Murder in Blackfriars

Below Stairs Mystery #9

by Jennifer Ashley, Kymberley Cochrane (Narrator)

11 hours, 23 minutes

In Victorian London, valiant cook and amateur sleuth Kat Holloway must help the man she loves solve the murder that will finally uncover his mysterious past, from the New York Times bestselling author of A Silence in Belgrave Square .

Kat Holloway’s beau, Daniel McAdam, has always had a past shrouded in mystery. He knows nothing about his origins, only that a kind man rescued him from the streets all those years ago. So when a man claiming he knows where Daniel comes from turns up dead moments before meeting with them, Daniel goes on the hunt for the killer. It soon becomes clear that to see justice served, Daniel will have to figure out who he truly is and where he came from. When Daniel asks Kat for her assistance, she readily complies, knowing she’ll do whatever it takes to protect the man she’s come to love.

The quest takes Kat and Daniel deep into the East End, where they face dangerous foes from Daniel’s rugged past, many of whom aren’t happy that Daniel now works with the police and will stop at nothing to keep Kat and Daniel from uncovering their secrets. As Kat begins to learn things about Daniel’s history she’s not certain she wants to know, she fears that the darkest secret—his true name and lineage—will tear apart the tender bonds they’ve begun to form.

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

12 pages, Audible Audio

First published August 11, 2026

About the author

NY Times Bestselling author Jennifer Ashley writes historical, contemporary, and paranormal romance, historical mysteries, and urban fantasy as Jennifer Ashley, Allyson James, and Ashley Gardner.

Jennifer's novels have been translated into many different languages, and earned starred reviews from Booklist and Publisher's Weekly. More about her books at http://www.jenniferashley.com and http://gardnermysteries.com.

Reviews

[Jeannine]

This is the last book in the Below Stairs series for which Jennifer Ashley is contracted through Berkley. Just like when I started reading book 5, also the end of a contract, I went in thinking that this would be a story that quietly wrapped up the series. While the series-long mystery of who Daniel McAdam is was solved, this book was not a quiet conclusion, but rather a fantastic start to another phase in the story.

We have Jennifer Ashley‘s typical wit, charm and humor in this story. We have delightful scenes with beloved secondary characters. We have the ongoing tension that Kat has been navigating with her job. We have sweet and heartbreaking scenes with her daughter, who is now a young teenager. And of course, the beautiful romance between Kat and Daniel continues. All of this on top of a clever mystery. What a fabulous story!

I shed tears over the ending. While the murder was solved and Daniel has closure, this is not happily ever after for Kat. Berkley better give Jennifer Ashley a big, fat contract to keep this going…unless she wants to go fully indie. I’ll pay for the next book regardless!!!

[SarahO]

I've been following this series since 2020 and every new book that comes out is like being hugged by an old friend. I absolutely LOVE these characters and their relationships. Every time one pops onto the page for their first appearance I can't help but smile.
Getting more Daniel and Kat is always a treat (especially since the last book) but I'm also loving that Kat now has her own network of people/informants to turn to: an old friend in the market and a new friend in a bookshop. She's come a long way since using Daniel and James as her only source for information.
Alongside Kat getting some heartbreaking news, someone comes forward with some possible information about Daniels shadowed past. This book had me smiling, crying, talking back to the characters, and I finished it in one sitting! (Okay, maybe a couple but all in one day!)

[eyes.2c]

Who is Daniel McAdams?

Kat Holloway has come a long way from the Kat we were first introduced to eons ago.
Changes are looming. Her friend Joanna is moving out of London. Joanna’s solicitor husband has accepted a new post. Joanne looks after Kat’s daughter Grace, and for the time being Grace will move with them. Kat is heavy hearted.
Kat’s now fiancé Danial McAdams is still searching for his identity. His past looms over him. Kat’s help will prove invaluable.
There’s honorable rogues, a dangerous and sleek gang leader, ruffians and bullies, charming gutter rats and a host of beloved favorites.
Kat is indomitable when roused, loyal to her friends, and caring.
Another startling Victorian mystery from Ashley.

A Berkley ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.

[Christina O.]

"Murder in Blackfriars" is such a satisfying continuation of the Kat Holloway mysteries. There are some life changes for Kat in this book that push the overall story in some interesting ways, and we finally get some answers about Daniel's background. I love all of the side characters and the descriptions of Victorian London. This is definitely one of my favorite books in the series. I can't wait to see what comes next!

[Minna]

Big thank you, BIG, to NetGalley, Berkley, and Ms. Ashley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this title. An honest review was requested but not required.

If you're here at book #9 then you probably enjoy the series (no one has enough free time for 8 books they're only mid on), so I don't have to sell you on it. Let me just say, I would have been happy for this series to go on forever, BUT, this was a fantastic finish. OR WAS IT. ?? lol

Everything you've liked in books 1-8, we have here in book #9. Kat's cleverness, talent at forging connections, and quick thinking, the side characters (whether Kat's friends, found family, or her longtime coworkers in service) continue to be terrific, Grace is all grown up, and Daniel is 😚. *If*, and I do mean if, Ms. Ashley wishes, she could definitely continue with these characters. I really hope she does. I don't wish to spoil any of the actual story (you're welcome), but I can happily say that as a series closer [[[[[maybe!)]]]]] this 100% delivers.

Five easy stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[☕️Kimberly (Caffeinated Reviewer)]

While each of the books in the Below the Stairs Mysteries contains a mystery for Kat Holloway, our Victorian London cook & amateur sleuth to solve with the help of her beau and friends you’ll want to read them in the order of their release. The characters and their storylines, including a slow-burning romance will pull you in as much as the mysteries.

An attempt to learn more about Daniel’s past puts them in the path of a murder and a dangerous faction of the city. While Daniel looks to solve the murder, Kat enlists the help of her friends, and a man of the cloth to uncover the secrets of Daniel’s past.

In the meantime, big changes are happening. Kat learns news that upsets her even as she takes steps to secure a better future for herself and her daughter. I loved all the threads and the unwavering love we see between Kat and Daniel. The story had some suspenseful moments and I found myself in awe of Kat’s fearlessness.

While this was supposed to be the last book, their story is far from over and whether Ashley continues the story through a traditional publisher or on her own, I will be there to gobble them up.

If you love historical mysteries, happens below the stairs, foodie books, and richly developed characters you will want to devour Murder in Blackfriars and the entire serie

This review originally published at Caffeinated Reviewer

[Jen (That's What I'm Talking About)]

It’s been a few months since the conclusion of the previous book. Daniel has given up working for Mr. Monaghan but still makes himself available to Scotland Yard. Kat and Daniel hope to marry within the year. However, he wants to discover where he came from first and she needs a bit more money to start her bake/tea stall.

Joanne tells Kat that Sam has been offered a promotion that comes with a larger salary and a big home. But it’s in the country and they will be moving before the end of the year, leaving London for good. It’s a few hours by train, which means Kat can only visit Grace on her full day off on Thursdays.

While Murder in Blackfriars is the final contracted book, Ashley assures fans that this will not be the final Kat Holloway book: https://jenniferashleyblog.com/2026/0...

I absolutely love Kat and Daniel as a team and how he allows her autonomy do figure out mysteries. How he supports her. I love how much Daniel has changed. He listens to Kat describe her interaction with Naismith, and although he’s still angry it happened, he acknowledges that she grounds him and helps him think clearly. That she makes sense when all he knows is chaos. I love that Daniel admires and respects Kat’s ability to get to the truth, to “solve crimes.” He wants to protect and keep her safe, but he knows she is happier helping and is good at it, too.

I love how the entire gang comes together to help Daniel find his family/history.

Overall the story was good and I enjoyed the happy ending. However, I had a few issues.. And I’m still upset about the change in narrator (see GR review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...).

The bulk of the story focuses on Daniel trying to discover information about his past and where he came from. The path to the end is twisty and filled with false leads. However, there is a point where a key character doesn’t speak up, and there is no explanation for why they kept quiet. Additionally, I found it odd that later, Kat sees something that she didn’t upon the first meeting. It felt contrived, and I was frustrated.

Second, Mrs. Bywater’s behavior is odd throughout the book. She’s on Kat’s case and being nosy. However, there is no explanation for why. Which leads me to a related issue: How does Kat still have a job with the Bywaters? She runs all over London, even when she’s supposed to be working. She finds time to start her own business. I know she’s an excellent cook, but it makes no sense.

In the end, I still enjoy the Kat Holloway/Below Stairs Mysteries, and I look forward to the day with Kat and Daniel can live out their dreams.

My Rating: B/B-

[Caroline]

This is the long awaited tale of Daniel McAdam’s backstory! I had not expected it to leave me teary-eyed, but alas, it did. Another wonderful installment, and now I really can’t wait for more! Thanks to Berkley for the arc.

[Pranav Bhatnagar]

There is something wonderfully comforting about returning to Kat Holloway, even when someone has been murdered and the people around her seem to be walking into danger. What pulled me into Murder in Blackfriars was not just the mystery itself. It was Kat. She has a way of looking at the world that makes even ordinary conversations feel worth reading, and I enjoyed being inside her thoughts as she tried to make sense of everything happening around her. This time, Daniel is drawn into a situation that quickly becomes much more serious than either of them expected. Kat naturally wants to know what is happening, but what I enjoyed most was seeing how she balances that curiosity with her responsibilities as a mother and as a cook. Her relationship with Grace also gives the story a warmth that works beautifully beside the darker mystery. The London setting was another highlight for me. Blackfriars, the Thames, the fog, the markets and the busy streets all make the story feel like a place where secrets could easily disappear. I also loved the way Kat's knowledge of food and household life becomes useful without making her feel like a detective simply because the story needs one. There is danger here, but there is also friendship, family, humour and a strong sense of community. Hannah was another character I was very happy to see because her conversations with Kat always bring something extra to the story. What made this work for me was how naturally the mystery and the personal parts of Kat's life sit together. I came for the murder, but I stayed because I genuinely cared what happened to these people.

[Grandma Susan]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Murder in Blackfriars was another wonderful installment in Jennifer Ashley’s Kat Holloway mystery series. Set in Victorian London, this story combines an intriguing murder mystery with a much more personal mystery involving Daniel McAdam’s past. Daniel remembers virtually nothing about his childhood before the time when he was living as a thief on the streets. When Kat and Daniel arrange to meet a man who may finally be able to provide some answers, they arrive only to discover that he has been murdered. From there, the mystery of the man’s death and the mystery of Daniel’s identity become increasingly intertwined.

One of the things I especially enjoyed about this book was how personal the story felt. Kat and Daniel are engaged, so learning the truth about Daniel’s past matters to Kat for reasons that go far beyond solving another mystery. I was completely invested in discovering the answers alongside them, and I was very satisfied with the way everything was ultimately resolved.

There is also a particularly touching storyline involving Kat and her daughter, Grace. Circumstances mean that mother and daughter will have to live apart for approximately a year, although they will still be able to see each other twice a week. Their sadness over the separation added a very real emotional element to the story. The relationships between these characters are one of the reasons this series works so well for me—the mystery is important, but so are the people involved in it.

I listened to the advanced listener’s copy, and the narration was outstanding from beginning to end. The narrator brought the characters and Victorian London to life and made an already enjoyable story even better. I also had access to the Kindle advanced reader’s copy, which allowed me to experience both formats.

I was blessed to receive both an ARC and an ALC of Murder in Blackfriars. My thanks to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing, and Dreamscape Media for providing these advance copies. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and unbiased.

[Catherine Hillier]

I’m devastated by the change in narrator for the audio book. This has become one of my favourite series but I’ve listened to Anne-Marie Piazza narrate these characters for hours so bringing in a new narrator now means I don’t recognize any of the characters. I did read something that said Anne-Marie had scheduling issues and the publisher decided on and brought in the alternate narrator. I get the reasoning but it’s a wretched thing to do to a big fan.

[Jen (That's What I'm Talking About)]

I have listened to every Kat Holloway / Below Stairs Mystery, including the novellas when they are available in audiobook. Anne-Marie Piazza has always performed wonderfully, and after eight full-length titles she is familiar and embodies the characters. Piazza IS Kat Holloway.

So imagine my surprise when I started Murder in Blackfriars, the ninth and final contracted book in the series, and discovered that Piazza is not narrating the title. This is so disappointing. For an audiobook listener, changing the voice of a beloved character after so many books is a huge NO. I, for one, would rather wait for the audiobook to be published than for this to happen.

I cannot get past the changes to the characters voices and Cochrane's slower cadence. Unfortunately, I am going to "DNF" the audiobook at this point. This is breaking my heart. I will eventually read the book, but right now, I'm too disappointed and upset to tackle this one, especially because it may be the final full-length Kat book, at least for a while.

My Rating: DNF (audio only) - Completely disappointed

[Anne - Books of My Heart]

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart

I haven't listened to previous books on audio, but when I got denied on Netgalley I was able to get Murder in Blackfriars on Hoopla.  The Kat Holloway series is one of my favorites in the historical mystery genre.  We're well into the series now and I would read these books in order.


Daniel is mostly finished with the police and is looking to learn more about his heritage.  Kat continues to cook for the difficult Bywaters but also starts a market stall with the help of her daughter and Tess.  There are big changes happening and I worried throughout how they would manage them.

A man comes to Daniel with information about his parentage as they were with the same woman and then workhouse as boys and then he's murdered.  Daniel is arrested but mostly he is questioned. He and Kat go to work on solving the murder.   They talk to everyone who he might have had problems with.

Kat gathered from the brief bit he told Daniel that the boy Daniel had liked an old children's book with pictures of the sea. She starts research from that end.  She has Cynthia and Thanos searching records of births and deaths at Somerset House around the time Daniel was born.

Daniel does not seem very effective in his research but he has the disadvantage of being too close to the problem.  Kat is extraordinary at finding small clues which lead to more information.  They do solve the murder and the mystery of Daniel's history.  I wonder what he will do between now (October) and next June when the wedding is planned.  I guess he can figure out his next plans for earning his living, beyond the delivery business which provided cover for the police work he did.

I enjoyed the realistic aspects of how the changes happened and were managed by them.  Although they were both clever and lucky to get resolution.  I look forward to seeing how they put things together for their future.  And what about the friends and coworkers Kat is used to having in her daily life?

Narration:
I have not previously listened to this narrator.  Once I settled into the story, I found her voices to be very comfortable for the male and female characters with some accents (although I don't know if they were accurate for the region).  The only voice I found odd was Daniel. He seemed rather dull; I expected more life from the clever and risk-taking man he is.  I listened at my newer 1.75x speed.

[Barb in Maryland]

4.5 stars, rounded down to 4 because of the ending for Kat.

A very convoluted murder mystery is entangled in Daniel McAdam's search for his family origins. A Mr. Banks has told Mr. Grimes that he knows something about Daniel's origins. However, Banks is murdered on his way to meet Daniel, Kat, and Grimes. Thus the two-pronged search begins--for the murderer, and for someone who might have known what info Banks had.
I had fun with this one--so many of our regular characters play a part in unraveling the mystery of Daniel's earliest life. I don't want to say too much about that part of the story, beyond saying that that yes, Daniel's quest is eventually successful.
The investigation of the murder of Mr. Banks inevitably crosses paths with the villainous Mr Naismith with several surprising developments there, as well.
As for Kat--she faces a difficult separation from her daughter, Grace. Joanna's husband has received a promotion, that comes with relocating 50 or so miles outside London. They want Grace to come with them; Kat and Grace herself know that Grace staying in London won't work out.
Kat will still be able to visit on her Thursdays off, but the journey to and fro will eat up precious time
with Grace.

I want one more book that will give Kat and Grace their happy ending!! I want to see the tea shop of their dreams. I am encouraged by the news of a new novella (The Ghost and Mrs. Holloway), due in October, and by a remark by the author that indicates she's not yet done with this series. I shall keep my hopes up and fingers crossed.

[Ariana Ochoa]

I have loved this series since the very first book, and in this installment we finally find out more about Daniel's mysterious past!

If you have been following this series, you know how far Kat Holloway has come since the first book. Kat Holloway works as a cook, is a mother, an amateur sleuth, and is building her side business. Daniel has strayed away from working at Scotland Yard but occasionally helps out. Kat and Daniel are eager to marry within the year, but Daniel is curious to know more about his past and where he came from. When someone from Daniel's past approaches him with information on his parents, he is later killed and Kat will do all she can to solve the mystery while juggling her responsibilities. Great changes are coming, but this story was more emotional than the previous books.

There were many twists in this plot along with many tears! Of all the books in the series, this one was my favorite!

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. This review is voluntary. All thoughts are my own.

[Renee]

Nowadays I don't bother with a series that I don't love. And this is one of the best! In this adventure, Kat researches the story of her fiancé Daniel's childhood & says a temporary goodbye to her daughter Grace. It's a winner!

[Barbara Waire]

The Best Story Ever - A love Story

This storyline was the best. A story of family love and mystery.
Also, the story revealed several murder mysteries solved. I hope the series will continue after Kat and Daniel marry. After the marriage, the storyline will be filled with adventures and mysteries.

[Caitie’s Reading Nook]

Another good installment of the series. The change in narrator threw me for a loop. I forgot some characters relevance by change in voices.

[Amalia]

Five reasons I'm giving Five Stars to Murder in Blackfriars by Jennifer Ashley:

1. The series - We are in 1880 London and Kat Holloway is a cook in a posh house. There is an interesting upstairs-downstairs scenario, there is a mysterious Daniel, and there are of course bodies.

2. The protagonist - Kat is always the smartest, kindest and most capable person in the room
AND she's a fantastic cook. But I'm not holding it against her because, relatively speaking, she is a
product of her time.

3. The sensibility - So many protagonists of historical mysteries are liberal feminists with modern
sensibilities that you forget how difficult it was for a single woman to make her way. These books
feel more authentic in this respect.

4. The domestic details - I love details of daily life and these books take the time to let us know how
a cook in Victorian London went about her day. There are a LOT of yummy food descriptions.

5. The atmosphere - If you are in the market for a light and gentle read, fast paced but without gore,
with a likeable heroine, a nice feeling for the period and a bit of romance, this could be the series for you.

[Mindy B (reader_of_the_lost_arcs)]

I was very interested to find out about Daniel's past in this book. A roller-coaster of emotions! I know these books aren't technically romance, but I read them just to see the progress of the relationship between Kat and Daniel. They've come such a long way!!

The narrator was good, but not as good as the previous one. It's always difficult to try to get used to a different voice so far into the series.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.

[Kat]

Murder in Blackfriars is the 9th book in Jennifer Ashley's popular Victorian mystery series Below Stairs Mysteries. I actually started this series with books 0.5 and 1. How about that?! Yet, unfortunately, this is the next one that I read. I have all the others, but sometimes time, and books, pass me by. I remembered I loved both of those, so I was eager to jump back in the world of Kat Holloway. And I was so glad I did! This story stands alone, but there's so much I missed between books that I am quite eager to find out what I missed!

Kat Holloway’s beau, Daniel McAdam, has always had a past shrouded in mystery. He knows nothing about his origins, only that he was rescued from the streets many years ago. So when someone claiming to know where Daniel came from turns up dead moments before meeting with him, Daniel goes on the hunt for the killer. It soon becomes clear that to see justice served, Daniel will have to figure out who he truly is. When he asks Kat for her assistance, she readily complies, knowing she’ll do whatever she must to protect the man she’s come to love. The quest takes Kat and Daniel deep into the East End, where they face dangerous foes from Daniel’s rugged past who will stop at nothing to keep Kat and Daniel from uncovering their secrets. As Kat begins to learn things about Daniel’s history, she fears that the darkest secret—his true name and lineage—will tear apart the tender bonds they’ve begun to form.

So many historical mysteries and romances involve at least one character who is a peer, if not both. What I loved about this one is that neither of the leads comes from a title. Kat is a cook for a well-to-do family, and Daniel doesn't even know who his family is, plus he is a deliveryman who's also worked for Scotland Yard. It's definitely a nice change of pace. Apparently much has happened between books 1 and 9. Kat and Daniel are now betrothed. Kat's daughter Grace lives with her friends Joanna and Sam Millburn, and Kat is having trouble dealing with the fact that the Millburns and their family - including Grace - are going to be moving out of London to a town hours away because Sam got a promotion. Kat is also dealing with setting up a stall in a market area selling her wares on her time off, hoping perhaps she can have her own business. Meanwhile, Daniel is no longer working for Scotland Yard and is back to his delivery business with his son James, though he's available if Scotland Yard should need him. So there's a lot going on for both of them when someone contacts Daniel, claiming to have knowledge of his past. When Daniel and Kat go to look for the man who didn't show up for their meeting, they do find him. Dead. So now not only are they trying to figure out what Daniel's past is, but also looking for a murderer. Assisting them is Zachariah Grimes, a man with a criminal history who is their friend and has saved them in the past. Also joining the hunt is Mr. Errol Fielding, a vicar in the East End who happens to have shared a foster parent with Daniel. Let's say he is not a particularly Godly vicar! Another character I simply adored was a woman Kat met who was. a bookseller; Kat was trying to track down the connection between a book about the seaside and Daniel's past, and the woman goes well beyond what Kat expected. And then there's Hannah, a woman at the market who is friends with Kat and Grace. I love the characters in this book, particularly Kat and Daniel, of course. Kat is tough, having had to work for others and keeping the secret of her daughter from her employers. Daniel is a strong character as well, having grown up on the streets, running a delivery service and having a 19-year-old-son, James. The mystery herein was a great one, with plenty of red herrings to keep one guessing. My favorite part, of course, deals with Daniel discovering who he actually is and who his family was. I hope this series continues to go on for a good long while. And I also hope I find time to read all that I missed!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[Susie (DFWSusie)]

Summary |
Kat Holloway’s life irrevocably changed five years ago when Daniel McAdam dropped by her kitchen and the bodies started dropping around them. In Victorian London, life is not easy for anyone in the working class – least of all two people with secrets and pasts which put them in danger. Kat and Daniel have reached an agreement to wed, but one thing which has always stood in Daniel’s path is not knowing his own origins. So when a mysterious stranger reaches out with what may be the key to Daniel’s past, Kat, Daniel and their friends jump at the change to find answers.

Unfortunately, the man turns up dead and the incident springs the couple into danger and intrigue yet again. At the same time, Kat must confront the realities of life with a daughter who cannot live with her due to the constraints of society and the very looming possibility that everything is about to change.

Personal Thoughts |
Murder in Blackfriars is another excellent installment in the Below Stairs series and a perfect encapsulation of what I love about these characters.

Though the focus is on solving mysteries, Ashley hits all the emotional beats and the payoff Romance genre readers look for. From the first book, Kat and Daniel are the perfect people for each other, in a very imperfect world. They have been through trials that would have split a weaker bond and come out on the other side.

In the last book, promises were made to marry, and here we see that there isn’t going to be any more stepping backward. They may not be officially married yet, but there’s no question they are life partners. In the past, Daniel is the one to swoop in and save the day, thanks to his role with Scotland Yard. But in Murder in Blackfriars it’s Kat, and her ever pragmatic and whip smart ways that saves Daniel.

She has given him an emotional home along with friends and a found family, but she also has the backbone and grit to stand up to the most dangerous people in the city to protect her man. Daniel, on the other hand, has grown to love not just Kat but her daughter too, and he shows that in the way he’s making plans not based on what’s best for him, but best for all of them.

The mystery here is deeply linked to these characters and their relationships in a way not seen as much before, and it’s a really lovely addition to the overall series. There’s the villains we’ve come to expect, and a few we don’t see as they have faded to the background for a bit. All the secondary characters play important parts and we get to see how they react to the changes around them as well.

This is a great read I’d easily recommend to anyone who enjoys the previous adventures of Kat, Daniel, and the crew. I’d also recommend testing this series out if you enjoy Historical Mystery with a big helping of Romance between working class main characters.

———
Berkley Publishing (August 11, 2026)
Genre/Subgenre: historical fiction, historical mystery, romantic mystery

Standalone/Series: #9 in the Below Stairs Mysteries, could be read as a standalone, but this one is particularly suited to reading in order

Steam/Spice Level: no spicy/intimate scenes, just kissing, but for reasons which fit the plot, characters, and world

Setting: Victorian era London

POV: first person, present tense, single POV
_________
Review based on an Advanced Reader Copy provided by Berkley Publishing

[Robin]

I enjoy this series for two reasons: one, it’s set in Victorian London, a fairly commonly used setting in historical mysteries, but the main character, Kat Holloway, is not of the nobility or connected to nobility or the impoverished nobility or even aspiring to the nobility – she’s a cook. The books frankly deal with the working-class side of Victorian London. For a mystery reader, encountering this facet of London makes the series more relatable and somehow makes the stakes the characters are dealing with have a bit more resonance. The other reason is simply that Jennifer Ashley, with over 60 novels to her credit, is a truly polished storyteller who seems to have an unerring instinct for what makes a narrative move as well as connect with the reader.

The details of the way Kat runs her kitchen, while secondary to the plots, are pretty interesting and propel parts of the action. In this ninth outing, Kat is engaged to Daniel, her longtime beau, and hoping when she marries to at last share a household with her daughter, Grace, who lives with a friend. Kat’s employer isn’t even aware she has a child, and in truth, Victorian employers expected their servants to have very little personal life. On Kat’s days out she is, however, able to spend time with Grace.

Her beau, Daniel, grew up on the streets and knows nothing about his past, so when someone shows up claiming to know something about his background, Daniel and Kat go to the meet the man, who turns up dead shortly after they meet. While the book is a hunt for the man’s killer, it also involves fraud and gang activity, the fraud and London gang connections and rivalries fleshing out the plot.

On Kat’s mind is the idea of taking up a stall in the market selling her pies and tarts on her days off, and the imminent departure of Grace for the countryside with her friend’s family. Neither Kat nor Grace is happy about it but Kat is eminently practical and a rapprochement with Grace is attained.
Meanwhile the hunt for Daniel’s past involves combing through both parish records and public records, drawing in Daniel’s vicar brother and a friend of theirs who is sweet on the daughter of the house where Kat works. Ashley keeps her recurring characters alive and active, but the vicar is the real standout in this book. What a delicious character.

The whole time Kat is mindful of, and working at, her actual job, with the expectations of a cook in a well off household. Her boss is a bit prim and a bit nosy but mostly Kat is able to run her kitchen and her sleuthing activities, as well as keeping track of her daughter. The end of the book, for me at least, had a real emotional heft and a satisfying conclusion. Ashley is enough of a pro to leave a hanging thread and make the reader eager for the next book. This is series fiction at its best.

[Barbara Rogers]

Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Below Stairs Mystery #9
Publication Date: 08/11/26
Period: Victorian London
Number of Pages: 320

I started reading this book thinking it was the last in the series and was very disappointed because it didn’t wrap up a lot of things. Yes, we finally learned Daniel’s origins, but nothing else was resolved. Then, to my great delight, I learned that while this is the last book in the series from this publisher, the author will continue the series by self-publishing. GREAT NEWS! All the changes we see in this book – and those left unfinished – will make for wonderful new stories in the future.

The story opens with a murder that quickly draws us into the dark and fascinating world of Blackfriars. What initially appears to be a straightforward murder investigation becomes much more complicated as secrets begin to surface and the investigation takes our characters into the lives, relationships, and hidden motives of those around them. Jennifer Ashley does an excellent job of giving us a mystery that keeps unfolding while also allowing us to become invested in the people trying to solve it.

I really enjoyed the historical setting in this one. Ashley creates such a vivid sense of time and place, and the atmosphere adds so much to the story. Blackfriars becomes almost a character itself—dark, crowded, mysterious, and full of possibilities for both secrets and danger. I could easily picture the streets and buildings and felt completely drawn into the world she created.

But, as usual, it was the characters who really made the book for me. I particularly enjoyed watching the relationships develop throughout the story. We aren't simply given characters who are there to solve a murder; we get to see their personalities, their strengths and weaknesses, and the ways their experiences affect how they deal with one another.

And the mystery kept me guessing. There are plenty of clues, red herrings, twists, and revelations, and Ashley does a wonderful job of keeping the answers just out of reach. Every time I thought I had things figured out, another piece of the puzzle appeared and made me reconsider what I thought I knew. The pacing worked particularly well for me because the story never seemed to drag, but it also gave enough time for the characters and relationships to develop.

This is exactly the kind of historical mystery I enjoy—a compelling murder investigation, a fascinating historical setting, characters I become invested in, and enough twists and turns to keep me turning the pages.

Jennifer Ashley has given me another book that was difficult to put down, and Murder in Blackfriars is definitely a 5-star read for me!

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Anne]

Murder in Blackfriars by Jennifer Ashley is another in her Kate Holloway series also featuring Daniel McAdam who has a murky past although he is a good man. Their current plants are to marry the following summer as they both save money. Daniel has a nineteen-year-old son named James, and of course, Kat has her daughter, Grace, who currently lives with her friend Joanna. Daniel thinks he has a lead on his origins but then man turns up dead and Daniel is accused of the crime. It doesn’t take too long for the police to clear him: they know him, he used to be one of them. But, it does set off a search by both of them, calling in all their resources. Kat and Hannah are able to convince the man’s landlady to let them search his room, but that yields nothing, although they met a man who claimed to be a friend. But, they still have resources. A leader of a group of criminals on the East End named Naismith appears to be a likely suspect, no matter how much he claims to be innocent. Another search Kate is working on is the hunt for Daniel’s family. But, since he had been on his own since about the age of three and had very few memories, that is proving to be difficult.

Kat Holloway is a cook in a fine household and she is one of the best. Her friend, Hannah, has convinced her to rent a market stall and sell baked goods a couple of days a week and despite her fears, that seems to be working out. The worst news is that Joanna and Sam are moving to Basingstoke and at this point Kat has no choice but to let Grace go with them. It all gets very complicated. Kat is fearless. She will go anywhere and ask questions of any one. This makes everyone worry, but it appears to have paid off this time. Terrific characters that have grown in the time I’ve been reading this series. An excellent plot, of course complicated by the times. Easy to follow. Ashely is masterful with her words. It is an excellent read.

The reader is Kymberley Cochrane who started off with a very heavy accent, but it became easier as the book wore on. First time I’ve listened instead of read and I enjoyed it. Kate came alive.

I was invited to listen to Murder in Blackfriars by Dreamscape Media. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #DreamscapeMedia # KymberleyCochrane #JenniferAshley #MurderInBlackfriars

[Bks43v3r]

2 - 2.5 Stars

I am a long time reader of this series. Out of the 14 books (full length and novellas), I have read all but three. I have enjoyed a lot of them. Especially the earlier books. However, I have really been struggling with this series for a bit. At first, reading about a crime solving cook was new and interesting for me. Seeing how Kat was about to do it and still do her job was a kick. BUT (and it's big one) for me, they have become a bit trite.

In this series we just get our FMC, Kat's POV. Ahhh...I wish so much that the author had included Daniel's POV well. Reason? Well, a good portion of the book is Kat being in the kitchen. Being a servant in those days was very limiting. And the reader has to hear about all that dull working life stuff. I also am tired of hearing about cook/food stuff. I am not one of those people who watch cooking shows. I can take it if it's brief but it's not really here. Seems to me, lately, more and more of the books in this series are spending a lot of time on this topis. And there never seems to be another cook that is anywhere near Kat's level of greatness in the kitchen. (She's often critiquing other cooks efforts, and usually it is lacking big time). Besides this, there has been A LOT of fretting in the last few books. Fret, fret, fret. Repeat. Worry, worry, worry. Repeat.

The plot in this book focuses mostly on Daniel's past (with a smaller plots regarding Kat's daughter and a big change in the area as well as FINALLY getting her side hustle started). The reader follows the slow plot and doling out of clues. Once the pace finally picks up, it was interesting. It's a sad story is all I will say. But leading up to that, it was a bit of a slog for me. And the romance. Oh, my! How much longer is it doing to be draaaaaaged out? They been together for like I believe five years!!! I hate been TVs and books prolong a romance. At this point, I don't even care if/when they finally get married. Whatever.

I think I am done with this series. It has run it's course for me. It was a mostly good ride while it lasted.

CONTENT
Intimacy: Only some kissing. And it not really described, so pretty clean.
Violence: Violent things happen, there is a murder, threats etc. However, again, not really described much.
Language: Do not recall anything objectionable.

[Brittney]

If you love immersive Victorian mysteries where the food is as rich as the secrets, this series still has it.

📚 Murder in Blackfriars by Jennifer Ashley
Series: Below Stairs Mystery book nine
Genre: Historical mystery with romantic threads
Vibes: Victorian London, hidden past, East End danger, domestic detail, slow burn devotion

Kat Holloway is back, ladle in one hand and justice in the other.

This time the mystery is painfully personal. A man claiming to know Daniel McAdam’s true origins appears… and is murdered before he can speak. What follows is a dangerous dive into Daniel’s shadowed past and the East End world he left behind.

What makes this installment shine:

🕯️ Lush historical detail that feels immersive, not heavy
🍞 Mouthwatering baking and kitchen scenes woven naturally into the plot
🔍 A deeply personal mystery tied to identity and lineage
💔 Emotional revelations that test Kat and Daniel’s bond
👥 A growing ensemble cast that still feels organic and alive

One of my favorite things about this series is how much I would read it even without a murder. The social dynamics, the domestic scenes, the everyday rhythms of Victorian life are just that compelling. Ashley’s detail never feels like filler. It feels like stepping into the streets, kitchens, and drawing rooms of the time.

Daniel’s origins finally coming to light is a major turning point. I may have expected something slightly different, and the method of discovery felt a bit convenient at first, but as the pieces were cross referenced, it settled into something believable and emotionally satisfying.

Kat’s stall thriving felt like a well deserved victory. The developments with Grace absolutely broke my heart. And I am convinced we have not seen the last of certain lingering threats.

Big shifts are happening in this world, and yet the heart of it remains the same. Loyalty. Partnership. Quiet courage.

If you love historical mysteries where romance and character development matter just as much as solving the crime, this series continues to deliver.

💬 Do you read historical mysteries more for the sleuthing or for the everyday life immersion?

#JenniferAshley #MurderInBlackfriars #BerkleyPublishing #HistoricalMystery #BelowStairsMystery

[Robin]

3.5/5 stars

Full disclosure (and this was definitely on me), this was the first of this series that I've read...and there are 8 previous books. I did not do my due diligence here and did not realize how far into the series this book dropped and did not have the time to quickly read its predecessors at this time. I honestly try not to join an established series without going back for its backstories. However, that being said, I honestly did not have much difficulty following the story, characters, history, etc.

Even while not having their full bios, I enjoyed meeting the regular cast members of this book, especially Kat, the intelligent, headstrong heroine cook/entrepreneur. I did not get the full vision of Daniel that I would have liked but feel like I would have connected more with him if I had had the full knowledge of the previous books.

This seemed a bit of a bittersweet installment for both Kat and Daniel personally. While Kat had a heart wrenching event to get through, Daniel had a very personal identity question to solve. Some of Daniel's family disclosures seemed a bit too easy/convenient, but I was glad that he was able to put some things from his past to rest.

My issue (and this was probably just me) was that the writing felt a bit too simplistic/basic to me. There were times when it felt a bit stilted and did not grab me or flow as easily as I felt it should. I found myself at times not especially eager to pick back up where I had left off in the story as the writing itself did not pull me in enough to be anxious to get back to it. But again, if I had had more of a history with the series I might have felt differently or at least comfortably familiar with the style.

All in all, considering my lack of experience with the series, it was a good book. A decent read but not one that was especially great for me.

My thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group / Berkley for the free early arc of Murder in Blackfriars for review. The opinions are strictly my own.

[boogleloo]

5/5 stars: This is Ashley's ninth entry in the Below Stairs Mystery series which is a Historical Mystery set in England, 1884. Featuring a wealthy family's cook, who has a young daughter who lives with a friend and her family, as she finds herself turning sleuth to assist her fiance with his investigation into a man's murder, who was killed before he could reveal information about his unknown origins. The quest takes the two deep into the East End, where they face dangerous foes from his rugged past, many of whom aren’t happy that he now works with the police and will stop at nothing to keep them from uncovering their secrets. As she begins to learn things about her beau's history she’s not certain she wants to know, she fears that the darkest secret – his true name and lineage – will tear apart the tender bonds they’ve begun to form.

With plenty of twists and turns, Ashley has masterfully crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects and weaves in plenty of clues and red herrings that will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Ashley's writing and character work are stellar; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable with a secondary cast that are well crafted and uniquely voiced. Ashley's historical research's evident and well done without overshadowing the overall mystery plot and provides a great sense of time and place.

Ashley touches on some sensitive topics; so take care and the CWs. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, Death Below Stairs. This is a favorite series; highly recommend!

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

[Debbie]

"Murder in Blackfriars" is a mystery set in 1884 in London, England. This is the 9th book in the series. Street-raised, clever Daniel became incompetent in this book. A man offered to tell him information about his past. Daniel paid him but basically said, 'I need my girlfriend to tell me if you're telling the truth or not, so don't tell me anything until we can meet with her.' There was no reason why he couldn't have heard the information right then. Of course, the fellow was killed before telling the information.

Kate never met him but assumed he was a kind, well-meaning fellow and they should solve his murder. Even though the fellow said that it was seeing Daniel's teenaged son that brought the connection to mind, Kate assumed his information must be about when Daniel was a toddler. She also treated Daniel like a child, forbidding him from doing anything dangerous, though it was fine for her to do the same dangerous activity.

Kate was just so arrogant. She kept thinking about how she ought to tell various cooks how to make their food better. Though there was no reason for her to be involved and her presence could be used against Daniel, she insisted on confronting a criminal overload in his own home and not only insulted him but told him what he ought to do. Um, are you insane? How did that make anything better?

Most of the story was about Kate getting her food stand going and dealing with her daughter moving away for a while. Much of the investigation was handled by others while Kate suggested things to look into. It didn't feel much like a mystery but rather a historical fiction following the lives of all the characters from previous books.

Historical details were woven into the story. There was no sex. There was occasional use of of bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this historical to fans of the series as we finally do learn the mystery of Daniel's past.

I received a free ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.