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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
279 people are currently reading
943 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Archer
96 books5,628 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
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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...
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
December 12, 2025
I always enjoy this series! So many great characters. Didn’t live 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.
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
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.
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.
December 12, 2025
I fucking adore these novels. I hope they never come to an end!!
December 8, 2025
Cleo Fox is dismayed when she learns that her uncle’s luxury hotel is going to be hosting a conference called by an Italian pharmaceutical company that makes the elixir which had so destroyed her aunt’s health; the elixir contains cocaine and Aunt Lilian had become addicted, although she is now weaned from the drug and seeing a new doctor. In the meantime, Cleo is happy to assist Harry Armitage when he is asked to prove the innocence of Lilian’s former doctor, Dr. Iverson. The doctor had been treating nervous disorders of women with a new device, the Electro Therapy Machine, but something went wrong with the device and a patient was fatally electrocuted while using it. Despite precautions taken in securing the machine, it appears that somebody sabotaged it, perhaps only with the intent to sully Dr. Iverson’s reputation, perhaps in truth to kill the victim…. The Cleopatra Fox series, of which this is the 11th book, is set in 1900 London and is quite delightful; Cleo and Harry are engaging characters, and the various secondary characters such as relatives and hotel employees are all distinct characters in themselves. I had a little trouble with one aspect of this entry - the author is pretty much spot on when describing the legal plight of homosexual men of the period, but “sapphic” women, i.e., lesbians, didn’t legally exist, the story being that Queen Victoria couldn’t conceive of such a thing and therefore no laws against female homosexuality were ever enacted in the UK, which weakens one part of the reasoning followed by Cleo and Harry. That aside, however, this is another entertaining entry in a series that depicts its time and place quite well; recommended!
December 26, 2025
Eleven books in, and I am still completely invested in C.J. Archer's world. It’s rare for a series to maintain this level of character development, where I’m just as curious about the minor characters as I am about the leads.
The Romance: If you’ve been following Cleo and Harry, this installment feels like a massive reward. While their journey was definitely a "slow burn," the payoff in this book is wonderful. You can truly feel the excitement and love in their evolving relationship. Archer does a beautiful job foreshadowing what a future partnership—and perhaps even a marriage—could look like for them. (Though I’m crossing my fingers it doesn’t take another ten books to get there!)
The Mystery & Dynamics: The sleuthing is as sharp as ever. What really stands out in this book is the tension Cleo faces while balancing her professional ambitions with her complicated family life. Her growth as a detective is undeniable. Though I’m looking forward to seeing the focus shift. Rather than emphasizing Cleo’s individual skills, I’d love to see more of how their partnership contributes to their success. However, given that Cleo can’t take public credit yet, the current focus on her contribution makes sense. I’m especially loving the unique team dynamics that are starting to form!
Final Verdict: A must-read for fans of historical mysteries with heart, unique social dynamics, and a romance worth waiting for. I’m already counting down the days until the next one!
The Romance: If you’ve been following Cleo and Harry, this installment feels like a massive reward. While their journey was definitely a "slow burn," the payoff in this book is wonderful. You can truly feel the excitement and love in their evolving relationship. Archer does a beautiful job foreshadowing what a future partnership—and perhaps even a marriage—could look like for them. (Though I’m crossing my fingers it doesn’t take another ten books to get there!)
The Mystery & Dynamics: The sleuthing is as sharp as ever. What really stands out in this book is the tension Cleo faces while balancing her professional ambitions with her complicated family life. Her growth as a detective is undeniable. Though I’m looking forward to seeing the focus shift. Rather than emphasizing Cleo’s individual skills, I’d love to see more of how their partnership contributes to their success. However, given that Cleo can’t take public credit yet, the current focus on her contribution makes sense. I’m especially loving the unique team dynamics that are starting to form!
Final Verdict: A must-read for fans of historical mysteries with heart, unique social dynamics, and a romance worth waiting for. I’m already counting down the days until the next one!
December 25, 2025
Another delightful mystery solved
I love the Cleopatra Fox Mysteries as they are not just mystery who done it's but also cozy romance with an extremely slow burn. I really enjoy that C
J Archer incorporates modern issues like questioning patriarchal standards and encouraging womens empowerment while having a diversity of characters whom I continue to fall more in love with each book. The growth of characters in each book is both subtle and substantial to each character and their role in Cleos life. I can't wait for the next book in 2026, literally pre-ordered already. Meanwhile I am about to start reading The Ministry of Curiosity series
I love the Cleopatra Fox Mysteries as they are not just mystery who done it's but also cozy romance with an extremely slow burn. I really enjoy that C
J Archer incorporates modern issues like questioning patriarchal standards and encouraging womens empowerment while having a diversity of characters whom I continue to fall more in love with each book. The growth of characters in each book is both subtle and substantial to each character and their role in Cleos life. I can't wait for the next book in 2026, literally pre-ordered already. Meanwhile I am about to start reading The Ministry of Curiosity series
December 6, 2025
Another stellar adventure for Cleo and Harry
This is absolutely one of my favorite series. Wonderful mysteries, settings, characters, and a great character arc. I also love the period details.
As you might expect, Cleo and Harry’s relationship is moving forward.
As ever, I can’t wait for the next installment. Well done!
This is absolutely one of my favorite series. Wonderful mysteries, settings, characters, and a great character arc. I also love the period details.
As you might expect, Cleo and Harry’s relationship is moving forward.
As ever, I can’t wait for the next installment. Well done!
December 22, 2025
Another cute Cleo Fox mystery. The slow burn between Cleo and Harry is so cute its almost painful. They finally get together after 11 books! But its still a secret. She does all the solving, once again. But we are introduced to some rather scandalous relationships and affairs. Overall, a wonderful read.
December 25, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pacing: 🏎️🏎️🏎️🏎️
Main Characters:
Cleopatra Fox
Harry Armitage
This is such a wonderful series. Every single book is excellent. The mysteries are complex and the characters are multilayered. There’s always more than one problem to tackle and the romance has really picked up steam. I can’t wait to read book 12.
Pacing: 🏎️🏎️🏎️🏎️
Main Characters:
Cleopatra Fox
Harry Armitage
This is such a wonderful series. Every single book is excellent. The mysteries are complex and the characters are multilayered. There’s always more than one problem to tackle and the romance has really picked up steam. I can’t wait to read book 12.
December 26, 2025
FINALLY! We have Cleo and Harry as an actual couple, even though it is in secret, and aunt is on a plan to wean her off the opium! Love this cozy mystery series. Great characters. Also hope that they choose to add the 2nd struggling female detective into future books. She was scrappy but willing to demand her worth.
December 3, 2025
Finished it on release day and absolutely loved it 🥰 The mystery kept me guessing right up until the end. When you mix in all the magic of Cleo, Harry and all the regular characters, it’s just one huge hug of a book. 😊
December 5, 2025
Once again I was giggling and kicking my feet. The pay-off after endlessly waiting for Harry and Cleo to get together has been thorougly enjoyable. Besides I love the fact we finally got some sapphic representation.
December 9, 2025
Fantastic series, hard to put down when real life needs attention. Written with great humor, a lot of sleuthing and intriguing characters. Read it as an audio book, very enjoyable with the excellent narrator Marian Hussey. I hope there will be many more additions to this series.
December 14, 2025
blending history, intrigue & romance
This series is such a fun read! Lots of fascinating historical details, interesting perspective on the unraveling of the mystery (which often surprises me!) along with delightfully unfolding romance.
This series is such a fun read! Lots of fascinating historical details, interesting perspective on the unraveling of the mystery (which often surprises me!) along with delightfully unfolding romance.
December 15, 2025
My favorite in the series so far! These stories are improving with each book! Absolutely love the character development and plot is always well done! Nothing is obvious and the plot twist are always unexpected and well thought out! Can’t wait till June!
December 26, 2025
Always a really good read !
I have read all 11 & am looking forward to #12. Also Cleo & Harry being more of a couple. The story lines are always interesting & very complicated never knowing too early who the real murderer is or why .
I have read all 11 & am looking forward to #12. Also Cleo & Harry being more of a couple. The story lines are always interesting & very complicated never knowing too early who the real murderer is or why .
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.
December 5, 2025
As always, the characters are interesting. I enjoy the series.
December 5, 2025
(◍•ᴗ•◍)
December 5, 2025
Had a good time, I’m ready for them to get married but I get why they’re waiting
December 6, 2025
I’m so so so so so so so glad Harry and Cleo finally pulled themselves together
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2025
Another wonderful Cleo and Harry adventure. I can't wait for the next one!!!!
December 9, 2025
Always a pleasure!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews