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Miss Hart and Miss Hunter Investigate #5
A Secret in Soho
A vanished beauty, a desperate husband, and whispers of murder behind the silk curtains of high society …
The compelling new historical mystery set in 1930s England—where nothing is ever quite as it seems.
England, 1937. In the grand house of Dorothy Drew, life has taken an unexpected turn with the arrival of a much-loved adopted baby. Head cook Joan Hart and lady’s maid Verity Hunter find that their quiet routine is upended when Cedric Davenport, an old friend of Dorothy’s, arrives in distress. His glamorous wife, Helena Davenport—a dazzling fixture of high society—has vanished without a trace.
Whispers swirl that Cedric may have murdered her to inherit her considerable fortune, and the police are beginning to take an interest.
With time running out and Cedric facing arrest, Joan and Verity must unpick a tangled web of lies, scandal, and betrayal before the truth is buried forever.
The compelling new historical mystery set in 1930s England—where nothing is ever quite as it seems.
England, 1937. In the grand house of Dorothy Drew, life has taken an unexpected turn with the arrival of a much-loved adopted baby. Head cook Joan Hart and lady’s maid Verity Hunter find that their quiet routine is upended when Cedric Davenport, an old friend of Dorothy’s, arrives in distress. His glamorous wife, Helena Davenport—a dazzling fixture of high society—has vanished without a trace.
Whispers swirl that Cedric may have murdered her to inherit her considerable fortune, and the police are beginning to take an interest.
With time running out and Cedric facing arrest, Joan and Verity must unpick a tangled web of lies, scandal, and betrayal before the truth is buried forever.
227 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 14, 2025
27 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Celina Grace
62 books455 followersI’ve been trying to get published as a writer since…. um… er…um…see, it was that long ago I can’t remember. A long time. I make it fifteen years and counting….
I’ve also been writing for as long as I can really remember. I wrote my first story, The Blue Ruby, when I was about seven (if I can find that deathless prose scribbled in an exercise book somewhere, I might upload it here for a bit of light relief). Throughout college and university, I experimented with screenplays and scripts (I was studying Film and English at the time at the University of East Anglia), as well as other more short stories. In my twenties, I started my first novel, finished it, then my second, then my third. In my thirties, I was slightly side-tracked by the birth of my son but, leaving aside that trifling distraction, managed to write my fourth..
I didn’t bother trying to get the first novel published as I saw it as more of a practise run at this business of being an author. With the second, I entered the 2004 Lit Idol competition and got to third place. That was my ticket to publication, I thought, surely? Hah! Just the first in a long line of disappointments, of which every writer must be familiar… hopes built up to then be smacked down again. I had an agent approach me after the competition and on their encouragement, I finished, edited and polished the manuscript, sent it off to them with happy hopes – to be told months later that they didn’t think it was quite right for them..
Gutted, but enthusiasm relatively undimmed, I started on a new novel, inspired in part by the dramatic events of 2005 – the London bombings. I also wrote a short story at the same time on the same subject – it was on my mind a lot that summer (unsurprisingly. Freedom Fighter is the story – available on Amazon as part of The Mourning After short story collection). This novel The House on Fever Street (written under my maiden name Celina Alcock) was shortlisted for the 2006 Crime Writers’ Association Debut Dagger Award. Aha, I thought, a fairly prestigious and industry recognised award. This will get me published. Did it? Did it buggery!.
The House on Fever Street was also longlisted in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award of that year, which garnered me some nice reviews and a much needed ego boost but didn’t advance my career as a published author much further..
So what next for our doughty heroine? She ups and writes her fourth novel, gains an agent and thinks now, now I have finally made it as a published author! And she waits. And waits. And waits some more. And then waits a bit more. And a bit more. Finally, for variety, she waits a bit more..
So, after two years of waiting, reading about self-publishing on Amazon and other platforms, I believe a phrase that ends in ‘…for a game of soldiers’ passed my lips and I decide to publish myself. So I did. And here I am on Amazon, making sales. No publisher. No agent. Just me..
And that makes me VERY happy.
I’ve also been writing for as long as I can really remember. I wrote my first story, The Blue Ruby, when I was about seven (if I can find that deathless prose scribbled in an exercise book somewhere, I might upload it here for a bit of light relief). Throughout college and university, I experimented with screenplays and scripts (I was studying Film and English at the time at the University of East Anglia), as well as other more short stories. In my twenties, I started my first novel, finished it, then my second, then my third. In my thirties, I was slightly side-tracked by the birth of my son but, leaving aside that trifling distraction, managed to write my fourth..
I didn’t bother trying to get the first novel published as I saw it as more of a practise run at this business of being an author. With the second, I entered the 2004 Lit Idol competition and got to third place. That was my ticket to publication, I thought, surely? Hah! Just the first in a long line of disappointments, of which every writer must be familiar… hopes built up to then be smacked down again. I had an agent approach me after the competition and on their encouragement, I finished, edited and polished the manuscript, sent it off to them with happy hopes – to be told months later that they didn’t think it was quite right for them..
Gutted, but enthusiasm relatively undimmed, I started on a new novel, inspired in part by the dramatic events of 2005 – the London bombings. I also wrote a short story at the same time on the same subject – it was on my mind a lot that summer (unsurprisingly. Freedom Fighter is the story – available on Amazon as part of The Mourning After short story collection). This novel The House on Fever Street (written under my maiden name Celina Alcock) was shortlisted for the 2006 Crime Writers’ Association Debut Dagger Award. Aha, I thought, a fairly prestigious and industry recognised award. This will get me published. Did it? Did it buggery!.
The House on Fever Street was also longlisted in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award of that year, which garnered me some nice reviews and a much needed ego boost but didn’t advance my career as a published author much further..
So what next for our doughty heroine? She ups and writes her fourth novel, gains an agent and thinks now, now I have finally made it as a published author! And she waits. And waits. And waits some more. And then waits a bit more. And a bit more. Finally, for variety, she waits a bit more..
So, after two years of waiting, reading about self-publishing on Amazon and other platforms, I believe a phrase that ends in ‘…for a game of soldiers’ passed my lips and I decide to publish myself. So I did. And here I am on Amazon, making sales. No publisher. No agent. Just me..
And that makes me VERY happy.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 20, 2025
A Secret in Soho is the 5th book in the Miss Hart and Miss Hunter Investigates series.
There are developed characters, some humor, some minor intrigue, and a touch of romance.
Joan is now the head cook for her mistress, while Verity is still the lady's maid.
And things are a little crazy around the house with a newly adopted baby who's now four months old.
When the wife of a close friend disappears, Dorothy is a sounding board for her friend in his time of grief.
Due to various circumstances, the husband is the prime suspect in the suspected murder of his socialite wife.
It's hard to prove as nobody has been found yet.
So, once again, it's a good thing to have Miss Hart and Miss Hunter on your side.
There are developed characters, some humor, some minor intrigue, and a touch of romance.
Joan is now the head cook for her mistress, while Verity is still the lady's maid.
And things are a little crazy around the house with a newly adopted baby who's now four months old.
When the wife of a close friend disappears, Dorothy is a sounding board for her friend in his time of grief.
Due to various circumstances, the husband is the prime suspect in the suspected murder of his socialite wife.
It's hard to prove as nobody has been found yet.
So, once again, it's a good thing to have Miss Hart and Miss Hunter on your side.
June 17, 2025
Wow, what a refreshing change. I love this book. Who said in this day and age every book has to have a graphic sex scene and tons of swearing?!?
This book is a breath of fresh air and I LOVE IT.
There is a good reason why Celina is one of my most favorite authors because she doesn't have to lower her standards to write a brilliant book.
I hope others feel the same but I found it to be 100% interesting and compelling. The mystery and suspense were second to none. It would give Miss Marple and Poirot a run for their money.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and recommend for your reading pleasure.
This book is a breath of fresh air and I LOVE IT.
There is a good reason why Celina is one of my most favorite authors because she doesn't have to lower her standards to write a brilliant book.
I hope others feel the same but I found it to be 100% interesting and compelling. The mystery and suspense were second to none. It would give Miss Marple and Poirot a run for their money.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and recommend for your reading pleasure.
August 15, 2025
This series by Celina Grace is set in England in a historical time, and as the women involved live in an home where they work as servants they become involved in unusual situations and wind up solving murders and other crimes. This latest addition to the series, is actually a really great addition and I think, one of the best in the collection. I really enjoyed learning more about the characters and their lives and the situations they were involved it were riveting and am already looking forward to the next addition to the story.
Well worth the read, as are all the different series by Celina and I highly recommend A Secret in SoHo. Enjoy.
Well worth the read, as are all the different series by Celina and I highly recommend A Secret in SoHo. Enjoy.
August 18, 2025
This was a good addition to the series. As usual, when something piques Joan's interest, she can't let it go. Verity is always a willing accomplice in solving the crime. This time, a wealthy woman has gone missing, and her husband is the primary suspect. Joan and Verity want to solve the crime because the missing woman and her husband are friends with their employer, Dorothy. Several minor plots were woven throughout the book. One of them is Verity and Frankie's relationship. It was never revealed what was happening between them. So glad to see Joan and Tom deepening their relationship. I have truly enjoyed this series.
August 23, 2025
Hart and Hunter on the case.
The girls are at it again. Many changes have been made in Miss Dorothy's household. Joan is the head cook with 2 helpers.
The war in Spain is on going with loved ones in peril. The missing person, of course Joan and Verity are going to help find them!
Celina Grace is one of my favorite authors! Thanks for the new addition to the Miss Hart and Miss Hunter series.
The girls are at it again. Many changes have been made in Miss Dorothy's household. Joan is the head cook with 2 helpers.
The war in Spain is on going with loved ones in peril. The missing person, of course Joan and Verity are going to help find them!
Celina Grace is one of my favorite authors! Thanks for the new addition to the Miss Hart and Miss Hunter series.
August 14, 2025
I found this plot setting 1937; enjoyable, relaxing and the plot flows.
The hired help has been with Dorthy for years. When the adopted baby she has recently adopted. When an old friend of Dorthy comes and causing mayhem in their daily routine. I recommend this book, as well as the many this author has written,
The hired help has been with Dorthy for years. When the adopted baby she has recently adopted. When an old friend of Dorthy comes and causing mayhem in their daily routine. I recommend this book, as well as the many this author has written,
June 16, 2025
These ladies get caught up in a mystery when the wife of their employers friend disappears. These ladies have the best friendship and I enjoy reading about the things they get into. Having it set back in this time period makes it even more interesting. Can't wait to see what happens next for them.
August 16, 2025
I received an ARC of this book. I really enjoy this series. Love the characters, setting and the time frame. The stories always have a captivating mystery to be solved. I love this author's books. Highly recommend!
July 5, 2025
I don't know what it is about these books that make them so wonderfully entertaining, but every time one comes out, I get so excited because I know I'm in for a treat and I just love these characters. They change and evolve over the course of the series and it's like revisiting old friends. I always enjoy the mystery, but somehow the day to day life of these backstairs workers are the really intriguing part of the book for me. Historical mysteries are aplenty and there are many to choose from, but you'll never go amiss by choosing this series. With the voice of authenticity, characters you'll come to love and mysteries that will keep you guessing, I'm hoping this is one series that will be around for quite a long time yet.
***I received an ARC from the author. My review is strictly voluntary.***
***I received an ARC from the author. My review is strictly voluntary.***
July 9, 2025
1937 Wealthy Helena, wife of poor Cedric Davenport has gone missing. The police believe him to be the main suspect, so will Davenport, friend to Misses Hart and Hunter's employer, Dorothy Drew, be charged with her murder. They decide they must ask questions to hopefully clear him.
An entertaining and well-written cozy historical mystery with its cast of likeable characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
An entertaining and well-written cozy historical mystery with its cast of likeable characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 30, 2025
I was kindly sent this book as an ARC copy by the author. Throughly enjoyed this, it has the cozy mystery feel that I love, historical setting, female leads and a touch of romance - all my favourite features.
This is the only book I have read in the series and that didn't diminish its interest for me, now though I will definitely be looking out for the rest of the series.
This is the only book I have read in the series and that didn't diminish its interest for me, now though I will definitely be looking out for the rest of the series.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews