Une Femme Vaillante: Un Mystère Romantique Historique

Tabitha & Wolf Historical Mystery #11

by Sarah F. Noel, Virtual Voice (Narrator)

Après leur détour inattendu par Anglesey, Tabitha et Wolf aspirent à goûter enfin la quiétude d’un été à Pembroke.

Désormais résolu à assumer pleinement son héritage de comte de Pembroke, Wolf se prend d’un vif intérêt pour l’histoire de sa lignée. Désireuse de lui faire plaisir, Tabitha organise une visite privée des ruines du château ancestral — une promenade familiale qui devait n’être qu’un agréable divertissement.

Mais, tandis qu’ils écoutent les récits du gardien érudit en arpentant le domaine, une découverte bouleversante vient troubler la journée : un cadavre, gisant sous les vieilles pierres.

Tandis que les habitants s’empressent d’y voir un tragique accident, Tabitha pressent qu’un secret plus sombre se dissimule derrière cette mort. En suivant les fils de l’enquête, elle et Wolf se trouvent entraînés dans une affaire qui dépasse le simple meurtre — un mystère enfoui depuis plus de sept siècles, lié au tout premier comte de Pembroke.

Parviendront-ils à démasquer le coupable, alors que des forces obscures semblent les épier dans l’ombre et que le danger rôde là où ils s’y attendent le moins ?

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Audiobook, Fiction, Historical Romance, Historical Mystery

Audible Audio

Published November 5, 2025

Reviews

[Grandma Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a new series and author to me. What a blessed find. Tabitha and Wolf are a wonderful couple. Neither one are typical for their positions in this time period. Quite unconventional, which adds to the fun. I plan to go back and read the series from the beginning. The mystery had me stumped. Outstanding narrator. Highly recommend.

I was blessed with an audio ARC. Thank you NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.

This is a review of the audiobook.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Valiant Woman AUDIO by Sarah F Noel is part of a series, the Tabitha and Wolf Mysteries. This is number eleven in the series but was written well enough to provide much of the back story so could be read independently of the first ten books. Wolf is the Earl of Pembroke, a title he inherited when Tabitha’s first husband died. Theirs is a happy marriage and they spend much of their time together sleuthing. They are joined by Tabitha’s first husband’s mother, the Dowager Countess of Pembroke, who often gets in the way but certainly has her time and her place. In this case, as they are visiting Pembroke Castle, a body is found in an underground area deemed to dangerous to visit, but of course, they did. The man had been stabbed, but after further investigation it turned out he had been poisoned first, then stabbed, probably elsewhere.

This was a cute cozy mystery, historical to boot. Excellent characters, full of quirks and personality. Very well-written. The mystery was excellent and the perpetrator a total surprise. The Dowager Countess was a truly excellent character The “investigation” consisted mainly of talking to people and putting together the clues. There were no chases and only one kidnapping. The overall feel was calm and collected. It was an enjoyable listen.

The story was read by Vicki-Jo Eva who was the perfect choice for this book. She maintained the correct amount of calm and nobility while keeping the characters human.

I was invited to listen to A Valiant Woman by Dreamscape Select. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #DreamscapeSelect #VickiJoEva #SarahFNoel #AValiantWoman

[Regency_Fan_ Michelle RegencyFanMichelleAndMore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of experiencing Sarah F. Noel's writing for the first time in A Valiant Woman, part of the Tabitha and Wolf Mysteries series. The Victorian setting was a highlight for me. The author's writing style is engaging, and the story is well-structured, allowing for a standalone read. The characters are well-developed and quirky, making this cozy historical mystery a delight. The mystery itself was captivating, and the unexpected twist kept me engaged. The Dowager Countess is a memorable character due to her humor. The narrator, Vicki-Jo Eva, did an excellent job. This author is definitely one to watch in the genre.

I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook from Dreamscape Select, and I chose to provide my review. #Netgalley #DreamscapeSelect #VickiJoEva #SarahFNoel #AValiantWoman

[Anna Boliker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being the eleventh installemnt, the book can nevertheless be enjoyed on its own. There is enough background for new readers to catch up. The mystery was not easily solved, but the Group was successful in the end. Beside the mystery, the Group dynamics continues to be amiable and the dowdger being irritating.

The naration was nicely done, although I did have some issues with the audio-file (several repetitions over several chapters). Overall, this was an engaging, well-written and well-narrated historical cozy mystery.

Thanks to netgalley for the aac. Opinions are my own.

[Chia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, what a book! I devoured it in just a couple of hours (of course, it was a grey Sunday, and it was the perfect opportunity).
Despite this being my first T & W's book, I could see how easy it was for them to work together (I mean, apart from being partners in life... being husband and wife, they were the fantastic and brilliant individuals which worked in sync). The mystery was perfectly executed, and when they caught the culprit....
Vicki-Jo Eva was amazing. I really enjoyed her narration.

Thanks for the copy, NetGalley!

[Charlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pembroke pulls them in.

The dowager’s wish for Wolf to know more about his family history and the lands around the estate bring them into another murder investigation with a historical bend. The usual group works on the investigation but it is the dowager, Tabitha and Wolf who do the most work. The dowager always adds a bit of uppity humor to the story. In this book the romance isn’t all between Wolf and Tabitha. And, as is often the case, Noel plants a tidbit at the end to send me to the next book.

[Judith Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

treasures

This latest entry into Tabitha and Wolf’s lives continues their respite in Wales, but they have retired to their home. Of course, a murder is committed and our group is immediately involved. The Dowager and Langley add their talents to the investigation and the search begins. Ms. Noel continues the character development and the story goes on seamlessly. Another great read.

[Laura Prindable · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first read by this author and I was impressed. I loved the Victorian times, the mystery and the process of solving it and the characters. The narrator did a spectacular job.

4 stars

Many thanks to Net Galley and Dreamscape Select for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Roberta Godoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the eleventh book in a series I haven't read, but even so, I managed to understand the whole backstory and still enjoy the characters' adventures as they investigated a murder in the castle.

And the septuagenarian Dowager character is hilarious!

Excellent narration by Vicki-Jo Eva.

I'll go back to the first books to see where the story began!

[Sven · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series continues to be fun, shorter stories with enough mystery and fast pace to keep the reader motivated to turn the pages.

Tabitha and Wolf have a wonderful relationship along with their extended entourage. The mystery was intriguing and there were enough twists and turns that did not make it obvious.

#netgalley #AValiantWoman

[Nancy T Vega · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Castle/A Ruin/A Mystery/A Murder..

Tabitha & Wolf investigate a ruin at the castle & find a body inside. Clues begin to mount up but nothing seems concrete. But there are secrets & when they finally fall into place it’s rough going & not a moment too soon. And Tabitha has her own secret to tell but decides to wait for a while longer.

[Samantha Seay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite coming to this installment without having read the earlier books, and occasionally feeling a bit adrift amid the characters’ references, I still found myself thoroughly enjoying the story as a whole.

[Susie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical romance at its best

Another great read. Tabitha and Wolf never fail to entertain the reader! And the predictable dowager always lurks in the background.

[Reader]

Another great story, I am now reading the next book,

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a William Marshal, first Earl of Pembroke, scholar is killed in the ruins of Pembroke Castle, the Victorian earl and his lady, Wolf and Tabitha, feel sure something sinister is behind the poisoning. Lots of twelfth century history of Pembrokeshire is revealed as the local antiquarians try to help the police and the aristocrats find the killer. Comic relief arrives in the form of the Dowager Countess, who relishes a good "investigation" and is supremely confident of her own importance. The rules of Victorian society and the atmosphere of southern Wales add to the fun.

[Reba · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first story in the Tabitha and Wolf Mysteries series for me. A Valiant Woman is set in the Victorian era with a well-structured writing that is perfect for standalone reading and is easy to hop into (as this is part 11 of the series). The characters are well-developed and well-formed, making this cozy historical mystery captivating. The mystery itself was intriguing.

*Warning for mention of animal harm in reference to murderous escalation*

Thank you to Netgalley for the free eAudio ARC.

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Encore un excellent tome pour cette série. Nous retournons à Pembroke, au pays de Galles, où des fouilles sont menées.
Nos héros se retrouvent face à un crime et, Wolf doit assumer son rôle de magistrat, aidé par Tabitha et la douairière. Cette dernière apporte toujours son humour sarcastique.
Intéressant au niveau historique.