What do you think?
Rate this book
Cleopatra Fox #11
Murder on Harley Street
When a patient is electrocuted by a medical therapy device, the manufacturer proves it was tampered with. Who killed her? And what grudge did they hold against her doctor, whose reputation now lies in tatters?
The medical profession’s faith in electric shock therapies for treating female nervous conditions is shaken after a patient dies while connected to one such device. Harry Armitage is hired by the doctor arrested for her murder, and he invites Cleo to help him uncover the truth. After all, the doctor is the same one who tried—and failed—to treat Cleo’s aunt. As they dig deeper, it becomes apparent the doctor has failed other patients too, and those patients’ loved ones want revenge.
Did that desire for revenge lead to the death of an innocent patient? Or did the victim have enemies of her own? As Cleo and Harry unravel the multi-layered mystery, they realize not everyone is who they seem. Suspects are hiding secrets that, if exposed, could shatter reputations and relationships.
Meanwhile, the manufacturer of a popular but highly addictive medicine has booked the Mayfair Hotel for a major presentation to important clients. As the day of the event looms, Cleo and Harry learn of a plot to sabotage it.
Can they solve the mystery and save the presentation? Or will it be ruined? And will someone get away with murder?
The medical profession’s faith in electric shock therapies for treating female nervous conditions is shaken after a patient dies while connected to one such device. Harry Armitage is hired by the doctor arrested for her murder, and he invites Cleo to help him uncover the truth. After all, the doctor is the same one who tried—and failed—to treat Cleo’s aunt. As they dig deeper, it becomes apparent the doctor has failed other patients too, and those patients’ loved ones want revenge.
Did that desire for revenge lead to the death of an innocent patient? Or did the victim have enemies of her own? As Cleo and Harry unravel the multi-layered mystery, they realize not everyone is who they seem. Suspects are hiding secrets that, if exposed, could shatter reputations and relationships.
Meanwhile, the manufacturer of a popular but highly addictive medicine has booked the Mayfair Hotel for a major presentation to important clients. As the day of the event looms, Cleo and Harry learn of a plot to sabotage it.
Can they solve the mystery and save the presentation? Or will it be ruined? And will someone get away with murder?
244 pages, Paperback
Published November 30, 2025
About the author
C.J. Archer
116 books5,864 followersC.J. Archer is the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of historical mystery and historical fantasy novels including the GLASS AND STEELE series, the CLEOPATRA FOX MYSTERIES, the MINISTRY OF CURIOSITIES and THE GLASS LIBRARY series.
She has loved history and books for as long as she can remember and feels fortunate that she found a way to combine the two. She has at various times worked as a librarian, IT support person and technical writer but in her heart has always been a fiction writer. She lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her husband, 2 children and Coco the black and white cat.
Subscribe to C.J.'s newsletter to be notified when she releases a new book. Join via her website: www.cjarcher.com
You can follow her on social media to get the latest updates on her books:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CJArcherAuthorPage
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorcjarc...
She has loved history and books for as long as she can remember and feels fortunate that she found a way to combine the two. She has at various times worked as a librarian, IT support person and technical writer but in her heart has always been a fiction writer. She lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her husband, 2 children and Coco the black and white cat.
Subscribe to C.J.'s newsletter to be notified when she releases a new book. Join via her website: www.cjarcher.com
You can follow her on social media to get the latest updates on her books:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CJArcherAuthorPage
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorcjarc...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews
January 5, 2026
I always enjoy this series! So many great characters. Didn’t love the medical mystery quite as much but that is personal preference. I hope we see more of Rose Bolton in the future.
December 3, 2025
4+ stars I love these characters and the their development! I think the mystery in this one was thinner than usual and the conclusion of the mystery part really weighed on my suspension of disbelief.
There are several taboos and issues of the times addressed, all of which cross over into today.
Homophobia, classism, racism briefly, sexism, and medical malpractice leading to substance abuse and dependency.
I’m still looking forward to the next one and yet I do want more from it! A little more maturity for a start. The books have become more YA in nature, which isn’t a bad thing per se but I don’t think it’s where things started.
There are several taboos and issues of the times addressed, all of which cross over into today.
Homophobia, classism, racism briefly, sexism, and medical malpractice leading to substance abuse and dependency.
I’m still looking forward to the next one and yet I do want more from it! A little more maturity for a start. The books have become more YA in nature, which isn’t a bad thing per se but I don’t think it’s where things started.
December 12, 2025
Charming, as always!
Wow! I've made it through all 10 (so far) books in the series. Although this one is definitely consistent in style with other books in the series, C.J. Archer managed to keep my interest while moving the main plot along nicely. I totally recommend this series.
Wow! I've made it through all 10 (so far) books in the series. Although this one is definitely consistent in style with other books in the series, C.J. Archer managed to keep my interest while moving the main plot along nicely. I totally recommend this series.
June 1, 2026
Cleo is still attempting to balance her independence with her family's needs. The Mayfair is set to play host to the Pharmaceutical Society's big event at the last minute. Cleo's thoughts are conflicted. On one hand, this event will give her friend Harmony a chance to plan another big event and give The Mayfair much-needed revenue. On the other, the man who developed Aunt Lillian's former nerve tonic will be there touting his cure-all medicine, knowing full well it contains cocaine, a substance doctors have lately decided has dangerous addictive qualities. How can they host such a terrible man? Will Uncle Ronald really put the hotel ahead of Aunt Lillian's health? She's been making such good progress since she stopped taking her tonic and started seeing a new doctor. Aunt Lillian escaped her old doctor just in time. Harry Armitage calls and asks for Cleo to meet him on Harley Street at Dr. Iverson's. Harry has been hired to prove Dr. Iverson is innocent of murdering a patient with his Electro Therapy Machine. Cleo and Harry come up with any number of suspects and motives and when they find what they think is a vital clue, it points them right back in the direction of Dr. But if he wanted to kill a patient why do it so dramatically and then hire Harry? Can they figure this one out before the police charge the wrong man?
The plot of this story is a bit more mature than some of the others. It deals with mental health issues, legal (prescription) drug use, sexual harassment, shady medicine , The mystery plot was very twisty. Every time I thought I knew whodunit, I ended up being proven wrong and changed my mind. I was not totally surprised by WHO but WHY was a shocker and not entirely ... enjoyable? plausible? Plausible I guess but it was perhaps insensitive? I'd love to know if there were sensitivity readers involved in this story and a nice author's note or blog post explaining the history behind the story. I wasn't too excited by the romantic subplot. I love a good slow burn, unlike most reviewers, apparently, and this one feels fast to me. All of a sudden it goes from nothing to stolen kisses and longing looks.
I like Cleo well enough but she gets distracted by Harry. She should stick to her convictions and not marry anyone. Harry teases her about being adjusted to the life of the elite and she is but she isn't. She has a foot in both worlds and that could serve her well if she wanted to branch out on her own. Cleo barely sees Harmony now Harmony has new job duties and I miss them sleuthing together. In this story it's all Cleo and Harry, the rest of the gang has a brief scene and Harmony doesn't even really get to do much because she's so busy planning the event. Cleo is loyal to her family but willing to stand up to Uncle Ronald and even go behind his back. She is reluctant to share the news about her relationship with Harry though and I don't like that. Uncle Ronald doesn't like liars or secrets. That is not going to go over well.
Harry is very nice. He gives Cleo credit where it's due, is very kind and complimentary of her. If it was up to him, he'd shout their relationship status from the rooftops. He's even told his family. But I don't feel he's a swoony sort of hero. He's distracted by Cleo and wanting to be alone with her and neither of them can really focus on the investigation. Harry is young and not the dashing roguish hero I prefer so maybe that's why I don't find him swoony.
Floyd doesn't like Harry much even though Harry helped save Floyd. Floyd is contradictory. He dallies with actresses and lower class women but he can't possibly marry one of them. He knows that just as he knows Cleo can dally with Harry but not marry him. He doesn't like it when Cleo gives him a hard time but he gives her a hard time. I worry about Flossy because Floyd calls her fat all the time and then another character insinuates she's fat. Floyd is just teasing as big brothers do but Flossy takes it seriously. I feared another character would convince her to try the tonic as a weight loss treatment. She's very fragile like her mother. Aunt Lillian is making great strides working on her mental health. Her new doctor, Dr. Garside, seems much more modern and reasonable than the old doctor. He seems to be treating her mental health in addition to weaning her off cocaine laced tonic. I'm not sure what's in the powders though and that makes me nervous. Uncle Ronald does love her in his own way and he isn't just putting profit over family. It's nice to see them all working as a family in this novel.
*sigh* Of course the Italian man is the sleazy elixir producer and salesman. He gets wealthy by marketing to the elite with testimonials from celebrities, including the Queen. Mr. Lombardi could care less that his medicine contains cocaine, it's perfectly legal actually so why should he care? People have free will. They CHOOSE to take his medicine. He isn't forcing them you know. However, doctors have now decided cocaine is addictive and dangerous. People have noted personality changes in loved ones taking the tonic, like Aunt Lillian, and don't like it. The addictive substance of course makes people (women) want more tonic and that gives the shady dude more money. Mr. Lombardi is personally very sleazy and gross as well. He insults Flossy who is a naive sweetheart but understands when she's being insulted. He also insults Cleo in a different way.
