Asesinato por Manuscritto: Un Cozy Mystery Victoriano (Misterios de Tarot y Hojas de Té - Spain nº 4)

by Zia Bellamy, Mark Rivera (Translator)

Navidad de 1857. Londres brilla bajo la luz del gas… y oculta a un asesino a plena vista.

La apotecaria Clara Wetherly ya tiene suficientes su apotecaría de Bloomsbury en dificultades, el fantasma de su abuela que no deja de reorganizar las estanterías y el complicado asunto del inspector Graham Redgrave, cuyas visitas traen consigo pensamientos de asesinato… y algo mucho más cálido en la mirada.

Cuando el célebre editor Philip Hartwick es encontrado muerto en su escritorio, la muerte se atribuye en un primer momento a causas naturales. Pero Harriet Collins, aspirante a novelista, sabe que no es así. El método del asesinato coincide exactamente con el de su manuscrito un alfiler de sombrero clavado en la base del cráneo, el arma escondida a plena vista. Alguien ha leído su historia y la ha utilizado como guion para cometer el crimen.

Con Harriet convertida en la principal sospechosa, Clara y las Damas de Bloomsbury emprenden su propia investigación. Pero, a medida que Clara se adentra en los secretos de la editorial Hartwick & Sons, descubre una red de regalías robadas, autores resentidos y una esposa que sabe mucho más de lo que aparenta. El alfiler apunta a la amante embarazada. Las pruebas señalan a la esposa traicionada. Y, en algún lugar entre las sombras, un asesino observa, confiado en que la ficción sería el disfraz perfecto para un asesinato.

Con una romance de desarrollo lento, un fantasma entrometido, una familia elegida de detectives aficionados y un gato convencido de que ya ha resuelto el caso, Murder by Manuscript es un cozy mystery victoriano ideal para los lectores que aman los misterios a la luz de gas, llenos de corazón.

Genres: Cozy Mystery

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 21, 2025

Reviews

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an ARC reader for Book Sirens and this is my honest opinion. I've been following this series by Zia Bellamy since book 1 and thoroughly enjoyed them. The series has a bit of everything for readers of murder mysteries, Victorian ghostly presence, friendships and a very Victorian style slow burn romance. Clara Wetherby is an intuitive apothecary who inherited her shop from her parents, both outlived by her grandmother who, although dead, refuses to stay quiet and, along with Clara's very intelligent cat, Marmalade, tries to point Clara in various ways to the right conclusions. In this episode, Clara's writer friend wrote a murder mystery that someone used as a blueprint to commit a real murder. I love the way the books are punctuated with The observations of Marmalade, who sees all, has his own ideas on what Clara should do - and on "The big man" who comes to visit and occasionally brings kippers. I love that this is an example of an intelligent woman proving that she's capable of thinking in ways men believe impossible. But I'm mystified by the mid 19th century London being constantly cold, wet and, particularly, foggy. Surely they had summers back then? I'm already looking forward to book 5.

[Lu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Four in this delightful series by Zia Bellamy continues Clara Wetherly’s apothecary and investigative adventures and her interactions with Scotland Yard Inspector Redgrave. I am pleased that this book caught my attention from the first page and held it until the very last page. (I was only sorry there was an ending. However….more to follow.)

This is a cozy, historical mystery, with engaging characters, including a cat named Marmalade. The author truly captures the characteristics of a cat and Marmalade’s commentary and actions are an integral part of the story.

I do enjoy the group of women and their willingness to help Clara and members of their group, without judgement and without reservation. The friendship and acceptance they provide Clara is heartwarming.

Inspector Graham Redgrave’s character is well written and his relationship with Clara and her circle of ladies makes the story interesting and intriguing.

Of course there is a murder to solve, and yet there is SO much more to this book. Plot twists, red herrings and more than one possible suspect ensure the plot is captivating and believable.

I look forward to the next installment in this imaginative series.


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

[Jackie Welcel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the few series I read where each book has been just as good as the previous one. This was such a good story, I couldn't imagine how a murder could have been carried out exactly as told in an unpublished novel. I enjoy the way Clara investigates with the help of her ladies' group and how each one of the women have their own unique way to find more information. We learn a little more about Marmalade and his funny attitude. I love the time period these books are set in and how much research the author does to make it feel like you are there. Lastly, the progress in the personal relationship between Clara and Graham keep you looking forward to the next book. Great read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mrs K.Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder by Manuscript is a Superb book about Clara who Owns an Apothecary inherited from her Grandmother and her very special cat with personality Marmalade. Her Grandmother's Ghost gives guidance with Marmalade assisting. Harriet an Author asks for help after a publisher was killed using her manuscripts plot. Clara contacts Inspector Graham Redgrave for advice and an investigation begins. Clara with her Special Group of Ladies help to discover information to assist Inspector Redgrave. But can they uncover all the clues and find the truth?

Excellent story that I enjoyed reading very much and found it hard to stop reading. I very highly recommend that you read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really, really enjoying this series! The characters, the setting and the smart way that the mysteries are set up.

I love watching the relationship develop between Clara and Inspector Redgrave. The group of ladies that help Clara investigate are so wonderful! I really love the little inserts with Marmalade's thoughts, they make me smile every time.

If you like a nice cozy mystery this is a good series, start with the first book Murder at Her
Door.

I would like to thank Booksirens for the opportunity to read and review this story.

[Michelle Kssili · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder by manuscript is an outstanding murder mystery that kept me fully engaged from start to finish. The plot is clever, the pacing is strong, and the twists are well placed, making it a very satisfying read for mystery lovers. Even though tarot cards play a role in the story—and I don’t personally believe that cards can determine how things will turn out—the author weaves them into the narrative in an intriguing way that adds atmosphere rather than distraction. The investigation is compelling, the suspense builds nicely, and the mystery unfolds in a way that kept me guessing.

[Meija · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. At this point I got to admit I’m enjoying the books. I love the murder mystery, the cat, the ghost and the bloomsbury ladies. I also love the romance, but meine güten it is a SLOW burn (too slow if you ask me). A handshake under the misletoe… she doesn’t want to examine her feelings for some books now. The editing remains terrible, like really really bad. Also some points are just forgotten by the writer, which is just stupid.
However, if you ignore all of that it will be enjoyable.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book four finds Apothecary Clara Wetherly once again investigating a murder. This time though the chief suspect is one of her lady friends. With the help of her friends, her cat, her deceased grandmother, and the handsome Scotland Yard inspector will she be able to prove her innocence? Good Victorian murder mystery.

[Jodi Sweet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death by unpublished, rejected, manuscript! But who did it?

I loved this book. It was not only a great mystery, with fantastic characters, but it also gave a lesson in what the Victorian era was like for women. Things were so hard and unjust! Clara and her group of fierce, strong, and powerful women are what makes this series.

Keep the stories coming!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice change

I have just finished all 4 of these books and really enjoyed them made a nice change from the norm I like the fact of there being everything in the books romance danger and lots of other unusual ways a crime is committed and no modern methods look forward to the next one

[Sonne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Le falta un pulido. En el 4º libro de una serie hay que tener en cuenta lo que pasó y escribiste en el 1º.

[Gea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Weer een nieuw deel. Ik vind dit echt hele leuke boeken.