Death Below Stairs

A Below Stairs Mystery #1

by Jennifer Ashley

Victorian class lines are crossed when cook Kat Holloway is drawn into a murder that reaches all the way to the throne.

Highly sought-after young cook Kat Holloway takes a position in a Mayfair mansion and soon finds herself immersed in the odd household of Lord Rankin. Kat is unbothered by the family’s eccentricities as long as they stay away from her kitchen, but trouble finds its way below stairs when her young Irish assistant is murdered.

Intent on discovering who killed the helpless kitchen maid, Kat turns to the ever-capable Daniel McAdam, who is certainly much more than the charming delivery man he pretends to be. Along with the assistance of Lord Rankin’s unconventional sister-in-law and a mathematical genius, Kat and Daniel discover that the household murder was the barest tip of a plot rife with danger and treason—one that’s a threat to Queen Victoria herself.

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

335 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 2, 2018

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

[Lindsay L · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. This book started off much stronger than it finished.

I had an instant connection to this novel. I immediately loved the characters and found myself captivated by the Victorian mansion household and how it was run. It had such a “Downton Abbey” feel to it that I couldn’t help but love it.

Unfortunately, my connection was short lived, as the plausibility of the story became highly unrealistic once the crime was committed (about 1/3 of the way in). The novel revolves around a cook of a high power household investigating a murder. How could a head cook of such a household have time to run around town on a daily basis investigating a crime? It just didn’t make sense to me. I really liked the cook’s character and enjoyed her dealings with the house staff and family, but I lost interest in the crime solving side of the book which was the main storyline.

The author, Jennifer Ashley, did a fantastic job creating the Victorian atmosphere and characters. The storyline simply didn’t work for me.

This was a Traveling Sister Read with Brenda, Diane and Holly. We each felt similarly on this one, with one of us not even being able to finish. As always, it was a pleasure reading with these lovely ladies!

A big thank you to Edelweiss, Berkley Books and Jennifer Ashley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!!

Expected Date of Publication: January 2, 2018.

[Melisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a historical mystery which shows a great deal of research and thoroughness from the author. It is less of a whodunnit and more of a slow moving, character driven suspense. I especially enjoyed the delicious and lush imagery of the cook’s recipes and cooking and my mouth was watering the whole time I read.

I found myself to be slightly confused while reading - it reads like a sequel, but it is the first book in an upcoming series. There were certain plot points that I felt as if I’d missed or didn’t fully grasp. So I went through they whole book a bit confused, then learned in the afterword that the author had previously written a novella prequel to this story. So. For someone like me who enjoys reading series from the very beginning to understand the character development and full picture, this kind of threw me off. Not to say that it can’t be read as a stand alone, but if you feel the same as me, you may want to pick up the prequel first.

It was also frustrating not to learn the true identity of one of the main characters throughout the entire book - it ended a bit abruptly, and I feel it was a major plot point that was glossed over and would have really engaged the reader into picking up the next book in the series.

Thank you to Netgalley, Berkley and Jennifer Ashley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Diane S ☔ · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Oh dear, well...........I usually love Victorian mysteries. Liked that Kit was a cook in a wealthy household, upstairs, downstairs kind of scenario. When her young assistant cook is found dead in the larder, Kit tries to find out the who and why.

My favorite parts were the food description and learning about the inner workings of a largish household. This was such a scattered plot, too much happening, to much running here and there. A new job one she needs, and she has all this time to chase someone here, to just leave to investigate? Just didn't hold together. The premise and setting were enticing but I found the execution lacking.

A sisters read where once again we were in agreement.

ARC from Netgalley.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good start to what I'm assuming will be a pretty good mystery series.
I liked Kat.
She was cool under pressure but not in a superhuman way. She was just...competent.



Kat Holloway is a cook. An excellent cook.
But when she discovers her young assistant dead, she sets about trying to solve her murder with the help of her love interest.
There is much more to her story, but I think you should read it for yourself.
If you're looking for a good cozy mystery set in the days of Queen Victoria, this one is really good.

I stumbled across this because it was/is part of Hoopla's COVID-19 free borrows.

I listened to the audio read by Anne-Marie Piazza.

[Astrid - The Bookish Sweet Tooth · Rating 4 out of 5]

✮✮✮ 4.5 STARS ✮✮✮

Review @ Vanilla & Spice Books




Jennifer Ashley is one of my favorite HR authors and The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie is one of my top three all time favorites. Under her pen name Ashley Gardner she writes a similar series like this one, Captain Lacey Regency Mysteries.

Heads up right away: this isn't romance although it does have romantic elements and I'm pretty confident that those will become more significant in later installments. It is a historical mystery, set in the late 19th century.

In DEATH BELOW STAIRS we are introduced to the main protagonists, Kat Holloway, a cook, starting her new employ and the mysterious Daniel McAdam. If you want to know how they meet try Ms. Ashley's novella A Soupçon of Poison that starts off the series. It's also a nice way to become acquainted with her writing style.

The political atmosphere is tense in the Victorian age, Fenians are up to no good and one of their devious plans is to kill the queen. The author catches the mood quite well - it's obvious that she has done her research!

Kat is a very likable heroine, with a clever head on her shoulders, a no-nonsense attitude, keeping Daniel a bit at arm's length, because the man has so many different faces and plays so many roles that she doesn't know who the real Daniel is. What she is keenly aware of though is that he is a good man. She can't deny their attraction although she keeps trying but you know, you KNOW it's all just bluster.
 
 

What I do know, Daniel, is what you are. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a gent in a posh suit who can purchase first-class railway tickets on the spur of the moment, or a deliveryman who talks like a South London villain. I’ve seen you.”

 
I can't remember a single hero in Ms. Ashley's book that I didn't adore and Daniel is no exception. He doesn't hide his affection for Kat, there is no doubt that he is hers but it's just not the right time. Daniel is entirely endearing, protective of Kat and his son and always looking out for them. He is charming, a little sweet-talker but I'm sure that there is a darker side to him. Uncovering his secrets will be interesting and I can't wait to meet the real Daniel McAdam.
 

He was studying me with a look I’d caught on my own face during a visit to someone I was deeply fond of. There was caring in that look, and worry, and gentle wonder.

 
The mystery is well executed and to unravel it Kat and Daniel are supported by two phenomenal sidekicks: a trousers-wearing lady and a mathematical genius, both of them wonderful in their own way. One more unusual thing is that the main characters are working class, or at least Kat is. Daniel the chameleon feels comfortable in any role he chooses.

“I believe I adore you, Kat.”

 
 
Admittedly, the story starts out a bit slow but I think it's because introduction needs to be made and the plot has to be set up. It's in no way frustratingly slow though and it picks up soon enough. Yes, there are a lot of details you have to work through, I never felt that it was overwhelming though.

Death Below Stairs is a gem and knowing Jennifer Ashley this series will only get better with each installment. I am looking forward to discovering more about Kat and Daniel. If you are a fan of Downton Abbey mixed with a classic whodunit mystery pick this up!

[Holly B · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

This book didn't work for me.

It is a cozy/mystery with a Victorian setting with a mansion fully staffed with cooks, servants, footman, butlers, etc. I liked learning about them as well as Lord Rankin and his family that owned the house. I liked the cook, Kat Holloway and found her character interesting, but when she began running around investigating crimes, and looking for suspects, the story took a downward spiral! Obviously, she would not have time on her hands for all the shenanigans that were going on.

I have seen many favorable reviews and if you enjoy cozies that are adventurous in their plot, you may enjoy this one as well!

Enjoyed reading with Traveling Sisters Reading Group!
Thanks to Edelweiss for my advanced arc in exchange for my honest review.

[Suzanne Leopold (Suzy Approved Book Reviews) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kat Holloway is employed as the head cook for Lord Rankin in London. She finds the family members to be a bit odd with Lord Rankin spending his time involved in secretive financial matters. His wife rarely leaves her bed and appears to be depressed. His eccentric unmarried sister in law also lives with them and enjoys dressing in men’s clothing. Kat accepts her employer's faults and continues to excel at her job. When she gets a day off, she travels to visit her young daughter. One day Kat’s assistant is found murdered at the estate. The reaction from her employers seems peculiar and Kat sets out to understand what really happened.

This book is a mystery filled with interesting characters and suspense. Scandal Above Stairs, book two in this series, is set to be released in July 2018.

[Jennifer Ashley]

The first book in the new Kat Holloway Victorian mysteries. Pub date January 2018, with book 2 to follow closely behind it! The novella, Soupcon of Poison, I am now calling a "prequel," and letting the first full-length book (Death Below Stairs) be Book 1. Author name for this series is now Jennifer Ashley (was Ashley Gardner, but publisher wanted JA).

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really miss Downton Abbey. So when I saw the description of this book, I jumped right on it! I loved all the descriptions of the workings of Lord Rankin's household....the meals, the running of a large house, the different servants and the family members, and all the Victorian trappings. Add a murder mystery and treason to the mix, and it's a very suspenseful and fun romp.

The basics: Kat Holloway is hired as a cook in Lord Rankin's household. Things seem a bit strange, but she's so happy to have the position that she doesn't care. When her assistant is found murdered in the pantry, it's time to do some investigation and find out who killed the Irish kitchen maid. She gets help from a friend, Daniel McAdams -- who is much more than he appears to be.

I was a bit astounded that a cook in such a large house would have the time to run around investigating as much as Kat did.....but I'm happy to suspend reality for such a fun mystery!

I love the cover art for this book!

This is an awesome start to a new series! A second book, Scandal Above the Stairs, is coming out in June. I will definitely be reading more!

**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book from Berkley Publishing via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a strong connection to this story from the start. It had a classic murder mystery feel but based in a "Downtown Abbey" flair. The pace was quick and engaging but then it stalled. Pushing on, I'm happy to say that it came back once again strong, providing a white-knuckle reading straight through the conclusion.

I received this ARC copy of Death Below Stairs from Berkley Publishing Group. This is my honest and voluntary review. Death Below Stairs is set for publication Jan. 2, 2018.

My Rating: 4 stars

[Caz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've given this a B- at AAR, so that's 3.5 stars rounded up

Jennifer Ashley is the author of a number of very popular historical romances about the various members of the MacKenzie family as well as of the Captain Lacey series of historical mysteries, which she publishes as Ashley Gardner.  I confess that I haven’t read any of the Captain’s regency-set adventures, but as I enjoy historical mysteries, I was intrigued to see that Ms. Ashley is launching a new series set in Victorian England and that her heroine is a no-nonsense, twenty-nine year-old cook who is employed in some of London’s grandest households.

Death Below Stairs is actually the second book to feature Kat Holloway, as the author published a prequel novella (A Soupçon of Poison) a couple of years ago which introduces Kat and her friend/love-interest,  the mysterious Daniel McAdam, who helps Kat out of a potentially deadly situation and assists her in her sleuthing efforts. It’s not absolutely necessary to read this story, as its storyline is completely separate from this novel, BUT it is a very useful introduction to the characters – to Daniel, especially – who is not at all what he seems.  The novella also establishes the relationships between Kat, Daniel and his son, James, and some early reviews (of this book) have indicated that readers disliked the fact that these had been cemented in a prequel novella when this title is billed as the first in  series.  Because of such comments, I decided to read the novella before tackling Death Below Stairs, and would say I found it helpful to have done so.

Kat Holloway has just taken a new position as cook in the Mayfair home of Lord Rankin.  It’s a small household, consisting of his lordship, his somewhat lethargical wife, Lady Emily, and her older sister Lady Cynthia who dresses in mens’ suits, smokes cheroots and chafes at the fact she is stuck under her unpleasant brother-in-law’s roof.  Kat very quickly assumes command of the kitchen and just as quickly sums up her colleagues who include Mr. Davies, the butler (affable but a bit lazy), Mrs. Barton, the housekeeper (very proper, runs a tight ship) and the maid assigned as cook’s assistant, Sinead, who is a bright girl and a fast learner whom Kat believes will do very well.

Up early the next morning to begin preparations for the day’s meals, Kat goes to the pantry to retrieve some ingredients – and is horrified to find Sinead’s bludgeoned body lying on the floor. Reluctant to allow the murder scene to be disturbed, Kat locks the pantry door with the intention of getting word to Daniel McAdam so that he can inspect the room before the police arrive and disturb everything, but alas, she doesn’t know where he is or how to find him and has to allow the police and the coroner access so they can begin their investigations. I can certainly understand that readers not familiar with the novella would wonder who on earth Daniel is and why Kat is so keen for him to inspect the scene of the crime.

Kat learns from Mrs. Barton that Sinead was stepping out with a young man who may have been involved with the Irish separatists (or Fenians, an organisation dedicated to securing Irish independence), and later, from Daniel, that he has been investigating links between the organisation and Lord Rankin, a skilled financier who has not only been engaged in some very dodgy financial deals, but is also actively involved in promoting transactions that help traitors to finance terrorist acts and their campaigns against the government.

Both Kat and Daniel are sure these connections have to be more than coincidence, and the discovery of a ripped page from a Bradshaw (a book containing timetables for every railway route in Britain) hidden away in a corner of the pantry indicate that there is definitely more at stake than the murder of a servant. With the help of Lady Cynthia and a friend of Daniel’s (who happens to be a mathematical genius), Kat and Daniel begin to put together the pieces of the puzzle – and must race against time to foil an assassination plot directed at the Queen.

While I liked Kat very much – she’s a down-to-earth woman who, after ‘marriage’ to an abusive bigamist who left her with a young daughter, has worked hard to acquire her culinary skills and to become a sought-after cook – it was something of a stretch of my credulity to believe that she could spend so much time away from the kitchen and retain her position. I know at one point we’re told that a temporary cook was engaged while Kat travelled with Daniel and Lady Cynthia in order to pursue their investigations, but I still found it rather hard to swallow. On the plus side, Ms. Ashley does a great job with the descriptions of the food Kat cooks – which all sounds mouth-watering – but I did sometimes feel as though I was being hit over the head with reminders that Kat Is A Cook.

Daniel McAdam is fascinating and, if I’m honest, quickly became my main reason for reading the book; indeed, if I continue with the series, it’ll be solely on his account! He first appeared in Soupçon as an affable, scruffy delivery man, but it quickly became apparent he was nothing of the sort, an impression solidified when Kat saw him one evening dressed in formal attire and handing a lady into a carriage, very comfortably mingling with a group of ‘toffs’. He’s a chameleon, able to change his mode of dress, his bearing and his manner of speech to suit whatever situation he is in, and although he denies association with the police, it’s obvious he’s some sort of government agent or spy … or something of that ilk. Whatever it is, his work is dangerous and top secret; all he can tell Kat is that he can’t tell her the truth – yet – and ask her to wait and accept his friendship in the meantime.

There’s a strong romantic thread running through the story which, again, commenced in the prequel. By the time Death Below Stairs opens, Kat and Daniel have already kissed a few times and their attraction to each other is evident, so the tension in the romance is generated by the fact that Kat doesn’t know who or what Daniel really is, and that while she knows she can trust him with her life… she’s not so sure she can trust him with her heart.

Ms. Ashley has captured the ‘downstairs’ world of the servant class very well, the writing is solid and the story is easy to follow, although, as happened in Soupçon, the solution to the whodunnit – who killed Sinead? – comes a little out of left-field. Ultimately, however, I found the novel a little too pedestrian for my taste. Writers like Sherry Thomas and C.S. Harris have set the bar for historical mysteries incredibly high, and I like a little more challenge and complexity than is on display here. I’d put Death Below Stairs into the category of a ‘cosy’ mystery; the pacing is leisurely, the main characters are likeable and easy to root for, and the mystery is intriguing – but I had no problems setting the book aside, even in the last couple of chapters when all is being revealed. I’d recommend the novel to fans of cosy mysteries, but I don’t really count myself among their number; and to anyone looking for a mystery with a bit more bite and sophistication, I’d suggest looking elsewhere.

[Mei · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a novelty! The heroine, Kat, is a cook!!! And a chef too!!! Yeah!!!


I loved all the descriptions of how the food was cooked! And I loved how she organized the cooking process! Much better than I’m able to do! But, in my favor, I don’t have helpers like she did! LOL

A very cute and a joy to read little mystery, little love story, little insight of household servant’s life!

Also the hero, Daniel, with all his secrets, was a very interesting character. Who is he really? Why people obey him? He changes his appearance, his manners, his persona so easily! I’m greatly curious to find out all his secrets as much as the heroine is!

There’re several interesting secondary characters, first of all Lady Cynthia, Mr. Thanos and James. Lady Cynthia with her eccentric behavior: she wears man’s attire, smokes and curses; Mr. Thanos’ mathematical genius with his lost-in-his-world attitude (but who still manage to notice Lady Cynthia! LOL) and smart and funny Daniel’s son James!

The mystery starts as murder, but derails into terroristic attack to the Queen. It was interesting, even if Kat was a little too quick to connect the dots! I would have preferred if this connecting was done equally by everybody. This way, it seemed that only Kat was intelligent enough. But it didn’t detract from my enjoying this book!

I’ll be looking forward to the next one!

[Mlpmom (Book Reviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pretty good entertaining start to a series and one I would happily continue with.

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death Below Stairs by Jennifer Ashley
A Death Below Stairs mystery series #1. Historical. Female protagonist as main lead.
Kat Holloway is hired as the head cook at the Mayfair mansion owned by eccentric Lord Rankin. Shortly after she starts, she finds her young Irish assistant murdered in the pantry. In the times when servants simply won’t talk to the constables, Kat finds herself investigating alongside Daniel McAdam, who is more than the delivery man he appears to be. With the help of a few more of their friends, Kat and Daniel discover a threat to Queen Victoria and do their best to save the queen.

An interesting group of individuals adding their unique talents into a pot and coming up with a good enough dish to prevent disaster. The way they worked out the time tables and plan was impressive and creative.
For me, there was a lot of “telling” rather than action but other members of the bookclub liked that aspect of the story and thought it worked well.
A surprising twist makes the conclusion a winner.
My favorite piece in the story really had nothing to do with the mystery but rather Kat stopping the Lord of the mansion from having his jollies with the maids that weren’t in a position to say no. Well done Kat.

[☕️Kimberly (Caffeinated Reviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

First I must tell you there is a prequel to this story. A Soupçon of Poison and while it isn't necessary to read it, it does offer an intro to principal characters and is one I recommend. You will quickly learn that Kat has a habit of stumbling over dead bodies.

Mrs. Kat Holloway is one of the youngest cooks in London and comes highly recommended. In Death Below Stairs, she takes a position in the Mayfair district in the home of Lord Rankin. The household is quite odd, from the fragile Lady Rankin to her sister garbed in men's attire and the quirky help. None of this phases Kat, so long as they stay out of her kitchen.  On her second morning, she enters the pantry to discover that her young assistant has been bludgeoned to death. The tale that unfolds was a captivating one as Kat sets out to solve the murder undercovers a clever scheme.

Death Below Stairs, was an amusing tale, that takes us belowstairs in a Victorian household and enlists the help of an aloof mathematical genius, Daniel's son and Rankin's unique and resourceful sister-in-law. The characters were well developed, and the plot delightful paced allowing me to quickly devoured the story.

The murder-mystery soon gives way to a plot to harm the crown and Ashley made it all feel rather plausible. There is an overall arc to the series that presented questions. Who is Daniel McAdam? He is a jack of all trades and moves between the classes. What are his intentions towards Kat? We learn about Kat's past, and it further endeared me to this strong, capable cook.

Smart and captivating Death Below Stairs, is the perfect Victorian cozy to curl up with. All the sweet talk of scones, tea, and four-course meals might leave you a tad hungry. Fortunately, Ashley's engaging whodunit will keep you occupied.  I look forward to Scandal Above Stairs, releasing in July 2018. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer

[Ingie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review written January 5, 2018

3.7 Stars - Simply fun, thrilling and lovely

Written by a favorite author Jennifer Ashley (Ashley Gardner) and I was once again surprisingly hooked by a novel by her. I was listening to the (newly published) audiobook, 9:28 hours very well narrated by Anne Marie Piazza, in a two day rush. Wow, it isn’t often I finish a book so fast nowadays.

**********************************************

Set in London 1881 ..

A mystery with a female main character, a cook Kat Holloway in her thirties who takes a new position in a London Mayfair mansion. Kat is there to make great food but trouble soon finds its way “below stairs”. The young Irish kitchen assistant is murdered. Kat who is a kind of sleuth wants to solve the mystery and turn to her acquaintance, the very charming and good looking but mysterious, Daniel McAdam for help.

Ms Ashley is famous for her great romances (both HR and PNR) but this one is a more of a historical mystery and there is just a tiny bit of love stuff. Instead you get thrilling suspense, interesting historical facts, very intriguing and enjoying second characters and of course a needed whodunnit case to be solved. I actually didn’t guess who the evil murderer was until the very end. Though I guessed there should be love...

Good job as always by Ms Ashley. Looking forward to future adventures with these lovely characters.

**********************************************

I LIKE - all kind of great stories written by Jennifer Ashley / Ashley Gardner

[Jody McGrath · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really great book. I loved all the historical descriptions and the mystery. I was so caught up in the red-herring I forgot about the mystery, lol! I definitely recommend this book!

I would strongly suggest you read the short story A Soupçon of Poison before you read this first in the series full length novel. I didn't and I feel like I missed a lot of the chemistry between characters being set up, and a lot of the backstory being told in full. The backstory is all sort of recapped in this book, but I felt like I lost a lot of the emotion and nuisances that would have been there. I didn't know there was a short story first, so I am telling all of you! Read it first! Lol!

[Jenny Q · Rating 4 out of 5]

Given the popularity of contemporary food-themed mystery series, it's about time someone brought that trend to historical fiction. As a big fan of Jennifer Ashley's MacKenzie & McBrides historical romance series, I had high hopes for Death Below Stairs, and I was not disappointed!

I do recommend you begin with the novella that kicks this series off, A Soupçon of Poison. Originally written as a stand-alone for a historical mystery anthology, it perfectly introduces our heroine, London chef Kat Holloway, and her love interest, the mysterious and charming Daniel McAdam. Though the mystery is rather mediocre, this novella does an excellent job at establishing Kat's history and the romantic tension and definitely enhances the undercurrents in Death Below Stairs.

Kat Holloway may be new to Lord Rankin's staff, but she is the queen of her kitchen and all who enter it, and when her pretty, young assistant is taken advantage of, Kat vows to prevent it from happening again. But before she has the chance, her assistant is found dead. Saddened at the senseless loss of life and naturally curious by nature, with a noble conscience and a can-do attitude, Kat is immediately drawn into the mystery and determines to do all she can to help find the killer. Alongside Daniel, she finds help in unexpected places and eventually becomes part of a mystery-solving crew, discovering that the murder of a housemaid was just the tip of the iceberg in a far-reaching plot to commit the ultimate act of revolution. A dangerous journey ensues and ends in a heart-pounding climactic scene. There's a hearty dose of history, including Irish terrorism and engineering disasters, and also a very emotional subplot involving Kat's young daughter. Kat's position allows us a wonderful glimpse into a Victorian kitchen and the hierarchy of servants and the lower societal classes, and that really sets this series apart.

But it's not completely perfect. There's a bit of repetition as Kat evaluates clues and her feelings for Daniel, and as he repeatedly tells her one day he'll bare his soul to her, but not today; and while I was kept guessing till the end, once revealed, I found the murderer's motives a bit underdeveloped. But I'm a sucker for a good romance, I love the unconventional characters and the setting within the working class of Victorian London, and the luscious food descriptions were the icing on the cake. It's a smart mystery and a deliciously exciting read! I'm looking forward to the next book this summer, Scandal Above Stairs.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found this a very confusing read and not at all like the first in a series. Have since discovered that there is a prequel, "A Soupcon of Poison," available. As I like to read books in order, I might return and read that first, then give this another try, as I felt as though I had stepped into the middle of a series...

[Sara (sarawithoutanH) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think my rating for this is around 3.5 stars. I felt like it was a good start to a cozy Victorian mystery series. I really liked Kat but I wish some of the backstory between her and Daniel was on the page. It felt like I was missing something. The mystery was a bit convoluted but I still really enjoyed this. I'm a huge fan of the Veronica Speedwell series and this reminded me a bit of that but more Downton Abbey vibes.

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[Anna's Herding Cats · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2EnwEYM

I just adore Jennifer Ashley's books and getting to jump into a new series? Yes, please!

Death Below Stairs was a fun adventure with a no nonsense cook and a squirly acquaintance who pull together a ragtag group of eccentrics to save the world! LOL Well, okay just a small part of it, but still!

The Gist: Kat has started a new job as a household cook and her first week? Well one of the young maids is murdered right in the house! While horrible it might be linked to an even more nefarious plot to take down the Queen herself. Unless Kat and her acquaintances can piece things together in time.

There was so much good about this one.

Kat was a wonderful heroine. Strong, talented, doesn't mess around, brave. I enjoyed her voice and seeing her work through things.

The rest of the cast was great, too. While I didn't love them all (wasn't meant to) it was fun seeing the family upstairs, the staff downstairs, how they all regarded each other. I loved her potential love interest Daniel and his son and some of the others who joined in on the hunt. They were so interesting and eclectic.

While there wasn't a full blown romance there were light beginnings of one and I adored Kat and Daniel together. They suit and all of their interactions left me smiling and going come on come on come on you two! lol

I loved the food! Yes, a lot of time is spent with Kat in her kitchen and it was fascinating seeing how things were made and done back in that time period. Her passion for food was wonderful, too.

The mystery was fantastic, too. Seeing them working to figure out the maid's murder and take clues that could have easily been missed and realize something on a much grander scale was going on.

The on the ground work they had to put in and the danger they went through. It was exciting and interesting.

All in all, Death Below Stairs was wonderful. Everything was nicely done and has me excited for the next Kat Holloway mystery. Ashley really does have a magic touch. No matter if it's paranormal shifters or highlanders or mysteries she nails it.

[RachelW (BamaGal) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review...

This is the first full length book in this Victorian era series, which began with a short story prequel. I've become quite taken with Kat Holloway; a master cook who rules the kitchen in Society digs. Downton Abbey in London, as it were. Kat seems to get herself mixed up in murder and mayhem on a regular basis, however, and relies on the mysterious Daniel McAdam for assistance when she begins poking her nose into these crimes.

Daniel is all too willing to become involved in Kat's dilemmas; as he is growing quite enamored with her, and he has his own interest in the case. This time around, the storyline is murder, family secrets, and a plot by Irish terrorists to kill Queen Victora. I still haven't figured out quite who or what Daniel really is, only that he is deep undercover investigating someone or something in the High Society world.

The book is character driven, and is a bit sluggish compared to the prequel; but picked up speed as the criminal activities came to a head. I have already grown intrigued by the setting and major players in the series, and look forward to their next adventure.

[Barbara Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Series: Kat Holloway #1
Publication Date: 1/2/18

Wow! Just WOW! I love Jennifer Ashley’s writing but was a little concerned about whether I’d like this book and series or not – simply because it takes place at a time later than I usually enjoy reading - 1881. Color me pleased and full of enjoyment! I greatly admire Kat Holloway who is NOT your standard heroine in a novel. I was also concerned about how a cook in a very busy and demanding household was going to manage to have time to flit about England investigating crimes. In this book, that was well explained and the absences were accounted for – but – I do wonder how that will work in the future.

Kat Holloway is a straight-laced, no-nonsense, intelligent, logical and strong Victorian woman who is twenty-nine years of age, plump, brown-haired, attractive and kind. She has a past and secrets to protect. She also has a need to protect the underdog and those who cannot protect themselves – not to mention harboring a soft-spot for a certain, very mysterious man and boy who keeps popping into and out of her life. We learn more about Kat’s secrets and her past as we move through the story and come to understand a lot of how she came to be who she is. I definitely came to admire her for her fortitude in dealing with issues that would have broken a weaker woman. I’ll really be looking forward to learning more about her in future additions to the series.

Daniel McAdam is a complete and total mystery – and you won’t know a whole lot more about him at the end of the book than you did at the beginning. What an enigma he is! Is he noble? Is he common? Is he wealthy? Is he poor? Is he a spy? Is he part of the police? He is a total chameleon. What we do know is that he has a real admiration and a soft spot for Kat Holloway. He also has a son (James) who is on the cusp of manhood and theirs is a complicated relationship. I really like Daniel and can’t wait to see how the relationship between him and Kat will unfold. I love mysteries, but am not a fan of them if they don’t have a large, serious romance as well – so I’ll be looking forward to seeing this one grow.

Our episode begins with Kat heading to the home of Lord and Lady Rankin to be interviewed for the post as their new cook. Kat had left her last post because the family was permanently moving out of London and for personal reasons Kat wanted/needed to remain in the city. Kat’s first day on the job was uneventful and she met and liked the staff with whom she worked. She was especially drawn to her young assistant who wanted to be called Sinead, but everyone insisted on calling Ellen because it was more English sounding. Actually, neither was her name. Kat was overcome when she walked into the larder a couple of days later to discover Sinead’s body – cold and hidden in a dark corner. She felt guilty and blamed herself because just the night before, she had left the young girl folding the table linens rather than helping her – and she had just promised the girl that she’d look out for her.

Kat wants to make sure that the coroner and constables don’t just sluff off the death as an accident or some such. Because she feels guilty, she wants to assure that the death is properly investigated and that the perpetrator is identified and brought to justice. She really wants to find Daniel so he can see the scene before the coroner and constables get there, but that doesn’t happen. He does come into the investigation to help – and to further an investigation of his own. The two might be related.

The investigation takes off and the safety of the queen and England itself could be at stake. They must solve the crime and assure that nothing happens to the queen. Multiple investigations, multiple perpetrators, and many bad guys. Quite a wild ride! LOVED IT ALL!

What did I not like so much? Well …
• I never did really understand if Lord Rankin was actually knowledgeably involved in the plot or if his money-hungry ways sucked him in.
• Not learning about the final outcome for all of the plotters involved – especially ‘Minty’. I wanted him to fall in a bog someplace.
• I really, really wanted to see Lady Cynthia get her HEA. Maybe that will come in the next book or something
• I wanted to see Daniel and Kat receive recognition from the queen (if only in secret). I know we don’t know anything about Daniel, but I’d like to think the Queen knows and recognizes him. He and Kat did a lot! Maybe some of that will come later as well.

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"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."

[Milena · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Yay, I have another great heroine to add to the list of my favorite female sleuths! Death Below Stairs is the first book in the new Victorian murder mystery series featuring Kat, a young cook working for a British upper class family and her sleuthing partner, mysterious jack-of-all-trades, Daniel McAdam. I loved this promising sleuthing duo and cannot wait to follow their future investigations. I am looking forward to reading the second book, Scandal Above Stairs.

*ARC provided by the publisher via Edelweiss

[Merry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the mystery and characters in the book. It is a series with a romance and a murder. Plus throw in a plot against Queen Victoria. Kat is a skilled cook and Daniel is an enigma...is he a secret service agent to the queen...a police detective what are his secrets. He is a jack of all trades. I look forward to reading the other books in the series. The mystery kept me guessing till the end. I had not realized that there is a short story that gives some background on how the h/H meet. I plan to continue and look forward to the next book in the series. I rate this 4.5 and rounded up.

[LJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

First Sentence: I had not been long at my post in Mount Street, Mayfair, when my employer’s sister came to some calamity.

Cook Kat Holloway has a new position in the home of Lord Rankin. He’s not a man you’d trust with the young maids, but would he really have killed a young Irish kitchen maid? With the help of Daniel McAdam, who is far more than he appears to be, and his son James, a plot is uncovered that extends far beyond the household.

Ashley creates a very strong sense of place, down to things as basic as a description of –“London was always a town on the move. Mud flew as carriage wheels and horses churned it up, droplets becoming dark rain to meld with the fog.”—and the layout of the house.

One cannot have a protagonist who is a cook without many mentions of food and tempting-sounding meals—“…the cream of carrot soup…, the fish pale in its butter sauce, the beef proudly browned and crackling with heat, its sauce of wine, demi-glace, and shallots poured around its base, the potatoes crisp…” These descriptions represent more than the food itself. The quality of the cook represented the wealth of the family, the prestige of the cook, and the work involved in buying for, and preparing such meals.

Kat is an excellent character. She knows her worth and doesn’t stand for any nonsense. She has a life outside the kitchen but keeps that life very much to herself. There is a strength and intelligence to her which would have been important for her role during the period. Kat exemplifies so many women, both then and today, who deal with life’s disappointments and tragedies yet take care of others and their own daily tasks.

Using a first-person POV is cleverly done and demonstrates the quality of Ashley’s voice. Our protagonist is well aware that she is telling the story, but it again clarifies who she is—“I’d read nonsensical tales in popular magazines in which maids, when stumbling upon an inert member of mankind, dropped entire trays full of the household’s best porcelain. I’d always consider the maids in these stories to be fools—a dead body is no reason to destroy so much crockery.”
Ashley’s observations are fascinating and make one think. Her pragmatism makes her the type of person one should like to know.

Daniel is a character who adds just the right element to the plot. He has the connections, physical strength, and ability to move about the city in ways Kat does not. And a bit of romance never hurts, either.

“Death Below Stairs” has a plot that is a bit convoluted and feels as though it takes a back seat to Kat's activities in the kitchen. However, it truly is the characters who are the book’s strength, as well as a look at life below stairs, but there’s enough suspense to make this a very worthwhile read.

DEATH BELOW STAIRS (Hist Mys-Kat Holloway-London-1881/Victorian) - Good
Ashley, Jennifer – 2nd in series
Berkeley, Jan 2018

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

After enjoying the prequel novella, A Soupcon of Poison, that introduced independent, no-nonsense, and superior cook, Kat Holloway, and the more than he seems, man of all work, Daniel McAdam, I was eager to press forward to a full-length story in the series.

Death Below Stairs takes place a few months after the events of the prequel and finds Kat accepting the position of cook in a new household that is not entirely the proper Victorian family it seems from the outside. Within the first twenty-four hours, Kat encounters a men's clothes-wearing sister to the wife, a man hit in the street, and, the murderous death of her kitchen maid. Kat is unnerved and wants Daniel to come help since she believes the death was not the result of a botched burglary attempt. And, off they go on the hunt.

Daniel and Kat have great chemistry. They both have mystery and secrets in their pasts though after reading the prequel, Kat's secrets are all known. Daniel's remain obscure. He is exactly what he seems in workman's attire traipsing round the streets of London finding work here and there and being good at it. However, he is also more. He can also put on gentlemen's clothes and take on that persona just as well. He has connections to the powers that be and he knows how to conduct an investigation. Because of the betrayal Kat experienced at the hands of a man, she reacted strongly to her attraction to a man of secrets. The secrets are different and Daniel is honest and honorable. She knows this, but she won't bring herself to trust again so there is a push-pull going on inside her.

The historical backdrop of this story takes on a fascinating world of the servant's hall and kitchen of a fine Victorian establishment. I love that Kat is a cook and there is much about her daily work and life even as she pokes her nose into the mysterious goings on in the houses she works in. There is an emphasis on women's issues in the story whether it is Kat herself or the other women above stairs and down and how they navigate in a man's world.

They mystery had some complexity. Was it a tragic personal crime or did it point to something that effected the whole nation? The mystery is the catalyst and takes the forefront a few times in the story, but it also shares the stage with Kat's own story whether it is work or personal issues. In the end, I was pleased with the mystery though there was one element that I felt was left unexplained. It was a little one since the main part of the mystery and many of the facts and clues are detailed out.

So, all in all, I was well-pleased with this one and look forward to what comes next in the series. Historical Mystery fans should definitely give this new series a look.

[Kathy Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kat Holloway is a young woman who is a cook. She has worked for a number of homes in Mayfair. Now she has accepted employment in the house of Lord Rankin, a prominent financier and his wife. Also in the household is his sister-in-law Lady Cynthia who enjoys dressing like a man.

She is only in the household one day when she steps into her larder and finds her cook's assistant Sinead beaten to death. Kat immediately contacts her mysterious friend Daniel McAdam who can mingle with all layers of society and who helped her with an earlier problem.

Daniel confesses to her that Lord Rankin's household was already under suspicion. He might be investing for the Fenians who are trying for a free Ireland and using terroristic attacks to advance their cause. A mysterious scrap of paper found near Sinead leads Kat, Daniel, Lady Cynthia, and others on a wild chase to protect Queen Victoria.

Kat tells the story in the first person and we gradually learn some of her secrets including that she was once married to an abusing bigamist and has a ten-year-old daughter living with friends. We also learn that Kat is quite curious both about what is going on in Lord Rankin's home and about her friend Daniel McAdam. She has a strong sense of right and wrong and notable common sense.

Daniel is a wonderful hero too. He is some sort of investigator but says he isn't with the police. He is protective both of Kat and his teenage son James. He has contacts all over London and can transform himself into anything from a man-of-all-work to a dapper middle class gentleman. I really want to know who he's working for.

I like the growing relationship between the practical Kat and the secretive Daniel. It is a romance though between two people who both have secrets to keep. The mystery was engaging and action-packed.

I felt when I began this one that I had missed a previous book which detailed how Daniel and Kat met. There were quite a few references to something that had happened earlier between them. The Aurhot's Note at the back says there is a short story A Soupcon of Poison that does give this information and can't wait to read it. I also can't wait to read more books about Kat and Daniel.

[Giselle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked this! Such a fun book!

[MAP · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent mystery, but not enough to make me pick up book 2. I wanted to like Kat and Daniel, but I was left uncharmed.