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A Below Stairs Mystery #3
Death in Kew Gardens
From the New York Times bestselling author of Scandal Above Stairs
Kat Holloway steps out from beneath the stairs and into international intrigue, where murder and stolen treasure lurk among the upper echelons of Victorian London.
In return for a random act of kindness, scholar Li Bai Chang presents young cook Kat Holloway with a rare and precious gift--a box of tea. Kat thinks no more of her unusual visitor until two days later when the kitchen erupts with the news that Lady Cynthia's next-door neighbor has been murdered.
Known about London as an "Old China Hand," the victim claimed to be an expert in the language and customs of China, acting as intermediary for merchants and government officials. But Sir Jacob's dealings were not what they seemed, and when the authorities accuse Mr. Li of the crime, Kat and Daniel find themselves embroiled in a world of deadly secrets that reach from the gilded homes of Mayfair to the beautiful wonder of Kew Gardens.
Kat Holloway steps out from beneath the stairs and into international intrigue, where murder and stolen treasure lurk among the upper echelons of Victorian London.
In return for a random act of kindness, scholar Li Bai Chang presents young cook Kat Holloway with a rare and precious gift--a box of tea. Kat thinks no more of her unusual visitor until two days later when the kitchen erupts with the news that Lady Cynthia's next-door neighbor has been murdered.
Known about London as an "Old China Hand," the victim claimed to be an expert in the language and customs of China, acting as intermediary for merchants and government officials. But Sir Jacob's dealings were not what they seemed, and when the authorities accuse Mr. Li of the crime, Kat and Daniel find themselves embroiled in a world of deadly secrets that reach from the gilded homes of Mayfair to the beautiful wonder of Kew Gardens.
304 pages, Paperback
First published June 4, 2019
284 people are currently reading
3032 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Ashley
210 books7,330 followersNY 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.
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.
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June 9, 2019Kat is back! Book 3 of the Below Stairs mysteries.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
BN: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/deat...
Apple Books: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/deat...
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/deat...
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
It will be in PRINT, E-book, and AUDIO!
Join Kat and Daniel, Cynthia, Mr. Thanos, and Tess for another adventure in Victorian London.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
BN: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/deat...
Apple Books: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/deat...
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/deat...
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
It will be in PRINT, E-book, and AUDIO!
Join Kat and Daniel, Cynthia, Mr. Thanos, and Tess for another adventure in Victorian London.
March 25, 2019
I absolutely love this series. I adore Kat and Daniel and the rest of the cast. I originally thought this series would give me something to read while waiting for the next Gabriel Lacy book, but quickly discovered this series was just as good. I liked the mystery in this one but I’m giving this a 4.5 rounded up. We have been learning little things about Daniel in each installment but this one was seriously lacking in new info about Daniel. Kat and Daniel did not get to spend as much time together which was unfortunate because I was really hoping for some development in the romance department. I know this is a mystery series with a slow burn romance but I need at least something to keep me going. Their little talk at the end was cute but I need more. This was still a great book and a great addition to the series.
June 5, 2019
Kat Holloway is out with Emma doing her daily shopping for the kitchen when she accidentally knocks down scholar, Li Bai Chang. Kat apologizes and later he shows up at the Victorian home in which she works. He presents her with a gift for her kindness. When the neighbor is murdered in his sleep, and they accuse Mister Li, Kat along with Daniel, her mysterious friend and love interest investigate. The staff in both houses and Lady Cynthia and her gang become involved too. .
I absolutely adore this series and the characters. Kat is as clever at solving crimes as she is at cooking for the Mayfair household. It seems Sir Jacob’s had some secrets and may have been in possession of misappropriated items of considerable value. And the mystery is afoot. Did he have it? Who knew and who would kill to possess it? What of the ladies swarming around the grieving widow? Are they helping a friend or plotting their own nefarious plans? Ashley pulled me in, in my quest for answers.
The storyline was clever and laced with interesting tidbits on cultures and the missing treasure. There are side threads as one would expect in a large household. A new housekeeper causes trouble, Kat’s secret could have her caste out and Daniel is still a puzzle. Kat’s assistant is an absolutely hoot, and the butler impressed me. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
I absolutely adore this series and the characters. Kat is as clever at solving crimes as she is at cooking for the Mayfair household. It seems Sir Jacob’s had some secrets and may have been in possession of misappropriated items of considerable value. And the mystery is afoot. Did he have it? Who knew and who would kill to possess it? What of the ladies swarming around the grieving widow? Are they helping a friend or plotting their own nefarious plans? Ashley pulled me in, in my quest for answers.
The storyline was clever and laced with interesting tidbits on cultures and the missing treasure. There are side threads as one would expect in a large household. A new housekeeper causes trouble, Kat’s secret could have her caste out and Daniel is still a puzzle. Kat’s assistant is an absolutely hoot, and the butler impressed me. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
June 11, 2019
Solid entry in this Victorian era mystery series.
I really enjoyed this outing--lots of domestic developments as well as a very twisty mystery.
Kat Holloway may have been intellectually involved in solving the murder of the next door neighbor, but her emotions were really tangled by the addition to the household of the Housekeeper From Hell.
I must say that I did not figure out who did the murders until late in the book and I thought the resolution was quite satisfactory. However, I gave my biggest cheer for the resolution to the tyrant housekeeper storyline.
The author has given the reader a nice group of continuing characters to follow and become emotionally attached to. We learn a bit more about what makes Lady Cynthia tick, Mr Davis (the butler) has a brilliant moment in the spotlight, young Tess (Kat's kitchen assistant) is proving to be a keen sleuth as well as a budding chef. And Kat's romance with the mysterious Mr Daniel McAdam is bubbling along nicely.
Now Ihave to wait for the next book and I really don't like waiting...
I really enjoyed this outing--lots of domestic developments as well as a very twisty mystery.
Kat Holloway may have been intellectually involved in solving the murder of the next door neighbor, but her emotions were really tangled by the addition to the household of the Housekeeper From Hell.
I must say that I did not figure out who did the murders until late in the book and I thought the resolution was quite satisfactory. However, I gave my biggest cheer for the resolution to the tyrant housekeeper storyline.
The author has given the reader a nice group of continuing characters to follow and become emotionally attached to. We learn a bit more about what makes Lady Cynthia tick, Mr Davis (the butler) has a brilliant moment in the spotlight, young Tess (Kat's kitchen assistant) is proving to be a keen sleuth as well as a budding chef. And Kat's romance with the mysterious Mr Daniel McAdam is bubbling along nicely.
Now Ihave to wait for the next book and I really don't like waiting...
July 23, 2019
Who knew the life of a cook for a wealthy household could be so exciting? And involve so much sleuthing and murder? Kat Holloway once again dives into an investigation when her neighbour is found murdered. Their immediate suspect is Chinese scholar Le Bai Chang a man Kat counts as a friend after a chance encounter. Determined to prove his innocence Kat once again puts her considerable intelligence towards solving the case.
Kat is a fantastic heroine, her strength, intelligence and kindness makes her a compelling and extremely likeable character. However, Ashley hasn’t just created a great heroine, the characters around Kat, like her mouthy assistant Tess, the eccentric Lady Cynthia and the mysterious Daniel are all well rounded and interesting. This makes the story really engaging as you invest not just in finding the murderer but the more domestic stories in the background.
This series gets better with every book, not only was the mystery intriguing but watching Kat’s every day life and trials unfold was also fascinating and kept me turning the pages. Then there is the extremely slow burn romance between Kat and the mysterious but dashing Daniel. It all leaves me eager for the next book in this series.
Kat is a fantastic heroine, her strength, intelligence and kindness makes her a compelling and extremely likeable character. However, Ashley hasn’t just created a great heroine, the characters around Kat, like her mouthy assistant Tess, the eccentric Lady Cynthia and the mysterious Daniel are all well rounded and interesting. This makes the story really engaging as you invest not just in finding the murderer but the more domestic stories in the background.
This series gets better with every book, not only was the mystery intriguing but watching Kat’s every day life and trials unfold was also fascinating and kept me turning the pages. Then there is the extremely slow burn romance between Kat and the mysterious but dashing Daniel. It all leaves me eager for the next book in this series.
June 15, 2019
Another fine 'below stairs' read!
Following on from previous troubles and triumphs with Kat Holloway and her friend Daniel McAdam, this time they face the murder of a man renowned for his collection of Chinese artifacts and plants and neighbor to Kat's household.
Kat surprisingly (or not!--is she prescient?) always seems to be in the right place at the right time. At the market Kat becomes the champion of a Chinese man, a man who later becomes embroiled in the happenings next door and is indeed a scholar, Li Bai Chang.
Meanwhile a new housekeeper of a dubious nature is employed by the Mrs. Bywater and Kat finds herself contending with issues on all sides.
Daniel, Mr Thanos and Cynthia become involved in the solving of the murder and the cause.
A lively and suspenseful read, as Kat and Daniel's relationship develops a wee bit of steam.
A NetGalley ARC
Following on from previous troubles and triumphs with Kat Holloway and her friend Daniel McAdam, this time they face the murder of a man renowned for his collection of Chinese artifacts and plants and neighbor to Kat's household.
Kat surprisingly (or not!--is she prescient?) always seems to be in the right place at the right time. At the market Kat becomes the champion of a Chinese man, a man who later becomes embroiled in the happenings next door and is indeed a scholar, Li Bai Chang.
Meanwhile a new housekeeper of a dubious nature is employed by the Mrs. Bywater and Kat finds herself contending with issues on all sides.
Daniel, Mr Thanos and Cynthia become involved in the solving of the murder and the cause.
A lively and suspenseful read, as Kat and Daniel's relationship develops a wee bit of steam.
A NetGalley ARC
March 14, 2019
I like this series. These books are not at all my usual type of read. They're historical, the mystery/suspense is light, and the romance tepid (or very much appropriate for the time period). I do, however, love the characters... plucky Kat, mysterious Daniel, sassy Tess, eccentric Lady Cynthia, and the ever helpful James. It's a mild-mannered series about a young cook in a Victorian household who gets herself involved in mysteries, usually with the above stairs folk. The plotline of this one is about the murder of the next door neighbor of Kat's employers, and the intrepid Kat's investigation (with Daniel's help).
The real fun, though, is the subplot in this book of the new housekeeper making everyone below stairs life hell, and her continued machinations to get Kat fired. It was so much fun to hate a character like that. The fact that some of the interactions between Mrs. Daley and Kat made me so mad I wanted to throw my kindle is a testament to just how attached I am to Kat and her world.
This is without a doubt my favorite of Jennifer Ashley's series. I am so anxious for Daniel's layers and secrets to be peeled back more, and for the romance to progress. If I have one small complaint, it would be that the story took a bit too long to wrap up. I didn't really mind, though, it was more time spent with beloved characters. And as always, there is another tidbit at the ending to tantalize the reader about the enigma that is Daniel McAdam.
The real fun, though, is the subplot in this book of the new housekeeper making everyone below stairs life hell, and her continued machinations to get Kat fired. It was so much fun to hate a character like that. The fact that some of the interactions between Mrs. Daley and Kat made me so mad I wanted to throw my kindle is a testament to just how attached I am to Kat and her world.
This is without a doubt my favorite of Jennifer Ashley's series. I am so anxious for Daniel's layers and secrets to be peeled back more, and for the romance to progress. If I have one small complaint, it would be that the story took a bit too long to wrap up. I didn't really mind, though, it was more time spent with beloved characters. And as always, there is another tidbit at the ending to tantalize the reader about the enigma that is Daniel McAdam.
July 31, 2019
Another entertaining book in this series by Ms. Ashley. The plot was complex and with several suspects both Kate and Daniel have their hands full to solve this one. There were also two subplots in this one that were resolved by secondary characters which I found refreshing. In this one Kate seemed to go about investigating more freely than in the past which I found to be unreasonable for the era of the story. Servants during this time period did not just leave the house without prior approval from their employers. But I put that niggling thought aside to enjoy the mystery.
August 10, 2019
I loved this book! Could hardly put it down! The mystery was solid and I loved the main characters. The ending was super satisfying. This was the first book I've read in this series and while I wasn't lost, I wish I started at the beginning this was so delightful! Hope to read many more in this series.
May 31, 2019
Series: Kat Holloway Mysteries #3
Publication Date: 6/4/19
Number of Pages: 320
OMGoodness! This series just gets better and better! We have learned more and more about the supporting characters – the mysterious and enigmatic Daniel, James his son, quirky and fun Tess, Davis, the stuffy (not) butler, Lady Cynthia who chafes at having to dress and act as a woman is expected to, Daniel’s friend, the very intelligent scholar Thanos, Kat’s daughter Grace – and just maybe we’ve added a new regular – Mrs. Redfern as the new housekeeper. Together, they are quite a crew and you’ll love them all. We didn’t learn too much new about Daniel in this book, and that was a disappointment. I’m really anxious for the further development of the relationship between Daniel and Kat as well.
Kat Holloway is young for a cook, barely 30, but she is one of the best cooks in England. She is very careful about who she works for and has very, very specific requirements for her employment. Luckily, her employment for the last eight months has been in a household she enjoys and that accommodates her requirements. She’s happy there even if she and Mr. Davis have been splitting the duties of housekeeper since the last one left. This sets up a fun subplot for the book – and tells you a lot about the author’s abilities because I quickly learned to detest Mrs. Daly, the new housekeeper. My reaction to her was very strong and it takes a good author to evoke that sort of reaction from me. So, the sub-plot was a great addition to the story.
Just as an FYI, there is also a second sub-plot flowing around Lady Harkness – and that makes it sound like there is too much going on in the story, but that isn’t the case. The sub-plots fit into and add to the story rather than detract from it.
The main plot of the story revolves around the murder of the next door neighbor, Sir Jacob Harkness. He was a very wealthy man who had been granted a knighthood for services to the empire. He was an expert in all things Chinese and had lived there for many years before returning to England. His collection was eclectic and large. He collected what took his fancy rather than only what was valuable – but – he had many valuable things in his collection. When he was found in his bed, stabbed to death, and an open window in the drawing room, it was assumed that the robbery was the motive - if there was a robbery. Except – a Chinaman had been seen just outside the house . . . What could that mean?
Kat was hurrying to run some errands one day and wasn’t paying attention and plowed right into an older Chinese gentleman, knocking him to the ground. She apologized profusely and helped him up. They spoke briefly, introduced themselves, and she liked Mr. Li very well. Later, he turned up at the home where she worked and presented her with a lovely gift to thank her for her kindness.
When a witness places a Chinese gentleman near the victim's house at the time of the murder, and Mr. Li is arrested, Kat has to stand up for him because she is convinced that he is not the guilty party. The investigation takes us through lies, deceit, another murder, a very valuable stolen item, and an unexpected villain. The author throws a lot of red herrings at you – and you may suspect who the perpetrator is, but you won’t know for sure until it is all wrapped up.
This book is part of a wonderful series, but it could be read as a stand-alone – although you would be missing (and possibly a bit confused) about some of the relationships and back-stories of various individuals. It would be my suggestion to read the series from the beginning – especially since this is only the third book.
I definitely recommend this well-written and interesting book. You’ll love the characters and puzzle over the mystery.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 6/4/19
Number of Pages: 320
OMGoodness! This series just gets better and better! We have learned more and more about the supporting characters – the mysterious and enigmatic Daniel, James his son, quirky and fun Tess, Davis, the stuffy (not) butler, Lady Cynthia who chafes at having to dress and act as a woman is expected to, Daniel’s friend, the very intelligent scholar Thanos, Kat’s daughter Grace – and just maybe we’ve added a new regular – Mrs. Redfern as the new housekeeper. Together, they are quite a crew and you’ll love them all. We didn’t learn too much new about Daniel in this book, and that was a disappointment. I’m really anxious for the further development of the relationship between Daniel and Kat as well.
Kat Holloway is young for a cook, barely 30, but she is one of the best cooks in England. She is very careful about who she works for and has very, very specific requirements for her employment. Luckily, her employment for the last eight months has been in a household she enjoys and that accommodates her requirements. She’s happy there even if she and Mr. Davis have been splitting the duties of housekeeper since the last one left. This sets up a fun subplot for the book – and tells you a lot about the author’s abilities because I quickly learned to detest Mrs. Daly, the new housekeeper. My reaction to her was very strong and it takes a good author to evoke that sort of reaction from me. So, the sub-plot was a great addition to the story.
Just as an FYI, there is also a second sub-plot flowing around Lady Harkness – and that makes it sound like there is too much going on in the story, but that isn’t the case. The sub-plots fit into and add to the story rather than detract from it.
The main plot of the story revolves around the murder of the next door neighbor, Sir Jacob Harkness. He was a very wealthy man who had been granted a knighthood for services to the empire. He was an expert in all things Chinese and had lived there for many years before returning to England. His collection was eclectic and large. He collected what took his fancy rather than only what was valuable – but – he had many valuable things in his collection. When he was found in his bed, stabbed to death, and an open window in the drawing room, it was assumed that the robbery was the motive - if there was a robbery. Except – a Chinaman had been seen just outside the house . . . What could that mean?
Kat was hurrying to run some errands one day and wasn’t paying attention and plowed right into an older Chinese gentleman, knocking him to the ground. She apologized profusely and helped him up. They spoke briefly, introduced themselves, and she liked Mr. Li very well. Later, he turned up at the home where she worked and presented her with a lovely gift to thank her for her kindness.
When a witness places a Chinese gentleman near the victim's house at the time of the murder, and Mr. Li is arrested, Kat has to stand up for him because she is convinced that he is not the guilty party. The investigation takes us through lies, deceit, another murder, a very valuable stolen item, and an unexpected villain. The author throws a lot of red herrings at you – and you may suspect who the perpetrator is, but you won’t know for sure until it is all wrapped up.
This book is part of a wonderful series, but it could be read as a stand-alone – although you would be missing (and possibly a bit confused) about some of the relationships and back-stories of various individuals. It would be my suggestion to read the series from the beginning – especially since this is only the third book.
I definitely recommend this well-written and interesting book. You’ll love the characters and puzzle over the mystery.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 13, 2024
I am loving this series! Kat always has a unique perspective on problems. Nice to seeing these characters more fleshed out, Lady Cynthia, Mr. Thanos, James, Tess, Mr. Davis, Grace, and of course, Daniel!
Kat's food sounds delicious!
What a creative solution for that horrible housekeeper!
Kat's food sounds delicious!
What a creative solution for that horrible housekeeper!
June 19, 2019
I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Who knew the life of a cook for a wealthy household could be so exciting? And involve so much sleuthing and murder? Kat Holloway once again dives into an investigation when her neighbour is found murdered. Their immediate suspect is Chinese scholar Le Bai Chang a man Kat counts as a friend after a chance encounter. Determined to prove his innocence Kat once again puts her considerable intelligence towards solving the case.
Kat is a fantastic heroine, her strength, intelligence and kindness makes her a compelling and extremely likeable character. However, Ashley hasn’t just created a great heroine, the characters around Kat, like her mouthy assistant Tess, the eccentric Lady Cynthia and the mysterious Daniel are all well rounded and interesting. This makes the story really engaging as you invest not just in finding the murderer but the more domestic stories in the background.
This series gets better with every book, not only was the mystery intriguing but watching Kat’s every day life and trials unfold was also fascinating and kept me turning the pages. Then there is the extremely slow burn romance between Kat and the mysterious but dashing Daniel. It all leaves me eager for the next book in this series.
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Suzanne❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
August 5, 2022
August 2022: Book six showed up on my doorstep today and I’m doing that previously mentioned reread. I loved the tea scene in this book. It was even better the second time around.
October 2021: This series is so lovely that I can’t help but gobble each book up as fast as possible. I’m already looking forward to a slower reread once I’m done with the published books.
This installment has Kat befriending a Chinese politician who has come to England after a rare tea plant was stolen from his family. If the English cultivate this rare tea, his family and region could be ruined as their main crop would become worthless on the export market. Of course, there’s also a tense situation among the staff at Kat’s home and more relationship development between Kat and Daniel and then Lady Cynthia and Mr. Thanos.
The most charming moment came when Daniel met Grace. It was so sweet that I read it twice. I just love little Grace’s short scenes.
Kat describes her very small number of possessions in this book and it makes a gift of the rare tea seem even more precious. What a lovely moment it was when they tried the tea for the first time. 🙂
October 2021: This series is so lovely that I can’t help but gobble each book up as fast as possible. I’m already looking forward to a slower reread once I’m done with the published books.
This installment has Kat befriending a Chinese politician who has come to England after a rare tea plant was stolen from his family. If the English cultivate this rare tea, his family and region could be ruined as their main crop would become worthless on the export market. Of course, there’s also a tense situation among the staff at Kat’s home and more relationship development between Kat and Daniel and then Lady Cynthia and Mr. Thanos.
The most charming moment came when Daniel met Grace. It was so sweet that I read it twice. I just love little Grace’s short scenes.
Kat describes her very small number of possessions in this book and it makes a gift of the rare tea seem even more precious. What a lovely moment it was when they tried the tea for the first time. 🙂
May 28, 2019
After the danger of the last case, Victorian cook, Kat Holloway, didn't complain about a hot summer in the city helping the butler make up for the lack of housekeeper, but the promise of the cooler fall temps and a murder next door involving a new Chinese acquaintance livens things up nicely.
Death in Kew Gardens is the third in the historical cozy mysteries set in the Victorian period. There is a continuation story of Kat and her friends that makes it best taken in order even if there is a new mystery offered up in each book.
I do enjoy stories with an upstairs-downstairs element to them and I was taken with this series from the beginning because of the unlikeliness of a cook playing amateur sleuth. It has been fun to learn more with each book about the world of the serving class below stairs particularly the realm of Kat's kitchen. There's some unlikely modernity to the books and Kat's character, but it can be chalked up to eccentricity on the part of her employer and I can buy into the possibility of an independent, self-educated cook with a penchant for mysteries.
Kat has taken up with jack of all trades, Daniel McAdams, as her mystery solving partner and he does have expertise that aids them and has an 'in' with the authorities that gives them a leg up on their fact finding expeditions and behind the scenes access on their cases. Daniel is much more than he seems and an intriguing mystery to Kat in his own right. Each book has her drawing a little closer to opening her heart again and trusting Daniel not to be a tosser like her dead fake husband who tricked her.
In this latest, Kat encounters a Chinese man who soon after is accused of murdering Sir Jacob next door maybe for all the Chinese treasures he's brought back in his dealings in the Far East. Li Bai Chang is a scholar and man of principal, she believes and she engages herself on his behalf. Meanwhile, she is learning about the dicey removal of goods from China and how the British played a role in impoverishing many Chinese when they started planting their own China tea in India thus flooding the market. The connection with the Asian plants section at Kew Gardens is made and now the hunt is on for a killer.
Meanwhile, Kat and Davis need to find a way to get rid of the impossible woman Cynthia's aunt hired as housekeeper particularly when the woman steals from almost everyone even the people above stairs, skulks about and does no work, drinks herself into stupors, and threatens people to keep quiet because she nosed out their secrets.
I always learn something new from these, in this case it was about growing tea and its value in that time period, which is why I enjoy the historical element and I felt the mystery itself was engaging enough. I didn't guess the villain, but I wasn't trying that hard either. I confess I was more taken up with Kat's domestic troubles, Cynthia's antics, and the descriptions of British-Chinese relations and how the British exporting affected China.
I found this one entertaining and enjoyed it, but also felt it needed a little zip. Much of the exciting stuff happened offstage though, there was a suspenseful climax scene. I recommend these to those who enjoy cozy mysteries in historical settings.
I rec'd this book from Berkley via Net Galley to read in exchange for an honest review.
Death in Kew Gardens is the third in the historical cozy mysteries set in the Victorian period. There is a continuation story of Kat and her friends that makes it best taken in order even if there is a new mystery offered up in each book.
I do enjoy stories with an upstairs-downstairs element to them and I was taken with this series from the beginning because of the unlikeliness of a cook playing amateur sleuth. It has been fun to learn more with each book about the world of the serving class below stairs particularly the realm of Kat's kitchen. There's some unlikely modernity to the books and Kat's character, but it can be chalked up to eccentricity on the part of her employer and I can buy into the possibility of an independent, self-educated cook with a penchant for mysteries.
Kat has taken up with jack of all trades, Daniel McAdams, as her mystery solving partner and he does have expertise that aids them and has an 'in' with the authorities that gives them a leg up on their fact finding expeditions and behind the scenes access on their cases. Daniel is much more than he seems and an intriguing mystery to Kat in his own right. Each book has her drawing a little closer to opening her heart again and trusting Daniel not to be a tosser like her dead fake husband who tricked her.
In this latest, Kat encounters a Chinese man who soon after is accused of murdering Sir Jacob next door maybe for all the Chinese treasures he's brought back in his dealings in the Far East. Li Bai Chang is a scholar and man of principal, she believes and she engages herself on his behalf. Meanwhile, she is learning about the dicey removal of goods from China and how the British played a role in impoverishing many Chinese when they started planting their own China tea in India thus flooding the market. The connection with the Asian plants section at Kew Gardens is made and now the hunt is on for a killer.
Meanwhile, Kat and Davis need to find a way to get rid of the impossible woman Cynthia's aunt hired as housekeeper particularly when the woman steals from almost everyone even the people above stairs, skulks about and does no work, drinks herself into stupors, and threatens people to keep quiet because she nosed out their secrets.
I always learn something new from these, in this case it was about growing tea and its value in that time period, which is why I enjoy the historical element and I felt the mystery itself was engaging enough. I didn't guess the villain, but I wasn't trying that hard either. I confess I was more taken up with Kat's domestic troubles, Cynthia's antics, and the descriptions of British-Chinese relations and how the British exporting affected China.
I found this one entertaining and enjoyed it, but also felt it needed a little zip. Much of the exciting stuff happened offstage though, there was a suspenseful climax scene. I recommend these to those who enjoy cozy mysteries in historical settings.
I rec'd this book from Berkley via Net Galley to read in exchange for an honest review.
April 26, 2019
This third Below Stairs mystery has Kat Holloway looking into the death of her next door neighbor Sir Jacob Harkness. She quickly finds herself deep into the case when a Chinese man that she recently met is accused of the crime.
Kat met Li Bai Chang when she literally ran into him on the street. She meets him again outside her home in Mayfair when he presents her with a gift of very fine Chinese tea. Sir Jacob was a well known China Hand who gained all sorts of riches in his many trips to China. His home is packed with all the goods he gathered and Kew Gardens has been the recipient of many, many strange and wonderful plants that he gathered on his journeys.
Mr. Li has come to speak to him to get back something precious that Sir Jacob stole from his family which would seem to give him a motive for murder. Kat is certain that he is not guilty and needs to convince Daniel MacAdam of her opinion. Daniel is a man of mystery still but Kat does know that he has influence on the police which is strange for a man whose accent and occupation seems so changeable.
Meanwhile at home, Kat and the rest of the staff are dealing with a new housekeeper who is stealing things and digging for secrets to blackmail all of them. She quickly ferrets out the existence of Kat's greatest secret - her daughter Grace. Kat's past as the supposed wife of a bigamist has colored her trust in men and could destroy her new respectable life if her employers learn of it.
I loved the descriptions of Kew Gardens. I also loved the interesting characters that surround Kat - Lady Cynthia, who wants the freedom men have and dresses in masculine attire; the mysterious Daniel; Mr. Thanos who is Daniel's friend and a scholar of some note and falling for Lady Cynthia; Tess, who is Kat's kitchen assistant and a girl from the street who has potential as a cook. Most of all I like Kat who is proud of her role as a cook and happy with her place in society even if, I feel, her role might not be a great fit for her intelligence and acuity.
I can't wait for Kat's next adventure.
Kat met Li Bai Chang when she literally ran into him on the street. She meets him again outside her home in Mayfair when he presents her with a gift of very fine Chinese tea. Sir Jacob was a well known China Hand who gained all sorts of riches in his many trips to China. His home is packed with all the goods he gathered and Kew Gardens has been the recipient of many, many strange and wonderful plants that he gathered on his journeys.
Mr. Li has come to speak to him to get back something precious that Sir Jacob stole from his family which would seem to give him a motive for murder. Kat is certain that he is not guilty and needs to convince Daniel MacAdam of her opinion. Daniel is a man of mystery still but Kat does know that he has influence on the police which is strange for a man whose accent and occupation seems so changeable.
Meanwhile at home, Kat and the rest of the staff are dealing with a new housekeeper who is stealing things and digging for secrets to blackmail all of them. She quickly ferrets out the existence of Kat's greatest secret - her daughter Grace. Kat's past as the supposed wife of a bigamist has colored her trust in men and could destroy her new respectable life if her employers learn of it.
I loved the descriptions of Kew Gardens. I also loved the interesting characters that surround Kat - Lady Cynthia, who wants the freedom men have and dresses in masculine attire; the mysterious Daniel; Mr. Thanos who is Daniel's friend and a scholar of some note and falling for Lady Cynthia; Tess, who is Kat's kitchen assistant and a girl from the street who has potential as a cook. Most of all I like Kat who is proud of her role as a cook and happy with her place in society even if, I feel, her role might not be a great fit for her intelligence and acuity.
I can't wait for Kat's next adventure.
May 2, 2019
Death in Kew Gardens is Jennifer Ashley’s third book in the Below Stairs Mysteries, featuring the fantastic Kat Holloway. The book starts with Kat, a cook who works for a wealthy family in Victorian England. One day Kat receives a gift from a mysterious Chinese man in return for an act of kindness. It is a rare box of tea, and that same night Kat’s next door neighbor, Sir Jacob Harkness is found dead. The secret Chinese man becomes a prime suspect, and now Kat and Daniel must run against time to find the murderer.
I did not read book one or book two and some of you, who have followed my reviews, know that I don’t particularly enjoy reading books that belong to a series I’ve never read before. Let me tell you that Death in Kew Gardens is an exception to that rule. Although it would’ve been lovely to know more about Kat and Daniel, I felt this story holds on its own just fine. Kat is such a robust character that I was able to get a sense of her even though I barely knew her background.
Death in Kew Gardens reminded me of both Downton Abbey and Grand Hotel, with a touch of Agatha Christie. I will definitely be reading the forerunners in this series and anxiously await for book number four.
I would like to thank Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I did not read book one or book two and some of you, who have followed my reviews, know that I don’t particularly enjoy reading books that belong to a series I’ve never read before. Let me tell you that Death in Kew Gardens is an exception to that rule. Although it would’ve been lovely to know more about Kat and Daniel, I felt this story holds on its own just fine. Kat is such a robust character that I was able to get a sense of her even though I barely knew her background.
Death in Kew Gardens reminded me of both Downton Abbey and Grand Hotel, with a touch of Agatha Christie. I will definitely be reading the forerunners in this series and anxiously await for book number four.
I would like to thank Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
June 9, 2019
Well, I definitely didn't guess the villain in this one! This book's plot was all about a murder over tea, of all things. The murderer killed the man owning the house next door to the one in which Kat is employed, so that he could get access to some very costly tea plants the man, Sir Jacob, had taken back from China to England on one of his expeditions. Things were a bit slow for me this time around, but overall, I liked it. There's some awesome progress made with Kat and Daniel's relationship. Oh, and I despise Mrs. Daley.
August 31, 2019
She’s done it again.
Another delicious tale of Kat Holloway, cook-detective. Alas, this time I can’t just go buy the next one because it’s not out yet! I love this cast of characters and the adventures they embark upon. A delightful recipe for mystery. And I so wish I could taste Mrs. Holloway’s culinary creations.
Another delicious tale of Kat Holloway, cook-detective. Alas, this time I can’t just go buy the next one because it’s not out yet! I love this cast of characters and the adventures they embark upon. A delightful recipe for mystery. And I so wish I could taste Mrs. Holloway’s culinary creations.
April 24, 2020
Another great addition to this series, especially now that there are so many secondary characters. It was great to see Daniel and Kat again but I also adore Tess, Cynthia, and Mr. Thanos. The mystery kept me on my toes and I adored the Daniel and Kat bits.
July 7, 2019
The cast has very much come together in this third entry. Kat, Daniel, James, Tess, Mr. Thanos, and Lady Cynthia are my new favorite crime fighting team! I hope Kat and Daniel will stop fighting their mutual attraction soon. 4 stars
June 17, 2021
Another enjoyable mystery for Kat Holloway to help solve. The side characters and plot were also interesting and added to the book. Little romance between Daniel and Kat. I rate it 3.5 stars and rounded up.
March 29, 2022
I am at a state where I have no fanciful words for a review. My mind is tired and all I want to do after work is to relax and enjoy a good book.
“Death in Kew Gardens” fulfilled that nicely. I was able to travel to 1818 and immersed myself in a murder mystery surrounding Chinese history and traditions by Kat and her neighbours. I enjoyed the tea and the delicious food she cooked while following the train of thoughts and discussions by Adam, Cynthia and some sleuthing by Tess. I am planning a trip to the library to pick up the next 2 books from this series.
“Death in Kew Gardens” fulfilled that nicely. I was able to travel to 1818 and immersed myself in a murder mystery surrounding Chinese history and traditions by Kat and her neighbours. I enjoyed the tea and the delicious food she cooked while following the train of thoughts and discussions by Adam, Cynthia and some sleuthing by Tess. I am planning a trip to the library to pick up the next 2 books from this series.
Read
May 16, 2020I DNF' d the audio around the 50% mark I was just unbelievably bored 🤷 I don't think I was in the mood for this .
February 16, 2021
Great characters, good setting, fun time period (mostly) but rather unbelievable reveal. Still, I enjoyed getting there, just to be with the cast involved .. and there is quite the cast. All well established and saucy.
June 2, 2019
Death in Kew Gardens is the third book in the A Below Stairs Mystery series.
Kat and Tess, her assistant, arms are laden with baskets with there food purchases, as they are coming out of a store, Kat bumps into a Chinese man, LiChang, and knocks him over. The next evening, as Kat was taking the left-overs from the families meal for the day for the homeless that know her routine, she is greeted by LiChang who gives her a small tea box for her kindness on the day before. The next day she learns that the next door neighbor Sir Jacob had been stabbed and killed in his bed the previous evening. Kat also learns that the police are told that a Chinese man was seen in the area about that time. The time of Sir Jacob death was about the time that LiChang had been giving Kat her tea box.
Kat doesn’t believe that LiChang is the killer and starts her own investigation. She’s not that familiar with Sir Jacob, so she begins talking with his housekeeper and cook. She soon that Sir Jacob was a frequent traveler to China helping to develop trade between China and England. He also became a collector of Chinese artifacts. His collection was so extensive that there was hardly any room in the house for anything else. He was also a collector of plants, many of which he gave to the Kew Gardens for their extensive collection. As Kat begins to investigate she finds that there are a couple of friends of Lady Haskell that would like some the more valuable items of his collection. She’s thinking that they feel if they get rid of him they will be able to make off with. She also wants to learn more about the botanist of Kew Gardens, as he was the one that reported to the police about the Chinese man being in the area, as Sir Jacob had been at Kew Gardens visiting meeting with the botanist.
In a subplot, Kat, her kitchen staff, and the butler, Mr. Davis are having to deal with the hiring of a housekeeper. Mrs. Daley is more interested in ruling with an iron fist, than working with the staff to make things run smoothly. But she would rather dig up information about their pasts that she uses to keep them in line. The staff is to point of quitting en masse.
I love this series, not only is it well written, but the characters are so real and well developed, that I would love to stop in and visit with them. Kat is a dear and so willing to work with staff to become even more competent. Tess, her assistant, is starting to become quite a good cook and assistant sleuth, too. Daniel McAdam isn’t around as much as he has been and still remains a bit a mystery, still. I will add that I think Lady Cynthia is one of the best characters to come along. She continues to like to be below stairs chatting with Kat and continues shock folks with her clothing choices.
Kat and Tess, her assistant, arms are laden with baskets with there food purchases, as they are coming out of a store, Kat bumps into a Chinese man, LiChang, and knocks him over. The next evening, as Kat was taking the left-overs from the families meal for the day for the homeless that know her routine, she is greeted by LiChang who gives her a small tea box for her kindness on the day before. The next day she learns that the next door neighbor Sir Jacob had been stabbed and killed in his bed the previous evening. Kat also learns that the police are told that a Chinese man was seen in the area about that time. The time of Sir Jacob death was about the time that LiChang had been giving Kat her tea box.
Kat doesn’t believe that LiChang is the killer and starts her own investigation. She’s not that familiar with Sir Jacob, so she begins talking with his housekeeper and cook. She soon that Sir Jacob was a frequent traveler to China helping to develop trade between China and England. He also became a collector of Chinese artifacts. His collection was so extensive that there was hardly any room in the house for anything else. He was also a collector of plants, many of which he gave to the Kew Gardens for their extensive collection. As Kat begins to investigate she finds that there are a couple of friends of Lady Haskell that would like some the more valuable items of his collection. She’s thinking that they feel if they get rid of him they will be able to make off with. She also wants to learn more about the botanist of Kew Gardens, as he was the one that reported to the police about the Chinese man being in the area, as Sir Jacob had been at Kew Gardens visiting meeting with the botanist.
In a subplot, Kat, her kitchen staff, and the butler, Mr. Davis are having to deal with the hiring of a housekeeper. Mrs. Daley is more interested in ruling with an iron fist, than working with the staff to make things run smoothly. But she would rather dig up information about their pasts that she uses to keep them in line. The staff is to point of quitting en masse.
I love this series, not only is it well written, but the characters are so real and well developed, that I would love to stop in and visit with them. Kat is a dear and so willing to work with staff to become even more competent. Tess, her assistant, is starting to become quite a good cook and assistant sleuth, too. Daniel McAdam isn’t around as much as he has been and still remains a bit a mystery, still. I will add that I think Lady Cynthia is one of the best characters to come along. She continues to like to be below stairs chatting with Kat and continues shock folks with her clothing choices.
June 6, 2019
This is one of my favorite series so I was so excited to read this one and it did not disappoint!
While Kat was out doing some shopping for the kitchen where she works she accidentally bumps into a Chinaman. She didn’t know that doing so was going to throw her into another investigation. When Sir Jacob who lives in the house next door to where Kat works is murdered she can’t help but do some sleuthing to try and figure things out, especially when the Chinaman, Mr. Li is accused of the murder. She doesn’t believe he done it even though she doesn’t really know him but he was kind to her and so she stands up for him.
There is a lot of strange things going on that Kat must get to the bottom of with the help of her friends. When the cook from next door comes over and hastens Kat over to the house next door because the housekeeper thinks that her mistress has been poisoned, Kat soon finds out some interesting things about the lady’s companions. It seems like everyone is wanting to get involved with solving this case from Tess her assistant cook to Lady Cynthia.
There were quite a few suspects and I was stumped and when I found out who it was I was like….ahhh I should have guessed that! It was a great mystery with lots of intrigue and I always love following along with this oddball group of ‘friends’ as they try and solve things.
Kat is one of my favorite characters and I am glad that some of her other companions found out some more things about herself and are not judgy. It’s not like lady Cynthia can say much as she dresses like a man in a time when that is very frowned upon. I really like her as well. Honestly there is not a character that I don’t like, well except in this one they got a new housekeeper who tried my patience and got what she deserved at the end! Daniel is another of my favorites and probably one of my top favorite male characters. I still haven’t figured out exactly what he does for a living but I have my guess and I do hope we one day get to find out alone with Kat what exactly he does (I am thinking royal spy…lol). I do love the chemistry that Daniel and Kat have and hope one day they actually get together instead of just the casual flirtation! 🙂
I highly recommend this series if you are a fan of mysteries especially historical ones! You could probably jump in with this one but I think it’s best to start at the beginning to get the full affect!
While Kat was out doing some shopping for the kitchen where she works she accidentally bumps into a Chinaman. She didn’t know that doing so was going to throw her into another investigation. When Sir Jacob who lives in the house next door to where Kat works is murdered she can’t help but do some sleuthing to try and figure things out, especially when the Chinaman, Mr. Li is accused of the murder. She doesn’t believe he done it even though she doesn’t really know him but he was kind to her and so she stands up for him.
There is a lot of strange things going on that Kat must get to the bottom of with the help of her friends. When the cook from next door comes over and hastens Kat over to the house next door because the housekeeper thinks that her mistress has been poisoned, Kat soon finds out some interesting things about the lady’s companions. It seems like everyone is wanting to get involved with solving this case from Tess her assistant cook to Lady Cynthia.
There were quite a few suspects and I was stumped and when I found out who it was I was like….ahhh I should have guessed that! It was a great mystery with lots of intrigue and I always love following along with this oddball group of ‘friends’ as they try and solve things.
Kat is one of my favorite characters and I am glad that some of her other companions found out some more things about herself and are not judgy. It’s not like lady Cynthia can say much as she dresses like a man in a time when that is very frowned upon. I really like her as well. Honestly there is not a character that I don’t like, well except in this one they got a new housekeeper who tried my patience and got what she deserved at the end! Daniel is another of my favorites and probably one of my top favorite male characters. I still haven’t figured out exactly what he does for a living but I have my guess and I do hope we one day get to find out alone with Kat what exactly he does (I am thinking royal spy…lol). I do love the chemistry that Daniel and Kat have and hope one day they actually get together instead of just the casual flirtation! 🙂
I highly recommend this series if you are a fan of mysteries especially historical ones! You could probably jump in with this one but I think it’s best to start at the beginning to get the full affect!
June 3, 2019
Death in Kew Gardens by Jennifer Ashley is the 3rd book in her Below Stairs Mystery series. This series takes place in Victorian England, and Kat is our heroine and cook extraordinaire. She is a smart, confident, independent, and very loyal and protective to the household staff, where Kat reigns. Kat makes a great detective, as she is always helping solve crimes. What I enjoyed the most about this series is the wonderful feel of ‘Downton Abbey’, with the normal household staffing with housekeeper, cooks, house steward, maids, footman, valet, butlers, etc.
Once again, Kat becomes involved in a murder mystery. When she finds out there was a murder next door, Kat becomes fully involved to find the murderer. It is always great to see Kat’s friends work with her to solve the crime; such as Daniel, Tess, Cynthia, Thanos, and James just to name a few.
The top suspect in the murder is a Chinese gentleman (Li Chang) that Kat met earlier in the day, as she accidently bumped into him. Later that day, he stops by to give Kat a gift for helping him. Kat recognizes that there is prejudice against the Chinese man, and does everything in her power to find clues to help clear him.
In a side story, there is a new housekeeper where Kat lives and works, and everyone hates her. I loved how strong Kat is standing up to this arrogant and mean person; this was a nice added element to the story, especially with everyone below the stairs join hands against the housekeeper.
The mystery heats up, as another person related to the victim is murdered. Kat discovers that Li Chang was looking for special tea plants from his homeland, and this was the reason for the deaths, as these plants were very valuable. What follows is an interesting and intriguing mystery, which had a number of suspects, and quite a few twists along the way. It was a lot of fun to watch Kat and her friends (I loved Tess taking a more active part) play a big part in helping her solve the murders. The slow built romance between Daniel and Kat took a back seat, but we will be seeing more of this in future books.
If you enjoy Victorian stories, with a mystery theme, a Downton Abbey background, two very good leading characters and very well written by Jennifer Ashley, I suggest you start this series.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
Once again, Kat becomes involved in a murder mystery. When she finds out there was a murder next door, Kat becomes fully involved to find the murderer. It is always great to see Kat’s friends work with her to solve the crime; such as Daniel, Tess, Cynthia, Thanos, and James just to name a few.
The top suspect in the murder is a Chinese gentleman (Li Chang) that Kat met earlier in the day, as she accidently bumped into him. Later that day, he stops by to give Kat a gift for helping him. Kat recognizes that there is prejudice against the Chinese man, and does everything in her power to find clues to help clear him.
In a side story, there is a new housekeeper where Kat lives and works, and everyone hates her. I loved how strong Kat is standing up to this arrogant and mean person; this was a nice added element to the story, especially with everyone below the stairs join hands against the housekeeper.
The mystery heats up, as another person related to the victim is murdered. Kat discovers that Li Chang was looking for special tea plants from his homeland, and this was the reason for the deaths, as these plants were very valuable. What follows is an interesting and intriguing mystery, which had a number of suspects, and quite a few twists along the way. It was a lot of fun to watch Kat and her friends (I loved Tess taking a more active part) play a big part in helping her solve the murders. The slow built romance between Daniel and Kat took a back seat, but we will be seeing more of this in future books.
If you enjoy Victorian stories, with a mystery theme, a Downton Abbey background, two very good leading characters and very well written by Jennifer Ashley, I suggest you start this series.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
March 20, 2019
Kat Holloway is busy enough as a cook in an affluent household in Victorian England. However, she spends as much time as possible investigating crimes. In this case she discovers that a neighbor in the house she works in has been murdered. Kat has just met an unusual but elegant man from China named Li Bai Chang.
The murder victim was said to be an expert in the language and customs of China, and Mr. Chang has been accused of the crime. Kat can hardly believe it and does what she can to remove any suspicion of Mr. Chang. In so doing, she gets the help of her good friend Daniel McAdam, whom we met in the previous stories of the Kat Holloway Mysteries.
When ensues is a dark foray into a world of secrets that surround the palatial homes as well as Kew Gardens. All the while the gentle romance between Kat and Daniel continues to progress at a slow boil.
As I read the first stories in the series, Death Above Stairs and Scandal Above Stairs in quick succession before reading this one, I was very drawn into the characters and storylines. I loved Kat's relationship with Daniel, her bond with her daughter Grace, and her unlikely friendship with Lady Cynthia. However, there is definitely one unlikable character in this book, thus striking a fine balance.
This story was definitely intriguing and in some ways quite sensitive, especially when it came to race and class distinctions during that time frame. All the while, Daniel remains pretty much a mystery, and I do love that the author is keeping that storyline intact.
Although part of a terrific series, the stories do well on their own. However, they are so good that if you enjoy light mystery stories no doubt you will not only devour all three as I have, but will be definitely looking forward to future offerings.
Many thanks to Berkley Books and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
The murder victim was said to be an expert in the language and customs of China, and Mr. Chang has been accused of the crime. Kat can hardly believe it and does what she can to remove any suspicion of Mr. Chang. In so doing, she gets the help of her good friend Daniel McAdam, whom we met in the previous stories of the Kat Holloway Mysteries.
When ensues is a dark foray into a world of secrets that surround the palatial homes as well as Kew Gardens. All the while the gentle romance between Kat and Daniel continues to progress at a slow boil.
As I read the first stories in the series, Death Above Stairs and Scandal Above Stairs in quick succession before reading this one, I was very drawn into the characters and storylines. I loved Kat's relationship with Daniel, her bond with her daughter Grace, and her unlikely friendship with Lady Cynthia. However, there is definitely one unlikable character in this book, thus striking a fine balance.
This story was definitely intriguing and in some ways quite sensitive, especially when it came to race and class distinctions during that time frame. All the while, Daniel remains pretty much a mystery, and I do love that the author is keeping that storyline intact.
Although part of a terrific series, the stories do well on their own. However, they are so good that if you enjoy light mystery stories no doubt you will not only devour all three as I have, but will be definitely looking forward to future offerings.
Many thanks to Berkley Books and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 19, 2019
Death In Kew Gardens, number three in Ashley’s Kat Holloway Below Stairs mysteries and, at least in its first half, the best one yet (I’d still recommend you read the first two, I loved’em). As you know, I don’t read mysteries for the “puzzle-mystery-solution”, or for the criminal’s motive or psychology, but the detecting main character and, in Ashley’s series’ case, her marvelous detecting team of “below stairs” maids, butlers, housekeepers, and mysterious policeman/detective/government agent Daniel McAdam (man of many roles and disguises) and his friends. Of all the mystery series I read, I love Ashley’s for her protagonists and friends, who help Kat Holloway, an inspired cook by profession, solve crimes and bring justice. Kat is talented, smart, beautiful, and kind. In Death In Kew Gardens, Kat’s kindness sets off the novel’s mystery. As Kat shops with her mercurial, temperamental, and hilarious cook’s assistant, Tess (I loved her!), she accidentally knocks over a passerby, Mr. Li, whom she then helps up. That night, Mr. Li knocks on the Rankin house kitchen door, where Kat cooks for the Bywaters and their niece and her friend, Lady Cynthia, and gifts Kat with a box of aromatic tea.
You may read the rest of my review at:
https://missbatesreadsromance.com/201...
Please note I received an e-ARC of this novel from Berkley Prime Crime.
You may read the rest of my review at:
https://missbatesreadsromance.com/201...
Please note I received an e-ARC of this novel from Berkley Prime Crime.
June 5, 2019
Kat makes fast friends with a Chinese gentleman the police suspect of the murder next door, but she is adamant it couldn't have been him. Suspicious people surround the widow and her home, while Kat fights her own battles in the house of her employment.
Based much on the prejudice towards the Chinese in London at the time, and how the English unjustly pillaged goods from China, every time you think you have this mystery figured out, something happens to prove you wrong or throw you off!
But the characters are what make this series so great. As swoon-worthy as Daniel and Kat's relationship is, I've also enjoyed watching Lady Cynthia and Mr. Thanos's budding relationship too, as well as seeing how Kat and Cynthia try to navigate the socially complicated friendship between Lady and servant. At first, I wasn't too keen on Tess, but even she has grown on me now. The latest antagonist within the household had me wanting to scream.
Just as with the Captain Lacy series, this story just keeps getting better and better with each installment.
Advanced review copy from publisher via NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
https://historicalreadings.blogspot.c...
Based much on the prejudice towards the Chinese in London at the time, and how the English unjustly pillaged goods from China, every time you think you have this mystery figured out, something happens to prove you wrong or throw you off!
But the characters are what make this series so great. As swoon-worthy as Daniel and Kat's relationship is, I've also enjoyed watching Lady Cynthia and Mr. Thanos's budding relationship too, as well as seeing how Kat and Cynthia try to navigate the socially complicated friendship between Lady and servant. At first, I wasn't too keen on Tess, but even she has grown on me now. The latest antagonist within the household had me wanting to scream.
Just as with the Captain Lacy series, this story just keeps getting better and better with each installment.
Advanced review copy from publisher via NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
https://historicalreadings.blogspot.c...
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