Dr. Iverson is a little sketchy. His medical practices would lead to malpractice suits if they had those. Certainly some family members of patients are disgruntled but he can't cure cancer. He does come across as lazy and doesn't seem to be up on the latest knowledge or care to be. The Electro Therapy Machine and the tonic are a cure-all for anything that ails anyone - mainly females. Uh-oh. I can see where this is going. But ... I might be wrong about that. I agree with Cleo and Harry. Why would Dr. Iverson kill a patient so dramatically and then hire Harry to investigate? Sure he's unethical, lazy and a bit shady but that doesn't mean he's a murderer. He claims the device was tampered with.
So who killed Isabel Kempsey? She may have been an unfortunate causality in an attempt to discredit the doctor or the device. Or perhaps she was deliberately murdered. If she was, the motive was jealousy or anger. Isabel Kempsey wasn't super innocent and a lovely person but she didn't deserve to die.
Dr. Iverson's wife is very cold and impersonal. She doesn't seem to be favorable towards men, her husband included, but it complimentary towards Cleo. This woman is very masculine in her attitude towards a deceased patient who I believe had anorexia nervosa and died. Yes the patient must want to get better but the treatment was probably just as bad as the disease. It's tough to be sympathetic to Mrs. Iverson but it's also hard not to agree with her because they didn't know about mental health. (There is an indication that talk therapy is just beginning to be a thing and helping some with their state of mind.) Mrs. Iverson is so forthright and candid during the investigation, she seems to be encouraging the detectives to investigate her husband and even OK with them digging up dirt on him. Is she hoping to divorce him for some reason? Divorce was difficult and uncommon in England at that time.
Miss Wainsmith is Dr. Iverson's receptionist. She's been ill off and on and became hysterical when the dead body was discovered. She's young, naive and emotional. I think I can guess what's going on here- or can I? I'm not really sure what's going on with her. She may be craftier than she appears or she may be just a young middle class girl trying to make her way in the world. Cleo's usual good instincts keep failing her in this investigation. Sister Dearden is Dr. Iverson's right-hand woman. In today's field she would be considered a nurse practitioner but all he sees her as is a nurse to do the boring tasks he doesn't want to do. She's smart, dedicated to helping the poor and hardworking. I want to like her for all that but ... I find her creepy. She's way too complimentary of Dr. Iverson. She has nothing bad to say about HIM and seems to worship the man. She's obsessed. She did note the electrical machine didn't actually do anything but I had physical therapists who swore by the ultra sound vibrations and others who said it didn't work. (It did). So maybe it works for some ailments? Or accidentally works on physical ailments as an unexpected benefit but doesn't treat "nerves"? Anyway, this woman is too dedicated to say anything disparaging about her employer, especially not to Cleo and Harry. She's kind to Miss Wainwright so that kind of redeems her weirdness a bit.
The manufacturer and inventor of the Electro Therapy Machine, Mr. Reid, is curiously reluctant to talk to Cleo and Harry at first. I don't see him having a strong motive. He wants the machine to sell so he can make money. His former employee turned rival, on the other hand, has more of a motive. Disgruntled ex-employee, Duncan Hamlin, claims HE has a motive to want to discredit the Electro Therapy Machine but he didn't want to kill anyone. I would think that would be a reasonable assumption. No one is going to want to buy an electric therapy machine if it was dangerous. Duncan Hamlin claims Mr. Reid is a liar. So who do we believe? Mr. Hamlin is very passionate in his defense but he provides a second motive - a more personal reason for hating Dr. Iverson.
Mr. Kempsey, the grieving widower, seems a bit cold and detached to Cleo. Did he want his wife out of the picture? I would think separation would be easier and less dangerous. Isabel Kempsey's sister, Miss Rowbottom, appears awfully cozy with her brother-in-law. She also seems to have hated her sister. She was jealous and they were rivals their whole lives. I DEFINATELY think she could have and would have killed her sister. Who would suspect a mere woman of knowing how to use electricity? Cleo does point out that it's illegal for the widower to marry his late wife's sister. I'm not sure anyone told Isabel's sister or she just doesn't care. She's pretty awful and I put her near the top of my suspect list. Miss Rowntree throws shade on her sister's reputation and insinuates her sister may have been killed by someone out of jealousy.
Was the murder accidental? Who was the man accusing Dr. Iverson of killing his wife? The poor man is grieving and not thinking clearly. He wants someone to blame and that's understandable. What Cleo wants to know is if the man had means. Who is Mrs. Linton who barged into the office and insisted on using the electrical machine right away on her first visit even if that wasn't standard practice? Miss Bolton is an interesting character. She's a good actress and I don't trust anything she says. Miss Bolton is in cahoots with another suspect and I think they COULD have tampered with the machine and may have planned to but someone else got to it first. I would her near the top of my suspect list but her partner may not have known what she did or put her up to the task of doing something.
Who did it? Was someone trying to frame Dr. Iverson? Was someone trying to discredit the device? Was the murder accidental?
Sergeant Forrester is a good cop or at least he wanted to get in Cleo's favor so he acted like he wanted to see justice done. His feelings are hurt when Cleo chooses someone else and it causes him to be arrogant and rude. Not to mention he feels upstaged by the private detectives. He's quick to railroad suspects without looking for evidence.
I finally got on the list for this one just in time for the next. I'll be sure to put it on hold as soon as it pops up on Libby!
The plot of this story is a bit more mature than some of the others. It deals with mental health issues, legal (prescription) drug use, sexual harassment, shady medicine , The mystery plot was very twisty. Every time I thought I knew whodunit, I ended up being proven wrong and changed my mind. I was not totally surprised by WHO but WHY was a shocker and not entirely ... enjoyable? plausible? Plausible I guess but it was perhaps insensitive? I'd love to know if there were sensitivity readers involved in this story and a nice author's note or blog post explaining the history behind the story. I wasn't too excited by the romantic subplot. I love a good slow burn, unlike most reviewers, apparently, and this one feels fast to me. All of a sudden it goes from nothing to stolen kisses and longing looks.
I like Cleo well enough but she gets distracted by Harry. She should stick to her convictions and not marry anyone. Harry teases her about being adjusted to the life of the elite and she is but she isn't. She has a foot in both worlds and that could serve her well if she wanted to branch out on her own. Cleo barely sees Harmony now Harmony has new job duties and I miss them sleuthing together. In this story it's all Cleo and Harry, the rest of the gang has a brief scene and Harmony doesn't even really get to do much because she's so busy planning the event. Cleo is loyal to her family but willing to stand up to Uncle Ronald and even go behind his back. She is reluctant to share the news about her relationship with Harry though and I don't like that. Uncle Ronald doesn't like liars or secrets. That is not going to go over well.
Harry is very nice. He gives Cleo credit where it's due, is very kind and complimentary of her. If it was up to him, he'd shout their relationship status from the rooftops. He's even told his family. But I don't feel he's a swoony sort of hero. He's distracted by Cleo and wanting to be alone with her and neither of them can really focus on the investigation. Harry is young and not the dashing roguish hero I prefer so maybe that's why I don't find him swoony.
Floyd doesn't like Harry much even though Harry helped save Floyd. Floyd is contradictory. He dallies with actresses and lower class women but he can't possibly marry one of them. He knows that just as he knows Cleo can dally with Harry but not marry him. He doesn't like it when Cleo gives him a hard time but he gives her a hard time. I worry about Flossy because Floyd calls her fat all the time and then another character insinuates she's fat. Floyd is just teasing as big brothers do but Flossy takes it seriously. I feared another character would convince her to try the tonic as a weight loss treatment. She's very fragile like her mother. Aunt Lillian is making great strides working on her mental health. Her new doctor, Dr. Garside, seems much more modern and reasonable than the old doctor. He seems to be treating her mental health in addition to weaning her off cocaine laced tonic. I'm not sure what's in the powders though and that makes me nervous. Uncle Ronald does love her in his own way and he isn't just putting profit over family. It's nice to see them all working as a family in this novel.
*sigh* Of course the Italian man is the sleazy elixir producer and salesman. He gets wealthy by marketing to the elite with testimonials from celebrities, including the Queen. Mr. Lombardi could care less that his medicine contains cocaine, it's perfectly legal actually so why should he care? People have free will. They CHOOSE to take his medicine. He isn't forcing them you know. However, doctors have now decided cocaine is addictive and dangerous. People have noted personality changes in loved ones taking the tonic, like Aunt Lillian, and don't like it. The addictive substance of course makes people (women) want more tonic and that gives the shady dude more money. Mr. Lombardi is personally very sleazy and gross as well. He insults Flossy who is a naive sweetheart but understands when she's being insulted. He also insults Cleo in a different way.
Dr. Iverson is a little sketchy. His medical practices would lead to malpractice suits if they had those. Certainly some family members of patients are disgruntled but he can't cure cancer. He does come across as lazy and doesn't seem to be up on the latest knowledge or care to be. The Electro Therapy Machine and the tonic are a cure-all for anything that ails anyone - mainly females. Uh-oh. I can see where this is going. But ... I might be wrong about that. I agree with Cleo and Harry. Why would Dr. Iverson kill a patient so dramatically and then hire Harry to investigate? Sure he's unethical, lazy and a bit shady but that doesn't mean he's a murderer. He claims the device was tampered with.
So who killed Isabel Kempsey? She may have been an unfortunate causality in an attempt to discredit the doctor or the device. Or perhaps she was deliberately murdered. If she was, the motive was jealousy or anger. Isabel Kempsey wasn't super innocent and a lovely person but she didn't deserve to die.
Dr. Iverson's wife is very cold and impersonal. She doesn't seem to be favorable towards men, her husband included, but it complimentary towards Cleo. This woman is very masculine in her attitude towards a deceased patient who I believe had anorexia nervosa and died. Yes the patient must want to get better but the treatment was probably just as bad as the disease. It's tough to be sympathetic to Mrs. Iverson but it's also hard not to agree with her because they didn't know about mental health. (There is an indication that talk therapy is just beginning to be a thing and helping some with their state of mind.) Mrs. Iverson is so forthright and candid during the investigation, she seems to be encouraging the detectives to investigate her husband and even OK with them digging up dirt on him. Is she hoping to divorce him for some reason? Divorce was difficult and uncommon in England at that time.
Miss Wainsmith is Dr. Iverson's receptionist. She's been ill off and on and became hysterical when the dead body was discovered. She's young, naive and emotional. I think I can guess what's going on here- or can I? I'm not really sure what's going on with her. She may be craftier than she appears or she may be just a young middle class girl trying to make her way in the world. Cleo's usual good instincts keep failing her in this investigation. Sister Dearden is Dr. Iverson's right-hand woman. In today's field she would be considered a nurse practitioner but all he sees her as is a nurse to do the boring tasks he doesn't want to do. She's smart, dedicated to helping the poor and hardworking. I want to like her for all that but ... I find her creepy. She's way too complimentary of Dr. Iverson. She has nothing bad to say about HIM and seems to worship the man. She's obsessed. She did note the electrical machine didn't actually do anything but I had physical therapists who swore by the ultra sound vibrations and others who said it didn't work. (It did). So maybe it works for some ailments? Or accidentally works on physical ailments as an unexpected benefit but doesn't treat "nerves"? Anyway, this woman is too dedicated to say anything disparaging about her employer, especially not to Cleo and Harry. She's kind to Miss Wainwright so that kind of redeems her weirdness a bit.
The manufacturer and inventor of the Electro Therapy Machine, Mr. Reid, is curiously reluctant to talk to Cleo and Harry at first. I don't see him having a strong motive. He wants the machine to sell so he can make money. His former employee turned rival, on the other hand, has more of a motive. Disgruntled ex-employee, Duncan Hamlin, claims HE has a motive to want to discredit the Electro Therapy Machine but he didn't want to kill anyone. I would think that would be a reasonable assumption. No one is going to want to buy an electric therapy machine if it was dangerous. Duncan Hamlin claims Mr. Reid is a liar. So who do we believe? Mr. Hamlin is very passionate in his defense but he provides a second motive - a more personal reason for hating Dr. Iverson.
Mr. Kempsey, the grieving widower, seems a bit cold and detached to Cleo. Did he want his wife out of the picture? I would think separation would be easier and less dangerous. Isabel Kempsey's sister, Miss Rowbottom, appears awfully cozy with her brother-in-law. She also seems to have hated her sister. She was jealous and they were rivals their whole lives. I DEFINATELY think she could have and would have killed her sister. Who would suspect a mere woman of knowing how to use electricity? Cleo does point out that it's illegal for the widower to marry his late wife's sister. I'm not sure anyone told Isabel's sister or she just doesn't care. She's pretty awful and I put her near the top of my suspect list. Miss Rowntree throws shade on her sister's reputation and insinuates her sister may have been killed by someone out of jealousy.
Was the murder accidental? Who was the man accusing Dr. Iverson of killing his wife? The poor man is grieving and not thinking clearly. He wants someone to blame and that's understandable. What Cleo wants to know is if the man had means. Who is Mrs. Linton who barged into the office and insisted on using the electrical machine right away on her first visit even if that wasn't standard practice? Miss Bolton is an interesting character. She's a good actress and I don't trust anything she says. Miss Bolton is in cahoots with another suspect and I think they COULD have tampered with the machine and may have planned to but someone else got to it first. I would her near the top of my suspect list but her partner may not have known what she did or put her up to the task of doing something.
Who did it? Was someone trying to frame Dr. Iverson? Was someone trying to discredit the device? Was the murder accidental?
Sergeant Forrester is a good cop or at least he wanted to get in Cleo's favor so he acted like he wanted to see justice done. His feelings are hurt when Cleo chooses someone else and it causes him to be arrogant and rude. Not to mention he feels upstaged by the private detectives. He's quick to railroad suspects without looking for evidence.
I finally got on the list for this one just in time for the next. I'll be sure to put it on hold as soon as it pops up on Libby!
January 23, 2026
A really great mystery, per usual. I always enjoy what she writes about and her mysteries are so diverse that I never feel like, “we’ve been here before”.
The characters are all charming and I feel at this point like I’m with old friends when I read a new installment. Four stars instead of five because our heroes were constantly ducking into dark corners to kiss. The kissing is probably *why* some people read, but for me, it was a distraction, lol.
The characters are all charming and I feel at this point like I’m with old friends when I read a new installment. Four stars instead of five because our heroes were constantly ducking into dark corners to kiss. The kissing is probably *why* some people read, but for me, it was a distraction, lol.
December 5, 2025
Rating: 3.5 stars ⭐️
Another Cleopatra Fox mystery in the books. Archer really leans into the slowest of slow romantic burns for her characters in this series; I appreciate that she doesn’t want to rush the process, but we’re eleven books in and our couple has barely begun dating. The mystery was fun, with good twists and turns.
The queer scene in Victorian England featured heavily in this book, which was unexpected—I have no idea how much of it was historically accurate, but it would have been nice to have some citations at the end of the book, or been clear that this is all made up? Genuinely, I’m not sure if the culture described is accurate, but glad for queer representation in my Victorian mystery series…. even if it is fraught with angst and secrecy and mostly negative vibes.
The plotline around Aunt Lillian’s cocaine addiction has processed nicely, and plays a major role in the B plot of this story, but the lovable side characters in this series have mostly faded into the background. These books are short enough that I would love for an extra 50 pages to just see Cleo hanging out with Flossy, or getting tea with Aunt Lillian. The society elements are so fun, and we mostly ignored them in this book. We got one brainstorming session with Harmony, which feels inadequate! Floyd shows up a decent bit at least, but honestly, I would love some more of the interactions within the family, and with Victorian high society, and the class differences within the hotel.
Another Cleopatra Fox mystery in the books. Archer really leans into the slowest of slow romantic burns for her characters in this series; I appreciate that she doesn’t want to rush the process, but we’re eleven books in and our couple has barely begun dating. The mystery was fun, with good twists and turns.
The queer scene in Victorian England featured heavily in this book, which was unexpected—I have no idea how much of it was historically accurate, but it would have been nice to have some citations at the end of the book, or been clear that this is all made up? Genuinely, I’m not sure if the culture described is accurate, but glad for queer representation in my Victorian mystery series…. even if it is fraught with angst and secrecy and mostly negative vibes.
The plotline around Aunt Lillian’s cocaine addiction has processed nicely, and plays a major role in the B plot of this story, but the lovable side characters in this series have mostly faded into the background. These books are short enough that I would love for an extra 50 pages to just see Cleo hanging out with Flossy, or getting tea with Aunt Lillian. The society elements are so fun, and we mostly ignored them in this book. We got one brainstorming session with Harmony, which feels inadequate! Floyd shows up a decent bit at least, but honestly, I would love some more of the interactions within the family, and with Victorian high society, and the class differences within the hotel.
January 29, 2026
This book is all over the place and the relationship development is too little too late. And it’s wild to me that Cleo and Harry are finally together but she’s keeping him a secret from her family. Cleo’s character was so much better in the first few books and I’m just waiting for that Cleo to come back, which is the only reason why I’m still reading this series.
December 8, 2025
Book 11 and I still want more!
The way the story weaves in taboo topics to where they don’t feel heavy nor insignificant is appreciated. There was in my opinion a missed opportunity with Harmony. Perhaps the stage is being set for a future storyline- fingers crossed.
Aunt Lillian is showing resilience and I like it. We even saw a tiny bit about the relationship between Floyd and Flossy. All of this while solving a murder.
Hired to prove a doctor didn’t murder his patient, Harry asked Cleo to assist. Not only for her keen mind but because it also gives them opportunities to spend time together.
There is a lot of good “stuff” to unpack in this story and I don’t want to spoil it for others. I don’t know how much of what was included about the electroshock therapy, medicines of the period, sexuality, etc. was accurate but it all created a great story as well as food for thought.
I am looking forward to Book 12!
Happy Reading!
The way the story weaves in taboo topics to where they don’t feel heavy nor insignificant is appreciated. There was in my opinion a missed opportunity with Harmony. Perhaps the stage is being set for a future storyline- fingers crossed.
Aunt Lillian is showing resilience and I like it. We even saw a tiny bit about the relationship between Floyd and Flossy. All of this while solving a murder.
Hired to prove a doctor didn’t murder his patient, Harry asked Cleo to assist. Not only for her keen mind but because it also gives them opportunities to spend time together.
There is a lot of good “stuff” to unpack in this story and I don’t want to spoil it for others. I don’t know how much of what was included about the electroshock therapy, medicines of the period, sexuality, etc. was accurate but it all created a great story as well as food for thought.
I am looking forward to Book 12!
Happy Reading!
December 14, 2025
Very Good Story
I have been following the Cleopatra Mysteries by C.J.Archer from the beginning. They are full of historical insight. Murder on Harley Street introduces addiction to cocaine and the use of electrical devices to cure patients, mainly women.
These books are relaxing and entertaining,a safe interlude between heavier reading. Recommended
I have been following the Cleopatra Mysteries by C.J.Archer from the beginning. They are full of historical insight. Murder on Harley Street introduces addiction to cocaine and the use of electrical devices to cure patients, mainly women.
These books are relaxing and entertaining,a safe interlude between heavier reading. Recommended
January 20, 2026
C.J. Archer is a fantastic author, and I truly enjoy all of her books. Cleopatra is a wonderful main character—smart, determined, and a natural detective. Just when she thinks she’s escaped danger, murder finds her once again!
I especially loved her relationship in this story. It’s fun, supportive, and genuinely uplifting, adding warmth and balance to the mystery. Another great read from an author I can always count on. 📚✨
I especially loved her relationship in this story. It’s fun, supportive, and genuinely uplifting, adding warmth and balance to the mystery. Another great read from an author I can always count on. 📚✨
February 25, 2026
3.5 / 4 Stars
***LIBBY Audio***
MC's: Cleo & Harry
A woman dies while undergoing electrical shock treatment. The mystery is why this happened and who could be behind it. Also, Cleo's uncle is hosting a convention at his hotel that revolves around the very gentleman who creates the tonic that has caused his wife's addiction. Needless to say none of the family members are happy with this....but it's too late to turn back.
I enjoy the Cleopatra Fox stories.....
***LIBBY Audio***
MC's: Cleo & Harry
A woman dies while undergoing electrical shock treatment. The mystery is why this happened and who could be behind it. Also, Cleo's uncle is hosting a convention at his hotel that revolves around the very gentleman who creates the tonic that has caused his wife's addiction. Needless to say none of the family members are happy with this....but it's too late to turn back.
I enjoy the Cleopatra Fox stories.....
December 15, 2025
4/5 Stars | Clue Energy, Comfort Read Excellence 🕯️🕵️♀️💖
What I liked: I adore this series, full stop. Reading it feels like sitting down for a cozy game of Clue—except the candles are lit, the tea is hot, and there’s an entire tangle of long-term storylines and character arcs unfolding alongside the mystery. It’s the perfect palate cleanser: familiar, satisfying, and endlessly readable. Watching the familial and romantic relationship dynamics grow over the course of eleven books has been such a joy. There’s a comfort in returning to these characters again and again, knowing they’ll bring intrigue, warmth, and just the right amount of mystery.
What I didn’t like: I simply, respectfully, wanted more Cleo and Harry forward motion in this one. I am patient. I am loyal. I have waited eleven books and I will clearly wait eleven more if required. But they are precious, and I crave crumbs. Progress. A glance. A moment. Anything. I will continue to wait with my nose pressed to the glass, but know that my heart wants more.
What I liked: I adore this series, full stop. Reading it feels like sitting down for a cozy game of Clue—except the candles are lit, the tea is hot, and there’s an entire tangle of long-term storylines and character arcs unfolding alongside the mystery. It’s the perfect palate cleanser: familiar, satisfying, and endlessly readable. Watching the familial and romantic relationship dynamics grow over the course of eleven books has been such a joy. There’s a comfort in returning to these characters again and again, knowing they’ll bring intrigue, warmth, and just the right amount of mystery.
What I didn’t like: I simply, respectfully, wanted more Cleo and Harry forward motion in this one. I am patient. I am loyal. I have waited eleven books and I will clearly wait eleven more if required. But they are precious, and I crave crumbs. Progress. A glance. A moment. Anything. I will continue to wait with my nose pressed to the glass, but know that my heart wants more.
December 15, 2025
When a woman dies receiving electric shock therapy, Harry is hired by the doctor to prove that the death was caused by someone tampering with the device. Harry enlists Cleo’s help, but the doctor is the same one who prescribed the cocaine-laced elixir to Cleo’s aunt, and she has difficulty keeping an open mind. To add to Cleo’s headaches, the Mayfair Hotel is hosting a presentation for the manufacturer of the cocaine elixir. The husband of a woman who died after taking it is threatening to sabotage the event. The story is delightful, and I’m looking forward to book 12, coming out next summer.
March 31, 2026
I have very mixed feelings about this one. On the one hand… Cleo and Harry. Those stolen little romantic moments? Chef’s kiss. Sweet, innocent, and exactly the payoff after ten books of slow-burn torture. Honestly, I could’ve read 300 pages of just them smiling at each other and been perfectly happy.
The murder mystery, though… bless it, it exists. The medical side was fine, but the “surrounding factors” had me side-eyeing like, “Really? That’s how we’re doing this?” By the time we hit the final showdown, I just sighed and thought, well, that monologue certainly isn’t historically accurate, and my excitement sort of deflated like a sad party balloon.
On the bright side, Aunt Lillian is on the mend, and the family is starting to feel like an actual team instead of a collection of eccentric characters. So there’s hope—and I’m genuinely excited to see what mischief (and romance) comes next for Cleo, Harry, and the gang.
The murder mystery, though… bless it, it exists. The medical side was fine, but the “surrounding factors” had me side-eyeing like, “Really? That’s how we’re doing this?” By the time we hit the final showdown, I just sighed and thought, well, that monologue certainly isn’t historically accurate, and my excitement sort of deflated like a sad party balloon.
On the bright side, Aunt Lillian is on the mend, and the family is starting to feel like an actual team instead of a collection of eccentric characters. So there’s hope—and I’m genuinely excited to see what mischief (and romance) comes next for Cleo, Harry, and the gang.
May 10, 2026
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
I’m all caught up!! What a ride it’s been. Now to patiently wait for June for the next release.
I enjoyed the medical aspect of this one. Medical devices throughout history have always fascinated me, so getting to touch on early 1900s medical science was a nice crossing of interests.
I’m all caught up!! What a ride it’s been. Now to patiently wait for June for the next release.
I enjoyed the medical aspect of this one. Medical devices throughout history have always fascinated me, so getting to touch on early 1900s medical science was a nice crossing of interests.
March 28, 2026
A fun series
I enjoy this series more and more. Intriguing plots, lovely characters and settings, and a nice romance. The book can stand alone, but I'm glad I started with the first one. I have a richer experience.
I enjoy this series more and more. Intriguing plots, lovely characters and settings, and a nice romance. The book can stand alone, but I'm glad I started with the first one. I have a richer experience.
December 12, 2025
I fucking adore these novels. I hope they never come to an end!!
February 13, 2026
It took 11 books but Cleo and Harry finally got together 😵💫
This series teaches me patience I guess.
This series teaches me patience I guess.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2026
I love that this series hasn’t ended yet! I have to wait now for 4 months until the next book comes out. I’ve enjoyed binging on this murder mystery series.
May 17, 2026
Audiobook: 7 hr and 22 min 🕵️♀️ 🇬🇧 🩺
May 24, 2026
I really missed the hotel staff in this one. Don’t misunderstand…movement with Harry and Cleo is welcome, but what I love best about this series are the supporting characters. I think we need another murder IN the hotel to bring everyone together, including Harry!
March 16, 2026
I continue to enjoy this 1900 London female detective stories. Cleopatra Fox is smart, fierce and independent for a woman of this era. She has teamed up with a handsome private investigator and are discovering more than the solution to murder cases. A fun, light read.
June 10, 2026
Love this series. No notes. KISS MORE 😂
February 25, 2026
Have read the series to date. Most interesting about these stories is the details of everyday life and practices (among a certain set anyway) in turn of the century Victorian London.
January 28, 2026
How about if everyone who gives Cleo bad vibes didn’t end up being gay? Not sure if Archer is going for positive queer rep and bungling it horribly or
April 29, 2026
Yay Book #11! The flippy floppy of this book was great! I enjoy these books and love the characters. I can’t wait for the next!
December 3, 2025
Lots of queer villains all the time! But it doesn’t feel pointed I think. Glad to see Cleo and Harry progress and Lillian looking good. Not too much family in this one which I missed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews