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Victorian Book Club Mystery #2
The Sign of Death
A 2022 MARY HIGGINS CLARK AWARD Nominee
USA Today bestselling author Callie Hutton returns with her second Victorian Book Club mystery, in which Lady Amy and Lord William sleuth the death of a teetotaler who took a fatal dunk in the drink.
Bath, England, 1891. Mr. James Harding was a lot of things--businessman, well-to-do, probable scoundrel--but a drinker he most assuredly was not. So when Harding is believed to have drunkenly fallen to his death into the icy River Avon, Lord William Wethington is immediately suspicious. Finding Lord William's name on a letter in the victim's pocket, the local constabulary summons William to identify the victim. Police detectives learn that William had been one of Harding's business clients--and undoubtedly not the only client the dead man had cheated.
William entreats Lady Amy Lovell, a fellow member of the Mystery Book Club of Bath, to help him deduce what really happened to the late Mr. Harding. Lady Amy, a celebrated mystery author herself, once called on William to help her solve a real-life mystery, and now she fully intends to return the favor. But it won't be easy.
Practically every one of Harding's many clients had ample reason to want to do him in. And there's precious little time to narrow down the list: William and Amy soon become prime suspects themselves when the police discover them ruffling through files in Harding's house. Lady Amy will have to be as clever as her characters if she's to save William from the gallows...and herself from Harding's real killer.
USA Today bestselling author Callie Hutton returns with her second Victorian Book Club mystery, in which Lady Amy and Lord William sleuth the death of a teetotaler who took a fatal dunk in the drink.
Bath, England, 1891. Mr. James Harding was a lot of things--businessman, well-to-do, probable scoundrel--but a drinker he most assuredly was not. So when Harding is believed to have drunkenly fallen to his death into the icy River Avon, Lord William Wethington is immediately suspicious. Finding Lord William's name on a letter in the victim's pocket, the local constabulary summons William to identify the victim. Police detectives learn that William had been one of Harding's business clients--and undoubtedly not the only client the dead man had cheated.
William entreats Lady Amy Lovell, a fellow member of the Mystery Book Club of Bath, to help him deduce what really happened to the late Mr. Harding. Lady Amy, a celebrated mystery author herself, once called on William to help her solve a real-life mystery, and now she fully intends to return the favor. But it won't be easy.
Practically every one of Harding's many clients had ample reason to want to do him in. And there's precious little time to narrow down the list: William and Amy soon become prime suspects themselves when the police discover them ruffling through files in Harding's house. Lady Amy will have to be as clever as her characters if she's to save William from the gallows...and herself from Harding's real killer.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published April 13, 2021
48 people are currently reading
285 people want to read
About the author
Callie Hutton
148 books1,441 followershttp://calliehutton.com/newsletter/ (receive a free book for signing up and be up to date on new releases and sales)
Hi Romance Fans,
My historical romances are full of heat, humor, and quirky characters. I’ve always loved history, which was my college major. Things of the past fascinate me. Not those boring history classes in high school, but the history of people. How they lived their lives, what they ate, what they wore, the challenges they faced, what they worried about.
I have recently delved into Historical Cozy Mysteries. My very first one, For the Love of the Baron, a Historical Romantic Suspense novella, spurred me to try a full length, non-romance focused cozy mystery. A Study in Murder released last year from Crooked Lane Publishing, and the reviews have been excellent. The second book, The Sign of Death, released this year and the next book, The Mystery of Albert E. Finch will release in January of 2022.
I've also been busy keeping up with my Regency/Victorian romances. Check out my latest series, The Rose Room Rogues. Four brothers who own a gambling club and find themselves caught in the net of love.
Watch for my new Highlander series, The Sutherlands of Dornoch. The first book in that series, To Deceive a Highlander, will release March 30th.
Take a look around my website and check out some of the books I write, and their lovely covers. www.calliehutton.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
April 6, 2021
Another fun read in this really promising new series.
Book one was all about Lady Amy being suspected of murder. In The Sign of Death it is Lord William's turn and the pair of them start sleuthing again in order to clear his name. Along the way they attend a few Book Club meetings, some dances and several historically famous meeting places in Bath. It is nice to have a bit of history mixed with murder.
Amy and William's friendship is fast becoming a romance and, if their families have any say in the matter, will soon be marriage. It would be a good partnership in all ways. Callie Hutton writes interesting and likeable characters all round.
This was an enjoyable cosy mystery with an historical setting and I will be looking out for book three.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Book one was all about Lady Amy being suspected of murder. In The Sign of Death it is Lord William's turn and the pair of them start sleuthing again in order to clear his name. Along the way they attend a few Book Club meetings, some dances and several historically famous meeting places in Bath. It is nice to have a bit of history mixed with murder.
Amy and William's friendship is fast becoming a romance and, if their families have any say in the matter, will soon be marriage. It would be a good partnership in all ways. Callie Hutton writes interesting and likeable characters all round.
This was an enjoyable cosy mystery with an historical setting and I will be looking out for book three.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
March 30, 2021
Series: A Victorian Book Club Mystery #2
Publication Date: 4/13/21
Number of Pages: 327
This exciting, witty, exceptionally well-told tale is an excellent addition to the series. The writing is excellent, the plotting is well planned and delivered, and the characters are absolutely delightful. The exchanges between William and Amy are priceless and will keep you chuckling even in the midst of the serious investigation. It is fast-paced enough to keep you quickly turning the pages, yet provides enough detail to make you feel as if you are right there with them.
Viscount William Wethington has no clue about what trouble is about to befall him as he sits and waits for his man of business, James Harding. Harding cancels the appointment and is soon fished out of the River Avon. Our favorite inept policemen from the last book ask William to come to the morgue to identify a body they’ve fished out of the river. It seems one of William’s calling cards was in the man’s pocket. The police tell William that it appears to be an accidental drowning because the man was drunk.
William and Lady Amy begin to investigate because William is sure the death wasn’t an accident because Harding didn’t drink – and William was also pretty sure Harding had been embezzling from him. As more of Harding’s victims are identified and they discover that Harding was doing more than embezzlement, there are more suspects than they know what to do with. Except, Detectives Carson and Marsh are convinced that William is not only a murderer, but that he has also taken over Harding’s nefarious enterprise. The detectives are so very sure William is the culprit, they aren’t even looking at or for anyone else. It is totally up to Lady Amy and William to find the real murderer. Could there be more than one? So many have motives, could they be working together? Oh! You’ll just have to read the story to find out who it was – and why they did it.
There is an absolutely fabulous ending – and epilogue! It is delightful and will have you smiling from ear-to-ear. I definitely recommend this delightfully entertaining, witty, and engrossing book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 4/13/21
Number of Pages: 327
This exciting, witty, exceptionally well-told tale is an excellent addition to the series. The writing is excellent, the plotting is well planned and delivered, and the characters are absolutely delightful. The exchanges between William and Amy are priceless and will keep you chuckling even in the midst of the serious investigation. It is fast-paced enough to keep you quickly turning the pages, yet provides enough detail to make you feel as if you are right there with them.
Viscount William Wethington has no clue about what trouble is about to befall him as he sits and waits for his man of business, James Harding. Harding cancels the appointment and is soon fished out of the River Avon. Our favorite inept policemen from the last book ask William to come to the morgue to identify a body they’ve fished out of the river. It seems one of William’s calling cards was in the man’s pocket. The police tell William that it appears to be an accidental drowning because the man was drunk.
William and Lady Amy begin to investigate because William is sure the death wasn’t an accident because Harding didn’t drink – and William was also pretty sure Harding had been embezzling from him. As more of Harding’s victims are identified and they discover that Harding was doing more than embezzlement, there are more suspects than they know what to do with. Except, Detectives Carson and Marsh are convinced that William is not only a murderer, but that he has also taken over Harding’s nefarious enterprise. The detectives are so very sure William is the culprit, they aren’t even looking at or for anyone else. It is totally up to Lady Amy and William to find the real murderer. Could there be more than one? So many have motives, could they be working together? Oh! You’ll just have to read the story to find out who it was – and why they did it.
There is an absolutely fabulous ending – and epilogue! It is delightful and will have you smiling from ear-to-ear. I definitely recommend this delightfully entertaining, witty, and engrossing book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 7, 2021
The Sign of Death:
A Victorian Book Club Mystery #2
Callie Hutton
https://www.facebook.com/calliehutton...
Release Date 04/13/2021
Publisher Crooked Lane Books
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
USA Today bestselling author Callie Hutton returns with her second Victorian Book Club mystery, in which Lady Amy and Lord William sleuth the death of a teetotaler who took a fatal dunk in the drink.
Bath, England, 1891. Mr. James Harding was a lot of things--businessman, well-to-do, probable scoundrel--but a drinker he most assuredly was not. So when Harding is believed to have drunkenly fallen to his death into the icy River Avon, Lord William Wethington is immediately suspicious. Finding Lord William's name on a letter in the victim's pocket, the local constabulary summons William to identify the victim. Police detectives learn that William had been one of Harding's business clients--and undoubtedly not the only client the dead man had cheated.
William entreats Lady Amy Lovell, a fellow member of the Mystery Book Club of Bath, to help him deduce what really happened to the late Mr. Harding. Lady Amy, a celebrated mystery author herself, once called on William to help her solve a real-life mystery, and now she fully intends to return the favor. But it won't be easy.
Practically every one of Harding's many clients had ample reason to want to do him in. And there's precious little time to narrow down the list: William and Amy soon become prime suspects themselves when the police discover them ruffling through files in Harding's house. Lady Amy will have to be as clever as her characters if she's to save William from the gallows...and herself from Harding's real killer.
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
With his life upended, how will he sort everything out ...
Ah! I finally can lounge on the sofa and enjoy this book.
Since I finished the previous one in this new series, I have been eager to put my hands on this one. Worse, it has been sitting on my e-shelves for weeks but I had a reading schedule to fulfill. But today, here we are!
Be back in a few hours ...
So...
This book can be perfectly read as a standalone but you will miss the witty banters and humorous inner thoughts of the characters if you pass on the first book of the series (plus it is actually at a great bargain price).
While the first book saw Amy under the scrutiny of the two not very effective detectives charged for the murder of her ex fiancé, it is now William, who is with a warrant arrest.
I think I even loved this book more than the first one, after Amy’s disrupted life went back on track, it gives us a glimpse of William’s when it is his turn to have it upturned. It offers a glimpse of the man behind his cool demeanor.
Amy is still this no-nonsense woman, who cares more about her writing fiction and others than her appearance. So when William finds himself in a similar situation than hers from some months prior, she jumps in to help her fellow sleuth who has become a dear friend since her trial.
She is at the same time the perfect and imperfect lady, fainting but also jumping fence, blushing and facing guns, disliking morning calls and writing gruesome novels. A bubble of contractions wrapped in silk and petticoats.
It was entertaining to watch upstanding William caught in a web of lies and deceits. He is a man who faces hardship his head held high and his ideas clear. He is not one to run away, nor one to stay idle, even more when the justice forces look like they are more interested in sentencing him than clearing his name and finding the right culprit. He is also torn between his admiration for Amy’s clever mind and his need to protect her. Which leads to their many funny bickering whilst jumping hand in hand into borderline situations.
Yet it is an other era, life is slower, the scientific methods were almost nonexistent, only observation, reflexion and analysis could solve a mystery. So sleuthing all the while going with one’s life can weigh heavy on someone’s spirit.
If you had a meddling mother, your friend’s father in hope to marry his close to spinsterhood daughter, her out-of-its-mind dog, a list of suspects which grows instead of decreasing, you too would be over your head with everything landing at your feet at the same time.
So do not miss this duet of sleuth apprentices testing the Bath’s waters, assemblies and Books clubs all the while trying to solve a mysterious murder, and if you add a dash of romance to it, it goes from tasty to scrumptious.
5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 kisses
I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
A Victorian Book Club Mystery #2
Callie Hutton
https://www.facebook.com/calliehutton...
Release Date 04/13/2021
Publisher Crooked Lane Books
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
USA Today bestselling author Callie Hutton returns with her second Victorian Book Club mystery, in which Lady Amy and Lord William sleuth the death of a teetotaler who took a fatal dunk in the drink.
Bath, England, 1891. Mr. James Harding was a lot of things--businessman, well-to-do, probable scoundrel--but a drinker he most assuredly was not. So when Harding is believed to have drunkenly fallen to his death into the icy River Avon, Lord William Wethington is immediately suspicious. Finding Lord William's name on a letter in the victim's pocket, the local constabulary summons William to identify the victim. Police detectives learn that William had been one of Harding's business clients--and undoubtedly not the only client the dead man had cheated.
William entreats Lady Amy Lovell, a fellow member of the Mystery Book Club of Bath, to help him deduce what really happened to the late Mr. Harding. Lady Amy, a celebrated mystery author herself, once called on William to help her solve a real-life mystery, and now she fully intends to return the favor. But it won't be easy.
Practically every one of Harding's many clients had ample reason to want to do him in. And there's precious little time to narrow down the list: William and Amy soon become prime suspects themselves when the police discover them ruffling through files in Harding's house. Lady Amy will have to be as clever as her characters if she's to save William from the gallows...and herself from Harding's real killer.
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
With his life upended, how will he sort everything out ...
Ah! I finally can lounge on the sofa and enjoy this book.
Since I finished the previous one in this new series, I have been eager to put my hands on this one. Worse, it has been sitting on my e-shelves for weeks but I had a reading schedule to fulfill. But today, here we are!
Be back in a few hours ...
So...
This book can be perfectly read as a standalone but you will miss the witty banters and humorous inner thoughts of the characters if you pass on the first book of the series (plus it is actually at a great bargain price).
While the first book saw Amy under the scrutiny of the two not very effective detectives charged for the murder of her ex fiancé, it is now William, who is with a warrant arrest.
I think I even loved this book more than the first one, after Amy’s disrupted life went back on track, it gives us a glimpse of William’s when it is his turn to have it upturned. It offers a glimpse of the man behind his cool demeanor.
Amy is still this no-nonsense woman, who cares more about her writing fiction and others than her appearance. So when William finds himself in a similar situation than hers from some months prior, she jumps in to help her fellow sleuth who has become a dear friend since her trial.
She is at the same time the perfect and imperfect lady, fainting but also jumping fence, blushing and facing guns, disliking morning calls and writing gruesome novels. A bubble of contractions wrapped in silk and petticoats.
It was entertaining to watch upstanding William caught in a web of lies and deceits. He is a man who faces hardship his head held high and his ideas clear. He is not one to run away, nor one to stay idle, even more when the justice forces look like they are more interested in sentencing him than clearing his name and finding the right culprit. He is also torn between his admiration for Amy’s clever mind and his need to protect her. Which leads to their many funny bickering whilst jumping hand in hand into borderline situations.
Yet it is an other era, life is slower, the scientific methods were almost nonexistent, only observation, reflexion and analysis could solve a mystery. So sleuthing all the while going with one’s life can weigh heavy on someone’s spirit.
If you had a meddling mother, your friend’s father in hope to marry his close to spinsterhood daughter, her out-of-its-mind dog, a list of suspects which grows instead of decreasing, you too would be over your head with everything landing at your feet at the same time.
So do not miss this duet of sleuth apprentices testing the Bath’s waters, assemblies and Books clubs all the while trying to solve a mysterious murder, and if you add a dash of romance to it, it goes from tasty to scrumptious.
5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 kisses
I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
May 14, 2021
The Sign of Death is the second book in the Victorian Book Club Mystery Series by Callie Hutton. Lady Amy Lovell, a mystery author, becomes embroiled in a real-life mystery. Her friend Lord William Wethington is questioned by the police when his business partner Mr James Harding is found dead in the River Avon, and Amy helps Lord William prove his innocence.
Set in Bath, England, this was an entertaining yarn with a host of quirky characters. Along the way Lady Amy and Lord William attend book club meetings and visit some famous historical landmarks in Bath. The mystery itself is well-thought-out and there are a good number of suspects. Lady Amy is intelligent and smart and the soupçons of romance are enjoyable to read. Now I need to catch up on book one, A Study in Murder.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Set in Bath, England, this was an entertaining yarn with a host of quirky characters. Along the way Lady Amy and Lord William attend book club meetings and visit some famous historical landmarks in Bath. The mystery itself is well-thought-out and there are a good number of suspects. Lady Amy is intelligent and smart and the soupçons of romance are enjoyable to read. Now I need to catch up on book one, A Study in Murder.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
September 28, 2020
I have to confess this was my first cozy mystery book. And i am telling you after Reading this book, it Will not be my last. Wow this book has it all an intriguing mystery and a slow burning romance. The characters in this book Are amazing and very diverse . I loved all their quirky personalities.and i loved their strength . A must read book. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest review
October 20, 2020
Bath, England, in 1891, has never been so exciting. I loved the first book in the series and The Sign of Death was well worth the wait! In this mystery, Lady Amy Lovell and Lord William Wethington investigate the murder of Lord Wethington's financial advisor. Intrigue, mystery and romance make the case difficult to solve but William and Amy are up to the task!
While the book takes place in 1891, it has all the elements of a modern cozy mystery and the lush descriptions of life in England enhanced the book. The twist to the series is that Lady Amy is the famous mystery writer E.D. Burton. No one knows this except her family and William. Amy is smart, determined, kind and ahead of her time. I love her spunkiness! The supporting characters are wonderfully written and have their own quirkiness. It's a mystery that will "keep you reading"!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
While the book takes place in 1891, it has all the elements of a modern cozy mystery and the lush descriptions of life in England enhanced the book. The twist to the series is that Lady Amy is the famous mystery writer E.D. Burton. No one knows this except her family and William. Amy is smart, determined, kind and ahead of her time. I love her spunkiness! The supporting characters are wonderfully written and have their own quirkiness. It's a mystery that will "keep you reading"!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
October 29, 2020
Although the dialogue in this book is often jarringly modern and the writing feels pretty unpolished, there's just something about Lady Amy and Lord William that I find rather adorable.
If you're willing to set aside your arguments for what is and is not period-appropriate, you might enjoy these two as they (sort of) avoid talking about their attraction to each other while they whisk around late Victorian-era Bath searching for clues to who bumped off William's man of business, found floating in the river.
Honestly, this series' style reminds me of middle grade fiction, even though it's clearly marketed for an adult reader. But sometimes I'm in the mood for easy reading and some general cuteness, and for those times, a book like this works.
Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this advance review copy.
If you're willing to set aside your arguments for what is and is not period-appropriate, you might enjoy these two as they (sort of) avoid talking about their attraction to each other while they whisk around late Victorian-era Bath searching for clues to who bumped off William's man of business, found floating in the river.
Honestly, this series' style reminds me of middle grade fiction, even though it's clearly marketed for an adult reader. But sometimes I'm in the mood for easy reading and some general cuteness, and for those times, a book like this works.
Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this advance review copy.
May 13, 2021
I'm ambivalent about this book. On one hand, I enjoyed the wordplay between the two main characters. On the other hand, I just couldn't get into it as much as I would have liked. I'm not sure exactly why except to say that I have never been into the Regency thing.
The story was great. I agree with some reviewers that the language was too modern for the time period.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.
The story was great. I agree with some reviewers that the language was too modern for the time period.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.
February 22, 2021
“The Sign of Death” by Callie Hutton is the 2nd instalment in the " Victorian Book Club Mystery". What an amazing follow up to book one, I think this is my favourite historical mystery series.
The story pulled me in right away, I was so engrossed in it that I read in one sitting. I found myself becoming invested in what happened to lady Amy and William as they are likeable characters that work well together plus the budding romance between them you can’t help but be happy.
I like how there were several stories woven into this mystery but they flowed seamlessly together. It enabled us to get more background on some of the book club members The mystery itself was well plotted, entertaining, full of twists and turns as well as a few surprises. At the end
I can’t wait for the next instalment!
I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
The story pulled me in right away, I was so engrossed in it that I read in one sitting. I found myself becoming invested in what happened to lady Amy and William as they are likeable characters that work well together plus the budding romance between them you can’t help but be happy.
I like how there were several stories woven into this mystery but they flowed seamlessly together. It enabled us to get more background on some of the book club members The mystery itself was well plotted, entertaining, full of twists and turns as well as a few surprises. At the end
I can’t wait for the next instalment!
I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
April 16, 2021
I love reading mystery books set back in time....a time when they didn't have computers or DNA or anything that makes solving crimes technical. I enjoy reading how the police, detectives and the innocent parties being charged go about solving the murder. And Callie Hutton knows how to keep the readers attention from the first page until the very last word in her Victorian Book Club Mystery series.
The Sign of Death is the second book in this series and main character Lord William finds out that his man of business, James Harding, is found dead in the river with his business card on him. William tries to explain to the two detectives that he had nothing to do with the death but they do not believe him. And after looking into things it is discovered that the deceased had forged William's name on investment documents and it appears that he was stealing from William. William also soon learns that there is a list of people who Harding was either stealing from or blackmailing....
Knowing that there are more likely candidates for committing the crime William with the help of a close friend, Lady Amy, decide to look into his death when the detectives determine that William is their main suspect.
The Sign of Death is more than just a cozy mystery..... While William and Amy are going around town trying to decreetly learn more about James and his life, they find that he wasn't a very nice guy and was blackmailing some people in town and a few of them belong to the book club that William and Amy attend every week. Readers will also follow along with the story of Amy being a published mystery author under a different name, a name that people assume is a male. And Amy has been keeping this secret because her father does not want people to know what she is doing. Also in The Sign of Death William's mother decides to move in with him and Amy has to deal with her father and brother coming to stay with her for a whie due to business they have in town. And Amy and her father are having some trouble with the publishing company that handles her books because they want her to attend a book fair at the same bookstore she attends her weekely book club meetings.
With everything going on readers cannot help but be drawn to the story to see how everything unfolds. And boy oh boy when you get to the end, you will be flappergasted at the turn of events !!! The way that Hutton orchestrates things is magical and I'm sure this series will be one that you will want to keep your eyes open for the next book so that you can return to see what trouble William and Amy can get into ......
The Sign of Death is the second book in this series and main character Lord William finds out that his man of business, James Harding, is found dead in the river with his business card on him. William tries to explain to the two detectives that he had nothing to do with the death but they do not believe him. And after looking into things it is discovered that the deceased had forged William's name on investment documents and it appears that he was stealing from William. William also soon learns that there is a list of people who Harding was either stealing from or blackmailing....
Knowing that there are more likely candidates for committing the crime William with the help of a close friend, Lady Amy, decide to look into his death when the detectives determine that William is their main suspect.
The Sign of Death is more than just a cozy mystery..... While William and Amy are going around town trying to decreetly learn more about James and his life, they find that he wasn't a very nice guy and was blackmailing some people in town and a few of them belong to the book club that William and Amy attend every week. Readers will also follow along with the story of Amy being a published mystery author under a different name, a name that people assume is a male. And Amy has been keeping this secret because her father does not want people to know what she is doing. Also in The Sign of Death William's mother decides to move in with him and Amy has to deal with her father and brother coming to stay with her for a whie due to business they have in town. And Amy and her father are having some trouble with the publishing company that handles her books because they want her to attend a book fair at the same bookstore she attends her weekely book club meetings.
With everything going on readers cannot help but be drawn to the story to see how everything unfolds. And boy oh boy when you get to the end, you will be flappergasted at the turn of events !!! The way that Hutton orchestrates things is magical and I'm sure this series will be one that you will want to keep your eyes open for the next book so that you can return to see what trouble William and Amy can get into ......
November 27, 2021
Rating: 5 / 5
As the second book in this cozy mystery series, The Sign of Death ups the ante for Amy and William in their second murder mystery. This time, it's William instead of Amy's who's being suspected of murder, and so, naturally, both
In terms of what this book has going for it, pretty much everything from the first book is upheld and expanded on. Amy and William's relationship, for example, as well as the involvement of their families in their lives as William's mother is also added to the mix. Also, the danger to both our main characters is more apparent in this book, as they have to seek out the murderer of a man that...quite frankly, seems to have made a lot of enemies and therefore has a lot more suspects for his murder than in the first book. Definitely enough to keep one guessing, with a few additional revelations as well.
In terms of improvements, the one thing I will say is that the ending was a bit abrupt, which I wonder might have been an editor's note since I'm pretty sure there's a word limit on these types of books, but anyway, all the stuff that we need to read for that satisfying ending is there, and leaves one waiting in anticipation for the next book in the series!
Ahem, coming up next year. Thankfully, it's very early next year, so I can wait. Cheers!
As the second book in this cozy mystery series, The Sign of Death ups the ante for Amy and William in their second murder mystery. This time, it's William instead of Amy's who's being suspected of murder, and so, naturally, both
In terms of what this book has going for it, pretty much everything from the first book is upheld and expanded on. Amy and William's relationship, for example, as well as the involvement of their families in their lives as William's mother is also added to the mix. Also, the danger to both our main characters is more apparent in this book, as they have to seek out the murderer of a man that...quite frankly, seems to have made a lot of enemies and therefore has a lot more suspects for his murder than in the first book. Definitely enough to keep one guessing, with a few additional revelations as well.
In terms of improvements, the one thing I will say is that the ending was a bit abrupt, which I wonder might have been an editor's note since I'm pretty sure there's a word limit on these types of books, but anyway, all the stuff that we need to read for that satisfying ending is there, and leaves one waiting in anticipation for the next book in the series!
Ahem, coming up next year. Thankfully, it's very early next year, so I can wait. Cheers!
July 28, 2022
Bath, England 1891.
A 2022 Mary Higgins Clark award nominee. I gave this
mystery-romance 3 stars.
I liked amateur sleuths Lady Amy (dtr of a marquess)
& Lord William (a viscount). However they bent the
law while sleuthing and treated police detectives like
idiots. This couple knew more than trained detectives?
Yet another heroine-Amy- who invalidated marriage.
Amy + Wm had a list of suspects & interviewed some of
them multiple times. MCs had no authority to interview
suspects. This was interesting work, but they needed to
be more cautious of danger.
Maiden Aunt Margaret 'stole the show' in several scenes.
I've read better books by this author.
A 2022 Mary Higgins Clark award nominee. I gave this
mystery-romance 3 stars.
I liked amateur sleuths Lady Amy (dtr of a marquess)
& Lord William (a viscount). However they bent the
law while sleuthing and treated police detectives like
idiots. This couple knew more than trained detectives?
Yet another heroine-Amy- who invalidated marriage.
Amy + Wm had a list of suspects & interviewed some of
them multiple times. MCs had no authority to interview
suspects. This was interesting work, but they needed to
be more cautious of danger.
Maiden Aunt Margaret 'stole the show' in several scenes.
I've read better books by this author.
May 28, 2021
3.5 stars
I liked this one better than the previous book (the 1st book in the series) and it's an example of a series where the books improve with each book.
Amy & William have good chemistry so I'm glad that romance is picking up in this story.
Likable characters.
Good mystery! Some humor.
Some surprises and a twist at the end.
I don't know if there'll be more books in the series but I would continue reading it.
I liked this one better than the previous book (the 1st book in the series) and it's an example of a series where the books improve with each book.
Amy & William have good chemistry so I'm glad that romance is picking up in this story.
Likable characters.
Good mystery! Some humor.
Some surprises and a twist at the end.
I don't know if there'll be more books in the series but I would continue reading it.
November 17, 2021
This one was just like the last: likable but slightly silly MCs, a very subtle romance, clean content, and modern language. It's was solid way to pass the time and I really found myself liking William in this installment, but it won't be a reread.
November 3, 2022
This is a unique cozy mystery series! What is different is that it is set about 200 years ago in the Walcot area of Bath, England. The main characters belong to the "upper crust" of society, and they adhere to the customs and practices that were prevalent for that time. Those customs and practices are sometimes annoying. For example, women are treated differently than men, and NOT in a good way! Still, that was the reality for this time period. The main character, Amy Lovell, is an unmarried woman of the upper crust, in her middle twenties. She owns a yappy, fluffy white Pomeranian dog that is as spoiled as can be. This book is an interesting journey into a world that is so different from our own. I will definitely read the next mystery in this series!
May 3, 2023
This second book in the Victorian Book Club series is as excellent and intriguing as the first book. Deceives Carson and Marsh are back on the case again but this time their murder suspect is Lord William Wethington himself.
William’s man of business, James Harding, is found dead, floating in the Thames River. Wethington is asked to identify the body at the morgue wherein Amy accompanied him.
It had come to light that Harding was a scoundrel and speculator who was into blackmailing and stealing from some of his wealthier clients. Upon he and Amy breaking into the deceased man’s home to find a file, they discover that Harding had forged William’s name on several documents, which will cause suspicion and ruin to Wethinton’s reputation. The intrepid pair are caught out and the count down to find a murderer is on.
No worries though, William has Lady Amy to help find the true murderer. This books was fast paced and I read it in one setting. I’m loving this well-written series and highly recommend!
William’s man of business, James Harding, is found dead, floating in the Thames River. Wethington is asked to identify the body at the morgue wherein Amy accompanied him.
It had come to light that Harding was a scoundrel and speculator who was into blackmailing and stealing from some of his wealthier clients. Upon he and Amy breaking into the deceased man’s home to find a file, they discover that Harding had forged William’s name on several documents, which will cause suspicion and ruin to Wethinton’s reputation. The intrepid pair are caught out and the count down to find a murderer is on.
No worries though, William has Lady Amy to help find the true murderer. This books was fast paced and I read it in one setting. I’m loving this well-written series and highly recommend!
April 13, 2021
The Sign Of Death is the second book in the A Victorian Book Club Mystery series by Callie Hutton.
I am enjoying this young series quite a lot. Hutton’s writing is very descriptive to get a sense of beautiful homes and the various townsites they visit. Lady Amy and Lord William are well-developed and very interesting. They enjoy each other’s company and discussing books, and both seem to be happy being friends and working on the occasional mystery.
The book starts with some disheartening news for Lord William. He has gotten a letter from his mother saying that she was giving up her townhouse in London and coming to Bath to live with him. He knows that the first thing on her agenda is to get him married with the hope of grandchildren.
When William realizes the time and remembers that James Harding, his man of business, will be arriving shortly, William had recently noticed some discrepancies in his portfolio and hoped to answer this from Harding. William instead receives a note from Harding that a matter requiring his attention has come and will not keep his appointment.
The day for the book club meeting has arrived, and William and Amy head for the book store. Just as the meeting starts, a policeman enters with a note asking him to come to the morgue to identify what William guesses is Harding’s body that had been pulled from the river. Amy also gets upsetting news, that being that the book store will be hosting a book fair and the author E. D, Burton will be attending. Burton is the name that Amy writes her mysteries under, and no one other than William knows this. She knows she must nip this in the bud as soon as possible.
William identifies the body as that of Harding. The police say the body had a piece of paper with William’s name in a pocket. The police share that it is suspected Harding was drunk and fell into the river. William finds this hard to believe as Harding was one not to drink at all.
William wants to get whatever information Harding has in his possession about his financial holdings to see if he might have been stealing monies of William. After William and Amy are found in Harding’s office, and his home William becomes a prime suspect and will soon be arrested. Detectives Carson and Marsh are again involved and seem to think they have to look no further than William. William and Amy will begin their investigation and find that Harding embezzled several people who might have been to get revenge. William and Amy will seek help from members of their book club, being careful as some suspects are also members of the book club.
The book is well-written, plotted, and historically. There were enough twists and turns to keep me guessing until the end. The characters are excellent, well developed, and believable. I particularly enjoyed the banter of William’s mother as she tried to convince him that is time for him to find a wife.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this enjoyable series.
I am enjoying this young series quite a lot. Hutton’s writing is very descriptive to get a sense of beautiful homes and the various townsites they visit. Lady Amy and Lord William are well-developed and very interesting. They enjoy each other’s company and discussing books, and both seem to be happy being friends and working on the occasional mystery.
The book starts with some disheartening news for Lord William. He has gotten a letter from his mother saying that she was giving up her townhouse in London and coming to Bath to live with him. He knows that the first thing on her agenda is to get him married with the hope of grandchildren.
When William realizes the time and remembers that James Harding, his man of business, will be arriving shortly, William had recently noticed some discrepancies in his portfolio and hoped to answer this from Harding. William instead receives a note from Harding that a matter requiring his attention has come and will not keep his appointment.
The day for the book club meeting has arrived, and William and Amy head for the book store. Just as the meeting starts, a policeman enters with a note asking him to come to the morgue to identify what William guesses is Harding’s body that had been pulled from the river. Amy also gets upsetting news, that being that the book store will be hosting a book fair and the author E. D, Burton will be attending. Burton is the name that Amy writes her mysteries under, and no one other than William knows this. She knows she must nip this in the bud as soon as possible.
William identifies the body as that of Harding. The police say the body had a piece of paper with William’s name in a pocket. The police share that it is suspected Harding was drunk and fell into the river. William finds this hard to believe as Harding was one not to drink at all.
William wants to get whatever information Harding has in his possession about his financial holdings to see if he might have been stealing monies of William. After William and Amy are found in Harding’s office, and his home William becomes a prime suspect and will soon be arrested. Detectives Carson and Marsh are again involved and seem to think they have to look no further than William. William and Amy will begin their investigation and find that Harding embezzled several people who might have been to get revenge. William and Amy will seek help from members of their book club, being careful as some suspects are also members of the book club.
The book is well-written, plotted, and historically. There were enough twists and turns to keep me guessing until the end. The characters are excellent, well developed, and believable. I particularly enjoyed the banter of William’s mother as she tried to convince him that is time for him to find a wife.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this enjoyable series.
March 14, 2021
In this adventure it is Lord Wethington who becomes a murder suspect. His man of business was found floating in the River Avon with Wethington's card in his pocket. William had begun to have questions about Mr. Harding's business ethics and wondering if he was cheating him.
As William and Lady Amy investigate they discover that William wasn't the only one the Mr. Harding was cheating. Other members of Bath society and even fellow members of their mystery book club had reasons to want Mr. Harding dead.
With the police focusing on Willian, it is up to Amy and William to track down the clues and try to discover who really did murder the villainous Mr. Harding. That would be enough to keep any two people busy. But they also have to deal with William's mother moving in with him and being determined to marry her son off. Of course, Amy's father has long been very concerned about marrying her off. When the two parents get together, the pressure mounts for both William and Amy.
Both Amy and William have gradually been coming to opinion that their reservations about being married are softening. If left alone, they would likely have decided to marry soon anyway.
But Lady Amy has another problem to deal with. She writes mysteries under a male pseudonym because her father wouldn't let her sell her books under her own name. But now the publisher is demanding that she appear at a book festival in Bath which she would like to do but which her father really opposes. One thing that endears her to William is that he knows her secret and isn't at all threatened by Amy's exposure as a best-selling author.
The story was filled with lots of characters who make good potential murderers. I liked the setting and the time period even though I could wish that women would have had more rights to their own lives. I liked that William was determined to protect Amy despite her desire to get herself into all sorts of dangerous situations. I liked her combination of bravery and reality. She faints on her first visit to a morgue, for an example.
Fans of historical mysteries will enjoy this one for its great characters and interesting plot.
As William and Lady Amy investigate they discover that William wasn't the only one the Mr. Harding was cheating. Other members of Bath society and even fellow members of their mystery book club had reasons to want Mr. Harding dead.
With the police focusing on Willian, it is up to Amy and William to track down the clues and try to discover who really did murder the villainous Mr. Harding. That would be enough to keep any two people busy. But they also have to deal with William's mother moving in with him and being determined to marry her son off. Of course, Amy's father has long been very concerned about marrying her off. When the two parents get together, the pressure mounts for both William and Amy.
Both Amy and William have gradually been coming to opinion that their reservations about being married are softening. If left alone, they would likely have decided to marry soon anyway.
But Lady Amy has another problem to deal with. She writes mysteries under a male pseudonym because her father wouldn't let her sell her books under her own name. But now the publisher is demanding that she appear at a book festival in Bath which she would like to do but which her father really opposes. One thing that endears her to William is that he knows her secret and isn't at all threatened by Amy's exposure as a best-selling author.
The story was filled with lots of characters who make good potential murderers. I liked the setting and the time period even though I could wish that women would have had more rights to their own lives. I liked that William was determined to protect Amy despite her desire to get herself into all sorts of dangerous situations. I liked her combination of bravery and reality. She faints on her first visit to a morgue, for an example.
Fans of historical mysteries will enjoy this one for its great characters and interesting plot.
February 28, 2021
An entertaining second entry into The Victorian Book Club mystery series featuring Lady Amy Lowell and Lord William Wethington. This book is part mystery, part Victorian romance novel, and all fun with a little humor thrown in for good measure.
As with the first book in the series, Amy and William are pitted somewhat against the police as they try to solve the murder of William's man of business. The police have leaped to the erroneous solution that William is responsible for this death. Expecting the police to work hard to find information that confirms their suspicions rather than identifying the real murderer.
Ms. Hutton does an excellent job of combining mystery, romance, and a touch of humor into this Victorian Era novel. It's easy to read, whether you want to read it more or less straight through or as a beach/airplane read with frequent interruptions. It is apparent from the beginning that William's man of business is involved in numerous shady dealings, creating the perfect motive for a number of people. As Amy and William investigate, they learn he is also a blackmailer, providing yet another motive for murder. He has managed to forge William's signature, thus implicating him in the activities, at least in the opinion of the police. Add to this the announcement from William's mother that she is moving in with William, which she does; and the insistence by Amy's publisher that she appear as E. D. Burton, her pen name, at a local book fair,and you have several storylines which need to be resolved. All of this takes place while Amy and William's relationship is growing into something more serious, despite their hesitations and the parent's proddings.
My thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy for review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own. An in-depth review is being scheduled for publication in Mystery and Suspense, the online magazine.. Link will be provided at that time.
As with the first book in the series, Amy and William are pitted somewhat against the police as they try to solve the murder of William's man of business. The police have leaped to the erroneous solution that William is responsible for this death. Expecting the police to work hard to find information that confirms their suspicions rather than identifying the real murderer.
Ms. Hutton does an excellent job of combining mystery, romance, and a touch of humor into this Victorian Era novel. It's easy to read, whether you want to read it more or less straight through or as a beach/airplane read with frequent interruptions. It is apparent from the beginning that William's man of business is involved in numerous shady dealings, creating the perfect motive for a number of people. As Amy and William investigate, they learn he is also a blackmailer, providing yet another motive for murder. He has managed to forge William's signature, thus implicating him in the activities, at least in the opinion of the police. Add to this the announcement from William's mother that she is moving in with William, which she does; and the insistence by Amy's publisher that she appear as E. D. Burton, her pen name, at a local book fair,and you have several storylines which need to be resolved. All of this takes place while Amy and William's relationship is growing into something more serious, despite their hesitations and the parent's proddings.
My thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy for review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own. An in-depth review is being scheduled for publication in Mystery and Suspense, the online magazine.. Link will be provided at that time.
January 27, 2021
I have read and loved many many cozy mysteries over the years. Not once did I ever think of mixing that in with historical fiction but all I can say is, Wow! I wish that I would of thought about this combination years ago as I liked it so much more than I had originally anticipated.
I loved this book so much that I didn't want it to end. Normally, I look and see how much more of a book is left so that I can calculate how much time until I start the next book but on this one I kept looking just because I didn't want it to run out!
William and Amy are the most wonderful couple even if they themselves do not realize it yet. I love love love historical fiction. I always have. I think that there is something so pleasing about the old ways of life, especially of the genteel. There is just something about it that I love and this book hit the spot. I loved the mystery. I loved the family lives of each of the characters and the fact that even the peerage had problems. It was highly relatable, grandiose in a wonderful way, and the mystery kept you on your toes.
I had no clue who the killer was until the very end and I love love love surprises. This is the first book of Callie Hutton I have read and man I just loved it so much! Never a dull moment. Truly a fantastic book. I cannot wait to read many many more books by this author. I highly highly recommend. I especially loved the ending. It left me feeling happy and lighthearted. I loved it. I cannot say that enough!
I was given this ARC to be read and reviewed through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I loved this book so much that I didn't want it to end. Normally, I look and see how much more of a book is left so that I can calculate how much time until I start the next book but on this one I kept looking just because I didn't want it to run out!
William and Amy are the most wonderful couple even if they themselves do not realize it yet. I love love love historical fiction. I always have. I think that there is something so pleasing about the old ways of life, especially of the genteel. There is just something about it that I love and this book hit the spot. I loved the mystery. I loved the family lives of each of the characters and the fact that even the peerage had problems. It was highly relatable, grandiose in a wonderful way, and the mystery kept you on your toes.
I had no clue who the killer was until the very end and I love love love surprises. This is the first book of Callie Hutton I have read and man I just loved it so much! Never a dull moment. Truly a fantastic book. I cannot wait to read many many more books by this author. I highly highly recommend. I especially loved the ending. It left me feeling happy and lighthearted. I loved it. I cannot say that enough!
I was given this ARC to be read and reviewed through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
December 7, 2020
3 1/2 stars. An entertaining book with humor, a little bit of romance and a good mystery. William and Amy are an entertaining pair with a bit of sparring going on. While you definitely get a feel of Victorian England there are some jarring modern sensibilities. Amy would not be going around without a chaperone the way she did nor would her publishers probably insist on her showing up at a book convention, most publishers would believe it was best if the public didn’t know she was woman. On the other hand, women did actually write mysteries (but they usually hid their gender, even from the publishers).
I want to read more of this series. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I want to read more of this series. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 5, 2020
A series that is really starting to hit its stride. A period story, however, even if a reader is not a fan of those, this series hits different. When delving into the novel, you are transported and feel as if you are trying to solve the mystery right along with the characters. A story and series you can jump into again and again.
October 6, 2020
While I don’t usually read historical cozy mysteries, the cover and description of this book really caught my eye.
It was filled with humor and I enjoyed meeting the cast of this unique cozy mystery.
It was filled with humor and I enjoyed meeting the cast of this unique cozy mystery.
February 2, 2021
I like these characters, the setting and the mystery. I like how the two characters work together and that the female MC is independent but rarely foolhardy. I look forward to more. in this series.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 15, 2021
Having read A Study in Murder, the first book in this series, and quite liked it, I was keen to see what Lady Amy Lovell and her sort-of beau, Lord William Wethington get up to this time. The story starts promisingly, with William’s intuition pricking at him that something isn’t right, before his man of business not only turns up dead, but turns out to be a scoundrel who has dragged William’s name into disrepute… and William himself is now a prime suspect in the man’s murder.
Amy and William have good reason to mistrust the police, so immediately begin their own investigation. The plot rattles along pretty smartly this time (boring time skips where nothing happens were a peeve of mine about the first book) but… there is also a lot of fluff and filler. Amy’s badly trained dog who turns out to be pregnant, for example. But it never seems to occur to Amy to wonder who, and more importantly, what breed the father is. And since her dog is a tiny Pomeranian, that would seem fairly pertinent information.
The romance touched on in the first book comes to fruition here, but is only very lightly touched on still; we barely get any hint of feelings from either Amy or William other than that they are fond of and trust each other. The author would have done better to cut some of the fluff and put in some more emotion here; even when William was arrested, his mother reacts much more strongly than Amy, who doesn’t seem all that perturbed. I have to admit I also felt that William’s problems were very much of his own making; he trusted a complete stranger with all his money for two years and never troubled himself to glance away from his own amusements to check up on anything. No wonder the villain took advantage!
There’s also a dropped plot thread where Amy is struggling with writers’ block at the very beginning of the book, and NOT ONE of the many people they investigate inspires her to incorporate the slightest hint of their story in her book, and frankly, as a writer; sounds fake. I’m forever inspired by the fascinating people I meet. Amy, the successful mystery writer with five books to her name already, does not have a single successful writing session during the course of the book. (Again, as a writer… sounds fake).
There are snippets here I like. I like who Amy is as a person; I like that William wants her to have the freedom to be herself, and those are the reasons I bought into them as a romantic couple and wanted to see them have a bit more actual romance. This would be a lot better as a historical romantic suspense rather than a historical cozy mystery; cut the irrelevant fluff and replace with some genuine romance. As it stands, though, I’m not keen at all and I don’t think I’ll be looking for the next in the series. Three stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
Amy and William have good reason to mistrust the police, so immediately begin their own investigation. The plot rattles along pretty smartly this time (boring time skips where nothing happens were a peeve of mine about the first book) but… there is also a lot of fluff and filler. Amy’s badly trained dog who turns out to be pregnant, for example. But it never seems to occur to Amy to wonder who, and more importantly, what breed the father is. And since her dog is a tiny Pomeranian, that would seem fairly pertinent information.
The romance touched on in the first book comes to fruition here, but is only very lightly touched on still; we barely get any hint of feelings from either Amy or William other than that they are fond of and trust each other. The author would have done better to cut some of the fluff and put in some more emotion here; even when William was arrested, his mother reacts much more strongly than Amy, who doesn’t seem all that perturbed. I have to admit I also felt that William’s problems were very much of his own making; he trusted a complete stranger with all his money for two years and never troubled himself to glance away from his own amusements to check up on anything. No wonder the villain took advantage!
There’s also a dropped plot thread where Amy is struggling with writers’ block at the very beginning of the book, and NOT ONE of the many people they investigate inspires her to incorporate the slightest hint of their story in her book, and frankly, as a writer; sounds fake. I’m forever inspired by the fascinating people I meet. Amy, the successful mystery writer with five books to her name already, does not have a single successful writing session during the course of the book. (Again, as a writer… sounds fake).
There are snippets here I like. I like who Amy is as a person; I like that William wants her to have the freedom to be herself, and those are the reasons I bought into them as a romantic couple and wanted to see them have a bit more actual romance. This would be a lot better as a historical romantic suspense rather than a historical cozy mystery; cut the irrelevant fluff and replace with some genuine romance. As it stands, though, I’m not keen at all and I don’t think I’ll be looking for the next in the series. Three stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
February 22, 2022
It's January 1891, Victoria reigns, and we are in Bath. In this second in a series dubbed a Victoria Book Club Mysteries, 2 of the members find themselves once again embroiled in a murder. This time, it's William not Amy. William is suspected and actually arrested for murdering this man of business, about whom he'd just started to have suspicians. Naturally the police are intent on proving William guilty and thus leave the sleuthing and bringing the real murderer to justice. Rather farcical as a mystery, this was fun, and Amy herself, who writes very popular murder mysteries under a male pseudonym, is actually entertaining. However, this author is better known for her historical romances and it really shows both in the strong romance very strong sweet romance plot, but also in crafting the murder mystery. The clues just sort of happen, or are announced, including how accidentally William figures out who is the real murderer and why in the last couple of chapters.
I knocked off a bit for the misleading title -- there is no 'sign', the plot bears zero similarity to The Sign of the Four which the Mystery Book Club is reading and discussing at their weekly meeting in the beginning of the book, and the book is not even dedicated to Sherlock Holmes or Arthur Conan Doyle, but to Agatha Christie! I rounded this up from 2.5 to 3 stars in part because there are so many wondeful Victorian era mysteries mentioned as being under discussion with the Mystery Book Club, and because Amy herself is very amusing.
I knocked off a bit for the misleading title -- there is no 'sign', the plot bears zero similarity to The Sign of the Four which the Mystery Book Club is reading and discussing at their weekly meeting in the beginning of the book, and the book is not even dedicated to Sherlock Holmes or Arthur Conan Doyle, but to Agatha Christie! I rounded this up from 2.5 to 3 stars in part because there are so many wondeful Victorian era mysteries mentioned as being under discussion with the Mystery Book Club, and because Amy herself is very amusing.
April 12, 2021
Bath, England, 1891. Mr. James Harding was a lot of things--businessman, well-to-do, probable scoundrel--but a drinker he most assuredly was not. So when Harding is believed to have drunkenly fallen to his death into the icy River Avon, Lord William Wethington is immediately suspicious. Finding Lord William's name on a letter in the victim's pocket, the local constabulary summons William to identify the victim. Police detectives learn that William had been one of Harding's business clients--and undoubtedly not the only client the dead man had cheated. William entreats Lady Amy Lovell, a fellow member of the Mystery Book Club of Bath, to help him deduce what really happened to the late Mr. Harding. Lady Amy, a celebrated mystery author herself, called on William the previous year to help her solve a real-life mystery where she was the prime suspect, and now she fully intends to return the favour. Especially when William is arrested for the murder
This is the second book in the series & I hope there are many more. A very well written book with strong characters. It could be read on its own but to fully appreciate it I’d recommend reading the previous book. I love both William & Amy, their verbal bantering is delightful & the sexual chemistry has been building since the previous book. There is a wonderful mix of humour & suspense. The pace never lags & I devoured the book in two sittings, there are twists & turns until the murderer is revealed. The epilogue finishes off the book beautifully & left me smiling, satisfied & wanting more.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This is the second book in the series & I hope there are many more. A very well written book with strong characters. It could be read on its own but to fully appreciate it I’d recommend reading the previous book. I love both William & Amy, their verbal bantering is delightful & the sexual chemistry has been building since the previous book. There is a wonderful mix of humour & suspense. The pace never lags & I devoured the book in two sittings, there are twists & turns until the murderer is revealed. The epilogue finishes off the book beautifully & left me smiling, satisfied & wanting more.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
April 27, 2021
[Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for an opportunity to read an ARC of this book, now available everywhere!]
Bath, England, 1891. When the body of Mr. James Harding is mysteriously found in the icy waters of River Avon, the police first suspect that he was the victim of consumption and simply fell to a regrettable death. Knowing Mr. Harding as a teetotaler, Lord William Wethington is immediately suspicious and knows there is more to the story. With the help of Lady Amy Lovell, a fellow member of the Victorian Book Club and a celebrated mystery author, William is determined to get to the bottom of the situation. If romance begins to bloom during the investigation, well, how can William say no?
I thought this was a fun, humorous, and surprisingly progressive novel set in the 19th century. There were a few repetitive jokes that could have been edited out but for the most part, I enjoyed reading William and Amy's adventures. Despite being the second in a series, this novel can easily be read as a standalone. Good thing too, since I have a habit of entering a series late. A charming romantic mystery, I look forward to catching up with the series -- and hopefully in time for the next installment.
Bath, England, 1891. When the body of Mr. James Harding is mysteriously found in the icy waters of River Avon, the police first suspect that he was the victim of consumption and simply fell to a regrettable death. Knowing Mr. Harding as a teetotaler, Lord William Wethington is immediately suspicious and knows there is more to the story. With the help of Lady Amy Lovell, a fellow member of the Victorian Book Club and a celebrated mystery author, William is determined to get to the bottom of the situation. If romance begins to bloom during the investigation, well, how can William say no?
I thought this was a fun, humorous, and surprisingly progressive novel set in the 19th century. There were a few repetitive jokes that could have been edited out but for the most part, I enjoyed reading William and Amy's adventures. Despite being the second in a series, this novel can easily be read as a standalone. Good thing too, since I have a habit of entering a series late. A charming romantic mystery, I look forward to catching up with the series -- and hopefully in time for the next installment.
March 29, 2021
Death made cozy … again. How long is this genre’s history?
Posted on March 29, 2021 by michellelovatosbookreviews, world's first book color commentator, book reviews with a twist
Death is an old subject. Old, old subject. And there are no signs we’re going to stop hearing about it.
For some reason, in 1891 England, amateur detectives and mystery book readers liked to call themselves Lord and Lady. Feeling superior, you two main characters?
Anyway, this time Lord William Wethington and Lady Amy Lovell jump into action after Mr. James Harding – no Lord in this guy – “drunkenly” falls to his death in the icy River Avon.
Problem.
Mr. Harding doesn’t drink. He may be a well-known dirty rotten scoundrel, but, he doesn’t drink.
Hmm.
But why should the Lord and Lady care about poor Mr. Harding and his unfortunate demise?
Because, like all cozy fans love to read, the cops have it wrong, again.
But … in 1891, the English constable somehow finds a letter with Lord William’s name on it.
Hey, isn’t that a paper letter? Water, paper, water, paper … That’d odd. Forget that the victim was drunk in a river. A paper with Lord William’s name on it surely means he’s the evil villain, right?
No, not a villain, a warlock! A stupid warlock who knows how to indict himself in a murder charge by creating waterproof paper in 1891.
Whatta moron.
Lord William’s circumstances certainly don’t change when the constable learns his dead guy cheated Lord William … and a bunch of other people … in business.
Hey reader, have you ever noticed these authors make the bad guy someone, who in secret, you really don’t feel that bad about losing?
Well, like all the rest, this historic cozy novel is yet another wonderful diversion into the world of superior police work pulled off by complete amateur detectives who are nothing more than cozy authors and their fans, who have nothing better to do than to be nosy.
It’s a nosy cozy.
That sounds like that term that started out in 2010 called “citizen journalism,” where a bunch of greedy newspaper publishers fired all their reporters and encouraged people who did not know a thing about how to report the actual news, flood newspapers and Internet social media sites with propaganda, lies, and half-truths.
But I’m not bitter.
Geeze and people wonder why our society is so generally uniformed with the actual facts these days …
Sign of Death, the second book in the Victorian Book Club mystery series by Callie Hutton. This title delivers exactly what it promises and is a no-brainer-read for historic cozy mystery fans everywhere.
BoutiquePublishingService@hotmail.com
BoutiqueBooks@hotmail.com
Happy are those who respect the Lord and obey him. You will enjoy what you work for, and you will be blessed with good things. Psalm 128: 1-2
Posted on March 29, 2021 by michellelovatosbookreviews, world's first book color commentator, book reviews with a twist
Death is an old subject. Old, old subject. And there are no signs we’re going to stop hearing about it.
For some reason, in 1891 England, amateur detectives and mystery book readers liked to call themselves Lord and Lady. Feeling superior, you two main characters?
Anyway, this time Lord William Wethington and Lady Amy Lovell jump into action after Mr. James Harding – no Lord in this guy – “drunkenly” falls to his death in the icy River Avon.
Problem.
Mr. Harding doesn’t drink. He may be a well-known dirty rotten scoundrel, but, he doesn’t drink.
Hmm.
But why should the Lord and Lady care about poor Mr. Harding and his unfortunate demise?
Because, like all cozy fans love to read, the cops have it wrong, again.
But … in 1891, the English constable somehow finds a letter with Lord William’s name on it.
Hey, isn’t that a paper letter? Water, paper, water, paper … That’d odd. Forget that the victim was drunk in a river. A paper with Lord William’s name on it surely means he’s the evil villain, right?
No, not a villain, a warlock! A stupid warlock who knows how to indict himself in a murder charge by creating waterproof paper in 1891.
Whatta moron.
Lord William’s circumstances certainly don’t change when the constable learns his dead guy cheated Lord William … and a bunch of other people … in business.
Hey reader, have you ever noticed these authors make the bad guy someone, who in secret, you really don’t feel that bad about losing?
Well, like all the rest, this historic cozy novel is yet another wonderful diversion into the world of superior police work pulled off by complete amateur detectives who are nothing more than cozy authors and their fans, who have nothing better to do than to be nosy.
It’s a nosy cozy.
That sounds like that term that started out in 2010 called “citizen journalism,” where a bunch of greedy newspaper publishers fired all their reporters and encouraged people who did not know a thing about how to report the actual news, flood newspapers and Internet social media sites with propaganda, lies, and half-truths.
But I’m not bitter.
Geeze and people wonder why our society is so generally uniformed with the actual facts these days …
Sign of Death, the second book in the Victorian Book Club mystery series by Callie Hutton. This title delivers exactly what it promises and is a no-brainer-read for historic cozy mystery fans everywhere.
BoutiquePublishingService@hotmail.com
BoutiqueBooks@hotmail.com
Happy are those who respect the Lord and obey him. You will enjoy what you work for, and you will be blessed with good things. Psalm 128: 1-2
April 1, 2021
4.5 stars
This is the second book in the A Victorian Book Club mystery series by Callie Hutton.
I really resonated with this book. I equally liked both Lord William and Lady Amy as main characters. I think I have found a new must read series for me.
The setting is just up my alley. Love the whole Victorian England time period. And when Lord William’s mom decides she is moving in with him permanently, what a hoot. I wish I could have seen his face.
The mystery here really keeps you guessing and the whole cast is just stellar! What an amazing read. Definitely check out this series for sure!
If you love a good historical cozy mystery, definitely check this one out.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
This is the second book in the A Victorian Book Club mystery series by Callie Hutton.
I really resonated with this book. I equally liked both Lord William and Lady Amy as main characters. I think I have found a new must read series for me.
The setting is just up my alley. Love the whole Victorian England time period. And when Lord William’s mom decides she is moving in with him permanently, what a hoot. I wish I could have seen his face.
The mystery here really keeps you guessing and the whole cast is just stellar! What an amazing read. Definitely check out this series for sure!
If you love a good historical cozy mystery, definitely check this one out.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
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