Segreti nella lavanda

by Zia Bellamy

When a lady's maid is found dead in the Duchess of Thornfield's lavender garden, herbalist and amateur sleuth Clara Wetherly suspects poison—not suicide.

London, 1857. Clara Wetherly is tending her medicinal plants in the Duchess's greenhouse when a scream shatters the morning peace. Rose Fletcher, the young lady's maid with ambitious plans, lies dead among the lavender beds, a teacup by her side and a mysterious key in her hand.

While Inspector Graham Redgrave investigates the official angles—a rejected lover, a breach of promise, a scandalous pregnancy—Clara notices something far more sinister. The afternoon "confusion" episodes plaguing the Duchess. The systematic theft of jewelry from elderly ladies across Bloomsbury. The telltale signs of pennyroyal in Rose's teacup.

With the help of the formidable Bloomsbury Ladies and her observant cat Marmalade, Clara must navigate the treacherous world of Victorian servants' secrets to unmask a killer who's been hiding in plain sight. But when the poisoner realizes Clara is closing in, the Duchess herself becomes the next target.

As Clara races to prevent another murder, she discovers that in a household built on rigid class lines, the most dangerous person may be the one who seems most trustworthy. And with her growing feelings for the enigmatic Inspector Redgrave complicating everything, Clara must trust her botanical knowledge—and perhaps her grandmother's ghostly guidance—to solve her most perplexing case yet.

A delightful Victorian cozy mystery featuring herbal remedies, subtle supernatural elements, a meddling matchmaker ghost, and a cat who always knows more than he should.

Genres: Cozy Mystery

248 pages, Paperback

Published September 11, 2025

Reviews

[Lu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Three in this delightful series continues Clara Wetherly’s story and adventures. I am happy that this book is equally as enjoyable as the other two books. (And I can’t wait for the next installment.)

This is a cozy mystery, with engaging characters, including a cat named Marmalade. In the past, I was not interested in reading books with feline contributors. However, Marmalade shares just the right amount of insights and definitely enhances the story with his antics.

I enjoyed the further expansion of the budding relationship between Clara and Inspector Graham Redgrave. They continue to learn about each other and how to deal with their own particular strengths and areas of expertise as well as learn from each other. The character development is spot on.

Clara is certainly a heroine that women can relate to and cheer on. She has studied and worked with herbs and plants most of her life and imparts her extensive knowledge to help others. I enjoyed learning more about the herbs used by women during the era so knowledgeably described by the author.

Clara also involves her network of local women who eagerly use their wits and resources to discover hidden details about possible suspects in the case. The author continues to broaden the character development of the “Ladies of Bloomsbury” as well as their friendship with Clara.


I highly recommend this book for an enjoyable read, with plenty of plot twists and secrets to keep you guessing about the villain, until the end. The title is clearly cleverly crafted.
The rating is closer to 4.5.

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

[Freya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I, surprisingly, enjoyed this book. I'm not a huge fan of cosy mysteries, I can always guess who did it a quarter of the way in (this one not being an exception), but it was needed after reading so many battle-related novels and negative news.

I do have to say that the author needs to hire a proofreader (I'm available..lol). The quotation marks are all over the place but rarely in the right spot. This causes a bit of confusion as to what is being said out loud or as internal monologue. I saw an instance of a paragraph doubled and there was a plot point that was referenced that did not happen before the reference.

That aside, this was a lot of fun to read and I didn't want to put it down. It was an easy read, so I finished it in two days. I really enjoyed Marmalade's observations. They put a smile on my face several times. I also enjoyed the play between Clara and the Inspector. It was somewhat realistic, so I found myself cheering them on. It helped that Clara is a relatable heroine, even if she is a bit blind to some obvious things (Marmalade's opinion, with which I agree).

All in all, I highly recommend this story to put a smile on your face and lighten your mood!

*I received an advance review copy for free, and I 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. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as I have the previous books in this series. This author brings the atmosphere of almost constantly foggy, damp Victorian London to life on every page.Clara Wetherly's life revolves around her botanical shop, preparing aides to health and wellbeing, curing ailments with natural herbs and plants with the care and precision learnt from her late grandmother - who has not quite left. Clara has become indispensable in the investigations of Inspector Graham Redgrave of Scotland Yard. Her ginger cat, Marmalade oversees goings on and makes sure things go as they should, as long as proper tributes are given by the humans. I love Marmalade's observations of proceedings. In this episode, someone who doesn't have Clara's experience with poisons is causing trouble and it isn't long before Clara and "her" Inspector are investigating. The relationship between Clara and Graham is developing satisfactorily, according to Marmalade. I feel that, with the various elements that make each story interesting and provide a realistic commentary on Victorian life there will be much more to come.

[Emma ♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, I was disappointed by this one. As per the last 2 books, I absolutely LOVE the atmospheric style to this author’s writing, but now I’m just wondering how this was managed whilst also making an unbelievable amount of errors in the plot and the text itself.
I could overlook these errors in book 1 as it likely just needed heavier editing and by book 2 there was significant improvement, but in book 3 I’d say we’re back at square one.
It felt like this might have been rushed to be published. It’s such a shame because this really has the makings for a good cosy mystery series, but it is in desperate need of a proofreader.

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

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Considering this is the third book in said series, I was glad to know that it stood as a solid stand alone as someone who hasn't come across this author or series before.

The characters were properly introduced and plot driven, while being super descriptive without "dragging on". The switch of point of view was unique, and enjoyable as a fellow pet lover. I kept going back and forth on who I thought "did it" and possible motives! It was very easy to get caught up in Clara and The Inspector's world.

Would recommend as a fun, easy read through given the short length! Looking forward to reading through the cozy series in its entirety.

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

[Jenny Norton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clara and Inspector Redgrave are back working together to solve a murder at the Duchess's estate. Poisonous botanicals were stolen from Clara's garden and used to harm, instead of help. Clara and the Ladies get to work to find clues and figure out who murdered Rose.

This is the third book in the Tarot & Tea Leaves Mystery. The story will keep you guessing until the end about the murder, and some other things that happen at the Duchess's estate. Of course, Marmalade has to get his two cents in on everything, and what is that light lavender-scented breeze that causes things to happen at Clara's shop…

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

[Mrs K.Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lies in the Lavender is an Excellent story about Clara and her special sleuthing cat Marmalade and how her special knowledge of plants help in investigation of poisoning. Clara with the assistance of the Ladies of Bloomsbury who gather information help Inspector Graham Redgrave in an investigation.

But can they find all the pieces of this puzzle and find out what has been happening and get the truth?

Superb book and series that I highly recommend you read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jodi Sweet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book! Clara is an amazing character and I love the group of investigating women who help her solve the crimes, as well as meddling in the romance development between Clara and the detective. Even her cat and ghost join in!

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book three of the series but the first I have read. Now I must go read the others. This book has everything. A good murder mystery that keeps you on your toes. Wonderful characters and a slew of suspects. Also a lovely budding romance.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a good series. I really enjoy the characters, especially Marmalade. I will admit I knew how did it quite early in the book, I still enjoyed watching the characters figure out the clues.

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

[Sherry Priddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun easy read. The cat, Marmalade adds to the fun. It is a cozy murder mystery with a ghost. There is a romance blossoming between Clara and the inspector. I have also enjoyed learning about herbs and plants. I've read all the books and looking forward to the next.

[Jackie Welcel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series and another very good book. Without our modern conveniences crime fighting was so very different in 1857. It's good to see the women are still helping Clara with the mystery as well as Marmalade. The poisonings once again are a central part of the story for Clara's assistance. There is a definite attraction developing between Graham and Clara but moves so slow back then. I looking forward to the next book.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Gea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ik zag deze voorbij komen bij Kobo en direct maar gelezen. Echt leuke boeken.