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Manners and Monsters #3
Gossip and Gorgons
One look could turn you to stone...
The newly married Lord and Lady Wycliff are cordially invited to a house party--to be mocked and ridiculed as entertainment. Wycliff insists on attending to discuss business with the host, while Hannah longs to hide in the library with its rare volumes on the Fae.
Bound to Wycliff even beyond death, Hannah wonders how she will survive the week--when a guest unexpectedly expires. A notorious cad is discovered turned into a statue in the garden. The dead lord had many enemies, including Lord Wycliff.
Hannah's accord with her husband is tested when a trail of footprints leads to their window. What secret is Wycliff hiding and does he know more about the magical death than he admits? Someone among the house guests has murder on their mind and the newlyweds need to determine who, before anyone else is immortalised as stone...
The newly married Lord and Lady Wycliff are cordially invited to a house party--to be mocked and ridiculed as entertainment. Wycliff insists on attending to discuss business with the host, while Hannah longs to hide in the library with its rare volumes on the Fae.
Bound to Wycliff even beyond death, Hannah wonders how she will survive the week--when a guest unexpectedly expires. A notorious cad is discovered turned into a statue in the garden. The dead lord had many enemies, including Lord Wycliff.
Hannah's accord with her husband is tested when a trail of footprints leads to their window. What secret is Wycliff hiding and does he know more about the magical death than he admits? Someone among the house guests has murder on their mind and the newlyweds need to determine who, before anyone else is immortalised as stone...
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 31, 2020
131 people are currently reading
523 people want to read
About the author
Tilly Wallace
36 books602 followersTilly writes whimsical historical fantasy books, set in a bygone time where magic is real. With a quirky and loveable cast, her books combine vintage magic and gentle humour. Through fierce friendships her characters discover that in an uncertain world, the most loyal family is the one you create.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
February 2, 2022
Gossip and Gorgons is another winner in the Manners and Monsters series!
If you're looking for your next cozy mystery with a fun paranormal twist, then look no further. There is a romance but it's such a slow burn that it doesn't hijack the story. Hannah & Wycliff become a bit more in this one, as their friendship and respect for each other deepens and becomes something that looks a little like...blossoming love?
In the last book, Wycliff finds out from Hannah's mother that Hannah was also infected by the face powder that turned the powerful mage into a zombie. Fortunately, Hannah's mother was able to cast a spell on her that keeps her basically frozen in time, one heartbeat away from the infection taking over her body and the rot setting in. If her mother's spell ever fails, Hannah will become one of the undead and unable to claim her father's fortune.
Yeah. Apparently, they aren't as poor as Hannah always thought!
Anyway. Due to Doctor Miles' arrest (and eventual release) in Galvanism and Ghouls, her parents decide that she needs protection in the event that something were to happen to him.
What sort of protection? Well, back in the day that meant the protection of a husband.
And who did they have in mind?
Yup. So a the end of the book, Hannah becomes Lady Wycliff. In name only! No hanky-panky is happening here as this is strictly a marriage of convenience for both of them.
I said all that to explain why Lord and Lady Wycliff are invited to a posh house party with a bunch of assholes who just want to make fun of them. However, the goblin whose daughter is throwing the party is the very man (sort of) that Wycliff has been trying to get to see about backing some of his farming improvements.
So off they go.
And there they manage to land in the thick of yet another mystery when one of the more obnoxious members of the party is found turned into a garden statue.
Ture to the title, this installment introduces gossip and gorgons. Angry gorgons whose lives were ruined by society's gossip. Really, I felt quite sorry for the gorgon, and so did Hannah. But you just can't go around killing folks.
Or can you?
Recommended!
If you're looking for your next cozy mystery with a fun paranormal twist, then look no further. There is a romance but it's such a slow burn that it doesn't hijack the story. Hannah & Wycliff become a bit more in this one, as their friendship and respect for each other deepens and becomes something that looks a little like...blossoming love?
In the last book, Wycliff finds out from Hannah's mother that Hannah was also infected by the face powder that turned the powerful mage into a zombie. Fortunately, Hannah's mother was able to cast a spell on her that keeps her basically frozen in time, one heartbeat away from the infection taking over her body and the rot setting in. If her mother's spell ever fails, Hannah will become one of the undead and unable to claim her father's fortune.
Yeah. Apparently, they aren't as poor as Hannah always thought!
Anyway. Due to Doctor Miles' arrest (and eventual release) in Galvanism and Ghouls, her parents decide that she needs protection in the event that something were to happen to him.
What sort of protection? Well, back in the day that meant the protection of a husband.
And who did they have in mind?
Yup. So a the end of the book, Hannah becomes Lady Wycliff. In name only! No hanky-panky is happening here as this is strictly a marriage of convenience for both of them.
I said all that to explain why Lord and Lady Wycliff are invited to a posh house party with a bunch of assholes who just want to make fun of them. However, the goblin whose daughter is throwing the party is the very man (sort of) that Wycliff has been trying to get to see about backing some of his farming improvements.
So off they go.
And there they manage to land in the thick of yet another mystery when one of the more obnoxious members of the party is found turned into a garden statue.
Ture to the title, this installment introduces gossip and gorgons. Angry gorgons whose lives were ruined by society's gossip. Really, I felt quite sorry for the gorgon, and so did Hannah. But you just can't go around killing folks.
Or can you?
Recommended!
February 6, 2023
*** 4.44 ***
Another very pleasant cozy paranormal mystery. I love the slow burn romance and found this book to be the best in the series so far. If you like stories about shifters, historical romance and cozy mysteries, you should definitely check this series out! 🤓👍
Another very pleasant cozy paranormal mystery. I love the slow burn romance and found this book to be the best in the series so far. If you like stories about shifters, historical romance and cozy mysteries, you should definitely check this series out! 🤓👍
May 10, 2020
In this, the third book of the “Manners and Monsters” series Lord and Lady Wycliff are invited to a house party in which they are to be the main source of entertainment. However, this notion is quickly dispelled when one of the guests is turned to stone and the search for the culprits begins with the viscount and viscountess Wycliff as the investigators.
The murder mystery part of the story gets two stars, it was very easy to figure out who was the culprits. Too easy I would say. The red herrings were not strong enough to cause any real confusion for the reader. Having said that, I loved the continued development of Wycliff and Hannah’s relationship. Throughout the course of the story, they learn more about each other and become more and more comfortable with one another. I thought that was handled well and although the mystery was easy to figure out the story was still very entertaining and a very quick read.
The murder mystery part of the story gets two stars, it was very easy to figure out who was the culprits. Too easy I would say. The red herrings were not strong enough to cause any real confusion for the reader. Having said that, I loved the continued development of Wycliff and Hannah’s relationship. Throughout the course of the story, they learn more about each other and become more and more comfortable with one another. I thought that was handled well and although the mystery was easy to figure out the story was still very entertaining and a very quick read.
February 28, 2021
'One look could turn you to stone...
The newly married Lord and Lady Wycliff are cordially invited to a house party--to be mocked and ridiculed as entertainment. Wycliff insists on attending to discuss business with the host, while Hannah longs to hide in the library with its rare volumes on the Fae.
Bound to Wycliff even beyond death, Hannah wonders how she will survive the week--when a guest unexpectedly expires. A notorious cad is discovered turned into a statue in the garden. The dead lord had many enemies, including Lord Wycliff.
Hannah's accord with her husband is tested when a trail of footprints leads to their window. What secret is Wycliff hiding and does he know more about the magical death than he admits? Someone among the house guests has murder on their mind and the newlyweds need to determine who, before anyone else is immortalised as stone... '
____________________________
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.
Gossip and Gorgons is the third book in Tilly Wallace's Manners and Monsters series, which is a historical mystery series set in a London in which supernatural and magical beings co-exist within society.
I'm still really enjoying the series and loving learning more about Wycliff, as this is very much the book to learn more about him. His gruff and secretive nature is explained, but there are still more secrets that he is holding close to this chest. The author continues to expand the supernatural aspect of the London that this series takes place in, which everything that I want for this series so I'm content. But I did find that this book was not nearly as strong as the previous book and that is largely because the author tipped her hand about the villian of the book far too soon. She gave a very heavy hint, before the first death has even occurred and that paired with the title is a dead give away. So again I found myself a bit put out when they still hadn't managed to solve it, despite already coming across the answer...only to then discard the possibility. Although I did feel vindicated when the character who initially managed to solve it made sure that others were aware that they had already come to that conclusion and had been disregarded. Good for them for spelling that out for everyone. Sure it was a bit petty, but it needed to be said.
Despite the kind of anti-climactic mystery for me, I still really enjoyed the book and it was lovely to see that thinks are beginning to develope part the point of awkwardness and occasional hostility between Wycliff and Hannah. I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series and readin Walace's take on vampires.
The newly married Lord and Lady Wycliff are cordially invited to a house party--to be mocked and ridiculed as entertainment. Wycliff insists on attending to discuss business with the host, while Hannah longs to hide in the library with its rare volumes on the Fae.
Bound to Wycliff even beyond death, Hannah wonders how she will survive the week--when a guest unexpectedly expires. A notorious cad is discovered turned into a statue in the garden. The dead lord had many enemies, including Lord Wycliff.
Hannah's accord with her husband is tested when a trail of footprints leads to their window. What secret is Wycliff hiding and does he know more about the magical death than he admits? Someone among the house guests has murder on their mind and the newlyweds need to determine who, before anyone else is immortalised as stone... '
____________________________
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.
Gossip and Gorgons is the third book in Tilly Wallace's Manners and Monsters series, which is a historical mystery series set in a London in which supernatural and magical beings co-exist within society.
I'm still really enjoying the series and loving learning more about Wycliff, as this is very much the book to learn more about him. His gruff and secretive nature is explained, but there are still more secrets that he is holding close to this chest. The author continues to expand the supernatural aspect of the London that this series takes place in, which everything that I want for this series so I'm content. But I did find that this book was not nearly as strong as the previous book and that is largely because the author tipped her hand about the villian of the book far too soon. She gave a very heavy hint, before the first death has even occurred and that paired with the title is a dead give away. So again I found myself a bit put out when they still hadn't managed to solve it, despite already coming across the answer...only to then discard the possibility. Although I did feel vindicated when the character who initially managed to solve it made sure that others were aware that they had already come to that conclusion and had been disregarded. Good for them for spelling that out for everyone. Sure it was a bit petty, but it needed to be said.
Despite the kind of anti-climactic mystery for me, I still really enjoyed the book and it was lovely to see that thinks are beginning to develope part the point of awkwardness and occasional hostility between Wycliff and Hannah. I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series and readin Walace's take on vampires.
February 24, 2023
Hannah and Wycliff are invited to a house party, where - as it turns out- they are to be the entertainment, but they don't rise to the bait. Instead the attack strengthens their respect and affection for each other.
The ember of hope flared in her chest that their marriage would yet prove to be a happy one. If only people would stop getting murdered.
The house party is somewhat disturbed by first one, and then another of the guests turning into stone.
Lady Frances appeared intent on having a fine time, despite the news circulating that Stannard had passed. The Pennicotts were certainly practically minded. No point in ruining the party just because one guest had been murdered.
Hannah and Wycliff investigate. Together.
The ember of hope flared in her chest that their marriage would yet prove to be a happy one. If only people would stop getting murdered.
The house party is somewhat disturbed by first one, and then another of the guests turning into stone.
Lady Frances appeared intent on having a fine time, despite the news circulating that Stannard had passed. The Pennicotts were certainly practically minded. No point in ruining the party just because one guest had been murdered.
Hannah and Wycliff investigate. Together.
May 19, 2021
The best so far of this series of whimsical mysteries in a historical backdrop tinged with horror classics. This one has: a house party, a marriage of convenience starting to warm up rather nicely, a rogue gorgon, and some lovely husband-and-wife sleuthing. Plus lots of frocks.
October 10, 2023
Ratings:-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 5, 2024
These books just keep getting better as the series goes on! Of course, by now your FMC & MMC are getting to know each other better. The one thing I found "off" is the mother of our FMC. She is supposedly this famous mage who can do all sorts of magic but yet every time Hannah is investigating a murder, and she needs her mother’s help, all we hear is ‘I’ll research the matter’. And she keeps saying that and then Hannah solves the murder either without her help or with very little help from her mother.
December 1, 2021
exciting developments
I love this series so much. The author blends the time period with myths and modern commentary and romance so seamlessly into a charming bundle which is greater than the sum of its parts.
The mystery of people turning to stone was full
of tragedy and I loved every minute of it.
The interactions of the guests at the house party were worthy of Austen.
I love how Hannah and Wycliff’s relationship is progressing. Despite being forced to work together, they are developing true respect and affection. They really are complimentary souls.
I can’t wait to read the next book.
I love this series so much. The author blends the time period with myths and modern commentary and romance so seamlessly into a charming bundle which is greater than the sum of its parts.
The mystery of people turning to stone was full
of tragedy and I loved every minute of it.
The interactions of the guests at the house party were worthy of Austen.
I love how Hannah and Wycliff’s relationship is progressing. Despite being forced to work together, they are developing true respect and affection. They really are complimentary souls.
I can’t wait to read the next book.
January 31, 2023
I had put this series on hold and wasn't sure if I would continue it until a friend on Goodreads wanted to buddy read it in the Mystery Book Club. So I decided to give it another chance, and I'm glad I did! This turned out to be the best book in the series so far. There are a lot of things about this series that remind me of the Lady Darby series, only with paranormal elements.
September 5, 2022
3.5 star listen
The relationship between fmc and mmc finally has some traction. I would call this series a historic fantasy/mystery.
Worth the time.
The relationship between fmc and mmc finally has some traction. I would call this series a historic fantasy/mystery.
Worth the time.
September 17, 2020
I actually liked this one far more than the others in the series mostly because the leading characters are finally dropping some of their barriers and really becoming a team. They're getting to know each other and working together rather than being two strangers with the same goal who occasionally assist each other but usually work alone. Before this book the two had been almost combative, almost failing to see the strengths and benefits the other brings to the table, in this book you can really see them grow and recognize each other's usefulness and the assets they bring to the team. Granted it didn't hurt for me that the love story also progressed but it doesn't brighten the narrative nearly as much as the teamwork between the two progressing. Honestly even once they become a true married couple in all senses of the word I could easily continue to read a mystery series staring the couple for well as long as Wallace can come up with interesting magical mysteries.
I thought it was interesting the way the past still echoes into the future with this tale and sort of felt it was not only an interesting story but a strong commentary on modern victim shaming that I could definitely respect.
Overall it was an excellent addition to the series and I can't wait for more.
I thought it was interesting the way the past still echoes into the future with this tale and sort of felt it was not only an interesting story but a strong commentary on modern victim shaming that I could definitely respect.
Overall it was an excellent addition to the series and I can't wait for more.
February 14, 2020
Sweet
I really enjoy watching Hannah and Wycliff’s relationship grow and bloom. I like the supernatural element added to the Regency time period as well. Unique and sweet.
I really enjoy watching Hannah and Wycliff’s relationship grow and bloom. I like the supernatural element added to the Regency time period as well. Unique and sweet.
June 24, 2025
Solid, paranormal cozy mystery. Hannah and Wycliff go to a house party where they suspect they've only been invited as a source of entertainment for the other guests. As Wycliff wants to meet with the host for business purposes, they decide to attend. Mystery and murder follow.
The actual mystery wasn't as complex as previous books, the motive wasn't buried very deep which made the investigation feel drawn out. However, the author used that time to develop Hannah and Wycliff's relationship. They are married but barely friends. They know nothing of each other and Ms Wallace does not rush this.... it feels very authentic as Hannah and Wycliff learn about each other and how to partner each other.
My only issue is how I want to complain about how perfectly "level" Hannah can be in the face of other people behaving badly TO her. That being said, Hannah is an introvert who is constrained by the cage of society and has been taught that acting rude in any way, even to defend's oneself, is risking societal scorn and ruin. So while I do understand, I think I will just spend this series whispering "just punch that bitch" under my breath every time someone is mean to her.
The author does not shy away from the power of the patriarchy or the blatant, in your face misogyny of the time period. It pisses me off! Especially in today's climate where so many women think nothing of voting away their own rights.
The actual mystery wasn't as complex as previous books, the motive wasn't buried very deep which made the investigation feel drawn out. However, the author used that time to develop Hannah and Wycliff's relationship. They are married but barely friends. They know nothing of each other and Ms Wallace does not rush this.... it feels very authentic as Hannah and Wycliff learn about each other and how to partner each other.
My only issue is how I want to complain about how perfectly "level" Hannah can be in the face of other people behaving badly TO her. That being said, Hannah is an introvert who is constrained by the cage of society and has been taught that acting rude in any way, even to defend's oneself, is risking societal scorn and ruin. So while I do understand, I think I will just spend this series whispering "just punch that bitch" under my breath every time someone is mean to her.
The author does not shy away from the power of the patriarchy or the blatant, in your face misogyny of the time period. It pisses me off! Especially in today's climate where so many women think nothing of voting away their own rights.
October 15, 2025
This was a fun installment of the series, and it shows Hannah and Wycliff growing closer together, which I greatly enjoyed. Hannah also discovers clues about Wycliff's secret, and I was pleased to see that she actually uses the intelligence that we're continually told she has. (To be fair, Hannah is a heroine who actually does act intelligent, and we're not expected to just take it at the author's word. It's a nice change to see a heroine use her brain.)
The basic premise of this book is that a wealthy socialite is holding a house party, with the assumption that Hannah and Wycliff will be good gossip fodder / entertainment for the other guests, due to the speed of their marriage. Someone has other plans, though, because not long after the guests assemble, the most annoying of the guests is found murdered—turned to stone. As an investigator into supernatural crimes, Wycliff's job is to figure out who did it, and of course Hannah helps. The murder mystery part was a neat diversion, but the part of this book I liked best was watching our main couple grow loser together and start to realize that they like each other. The romance is a series-long one, but it's nice seeing them develop feelings, and share a rather nice kiss.
The basic premise of this book is that a wealthy socialite is holding a house party, with the assumption that Hannah and Wycliff will be good gossip fodder / entertainment for the other guests, due to the speed of their marriage. Someone has other plans, though, because not long after the guests assemble, the most annoying of the guests is found murdered—turned to stone. As an investigator into supernatural crimes, Wycliff's job is to figure out who did it, and of course Hannah helps. The murder mystery part was a neat diversion, but the part of this book I liked best was watching our main couple grow loser together and start to realize that they like each other. The romance is a series-long one, but it's nice seeing them develop feelings, and share a rather nice kiss.
February 6, 2023
I don’t often get sucked into series but… mystery, mythology, humor, literary references, and a little romance… these books are ridiculous but sweet. I like that the author builds drama without creating contrived conflicts between the protagonists, that her characters not only grow individually but together in partnership. That said, the characters do feel more like caricatures, the world building is clunkily heavy handed and in several places the editing needs improvement. But I’m here for some fluffy ridiculous escapism and this whole series has been the perfect distraction while I’m recuperating from a nasty virus. I’ve just torn through the first three books in the series over the weekend and I’m still excited for more. :)
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August 7, 2021okay we are getting somewhere with the romance and we know what he is so im happy but man is this a SLOW burn. its okay though cause i rather this than instalove. i know i never mentioned this but the mystery element is always predictable in this series but it does not eat away from my enjoyment. will def cont with the series.
May 29, 2022
This was a really cute book. Usually I can't tell what is coming but with this one the title kind of gave it away. That being said I didn't know exactly who it was until quite a ways into the read. I'm really enjoying this series. It's quite the mashup and very cleverly written. My least favorite book in the series so far but I still quite love the series as a whole. Some really good lessons on how society works for teen readers with some ideas on the type of person you might strive to be. Love the entire Miles family, blood and acquired. Starting the next book tonight.
February 21, 2021
i really enjoyed it!
but the answer was so obvious. and the hellhound? duh. how could he not think she would figure it out?! i mean, look,at her family! i still plan on reading them and hoping they move forward.
but the answer was so obvious. and the hellhound? duh. how could he not think she would figure it out?! i mean, look,at her family! i still plan on reading them and hoping they move forward.
September 24, 2022
This was a wonderful read! So entertaining and engaging and so easy to hook you. Probably my favorite in the series so far. This one really had a strong air of a Regency Era mystery novel. I love the development of the characters, and of course, the development between Hannah and Wycliff that really just made me smile so much. I also like the mention of serious issues faced by women in the Regency Era, and how unjust society was upon them. This was an excellent book, and I cannot wait to read the next one!
October 17, 2024
4 stars (Audible). Really sad the rest of the series isn't on Audible (yet?)...between the narrator, the characters, + the story, these have been very enjoyable! The rest of the series is on my Wish List until they become available.
October 15, 2021
Damn it. I'm loving this series.
Edit: revised to 4 stars. I remembered that whole "questioning the witness/suspects" just dragged on and on. At least they snogged. Finally!
Edit: revised to 4 stars. I remembered that whole "questioning the witness/suspects" just dragged on and on. At least they snogged. Finally!
April 3, 2023
Now that the two are working together more as a pair, the series is getting even better.
January 7, 2024
Fun continuation of this gaslamp series with Greek mythology vibes. Loved that the MCs are getting closer as they solve these supernatural mysteries today.
July 10, 2024
cannot get enough of these cozy mysteries! loving the character development and the slowest slow burn i’ve ever read. i cant wait to continue the series
January 19, 2025
Love this series. Clever, fun and well written. Enjoyable and fun with dark themes.
November 22, 2021
My favorite in the series so far! On to book #4!
November 28, 2024
Fun little book, that brings me calm and pleasure to read.
October 29, 2023
This is the third book in the series. It’s quite sweet and good light listening. I restarted it a few times, but that was because of major life events (moving, job switching, life). They’re actually quick listens at 1.5x. I enjoy the main characters and seeing their relationship mature with the backdrop of late 18th century society and supernatural mysteries.
November 6, 2025
The romance is starting to appear now. but it feels all the better for how long it took to get there. It's still very light, but the two main characters are getting along much better and working well together.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews