Set in Victorian London, A Lyrical Woman follows Tabitha and Wolf as a royal invitation to a concert at the Royal Albert Hall leads to an investigation when a foreign dignitary is found dead under suspicious circumstances.
While the dowager countess attends at Queen Victoria’s request, Tabitha, confined to bed and nearing the birth of her child, must guide the inquiry from afar. With Wolf and the American heiress Isabella acting on her direction, the case unfolds through coded messages, discreet enquiries, and the careful navigation of diplomatic tensions.
As rumours of espionage and political intrigue begin to circulate, they must proceed with caution, aware that any misstep could have consequences far beyond London society.
Perfect for readers who enjoy Victorian historical mysteries set in royal courts, featuring diplomatic intrigue and investigations shaped by intellect, discretion, and high-stakes secrecy.
This one wasn’t as enjoyable as others. It redeemed itself by the birth of a healthy baby, but the murder was hard to follow because it was based more on political dealings. That didn’t interest me much and I kept getting bored.
Having read of Tabitha’s and Wolf’s many tales of sleuthing, it’s hard to imagine how the author manages to include, involve, and entwine new and old characters in each new book. This one brings Miss Hartwell to the forefront to assist while Tabitha is ordered into bed rest until her baby is born. The story begins with an invitation to join the Queen at a concert. Other dignitaries attend, and a Russian diplomat dies in full view of the Queen and her guests. Because the Queen has become familiar with past cases handled by Wolf and Tabitha, she asks them to help solve the murder. Tabitha gathers information from her bed, Lady Pembrook is convinced she is the soul person who can resolve the case, Wolf, Bear and Langley try to piece it together, and Miss Hartwell sets the stage for the downfall of powerful men.
I truly enjoyed this adventure of Wolf and the Dowager. With Tabitha sentenced to bed rest, Lady Pembroke and their new American friend, Miss Hartwell, rise to the challenge of who poisoned the Grand Duke of Russia. Since the death happened at a Royal outing, the gets involved and requests the assistance of Wolfe and company. It is an intriguing trail of bits and pieces in information that lead to the capture of the culprit.