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Webs of Ink
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Expected 3 Nov 26In 1920s London, “Lady Detective” Maud West enlists newly published Agatha Christie to covertly investigate a dangerous mystery, propelling the unlikely duo through mounting threats and blackmail in a quest to deliver justice.
In early 1920s London, Maud West has gained a public reputation as “London’s Lady Detective,” though the title is largely of her own making. Her self-written newspaper accounts bring her notoriety, but not the professional respect she craves. Instead of high-profile investigations, she is routinely assigned divorce work, missing persons, and blackmail—cases that rarely challenge her talents or elevate her status. When a frightened woman comes to her office claiming she is being stalked by a strange man, Maud senses a rare opportunity to prove her skill. As she digs deeper, she discovers that her client’s troubles are tied to a clandestine gang operating within the city. The threats quickly escalate, and soon Maud herself becomes a target.
Elsewhere in London, Agatha Christie is both a new mother and a rising author, thrilled to see her first detective novel in print. Yet she hungers to observe a real investigation firsthand. Maud West’s exploits in the newspapers captivate her imagination and fuel her desire to study genuine detective work.
To Agatha’s astonishment, she receives a message from Maud requesting a private meeting. Maud outlines the increasingly perilous case and proposes a partnership: As a public figure tied to the investigation, she needs someone inconspicuous and sharp-minded to assist her. Agatha, a crime novelist rather than a known detective, is the perfect covert ally. Together, the celebrated detective and the rising mystery writer become entangled in a dangerous, twisting web that will test their ingenuity, courage, and trust as they work to bring justice to light.
In early 1920s London, Maud West has gained a public reputation as “London’s Lady Detective,” though the title is largely of her own making. Her self-written newspaper accounts bring her notoriety, but not the professional respect she craves. Instead of high-profile investigations, she is routinely assigned divorce work, missing persons, and blackmail—cases that rarely challenge her talents or elevate her status. When a frightened woman comes to her office claiming she is being stalked by a strange man, Maud senses a rare opportunity to prove her skill. As she digs deeper, she discovers that her client’s troubles are tied to a clandestine gang operating within the city. The threats quickly escalate, and soon Maud herself becomes a target.
Elsewhere in London, Agatha Christie is both a new mother and a rising author, thrilled to see her first detective novel in print. Yet she hungers to observe a real investigation firsthand. Maud West’s exploits in the newspapers captivate her imagination and fuel her desire to study genuine detective work.
To Agatha’s astonishment, she receives a message from Maud requesting a private meeting. Maud outlines the increasingly perilous case and proposes a partnership: As a public figure tied to the investigation, she needs someone inconspicuous and sharp-minded to assist her. Agatha, a crime novelist rather than a known detective, is the perfect covert ally. Together, the celebrated detective and the rising mystery writer become entangled in a dangerous, twisting web that will test their ingenuity, courage, and trust as they work to bring justice to light.
304 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication November 3, 2026
About the author
Rebecca Connolly
97 books1,352 followersI was born once upon a time, and I started making up stories right away. Eventually, I started writing them down, and never stopped! I have a day job, which gets in the way of my writing, but it pays the bills so I CAN write, so I guess that's okay! I am a bookworm, which I think is key to being a writer, and I am always looking for inspiration! I live in Indiana, am obsessed with hot chocolate, and I am on track to be the best aunt in the world.
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August 26, 2026This one wasn’t really for me. I guess the characterization of Agatha Christie didn’t quite land for me, making it feel like there wasn’t much reason for using her in the book as opposed to a completely fictional character. Who might like this? Fans of 1920s-style police fiction, complete with shadowy crime figures and enforcers along with a dash of real-life female detective history.
I received this ARC from Shadow Mountain via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I received this ARC from Shadow Mountain via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
July 19, 2026
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this electronic ARC. What an interesting idea for a book- a real female English detective, Maude West, from the 1920s working with the real mystery writer Agatha Christie to solve at first a crime and then a murder. Some of the details from the detective work of Maude were based on actual accounts even if Agatha and Maude never worked together. I love how both women were strong independent women who had careers but were also wives and mothers. I also was encouraged by the supportive roles both husbands played. This was a unique detective mystery and I very much enjoyed reading it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Do you love historical crime fiction? Murder mystery thrillers? How about Agatha Christie novels? Well, I have a book for you! Webs of Ink by Rebecca Connolly is being published on November 3, 2026, and it has all the above ingredients and more.
Connolly began by pairing Maud West, famous female detective from London, England in the 1920's, with Agatha Christie to create a murder mystery triumph. In her story, Connolly uses the time frame of Agatha Christie's first book publication (The Mysterious Affair at Styles) to introduce Christie to West. West is famous for using disguises to help solve her private detective cases, and Connolly melds the two women's lives and expertise to plot out a mystery for a counterfeiting crime ring.
The case Maud West solves in Webs of Ink is a true case that she solved during her career. Some of the events in the novel actually happened to West with details from her actual written accounts. Christie and West's husbands are also accurately portrayed. Now we get to the fictional part. There is no evidence that Maud West and Agatha Christie ever actually met, the fact that they could have makes for quite an entertaining story.
Before reading Webs of Ink, I had never heard of Maud West. I looked her up and had fun perusing her disguises and crimes solved. I am so glad I did too because that made this fictional romp so much more fun to read. I purposely left out much of the storyline in this review so as not to create any spoilers for my mystery reader fans.
If you enjoy a historical murder mystery with actual real life people depicted in the tale then I would recommend reading Webs of Ink when it debuts in November from Shadow Mountain Publishing. I am rating Webs of Ink with four stars.
I want to thank NetGalley, Shadow Mountain Publishing and Rebecca Connolly for the Advanced Reader's Copy of Webs of Ink in exchange for this honest Review.
#WebsofInk #RebeccaConnolly #NetGalley #MaudWest #AgathaChristie #ShadowMountainPublishing
Connolly began by pairing Maud West, famous female detective from London, England in the 1920's, with Agatha Christie to create a murder mystery triumph. In her story, Connolly uses the time frame of Agatha Christie's first book publication (The Mysterious Affair at Styles) to introduce Christie to West. West is famous for using disguises to help solve her private detective cases, and Connolly melds the two women's lives and expertise to plot out a mystery for a counterfeiting crime ring.
The case Maud West solves in Webs of Ink is a true case that she solved during her career. Some of the events in the novel actually happened to West with details from her actual written accounts. Christie and West's husbands are also accurately portrayed. Now we get to the fictional part. There is no evidence that Maud West and Agatha Christie ever actually met, the fact that they could have makes for quite an entertaining story.
Before reading Webs of Ink, I had never heard of Maud West. I looked her up and had fun perusing her disguises and crimes solved. I am so glad I did too because that made this fictional romp so much more fun to read. I purposely left out much of the storyline in this review so as not to create any spoilers for my mystery reader fans.
If you enjoy a historical murder mystery with actual real life people depicted in the tale then I would recommend reading Webs of Ink when it debuts in November from Shadow Mountain Publishing. I am rating Webs of Ink with four stars.
I want to thank NetGalley, Shadow Mountain Publishing and Rebecca Connolly for the Advanced Reader's Copy of Webs of Ink in exchange for this honest Review.
#WebsofInk #RebeccaConnolly #NetGalley #MaudWest #AgathaChristie #ShadowMountainPublishing
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Webs of Ink is an absolute delight — a smart, atmospheric mystery that pairs two wonderfully different women and lets them shine in all the best ways. Set in 1920s London, the story brings together Maud West, the self‑styled “Lady Detective” hungry for real recognition, and a young Agatha Christie, eager to observe genuine investigative work beyond the page. Their partnership is as unexpected as it is entertaining.
What I loved most is how Rebecca Connolly balances tone: the book feels light on its feet, yet the stakes are real, the danger credible, and the emotional beats surprisingly tender. Maud is sharp, ambitious, and just a little bit theatrical; Agatha is observant, thoughtful, and quietly brave. Watching them navigate mounting threats, blackmail, and a shadowy criminal network is simply fun — the kind of fun that comes from two clever women refusing to be underestimated.
The 1920s setting is vivid without ever feeling heavy, and the mystery itself twists neatly without relying on shock value. Instead, it’s the characters — their growing trust, their contrasting strengths, their shared determination — that make the story sing.
If you enjoy historical mysteries with strong female leads, a dash of danger, and a wonderfully bookish twist, Webs of Ink is a treat. I’d happily follow Maud and Agatha on many more adventures.
With thanks to Rebecca Connolly, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
What I loved most is how Rebecca Connolly balances tone: the book feels light on its feet, yet the stakes are real, the danger credible, and the emotional beats surprisingly tender. Maud is sharp, ambitious, and just a little bit theatrical; Agatha is observant, thoughtful, and quietly brave. Watching them navigate mounting threats, blackmail, and a shadowy criminal network is simply fun — the kind of fun that comes from two clever women refusing to be underestimated.
The 1920s setting is vivid without ever feeling heavy, and the mystery itself twists neatly without relying on shock value. Instead, it’s the characters — their growing trust, their contrasting strengths, their shared determination — that make the story sing.
If you enjoy historical mysteries with strong female leads, a dash of danger, and a wonderfully bookish twist, Webs of Ink is a treat. I’d happily follow Maud and Agatha on many more adventures.
With thanks to Rebecca Connolly, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When I read the premise, I was really excited for this book - a bit true crime (Maub West was a real detective) and part police procedural (Agatha Christie’s knowledge of poisons, working with a cop to do research for a future series with a female lead detective), mixed together to form a fun mystery fiction story.
However, I never really found myself getting into the book and I think it’s because my expectations weren’t met (to be fair, it might not be the books fault). The book feels like a mix of historical fiction and a cozy mystery. There is more about Maub and Agatha’s personal lives than I would have guessed (e.g., confiding in their husbands, their kids, etc) and the women being stalked ends up playing a bigger role. Yes, Maub is a detective which inherently isn’t a cozy mystery, but it has the rest of the vibes I expect in a cozy mystery - it feels more lighthearted of a mystery, Floozie and Agatha are amateurs, the characters are quirky, the focus is on the puzzle side of the mystery vs the darker themes you might expect from a drug-running gang.
I think if you go into this looking for a book more akin to the Miss Marple series itself, you’ll likely enjoy the book.
Thank you to Rebecca Connolly, Shadow Mountain Press, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
However, I never really found myself getting into the book and I think it’s because my expectations weren’t met (to be fair, it might not be the books fault). The book feels like a mix of historical fiction and a cozy mystery. There is more about Maub and Agatha’s personal lives than I would have guessed (e.g., confiding in their husbands, their kids, etc) and the women being stalked ends up playing a bigger role. Yes, Maub is a detective which inherently isn’t a cozy mystery, but it has the rest of the vibes I expect in a cozy mystery - it feels more lighthearted of a mystery, Floozie and Agatha are amateurs, the characters are quirky, the focus is on the puzzle side of the mystery vs the darker themes you might expect from a drug-running gang.
I think if you go into this looking for a book more akin to the Miss Marple series itself, you’ll likely enjoy the book.
Thank you to Rebecca Connolly, Shadow Mountain Press, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
While far from a new author, I was only just introduced to Rebecca Connolly's books and had only read one (Three Queens) prior to this one. The thing that I think I enjoyed most about this one, is the same that I enjoyed about the last: an interesting imagining of relationship between actual known people in history. In this case, Agatha Christie and Maud West. While I was fairly familiar with Agatha Christie, I must admit that I had personally never heard of Maud West prior to this book, so for those also unfamiliar, she was a female detective in 1920s London. Despite my familiarity, I found I was able to enjoy the story all the same. This pairing may be fictional, but it is one that made sense to me, and I enjoyed seeing these two women come together to solve a mystery of their own. This story truly felt like a combination of historical fiction and cozy mystery in a wonderful 1920s setting... and I loved that some of the details actually did come from Maud's real-life investigations. This is definitely story that has me intrigued to learn more about both of these women's lives outside of this fictional partnership too. If you're a fan of Agatha Christie or 1920s mysteries, this is certainly one worth checking out.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Webs of Ink by Rebecca Connolly is a fascinating fictional story that brings together Maud West and Agatha Christie. Maud is a female detective who is quite talented, female or not, and finds herself facing a huge case opportunity. Initially, she’s intrigued and quite drawn to protect and help the young woman who brings to her a dangerously layered case. Agatha Christie has just published a book in America and gets invited by Maud to bring her perspective as an author. I love the energy and banter between these two brilliant minds. The mystery itself is plausible and moves a great pace, keeping the reader engaged throughout. While Maud is a master of disguise, Agatha is a creative writer with experiences from her own war efforts. Both women are married, younger mothers, who are balancing the demands of raising a family and pursuing their passions. Together, they bring a fresh perspective on women sleuths in London during the 1920s. I cannot wait for their next adventure!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.
July 31, 2026
I received an ARC ebook from PW’s Grab-A-Galley giveaway.
Webs of Ink is historical fiction about a private detective, Maud West, and mystery novelist, Agatha Christie. These women don’t know each other at the start. Maud’s assistant, Clarke, had heard about Agatha’s first novel so a meeting is arranged to introduce the two women. They decide to team up to solve the case Maud had recently begun. Both women are extremely observant. Maud is great with disguises and Agatha with pharmaceuticals which they use to help solve the case. This book is based on an actual case taken on by Maud West.
I am a more recent fan of mysteries and this one was engaging and leaving me wanting to read past my bedtime. I think Rebecca Connolly did a superb job depicting her characters and describing the often dangerous situations they encountered. There is much witty and humorous dialogue throughout, especially between Maud and Sergeant Malone. I also enjoyed this book because it portrays strong and smart women, who are also wives and mothers, taking on roles typically held by men at that time.
Webs of Ink is historical fiction about a private detective, Maud West, and mystery novelist, Agatha Christie. These women don’t know each other at the start. Maud’s assistant, Clarke, had heard about Agatha’s first novel so a meeting is arranged to introduce the two women. They decide to team up to solve the case Maud had recently begun. Both women are extremely observant. Maud is great with disguises and Agatha with pharmaceuticals which they use to help solve the case. This book is based on an actual case taken on by Maud West.
I am a more recent fan of mysteries and this one was engaging and leaving me wanting to read past my bedtime. I think Rebecca Connolly did a superb job depicting her characters and describing the often dangerous situations they encountered. There is much witty and humorous dialogue throughout, especially between Maud and Sergeant Malone. I also enjoyed this book because it portrays strong and smart women, who are also wives and mothers, taking on roles typically held by men at that time.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.75 stars: I inhaled this book! It was so fun to see the author Agatha Christie team up with the detective Maud West to solve a complicated mystery, all while balancing their lives as wives and mothers. There was a lot here about the nature of womanhood, safety, and morality. I especially enjoyed the scene where Maud kept her children safe even while she was on a case. I thought the pacing was done extremely well here, because I was engaged throughout and never got confused or felt anything dragged. I do wish we got to see more of Christie's writing process. since she mainly talked about writing. I really enjoyed this!
Thank you to Netgalley and Shadow Mountain for an ARC copy; all opinions are my own.
Thank you to Netgalley and Shadow Mountain for an ARC copy; all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What if a female detective joined with a mystery writer?
This is a wonderful blending of fact into a fictional premise based in the question of what if Maud West, a real, female detective, teamed up with Agatha Christie. This story, based in true cases of Maud West, looks at how their true personalities and strengths might have blended together to the enjoyment of both women and the reader. How would the pressures of marriage and children effect each woman? How would they work together to bring a little justice to the world? Such a great read with a truly engaging plot. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy. This is my review and all thoughts are my own.
This is a wonderful blending of fact into a fictional premise based in the question of what if Maud West, a real, female detective, teamed up with Agatha Christie. This story, based in true cases of Maud West, looks at how their true personalities and strengths might have blended together to the enjoyment of both women and the reader. How would the pressures of marriage and children effect each woman? How would they work together to bring a little justice to the world? Such a great read with a truly engaging plot. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy. This is my review and all thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a cute little mystery. It actually has Agatha Christie vibes (even if it is slightly more complicated than most of her mysteries). The main characters are a real life lady detective named Maud West and Agatha Christie herself. The mystery is based on a real case with some extra detail added by the author. There is also no indication that these lovely ladies ever met in real life, but they likely knew about each other at some point. If this turns into a series, I would read additional installments.
I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys a cozy mystery with a bit of thriller added in.
I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys a cozy mystery with a bit of thriller added in.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review of an advanced copy received from NetGalley
I didn't knew that Maud was an actual person until I reached the end of this book. I personally haven't read any book from Agatha Christie yet and after this book I guess she'll climb up my tbr shelf. This is why I love to read historical fiction books, because it helps me to know the existence of wonderful
women, such as Maud. I truly enjoyed the book and please, don't base on my reading history, it took me a long time because life happens. There was of course a moment when everything felt rushed, but it turned out to be a really good end. I truly believe this book has potential and that it deserves a chance.
I didn't knew that Maud was an actual person until I reached the end of this book. I personally haven't read any book from Agatha Christie yet and after this book I guess she'll climb up my tbr shelf. This is why I love to read historical fiction books, because it helps me to know the existence of wonderful
women, such as Maud. I truly enjoyed the book and please, don't base on my reading history, it took me a long time because life happens. There was of course a moment when everything felt rushed, but it turned out to be a really good end. I truly believe this book has potential and that it deserves a chance.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Lady Detective Maud West is one of the very few lady detectives in the 1920’s. Maud isn’t her real name, it’s her work name to keep her two lives separate. Most of her cases are simple cases but when she meets a woman that all changes. She realizes she could use help so she reaches out to Agatha Christie after she has a book published in the USA and coming soon to England. This is Maud’s big chance to show women are as good as men.
Goodreads
Goodreads
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This one was really different.
Kind of slow, but I liked it.
Interesting to learn about the beginnings of female detectives. It was fun learning the background stories of Maud West and Agatha Christie, and it was fun to think of them working together. It was also fun to feel like you were solving the crime alongside them.
Realistic portrayal of criminal activity of the time and how investigators would handle situations, plus a little excitement and suspense. Satisfying ending as well.
Kind of slow, but I liked it.
Interesting to learn about the beginnings of female detectives. It was fun learning the background stories of Maud West and Agatha Christie, and it was fun to think of them working together. It was also fun to feel like you were solving the crime alongside them.
Realistic portrayal of criminal activity of the time and how investigators would handle situations, plus a little excitement and suspense. Satisfying ending as well.
September 17, 2026
This book was inspired be a real life investigator from London, Maud West, in the 1920s. The author creatively pairs Maud with newly published Agatha Christie. Even though there is no documentation that these two brilliant women ever met, their pairing created an engaging mystery. Maud brings in Agatha to help solve a case where a woman, who happened to work with a criminal gang, was being followed by someone. This woman feared for her life and hired Maud to help figure out who was following her. Maud kept her personal life hidden until this criminal gang began to follow her and put her own family at risk.
I thoroughly enjoyed the pairing of these two women as the main protagonists. There was a lot going on in this investigation to keep the reader on their toes and relishing what happened next. Even though readers have read Agatha Christie's mysteries, this story portrays her as an insecure new writer and she learns to trust her instincts to assist Maud in the investigation. I enjoyed the 1920s London setting with the networks of black market criminals lurking around.
I would recommend this for fans of mysteries, historical fiction, and even Agatha Christie fans.
#WebsofInk #ShadowMountainPublishing #NetGalley
Thank you Shadow Mountain Publishing and Net Galley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
I thoroughly enjoyed the pairing of these two women as the main protagonists. There was a lot going on in this investigation to keep the reader on their toes and relishing what happened next. Even though readers have read Agatha Christie's mysteries, this story portrays her as an insecure new writer and she learns to trust her instincts to assist Maud in the investigation. I enjoyed the 1920s London setting with the networks of black market criminals lurking around.
I would recommend this for fans of mysteries, historical fiction, and even Agatha Christie fans.
#WebsofInk #ShadowMountainPublishing #NetGalley
Thank you Shadow Mountain Publishing and Net Galley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I love the idea of this book, and I did enjoy getting to know the characters and the history around this period of time. I just had a difficult time staying engaged with the story because there are a lot of characters to keep track of. I do love all of the books we are able to dive into now to learn about women in history!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The premise grabbed my attention, but I couldn't stay engaged. I blame the imbalance between interiority and forward action: too much thought and description, and too little tension. Even though there is danger and mystery, I never felt the urge to read just one more chapter.
September 13, 2026
An absolute delight! Combining the worlds of Christie and West is a very successful idea.
This was an ARC.
This was an ARC.
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