Morte nella scala

Tarots and Tea Leaves Mysteries #2

by Zia Bellamy, Jeannie Rivera

Murder lurks in the shadows of Victorian London, and only Clara Wetherly's unconventional methods can uncover the truth hiding in society's drawing rooms...

Clara Wetherly thought her days of being surrounded by murder were behind her. Now established as Bloombury's most unusual consulting detective, she's built a comfortable life dispensing herbal remedies from her Bellicose Lane shop and working alongside the devastatingly handsome Inspector Graham Redgrave.

But when gentle Isaac Thorne refuses to defend himself against a murder charge, Clara faces her deadliest case yet.

A young woman found dead at the bottom of a staircase
An accused man who won't speak in his own defense
A web of Victorian secrets hiding in plain sight
And an undeniable chemistry with Inspector Redgrave that's impossible to ignore

Armed with her sharp-eyed network of neighborhood ladies, her supernaturally intuitive cat Marmalade, and guidance from her grandmother's tarot cards, Clara races against time to save Isaac from the gallows. But in a world where Victorian society's deepest secrets hide behind polite facades, Clara must risk everything to ensure justice is served.

Genres: Cozy Mystery

232 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 5, 2025

Reviews

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death in the Stairwell: A Tarot and Tea Leaves Mystery

Set in Victorian England, this cozy mystery begins with a cat narrating the opening chapter (yes, really—and it works). Within the comforting walls of an herbal apothecary, tarot cards, tea, slow-burn romance, and murder mingle together to make a perfect little book for your fall TBR stack.

I really enjoyed the strong female lead and the circle of intuitive, supportive women surrounding her. The herbal remedy knowledge was spot on, and one of my favorite scenes was a dinner between the love interests—one a believer in spirits, the other a skeptic—when something unexplainable occurs. The moment felt so believable and added to the charm of the story.

That said, I did find the pacing slow at times. Descriptions were occasionally repetitive, to the point where I felt like I had already read the page I was on. I even thought it might end up a DNF for me—but just when I was ready to set it aside, another twist would pull me back in.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.

In the end, I went back and forth between 3 and 4 stars. Ultimately, I landed on 4—like Clara, I believe in giving the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps it just wasn’t entirely my cup of tea.

[Javier Lobbosco · Rating 4 out of 5]

8

[Mrs K.Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death in the Stairwell is an Excellent story of how Clara who inherited an Apothecary from her Grandmother and a clever , special magical cat Marmalade and assistance from her Grandmother 's Ghost . Someone comes to get Clara's help to find the truth. Inspector Redgrave believes in one solution to a puzzle but Clara believes there is a different solution. But will Clara and Inspector Redgrave join forces to look for the truth and who will be proved right?
Great story and series which I highly recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Emma ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ADORED this. The 2nd instalment of this mystery series had such a compelling plot line (which was a lot sharper and tidier than the first book!) and some great character development. I would definitely recommend this series if you’re looking to sink into some low-stakes cosy mysteries with wonderful characters 🐈 The author’s writing style is also so lyrical and comforting. Can’t wait for the next one!

I received an advance reader copy for free from booksirens.com and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an ARC reader for Book Sirens and this is my honest opinion. This is book two in this interesting and thoroughly enjoyable mystery series. Set in 1850, Clara Wetherby runs the botanical pharmacy she inherited from her grandmother - who is still intermittently present, with her scent of lavender and flickering candles, as well as strategically place items. The author creates a very good sense of time and place, in a London almost constantly shrouded in fog. When the idea of a woman being capable of investigating a crime is laughable, Clara has become a familiar visitor to the Scotland Yard office of a certain detective inspector. This author has done her research and brings us an authentic experience of life - and crime, in what is very much a man's world at the time before modern forensic and scientific methods. Miss Wetherby's knowledge of botany, her instincts and the "intelligence service" of the local ladies are vastly underestimated - until they get results. The observation journal of the uncanny Marmalade, the cat who keeps watch over proceedings is perhaps, the best part! I'm looking forward to book three.

[Lu · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a well-written cozy mystery with a fast-paced plot, engaging characters, particularly Clara; a likable and no-nonsense heroine with an adorable feline friend. This is the second book in the series and I enjoyed reading it.

Clara is asked to help clear the name of a neighbor and of course Scotland Yard Inspector Redgrave doesn’t need her help. Clara uses her deductive reasoning skills to evaluate the evidence, possible motives and suspects. She also partners with her group of women who use their respective and unique skills to find answers.

The plot moved along nicely and was complex and interesting with twists and turns and historical facts.

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.

[Jackie Welcel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clara helps solve another murder with the help of the neighborhood women and Inspector Redgrave. I love how strong these women are in the Victorian age when most women have little power. I enjoyed how it seems her grandmother’s spirit has stayed with her in her rebuilt apothecary. It’s amazing what Clara used as protection was a precursor to what women actually use today. Life was much simpler then but solving crimes was much harder. One of the women commented on

All the changes in their life and how there would be so many in their children’s lives. It was the 1850’s, no electricity, no cars, no phones, absolutely a lot of changes coming! This really hit close to home for me. The teamwork between Graham and Clara and the friendship they are developing keeps me eager to see what will happen in the next book. Great series! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This mystery series features an intelligent, independent female protagonist, Clara, whose companion cat named Marmalade subtly assists as much as he can in the mystery-solving. Clara has just recently helped the fledgling Scotland Yard solve a mystery, and from that we now have the promising informal partnership of Clara with an equally intelligent and apparently quite handsome detective, Inspector Redgrave. Clara owns an herbal apothecary and her knowledge in that regard helps her make significant contributions to discovering the killer here. One of the best parts is the Ladies of Bloomsbury, a lively bunch of neighborhood ladies with a generous measure of intelligence and networking skills themselves. They really perk up the book itself, and after they made their appearance, I found the pace picked up and the book was much more engaging. This was a good read, easy to pick back up, and I am looking forward to future adventures. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Martina Wolfová · Rating 4 out of 5]

Opět posloucháno na YT, ale úplně nedoporučuji, jelikož to nebylo načteno moc dobře. Obsahově se ale jedná opět o skvělý kousek. Bylinkářka Clara tentokrát za vydatné pomoci svého kocoura Marmelade, jemného vedení přetrvávajícího bytí její zesnulé babičky a už ne tolik váhavého inspektora Redgravea, pátrá po skutečném vrahovi místní krásky. Příběh je opět hezky zamotaný. Clara se z minula moc neponaučila, a i tentokrát učinila některá sice správná, ale rozhodně zbrklá rozhodnutí, která ji přivedla opakovaně do nebezpečné situace. Vypadá to, že ostýchavý obdiv a uznání ze stany inspektora začíná přerůstat v upřímnou náklonost, a ani Clara není imunní vůči jeho osobnosti. Romantická linka je naznačena jen velice jemně a opravdu hezky, zvlášť v závěru knihy. Všechny části vyprávěné kocourem Marmelade jsou skvělým zpestřením a u epilogu jsem se jeho pozorování nasmála opravdu hodně :-)

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cozy mystery full of charm, clever clues, and a touch of magic. Clara is a smart and kind heroine, using herbs and tarot to solve a well-planned case. The historical setting feels real, the ghostly twist is fun, and Marmalade the cat adds warmth. The romance is gentle, the friendships are strong, and the story flows smoothly. A lovely second book in the series, perfect for fans of historical mysteries with a little supernatural side
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this digital copy, all opinions are mine

[Gea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Toen ik dit boek bij Kobo-plus voorbij zag komen, heb ik hem meteen binnengehaald. Zoals het erbij vermeld staat "Een Victoriaans Gezellig Mysterie met Bovennatuurlijke Elementen", zo leest het ook. Deze omschrijving geeft exact het gevoel weer dat ik bij het lezen van dit boek had. Het is geen dik boek, maar het leest gewoon heel comfortabel.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mantiene la misma atmósfera acogedora y los mismos fallos de edición (repeticiones, olvidos, contradicciones, traducciones literales de expresiones hechas...).
Así que la historia bien (más allá de cuando se les olvidan cosas que ya han hecho o relaciones que han avanzado vuelven a retroceder), pero precisamente por esas pegas, probablemente, si hubiera más, no seguiría la saga.

[Jodi Sweet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how Clara is such a strong woman for this series being set in the Victorian era. She is also great at proving how much more intelligent and intuitive The Ladies are. The detective is catching on to it, too.

The mystery was so good. The things that were revealed, wow! What an intriguing case! I can’t wait to read what the next adventure will be.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story! The mystery was well plotted and executed. I love the characters, the setting and all the information regarding herbal mixtures. I loved the women's circle of characters that help Clara collect the information needed to solve the mystery. The relationship between Clara and Inspector Redgrave makes me happy.

I look forward to more books in this series!

[Katie Gallagher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to BookSirens for this ARC!

I was in serious need of a genre switch up and I was so glad to read this!
A lovely, cosy mystery that transports you so fully into the world you forget its actual 2025!
Can be read at any time but I can't wait to read more of Zia's work in Autumn for MAX cosy vibes!

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cat as the narrator is new to me, but it is fun. It`s a good read and… a cat! This is a fun and well written story. I recommend it.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Diya Narayan · Rating 2 out of 5]

A comforting return to Clara’s world after 'Murder at Her Door', with the herbs, and another cozy murder mystery, steady and slowly unfolding.
A continuation that keeps the series consistent. Looking forward to reading Clara's next case soon.

[Sherry Priddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun historical mystery. It was fast paced, engaging and a few twist and turns. This is the second book in the series. I'm looking forward to more.

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable story. Finding out that she has good sleuthing skills Clara decides to solve another murder with the help of her fellow shop owners, her cat, and the ghost of her grandmother.

[Jaque · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5

[Dora Reads a Lot · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the story and the characters a lot.

And of course the local Ladies helping out with the investogation, whether the police likes it or not, is brilliant.

I couldn't have guessed the solution of the mystery for quite some time.

What I didn't like is the fact that the main character kept repeating the important discoveries. I'm kinda used to hints, so this threw me off a bit, but maybe that only bothers me.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Jenny Norton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series. Clara, a botanical specialist (and her very intuitive cat, Marmalade), owns an apothecary in London, which she inherited from her grandmother. It's 1856, so keep that in mind while reading the story.

These characters are so much fun to read about - especially being from a different time period. Even Marmalade gets in on the fun. I look forward to reading more in this series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Holly Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my own review. First off, I love the Ladies of Bloomsbury. In fact, I thought the beginning a bit slow with the setting the stage for the story. But once they arrived, the excitement picked up and the action moved the threads of the plot along. There is a definite feel for the period in which this book takes place. The characters and what and how they do things gives an authentic feel of the mid 1800s. And I must give a shout out to Marmalade, who provides an amusing narrative.