out her reviews and get sale information.

Reviews

[Jonetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

the setup…
Things have settled down following the events in the prior story. Virginia Wiest, daughter of Phillip Brown’s employer, has returned from her extended European stay healed and even more invigorated. Phillip’s life has been fairly uneventful until his sister Sarah finds the body of a man behind the dress shop where she works and she enlists his help. While he’s a floor manager at the Wiest Oyster Cannery, Phillip, is well known on Butcher’s Hill as the go-to man when someone is in trouble. The dress shop owner has gotten in over her head with the dead man and is now fearful for her life. Meanwhile, Phillip’s manager has also asked for his help with a personal matter. Someone is stealing items from his household and he wants the thief identified. But Phillip never expects to collide with a blackmail scheme.

the heart of the story…
Phillip’s investigation of the dress shop dead man leads him down some seriously treacherous paths but he’s got plenty of game. When Virginia overhears some of the details regarding the home thefts, she inserts herself as it involves those at her society level. The attraction between these two continues to grow and the romance progresses in a way completely in tandem with the period.

the bottom line…
I got a strong sense of the 1867 Philadelphia setting, from the workplace, to societal norms, fashion and level of danger. From Pinkerton detectives to a US Speaker of the House, I was swept up in the period as much as the mysteries and thrills. I enjoyed the combination of the historical elements (well researched) and the two gnarly cases. I’m looking forward to what’s next for this couple.

Posted on Blue Mood Café

(Thanks to the author for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 - 4 stars

Blackmailed, the second instalment in the enthralling historical mystery series The Browns of Butcher’s Hill, penned by Holly Bush, plunges readers into a richly detailed world of suspense and intrigue. Set against the backdrop of the late 1860s, this narrative intricately weaves unexpected twists into a multilayered plot that grips the reader from the very first page.

The story centres around Phillip, a determined and resourceful gentleman, who embarks on a harrowing quest to uncover the identity of a killer at the urgent behest of his spirited sister. However, the situation quickly becomes perilous; each clue reveals a deeper layer of deceit, leaving them both on edge as they navigate threats that loom around every corner.

Virginia, a headstrong and resourceful lady of means, steps in to assist Phillip, leveraging her opulent social connections to aid their cause. Yet beneath her confident exterior, she harbors a tender admiration for the stoic Phillip, which could complicate their mission. Determined to make a difference, she proves time and again that her tenacity is as formidable as the peril they face.

As they delve deeper into the mystery, they soon realise that their search may uncover not only the nefarious killer but also thieves lurking just beneath the surface. Are the two intertwined, or does a darker force threaten to shatter their world? Join Phillip and Virginia as they courageously pursue the truth, unsure of what dangers their journey might unveil.

[Joanne Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holly Bush’s Blackmailed is a tightly plotted historical mystery rich with period detail, emotional depth, and the slow-burning embers of a romance that refuses to be extinguished. Set against the vivid backdrop of Gilded Age Philadelphia, this installment in the Gilded Age mystery series continues to deliver the compelling blend of intrigue and character-driven drama that fans have come to expect.

The novel opens with an urgent plea for help: Phillip Brown’s sister, Sarah, stumbles upon a murdered man behind the dress shop where she works, a discovery that unravels far more than a simple act of violence. Drawn into the dangerous world of stolen goods and dockside crime, Phillip finds himself not only navigating the murky underworld of the city but also contending with the elite’s secrets. Meanwhile, he’s pulled into another case—a theft at his own supervisor’s home, where suspicion unjustly falls on the household staff.

Bush weaves these dual mysteries together with seamless precision, drawing connections between the crimes while exploring the social dynamics of the time, particularly class boundaries and the precarious positions of women and servants. Phillip Brown is a grounded and likable protagonist, principled yet flawed, and deeply affected by his past—including his unresolved feelings for Virginia Wiest.

Virginia, once a damsel in distress, returns to this novel as a woman transformed. After a long recuperation from a traumatic abduction, she is determined not to be a passive figure in her own life or in Phillip’s investigation. Through her high-society connections, she proves instrumental in uncovering a key element of the theft case. Her daring actions—particularly her foray into the dangerous docks—add tension and emotional stakes to the narrative, especially as she risks both her safety and her fragile connection to Phillip.

The romance between Virginia and Phillip simmers beneath the surface, never overwhelming the mystery but enriching it with emotional resonance. Bush handles their relationship with care and restraint, allowing the reader to feel the tension, longing, and mutual respect between them without resorting to melodrama.

What sets Blackmailed apart is Holly Bush’s deft handling of historical context. Her prose brings 19th-century Philadelphia vividly to life—from the bustling docks and back alleys to the refined drawing rooms of high society. The class disparities and societal expectations of the time are not just background; they’re integral to the plot and character motivations.

In Blackmailed, Bush delivers a clever, satisfying mystery with a heart. Fans of historical fiction, slow-burn romance, and character-driven whodunits will find much to love in this book. Whether you’re a longtime follower of Phillip Brown’s investigations or a newcomer to the series, Blackmailed offers both an engaging standalone mystery and a rewarding continuation of familiar relationships.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up to 4

Phillip Brown is back with his fingers in all the crime-stopping pies, although thankfully, this time around, he spends a lot less time being beaten up.

Mr Everly (snooty arse from the first book who works directly above Phillip and makes his life hell) requires assistance. Items have been disappearing from his house for some time, and he is certain that one of the staff is to blame. Honestly, I’d have told him where to go and sling his hook, but Phillip agrees to help him, beginning his investigation. Meanwhile, Coleen Hughes (Maid and close confidant of Virginia Wiest) is sent to Dolly Irving's Dress store to get some more clothes at Virginia's behest, where she and Sarah Brown (Phillips' sister) come across the body of a man who has been shot. Obviously, Sarah recruits her brother to look into the murder, worried about her employer, Dolly, who seems stricken by the man's death, and fearing for her own life. Virginia also gets involved because, bless her, how could she not? Their investigation leads them into the underbelly of Baltimore, Maryland, where there are thieves and crooks aplenty, and where imminent danger threatens the budding love blossoming between Phillip and Virginia.

I really liked this instalment in the Browns of Butcher Hill Series. I think I may have enjoyed it more than the first one. The pace and the action are still there, but I will say that it did linger a bit more with characters, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I have a new ship! Thomas and Sarah absolutely have to get together (Sorry, Prosperi). The little hints at their affection for each other were really nice; however, I think I would have liked more time with these two, so that their relationship could be fleshed out a bit more. The same, I think, could be said for Virginia and Phillip; the little moments we had of them together were darling and adorable, but I do feel that moments could have lingered a bit more, and there would have been no threat of slowing down the story or the action. I enjoyed the sneaky little blossoming romance between Mr Wiest and Mrs Shugars (that man deserves to be happy); however, more hints earlier on might have been nice, although I completely understand Bush wanting to focus on the main storyline.

I enjoyed the mystery in this one, and there were some little twists that I didn’t see coming, especially at the Everly household (Mrs Everly, you sly fox). All in all, this was an enjoyable read and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a light mystery that’s fast-paced and full of heart.

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series that I enjoyed reading. I highly suggest reading the previous book as well to help enhance your enjoyment of this author and characters. One of the things that I enjoy most about this author is their ability to pull me into the characters' world and keep you engaged throughout. Their creative characters that bring the story to life also will jump into your heart. This is a well written story about Virginia and Phillp. Their story starts when Phillip’s sister finds a dead body who convinces Phillip to find the murderer. This is where Phillip gets busy with two different investigations. Then you have Virgina who Phillip saved but she can’t stop thinking about him. She finds danger on the dock that Phillip doesn’t know about. Don’t miss what happens to these two for sure. I enjoyed how the author was able to keep everything in this story engaging and I didn’t get lost. I also enjoyed the characters in this story and how supportive they were of each other. They are connectable, relatable and had me wanting to know more which made the story easy to read. I enjoyed watching the growth of these characters throughout which added to the story’s entertainment value. This is a fast paced, hard to put down story that will have you turning pages to the end. I enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend it.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable and engaging historical mystery romance which kept me happily turning the pages. Having enjoyed the first book in this entertaining series, I was pleased to be back with the realistic characters. Having found a dead man behind the dress shop where she works Sarah asks her brother, Phillip Brown, to investigate who shot him. Meanwhile, Phillip’s supervisor is convinced that his servants are stealing from him and demands that he investigate.

Having returned from her European holiday and recovered from her frightening abduction, Virginia Wiest cannot forget about her rescuer Phillip Brown. She is able to use her society contacts to help him discover the culprit who has been selling his supervisor’s artefacts. When his murder investigation leads him to a dangerous and notorious dockside, Philip is furious to discover that Virginia has put herself in danger in order to keep him safe.

Once again I was fully immersed in the story as the setting is brought to life through the descriptive narrative. The added historical details also transported me back in time and place. The developing romance between Philip and Virginia is an added bonus alongside the mystery element of the story. I’m hoping as this had a ‘Happy For Now’ ending that there will be a third book in this series.

[Kristi McChurin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holly Bush has once again delivered a story that blends family loyalty, romance, and high-stakes drama in a way that keeps you hooked from start to finish. Blackmailed is part of The Browns of Butcher’s Hill series, and it dives right into the heart of passion, betrayal, and the lengths people will go to protect those they love.

From the very first pages, I was drawn into the tension surrounding the Browns. The heroine is strong, smart, and determined—a woman who knows her own mind but also has vulnerabilities that make her relatable. The hero is equally compelling, and the push-and-pull between them made the romance all the more satisfying. Their chemistry practically leaps off the page, but what I loved most was the emotional depth behind their story.

Bush doesn’t just write a love story; she weaves together family ties, secrets, and difficult choices in a way that makes you care deeply about the outcome. The pacing is brisk, the dialogue sharp, and the historical setting adds a rich backdrop without ever weighing down the story.

I found myself reading late into the night, telling myself, “just one more chapter.” By the time I turned the final page, I was both satisfied and eager for more from this series. If you enjoy historical romance with a perfect balance of heat, heart, and drama, Blackmailed is one you won’t want to miss.

[Kerry carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Browns of Butchers Hill series. I do recommend reading these books in order because even though they deal with different mysteries the main investigative characters are the same. These books are great if you love cosy historal mysteries. The author does an amazing job of transporting the reader back to that time period and making it come alive. There is also an element of Romance which is very sweet to read.

We are back with Philip Brown, his sister and Virginia Wiest.

When Philip's sister finds a man murdered outside the shop she works at she enlists her brother to find the murder as her boss seems concerned and very fearful. Could the man's activities before his death come back to haunt her boss and place them all in danger?

Virginia Wiest has returned after her break to recover from her abduction (first book) but one thing she can't remove is the face of the man who saved her Philip Brown. When Virginia finds out Philip is investigating the servants of his boss for a theif she uses her connections to help the investigation along. But how will Philip react when he realises that she has placed herself in danger again but this time to protect him?

This was another captivating story that kept me turning the pages from beginning to end

[V P · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, especially after having read the first one in the series. It pulled me right in with Sarah discovering the dead man behind the dress shop and begging Phillip to help. That mix of family loyalty, danger on the docks, and the added pressure from his supervisor’s suspicions about theft at home gave the whole story a layered, fast-moving feel that kept me engaged.

Phillip continues to be such a solid lead—steady, protective, and determined, even when things get dangerous. And I loved how Virginia was woven back into the story after her own recovery. Her society connections ended up being the perfect counterbalance to Phillip’s investigations, even if she couldn’t resist putting herself in danger to help him. Their dynamic added both tension and heart, and it made me root for them all over again.

The ending did come a little quicker than I expected, but instead of feeling let down, it just left me excited to see where the series goes next. It’s the kind of book that keeps you turning pages and then wishing there was one more chapter waiting for you.

[Tausha Treadway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blackmailed (The Browns of Butcher's Hill) by Holly Bush. I am loving this series and while this can be read as a standalone I highly recommend reading them in order to get a better feel for the characters and story line. It's the story of Phillip's sister, Sarah,who has found a dead body behind her shop and wants Phillip to find out who killed this man. Phillip has also been asked by grouchy Mr. Everly to find out who has been stealing things from his house. He believes its one of his staff but he wants Phillip to prove it. Virginia is also at the shop when Sarah finds the murdered victim and she has to snoop as well. Virginia also can't stop thinking about Phillip since he saved her. The investigation leads them all into the ugly underbelly of Baltimore and in way more danger than they are aware. Will they discover who the murderer is before they become victims and will the love between Phillip and Virginia continue to grow. I can't wait for the next book in the series. Great historical mystery!

[Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blackmailed is the second book in The Browns of Butcher’s Hill series of historical mysteries. I particularly love the historical Baltimore setting of this series as I’ve often visited the city and it’s cool to learn more about its past! I’d recommend starting with the first book, Kidnapped, to get to know the characters and their circumstances before diving into this story.

Blackmailed is another great mystery with lots of threads to unravel and plenty of action along the way! There always seemed to be more to everything we learnt than first meets the eye and it was fun to get to the bottom of the mystery.

I like that there’s a strong cast of supporting characters who get involved in their story like Colleen Hughes, Virginia’s maid. They give the story more depth as we are drawn into the experiences of characters from various walks of life.

Blackmailed gets five stars from me! I’d recommend The Browns of Butcher’s Hill to fans of historical mystery, particularly if you’re interested in life in the USA in the late 19th Century.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read other books by this author and so when I saw this book, I knew it would be a good read, and I was right! I did not realize that this was book 2, but the author did a great job of making it easy to follow, but I still want to read book 1. I enjoy historical mysteries, and this one was a fast-paced story that drew me in and kept me reading until the last page. I enjoyed the relationship between Phillip and Virgina, I liked that she didn’t let the terror from her abduction stop her from jumping into helping Phillip with his investigations into the dead body and the stolen items from his boss. Despite knowing that he would be furious, Virgina still chose to put herself in a dangerous position to help the investigation. The author did a great job of creating realistic characters and descriptive narrative, making you really feel as though you are right there with the characters. I am hoping that there will be more books in the series as this is a great storyline and characters.

[Heidi Sturgess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read the first book I was looking forward to this read …. Loving the cover art and you do feel like you’re transported in time but part of me doesn’t want to believe that crime existed in “ the good old days “ 🙈 but sadly it did …,,


Phillip’s sister , Sarah , discovers a body behind the dress store where she works and she’s really distressed and turns to her big brother Phillip to help bring those responsible to justice ….

Virgina is roped in to help and she’s just returned from her trip abroad and seems to have settled after her nasty experience of being kidnapped , one would think after that she’d stay out of trouble but no , Virginia actually puts herself in danger 🤷‍♀️🙈

There was a dash of romance to lighten the tension a bit but I must say Virgina and Phillip make a good team , her social connections really came in handy as well 😉

I wonder if there’ll be more to follow 🤷‍♀️🤞

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Blackbird by Holly Bush, especially the way it mixes a solid historical mystery with a thread of romance. The story hooked me right away when Phillip Brown’s sister found a dead man behind the dress shop where she works. From there, Phillip is drawn into a tangle of investigations—one tied to the murder, the other to thefts at his supervisor’s home. I liked how the mystery wove together different layers of society, from the docks to the drawing rooms, and how Phillip’s sense of duty kept pushing him into more danger.

Virginia Wiest was a standout character for me. After everything she’s been through, I admired her determination to heal and move forward, even while still drawn to Phillip, her rescuer. Her bravery—and maybe a touch of stubbornness—puts her in risky situations, but it also shows how much she wants to help. Watching her use her society connections to aid Phillip made me root for her even more, even though I was nervous about the consequences.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holly Bush has a way of pulling you into the story and you find yourself reading an entire book in one setting! This is the second book in the series, and I strongly recommend you read these in order to get the proper backstory.

This is a very loyal, passionate, crime-fighting family who once again finds themselves in the midst of a mystery. Sarah finds a dead man at the back of the dress shop where she is employed. Virginia can't seem to get Phillip off her mind. Together, the three of them work to solve a mystery of death, but also of love, family, and the ties that bind.

I can't leave this review without commenting on the beautiful cover of this novel!! I love the yellow dress and the scene that is displayed! It's one thing that drew me to this book and this series.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 out of 5 stars

Holly Bush has done it again. Book 2 in The Brown’s of Butcher’s Hill series, Phillip and Virginia are at it again. Following her kidnapping and European holiday to recoup, Virginia returns in time to help Phillip investigate who is stealing artifacts from his supervisor’s home. As with the first book, Phillip and Virginia put their sleuthing skills to work to try and uncover who is behind the thefts. While investigating, Phillip’s sister, Sarah, discovers a dead man at her place of employment. The trio sets out to uncover the mystery of this man’s death, all while Phillip and Virginia are trying to uncover the thief. The book ends with a good ending, but you can tell the author left it open for another book. I really hope she writes more about Phillip, Virginia, and Sarah. Excellent reading!

[Ashleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blackmailed is the second installment in Holly Bush’s “Browns of Butcher’s Hill series. Following Phillip Brown’s sister, Sarah. Sarah knows that she needs to help her boss figure out who killed this man, and the first person she thinks of is her brother to help her. Phillip and Virginia will have to work together quickly to solve this crime and help the shop owner out of trouble as well. While they are drawn into a precarious situation on the dark side of dock workers.
Blending historical mystery and cozy romance, this book gives you just the right mix of everything to give the characters room to flourish. Romance simmers, there is danger around every corner, and the twists will keep you on edge until the very last page. I highly recommend you read book 1 in this series first to understand all the players, but this is one series you do not want to miss out on.

[Amanda Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the historical, mystery, romance The Browns of Butcher’s Hill series. This book can be easily read as a stand alone without being lost. I recommend reading the first, as the characters are so rich and varied, it is good to have the backstory. This story has two mysteries for our protagonist, Mr. Brown to solve, one more dangerous than the other, as he works to solve a murder and a trail of missing items from the home of his employer. Mr. Brown gets a lot of help a long the way, and he is none too pleased that a big assist comes from his romantic interest, Virginia. This is a mystery that draws you back in time with a pace that is anything but slow.
This historical mystery includes a Happy for Now (HFN) conclusion. I love this new (to me) genre, how intriguing, I see a book 3 in the future!

[Dawn Daughenbaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars
Blackmailed (The Browns of Butcher’s Hill Book 2) By Holly Bush


Blackmailed is the second book in The Browns of Butcher's Hill Series . This is a Historical Mystery/ Romance that once I started reading I had a hard time putting it down. I’m a Historical Mystery/Romance fan and this author does an amazing job of pulling you into their world and the attention to detail along with fully developed characters make for a wonderful story. This is a story about Philip and Virginia. There’s a mans body found behind a local business. Now we must figure out how he got murdered and by who? This is a fast paced story that has plenty of twists that will keep you turning the pages till the end. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. Im looking forward to reading more from this Author.

[Shannen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a thrilling historical mystery that has the perfect mix of danger, intrigue, and a bit of romance. The characters are very well developed, and the world building is top notch. The plot is packed with twists and turns, and the historical setting adds an extra layer of depth. Virginia and Phillip have incredible chemistry that is palpable. This story doesn’t really delve into a full-blown romance, but I still found myself rooting for them to figure things out. There are multiple mysteries to solve and investigations sometimes take Phillip down a dangerous path and into a tangled web of crime. The author does give us some sense of closure in the conclusion while still leaving room for future possibilities. If you’re a fan of historical mysteries with a touch of suspense, you will definitely enjoy this one!

[Jennifer P Ramos · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first Holly Bush read, and it was good despite starting at the second book of the series. This book is an excellent mix of historical fiction and a murder mystery. Bush does a great job of grabbing the reader’s attention from the start. Themes include romance, drama, and family, which keep you captivated throughout. The story focuses on Phillip and solving the next mystery at his hands, more dangerous and closer than he knows, behind the shop where his sister, Sarah, works. Virginia comes back from the previous book and pushes him to investigate the identity of the dead man further, but the closer they inch towards the situation at hand, the more threats come their way. As the investigation moves forward, so does the lost connection between Phillip and Virginia on how they feel for one another. Characters are depicted in such an excellent, detailed manner and are relatable as well.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Blackmailed is the second book in The Browns of Butcher’s Hill series by Holly Bush. It’s a character driven, richly woven historical cosy mystery - with a dash of romantic tension, dramatic developments, family dynamics, intrigue, charm, danger, and more.
We pick up again with Phillip Brown, Virginia Wiest, and Sarah Brown – all of whom we met in the first book – and who find themselves drawn into another investigation after Sarah discovers a body outside her workplace. There is a bit of a tangled web to unravel, challenges to overcome – not to mention the danger lurking close at hand. So, get set, things are about to get tense.
Another fun cosy mystery from Holly Bush.
Looking forward to continuing the series.
Happy Reading…

[Jessica Condra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving this series! The historical fiction has everything: action, suspense, and romance. I enjoyed the continued character development with some of our main characters, namely Philip Brown and Virginia. There is also a strong cast of supporting characters much like the first book that makes the story more enjoyable. The author does a great job crafting an intertwined set of mysteries that keeps the reader engaged—this is an attention-grabbing, page-turner! You will not be disappointed picking up this book! It can be read as a standalone, thought it is part of a series and I highly recommend the first one as well. If you’re looking for an enjoyable, engaging historical mystery with some romance, run to this one!

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is part of a series. However, I have not read any other books in the series, and I followed the book just fine. This historical fiction follows Virginia Wiest and Phillip Brown. Like most fiction of this type, this book was clean and sweet which I greatly enjoyed. Phillip is of a lower class and is a hobbyist detective. His sister asks him to help her friend, and his manager asks him to help out with a thief in his household. The mysteries were fun to watch unravel and see how they intertwined. Phillip feels as if he isn't good enough for Virginia who is of a higher class than he is. But the feelings are mutual, and it was cute to watch them grow closer together. A fun book that’s worth reading!

[Anantha Rusum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a fan of mysteries and I love historic mysteries especially because the means of doing and solving the crime are a lot more logical than scientific. I did not read the first installment, so the characters were all established, but we jump straight to action.
Philip’s sister finds a man murdered outside the shop she works at. She approaches her brother to solve the crime. Virginia west wants to return the favor to Philip Brown by assisting him to solve the murder. Together they embark on a perilous journey. As they unveil one mystery, they find more and more danger lurking round the corner. Can they solve the mystery and escape unscathed? It is a very captivating read and I enjoyed every bit of it.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

How far would you go to protect your family and friends? Sarah is a strong independent heroine in this story.The story is built around Phillip and Virginia's will to get answers. To who shot and killed the man at the back of the shop. The owner is being harassed and caught up in the dead man's crimes. Who really did this? Who and why was the man killed? This historical story is not something I normally read. The first book in this series caught my eye and now I need to follow the series. This author writes a well rounded and intriguing story. She kept me reading this high energy story. I loved it. The story has the best ending as well. A real HFN conclusion.

[Kirsten Berkebile · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept me on my toes. It’s like a western meets Sherlock Holmes kind of read. Phillip Brown works at the Cannery for Mr. Everly and Mr. Wiest. However someone has been stealing valuable treasures from Mr. Everly and he has hired Phillip Brown to find out who has been stealing. In the process, of that he also asked by his sister to solve a murder of a known thief. The question that you are thinking about is. Was the known thief the one stealing the valuable treasures or was it someone else entirely? You will have to read the book to find out that answer because I am not giving the answer away!

[Jennifer Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving this series, I have enjoyed both books. They keep getting better and better as they go. I love the characters and the storyline. Phillip will do anything to protect Virginia, even though she is stubborn and doesn't know how to listen and stay out of harms way. Phillip sister finds a dead man at her works alley way and she wants Phillip to find out who killed him. Virginia once again helps him figure out who done it and why. I hope to read more of this series, loving the Historical Mystery Novels. So far this is my favorite series.

[Kerry Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a brilliant follow up to the first and the story is just as exciting. It kick starts immediately and we find Phillip investigating two different cases. It was interesting watching them each unfold and seeing where his inquiries led him.
I loved the interaction between the two main characters as well. It was great to see Virginia back and the connection between them was strong. I easily became invested in their journey and enjoyed reading about their adventure. This was a great addition to the series and I am looking forward to what comes next.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blackmailed is the 2nd book in the Browns of Butcher Hill series. In this book we see a little more of Phillip and Virgina’s developing friendship. Similar to the first book, Phillip’s skills are used to work out cases independent of the local authorities. There are two cases going on, and cross into the paths of Baltimore’s elite in this 1800s series. The author does a good job of capturing the time, and it made me laugh at times. Virginia and Phillip sat so close her dress touched his leg GASP! I do enjoy these books and look forward to seeing what comes next for this unlikely couple.