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A Coveted Heiress: An Historical Mystery
Set in 1890s London, this Victorian historical mystery follows Isabella Hartwell, a sharp-witted American heiress, as she investigates a murder at Harrods, uncovering hidden debts, secret deals, and dangerous high-society deception.
London society may still be deciding what to make of Isabella Hartwell, but Isabella has little interest in conforming to expectations. When she attends an exclusive private event at Harrods, she expects spectacle, gossip, and perhaps a little matchmaking. She does not expect to find a man dead within the store’s glittering walls.
At first, the killing appears linked to luxury goods and discreet business dealings. But as Isabella investigates, she uncovers concealed debts, secret bargains, and rival ambitions hidden beneath polished counters and respectable smiles. In a world where everything and everyone seems to be assessed for value, murder may be the price of keeping ruin out of sight.
With suspicion spreading through drawing rooms, showrooms, and back corridors alike, Isabella must discover who wanted the victim silenced before the killer turns their attention to her.
London society may still be deciding what to make of Isabella Hartwell, but Isabella has little interest in conforming to expectations. When she attends an exclusive private event at Harrods, she expects spectacle, gossip, and perhaps a little matchmaking. She does not expect to find a man dead within the store’s glittering walls.
At first, the killing appears linked to luxury goods and discreet business dealings. But as Isabella investigates, she uncovers concealed debts, secret bargains, and rival ambitions hidden beneath polished counters and respectable smiles. In a world where everything and everyone seems to be assessed for value, murder may be the price of keeping ruin out of sight.
With suspicion spreading through drawing rooms, showrooms, and back corridors alike, Isabella must discover who wanted the victim silenced before the killer turns their attention to her.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 31, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Coveted Heiress by Sarah F. Noel is the second book in a new series featuring characters from the author's long-running Tabitha and Wolf Mysteries. Isabella Hartwell is a young American heiress from the Gilded Age who has come to England seeking independence and adventure, although her Aunt Caro thinks she should be seeking a titled husband.
Isabella is planning to attend an exclusive fashion show at Harrod's with her friend Lady Arlene Archibald. She persuades her reluctant friend Julia, the Dowager Countess of Pembroke to accompany them.
The show is interrupted when Julian Hallwood is found dead at the bottom of Harrod's new, innovative moving staircase. Harrod's manager and police initially believe it was an accident. Isabella and the police doctor determine that it was not. Isabella and her friends investigate Hallwood's life and discover he was what we might call a "fixer." He helped people solve financial problems and helped women on the fringe of society with introductions to aristocrats.
This book can be read as a standalone. The characters and their behavior can be as interesting as the mystery itself, especially for those familiar with the series.
The Dowager Countess of Pembroke is a mainstay of the Tabitha and Wolf and spinoff series. She is a complex, controversial figure, apparently disliked by many readers. She is a snob who knows everyone of importance, has strong, often negative opinions of others, and doesn't suffer fools or officiousness. On the other hand, she has a sharp, inquiring, persistent mind, knows everyone important in both the aristocracy and the government, as well as selected parts of the underworld, and will deal with the lower classes if it helps an investigation.
Lady Arlene Archibald is first introduced in the Tabitha and Wolf series where she is resented by Tabitha, the current Countess of Pembroke. Several of the other significant characters from the Tabitha and Wolf series either make a appearance or are mentioned in passing. Thank you to the author for providing the advance copy for this honest review.
Isabella is planning to attend an exclusive fashion show at Harrod's with her friend Lady Arlene Archibald. She persuades her reluctant friend Julia, the Dowager Countess of Pembroke to accompany them.
The show is interrupted when Julian Hallwood is found dead at the bottom of Harrod's new, innovative moving staircase. Harrod's manager and police initially believe it was an accident. Isabella and the police doctor determine that it was not. Isabella and her friends investigate Hallwood's life and discover he was what we might call a "fixer." He helped people solve financial problems and helped women on the fringe of society with introductions to aristocrats.
This book can be read as a standalone. The characters and their behavior can be as interesting as the mystery itself, especially for those familiar with the series.
The Dowager Countess of Pembroke is a mainstay of the Tabitha and Wolf and spinoff series. She is a complex, controversial figure, apparently disliked by many readers. She is a snob who knows everyone of importance, has strong, often negative opinions of others, and doesn't suffer fools or officiousness. On the other hand, she has a sharp, inquiring, persistent mind, knows everyone important in both the aristocracy and the government, as well as selected parts of the underworld, and will deal with the lower classes if it helps an investigation.
Lady Arlene Archibald is first introduced in the Tabitha and Wolf series where she is resented by Tabitha, the current Countess of Pembroke. Several of the other significant characters from the Tabitha and Wolf series either make a appearance or are mentioned in passing. Thank you to the author for providing the advance copy for this honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
As an avid reader & a fan of the author, I was lucky to be given an advance copy of this book. It in no way influenced my opinion. This is the next in the author series involving Isabella Hartwell, the American heiress from New York but now living in London. Once again Isabella gets involved in investigating a murder, though that was not her initial intent. And once again she utilized the Dowager Countess to assist in her investigation. The Dowager is less obnoxious in her dealings with Isabella as compared to hers with the author's other series main characters, Tabitha & Wolf, that I really appreciate. The book kept my interest & caused me to read well into the night & early morning which I try to avoid but the story was well worth the loss of sleep. Only disappointment was that neither Tabitha nor Wolf made an appearance but the mystery was captivating with Isabella in the lead. We see more of her friend (& Tabitha's nemesis) Lady Arlene Archibald. She's actually helpful to Isabella which is not how she's been in past stories in which she's made an appearance. The mystery & the clues unfold in a believable manner so the reader is swept along in Isabella's quest to solve the murder & free the woman she believes to be wrongly accused & arrested. Won't give any spoilers but I will say this book held me until the very end. Eagerly awaiting the next book in the series. Could use more of Tabitha & Wolf, too!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the next novel in the Isabella Hartwell series and certainly didn’t disappoint, it was a most riveting read ! Cleverly crafted story line with a very intricate plot, I found myself reading parts over and over to make sure that I fully understood. I particularly like the character of the heroine, she shows strength and tenacity with a will of iron when necessary but then by complete contrast such empathy and compassion. These are just a few of the facets of her personality. Contrasting vastly from the Dowager, this can only provide entertaining reading as they put themselves at the very centre of the investigation pitting their wits against the police.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, can’t wait for the next one ! Put it at the top of your ‘must read’ pile today !
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, can’t wait for the next one ! Put it at the top of your ‘must read’ pile today !
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was given an advance copy of this book to read from the author. I have read all of Sarah Noel’s books and are a huge fan. A Coveted Heiress did not disappoint. It was extremely well written and I enjoyed learning some historical information regarding the building where the plot is set, very interesting. I also love the character of the Dowager Countess of Pembroke and she did not disappoint. It is nice to see her softer side with Isabella and that she is a good friend, but still enjoy her grandiose personality and sharp whit. Highly recommend this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What an enjoyable book is the second installment in the Isabella Hartwell mystery series!
I loved how the story unfolded, Isabella's wit and curiosity, but most of all it is the imperiousness of the Dowager that seals the deal with this series for me.
I look forward to reading more of Isabella's story and maybe some more characters from my beloved "Tabitha and Wolf" series could make a guest appearance!
I received an advance copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily, thanks to the author for it.
I loved how the story unfolded, Isabella's wit and curiosity, but most of all it is the imperiousness of the Dowager that seals the deal with this series for me.
I look forward to reading more of Isabella's story and maybe some more characters from my beloved "Tabitha and Wolf" series could make a guest appearance!
I received an advance copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily, thanks to the author for it.
August 8, 2026
The plot was a good one, but something feels missing from this new series. And something I wish were missing is the dowager duchess. She’s my least favorite character from the Tabitha and Wolf books, and I had hoped her presence would be minimal here. I’m also not fond of Nene.
What I miss most is the promise of a future romance. I love the relationship and partnership between Tabitha and Wolf, and I was hoping for something similar for Isabella. A handsome inspector for her to lock horns with would be delightful—and would certainly help reduce the dowager’s overwhelming presence.
What I miss most is the promise of a future romance. I love the relationship and partnership between Tabitha and Wolf, and I was hoping for something similar for Isabella. A handsome inspector for her to lock horns with would be delightful—and would certainly help reduce the dowager’s overwhelming presence.
August 12, 2026
A very good read. I am enjoying the spin off from the Tabitha and Wolf series. As an American Isabella has a different perspective on life in England. Her reluctance to be a sleuth then warming to the adventure was entertaining. I prefer when all the original characters are together but am looking forward to the next instalment.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have real all of this Arthur’s books and this is the best yet!
I literally did not put this book down I read until it was completed. It is a very well written exciting mystery. Excellent excellent excellent!
I literally did not put this book down I read until it was completed. It is a very well written exciting mystery. Excellent excellent excellent!
August 11, 2026
A little slow to get into, but an interesting mystery with so many who had reason to hate the victim. Isabella knows how to use the dowager to get information and invitations, but I am glad she is not a big part of the mystery. Her interference with Tabithia and Wolf are the reasons I stopped reading that series.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews