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The Fiona Mahoney Mysteries #4
A Grave Gambit
London, 1889. Death is Fiona Mahoney's business—until it becomes personal.Fiona scrubs blood from London's darkest crime scenes, but when three graves are brutally desecrated, she's thrust into a conspiracy that could ignite the city in flames. Disguised as a lady's maid among England's elite, she must uncover the truth before the summer festival becomes a massacre.
Haunting her every step is Aramis Night Horse—the lethal assassin who was once her lover and remains her greatest temptation. As aristocrats, immigrants, and religious fanatics play a deadly game of hatred and profit, Fiona discovers that her enemies hide behind masks of respectability.
With only days to prevent catastrophe, she must choose between the safety of shadows and the dangerous pull of a man whose touch could save her—or destroy them both.
In the fog-shrouded streets of Victorian London, some secrets are worth killing for.
"Dark, seductive, and utterly compelling." ~ Savvyreads
Haunting her every step is Aramis Night Horse—the lethal assassin who was once her lover and remains her greatest temptation. As aristocrats, immigrants, and religious fanatics play a deadly game of hatred and profit, Fiona discovers that her enemies hide behind masks of respectability.
With only days to prevent catastrophe, she must choose between the safety of shadows and the dangerous pull of a man whose touch could save her—or destroy them both.
In the fog-shrouded streets of Victorian London, some secrets are worth killing for.
"Dark, seductive, and utterly compelling." ~ Savvyreads
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About the author
Kerrigan Byrne
71 books5,026 followersIf you're anything like me, the best night is one spent with a brawny highlander, a mysterious werewolf, a conflicted vampire, or a hot-headed Irishman. My stories span the spectrum of romantic fiction from historical, to paranormal, to romantic suspense. But I can always promise my readers one thing: memorable and sexy Celtic heroes who are guaranteed to heat your blood before they steal your heart. Lose yourself in the enchanted Celtic Isles, you never know who, or what, will find you...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
September 9, 2025
As I’ve read this one, I didn’t feel connected to the story as I had with the first two. I may have had a different outcome if I had re-read the first 3 books. So I will say this series must be read in order. This one has a lot more mystery which was interesting to read, but I wished more it had romance. Fiona has to go undercover as a disguise of a lady’s maid to uncover who has destroyed some graves. Also along to help with Fiona is Aramis and Croft. This ends on a cliffhanger as well.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
August 31, 2025
3.5 Stars
It's been a hot minute, Ms. Mahoney, how I dearly miss you and your business of Blood. Well, I absolutely adore and live for this series, but this one just felt a bit of too me, don't know if it's because of the long time between books, the time jump, or that we weren't set in the dark streets of London with all our 'usual' gang, I don't know... I did feel more disconnected somehow, so much so that even the usual purple prose type of writing by Ms. Byrne that I normally enjoy, just felt too much at times, in a way that distracted me from the 'action'.
Nonetheless, Fiona's inquisitive mind and independent spirit keep me hooked on the series, and I'm 'dying to find out what happens next, specially considering her 'release' from the Syndicate, just hoped that she could have a bit of love even in her own way, because her loneliness breaks my heart every time. I do long for companionship for her at least in the end of the series. Keeping my fingers crossed she will have at least some comfort before we see the ending of her business of blood.
ARC kindly provided by the author via Oliver Heber Books for an honest review
It's been a hot minute, Ms. Mahoney, how I dearly miss you and your business of Blood. Well, I absolutely adore and live for this series, but this one just felt a bit of too me, don't know if it's because of the long time between books, the time jump, or that we weren't set in the dark streets of London with all our 'usual' gang, I don't know... I did feel more disconnected somehow, so much so that even the usual purple prose type of writing by Ms. Byrne that I normally enjoy, just felt too much at times, in a way that distracted me from the 'action'.
Nonetheless, Fiona's inquisitive mind and independent spirit keep me hooked on the series, and I'm 'dying to find out what happens next, specially considering her 'release' from the Syndicate, just hoped that she could have a bit of love even in her own way, because her loneliness breaks my heart every time. I do long for companionship for her at least in the end of the series. Keeping my fingers crossed she will have at least some comfort before we see the ending of her business of blood.
ARC kindly provided by the author via Oliver Heber Books for an honest review
October 7, 2025
This was a Scooby-Doo story; meddling adults with knives and guns, but ripping off the literal mask none the less 🙄 Only 225 pages that then insists we gotta keep waiting for the next book to solve everything, whenever it appears. I'm done with next time. It's way better than the last installment, I'll give Byrne that 🤷♀️
It's prescient and perfectly timed for 2025. The UK and US are in the exact same place again. We just keep making the same xenophobic and anti-Semitic choices again and again. I guess that's somewhat comforting: we are stuck in the cycle where we turn on our neighbors instead of the masters. Perhaps this time we'll learn from history. I doubt it.
The cover girl is all wrong for the Fiona that's been here for 4 books. And that isn't an epilogue, it's just the last chapter FFS
It's prescient and perfectly timed for 2025. The UK and US are in the exact same place again. We just keep making the same xenophobic and anti-Semitic choices again and again. I guess that's somewhat comforting: we are stuck in the cycle where we turn on our neighbors instead of the masters. Perhaps this time we'll learn from history. I doubt it.
The cover girl is all wrong for the Fiona that's been here for 4 books. And that isn't an epilogue, it's just the last chapter FFS
August 26, 2025
Kerrigan Byrne has done it again with "A Grave Gambit." As a continuation of the series, this book exceeds expectations on every front. The characters are exceptionally well-crafted, bringing depth and authenticity that make their journeys both compelling and relatable. Byrne’s knack for character development truly shines here, adding layers of intrigue and emotion.
The plot is extremely well done, weaving twists and turns that keep readers eagerly turning pages. It’s engaging without being overwhelming, maintaining a perfect balance of suspense and revelation. The setting is vividly described, immersing you in a world that feels both rich and real, enhancing the overall reading experience.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its readability. Byrne’s writing style is smooth and accessible, making it easy to get lost in the story for hours on end. Whether you're a longtime fan of the series or new to Byrne’s work, "A Grave Gambit" is a must-read that showcases the author’s exceptional talent and storytelling prowess.
Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates a gripping plot, memorable characters, and immersive settings!
The plot is extremely well done, weaving twists and turns that keep readers eagerly turning pages. It’s engaging without being overwhelming, maintaining a perfect balance of suspense and revelation. The setting is vividly described, immersing you in a world that feels both rich and real, enhancing the overall reading experience.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its readability. Byrne’s writing style is smooth and accessible, making it easy to get lost in the story for hours on end. Whether you're a longtime fan of the series or new to Byrne’s work, "A Grave Gambit" is a must-read that showcases the author’s exceptional talent and storytelling prowess.
Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates a gripping plot, memorable characters, and immersive settings!
August 28, 2025
Yes! NIGHTHORSE IS MY DUDE.
I absolutely adore this series. I need more immediately. Keeps you on your toes. Fiona is a queen 👸.
Kerrigan, you always bring the drama, intrigue, romance, and mystery.
I absolutely adore this series. I need more immediately. Keeps you on your toes. Fiona is a queen 👸.
Kerrigan, you always bring the drama, intrigue, romance, and mystery.
August 24, 2025
Miss Fiona Mahoney is London’s principal post-mortem sanitation specialist. She is no stranger to death or the darker side of life. When three dub-up corpses are found on wealthy doorsteps, Fiona is chosen to investigate. She poses as a lady’s maid to gain entry in the upper elite’s social scene. Fiona finds herself immersed in a dangerous conspiracy. She must decide which man will keep her safe as she navigates the deadly scheme in play. Aramis Night Horse, the Syndicate’s assassin and Fiona’s former lover? Or grim Inspector Grayson Croft of Scotland Yard?
Fiona has really grown into her own since the start of the series. She understands and acknowledges what her top priority should be. Her survival. Fiona knows to survive in the world she works in is a balancing act.
A GRAVE GAMBIT is the fourth book in Kerrigan Byrne’s historical-mystery series, FIONA MAHONEY MYSTERY. It is best to start from the beginning. The first book, THE BUSINESS OF BLOOD, introduces the setting and the characters involved. It also explains Fiona’s complicated relationship with the Syndicate, Night Horse and Croft.
I guess I am more on Team Croft than Team Night Horse. Either man is better for Fiona than Roth, aka the Hammer. Something about the man just repels me. I admit that I was bummed until I hit Chapter 15 and Croft made his appearance. I literally squeed in happiness. Croft is taciturn and gruff, but I like the way he interacts with Fiona.
Night Horse has that wounded/tortured aspect that I love. However, I feel he is too immersed in his grief to truly allow Fiona in. I simply cannot see him loving her the way she deserves. Plus, Night Horse is too entrenched in the Syndicate.
Fiona has really grown into her own since the start of the series. She understands and acknowledges what her top priority should be. Her survival. Fiona knows to survive in the world she works in is a balancing act.
A GRAVE GAMBIT is the fourth book in Kerrigan Byrne’s historical-mystery series, FIONA MAHONEY MYSTERY. It is best to start from the beginning. The first book, THE BUSINESS OF BLOOD, introduces the setting and the characters involved. It also explains Fiona’s complicated relationship with the Syndicate, Night Horse and Croft.
I guess I am more on Team Croft than Team Night Horse. Either man is better for Fiona than Roth, aka the Hammer. Something about the man just repels me. I admit that I was bummed until I hit Chapter 15 and Croft made his appearance. I literally squeed in happiness. Croft is taciturn and gruff, but I like the way he interacts with Fiona.
Night Horse has that wounded/tortured aspect that I love. However, I feel he is too immersed in his grief to truly allow Fiona in. I simply cannot see him loving her the way she deserves. Plus, Night Horse is too entrenched in the Syndicate.
August 26, 2025
Fiona has an opportunity to be free from the syndicate for one last “job” or assignment aka debt paid in full!
She of course accepts but does not know she will see Aramis Night Horse is along on this mission. Someone is desecrating Jewish bodies having them exhumed and desecrated leaving them in disrepair! Fiona along with a woman who was her “key” was also at one time an intimate of Aramis!
Very uncomfortable start to what would be a hair raising adventure! There are mob threats, Daniel a very nosy reporter who seems like he could be interesting to Fiona but I definitely hope not on any future setting!
Fiona has several encounters with Croft but he is still unable to forget Fiona’s betrayal!
Fiona and Aramis still have explosive chemistry but no promises and she never knows when she will see him! He is also too deeply entrenched with the Syndicate!
But Fiona is left with something in her possession that may secure her future forever freeing her from Jorah ! I hope he keeps his word and frees her from the syndicate on his own!
There is a ring leader that appears to be spear headed the destruction but he is murdered!
When the culprits are cornered it is very surprising who the villain is! When Croft encounters Fiona at the end I hoped for a better interaction! He is definitely more a settle down HEA type but as long as he is stubborn and Fiona is still torn about Aramis!? This story ends on a cliff hanger again! I’m thrilled with another story but hopeful this will give our girl a chance at more than just a hit here and there! She’s beautiful, brilliant and has enough people to take care of! She deserves better! Bravo well done!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
She of course accepts but does not know she will see Aramis Night Horse is along on this mission. Someone is desecrating Jewish bodies having them exhumed and desecrated leaving them in disrepair! Fiona along with a woman who was her “key” was also at one time an intimate of Aramis!
Very uncomfortable start to what would be a hair raising adventure! There are mob threats, Daniel a very nosy reporter who seems like he could be interesting to Fiona but I definitely hope not on any future setting!
Fiona has several encounters with Croft but he is still unable to forget Fiona’s betrayal!
Fiona and Aramis still have explosive chemistry but no promises and she never knows when she will see him! He is also too deeply entrenched with the Syndicate!
But Fiona is left with something in her possession that may secure her future forever freeing her from Jorah ! I hope he keeps his word and frees her from the syndicate on his own!
There is a ring leader that appears to be spear headed the destruction but he is murdered!
When the culprits are cornered it is very surprising who the villain is! When Croft encounters Fiona at the end I hoped for a better interaction! He is definitely more a settle down HEA type but as long as he is stubborn and Fiona is still torn about Aramis!? This story ends on a cliff hanger again! I’m thrilled with another story but hopeful this will give our girl a chance at more than just a hit here and there! She’s beautiful, brilliant and has enough people to take care of! She deserves better! Bravo well done!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 19, 2025
Kerrigan Byrne delivers another intoxicating tale in A Grave Gambit, the fourth installment of the Fiona Mahoney Mystery series. Once again, Byrne’s writing is both poetic and brilliant—her mastery of similes and figurative language turns every page into a darkly glittering experience, making even the most harrowing scenes shimmer with artistry. Fiona, our indomitable heroine and “Sanitation Specialist,” continues to captivate as she cleans up the grisly aftermath of crime, yet somehow manages to uncover truth hidden in blood and shadows. This time, Jorah—better known as the Hammer—sets her on a perilous mission in Buckinghamshire, where recent deaths beg for answers. Byrne populates this journey with a vivid and unforgettable cast: Daniel Hartwell, the relentless journalist hungry for truth; Celeste, the debutante who proves to be the key to locked doors and darker secrets; and Night Horse, at once valet and executioner, depending entirely on who dares to meet his gaze. Layered into the intrigue is the chilling rise of the Sons of Albion, their venom aimed at immigrants, East Indians, and Jews—a timely and menacing backdrop that raises the stakes for everyone involved. Byrne balances suspense, danger, and wit with elegance, drawing readers deeper into Fiona’s world of death and defiance. A Grave Gambit is not just a mystery, but an experience: lushly written, thrillingly paced, and utterly unforgettable. Fans of Fiona Mahoney will be delighted—and left breathless for the next installment.
August 25, 2025
Crime Scene Cleaner Fiona Mahoney
When I accepted “A Grave Gambit” written by Kerrigan Byrne, I wasn’t sure what I was getting into. This is book four of A Fiona Mahoney Mystery. A strong woman leads the way in this story, she’d have to be. Surprisingly, Fiona is a crime scene cleaner with a keen sense of observation and deduction. Sounds like a modern day crime drama, but what makes this story even better is that it was set in Victorian England. Fiona is a great character. She’s smart, strong willed, with a strong backbone. She notices things others don’t and can use her knowledge to learn from a dead body and a crime scene. In this story, the crime Fiona is hired to check out is grave robbing and body desecration. The story is fact paced and very well composed. There is a unique cast of supporting characters including Inspector Croft and Aramis Night Horse, known as “the Blade” for his skills as an assassin who is also a Native American and Fiona’s sometime lover. All of this comes together to create a well composed crime/mystery novel. The story is told from the first person perspective. This is the first book I have read by this author, I was so intrigued by Fiona Mahoney I want to read the series from the beginning. I do recommend “A Grave Gambit.”.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review, my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
When I accepted “A Grave Gambit” written by Kerrigan Byrne, I wasn’t sure what I was getting into. This is book four of A Fiona Mahoney Mystery. A strong woman leads the way in this story, she’d have to be. Surprisingly, Fiona is a crime scene cleaner with a keen sense of observation and deduction. Sounds like a modern day crime drama, but what makes this story even better is that it was set in Victorian England. Fiona is a great character. She’s smart, strong willed, with a strong backbone. She notices things others don’t and can use her knowledge to learn from a dead body and a crime scene. In this story, the crime Fiona is hired to check out is grave robbing and body desecration. The story is fact paced and very well composed. There is a unique cast of supporting characters including Inspector Croft and Aramis Night Horse, known as “the Blade” for his skills as an assassin who is also a Native American and Fiona’s sometime lover. All of this comes together to create a well composed crime/mystery novel. The story is told from the first person perspective. This is the first book I have read by this author, I was so intrigued by Fiona Mahoney I want to read the series from the beginning. I do recommend “A Grave Gambit.”.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review, my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
August 31, 2025
Surviving Hatred
Byrne’s Victorian Rebels series has always been my favorite, but this fourth installment of the Fiona Mahoney mysteries has clinched second place for favoritism. The principal players are all here: Syndicate leader Jorah Roth, called the Hammer; Fiona’s lover Aramis Night Horse, known as the Blade in Roth’s Syndicate; journalist Daniel Hartwell; Scotland Yard’s inspector Grayson Croft; and finally, Fiona Mahoney.
Fiona has been summoned by Roth who tasks her with finding out what or whom has been behind recent grave desecrations and exhumations. In today’s world, Fiona would be considered a crime scene analyst, but in the 1800’s she is an expert in cleaning blood from crime scenes. What all the principals have in common is that they are well acquainted with death and violence, either having personal experiences or having witnessed it.
Readers are taken through a maze of the facade of gentility, the workings of international organized crime, fading nobility, the divisiveness of hatred for “other” religions or “foreigners”, until the mystery is revealed. What will one do to regain power and stop the tears of a mother?
The novel is not complete without an acknowledgment of the “welcome home” note sent to Fiona from the person who killed her best friend, Mary Kelley…Jack the Ripper.
Readers will thoroughly enjoy this 5 star ⭐️ mystery.
I have received an ARC from OHB and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.
August 19, 2025
London, 1889. Fiona Mahoney scrubs blood from London's darkest crime scenes, but when three graves are brutally desecrated, she's thrust into a conspiracy that could ignite the city in flames. Disguised as a lady's maid among England's elite, she must uncover the truth before the summer festival becomes a massacre. Haunting her every step is Aramis Night Horse—the lethal assassin who was once her lover and remains her greatest temptation. As aristocrats, immigrants, and religious fanatics play a deadly game of hatred and profit, Fiona discovers that her enemies hide behind masks of respectability.
The fourth book in this very well written series, it could be read on its own but with a series I have to start at the beginning. Another engrossing book with twists, turns & surprises. The characters have depth & the pace is very good. I really like Fiona & have liked getting to know her & hope there are more books to come in the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The fourth book in this very well written series, it could be read on its own but with a series I have to start at the beginning. Another engrossing book with twists, turns & surprises. The characters have depth & the pace is very good. I really like Fiona & have liked getting to know her & hope there are more books to come in the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
September 6, 2025
A Grave Gambit was a sensational read that hit on all the right notes. With well-developed characters and a gripping whodunit plotline, readers will be hooked from the very first page.
Fiona Mahoney is a feisty, stubborn, and tenacious as ever. As London's premier post-mortem sanitation specialist, she stands toe-to-toe with darkness and witnesses the worst in human nature. What I especially love about Fiona's character is that she isn't written as perfect, the strongest, or the smartest. Instead, she is determined, refused to be defined by the expectations of others, and in her lowest moments has to dig deep to find the strength-or even the anger-to keep moving forward. She feels authentic and she's the kind of character readers can identify with and even find their own strength through.
And then there's the plot, which was absolutely gripping. I don't know how Kerrigan Byrne does it, but each book in the Fiona Mahoney Mysteries series is masterfully written and keeps readers on their edge of their seats. I cannot wait for book five to see what happens next.
Fiona Mahoney is a feisty, stubborn, and tenacious as ever. As London's premier post-mortem sanitation specialist, she stands toe-to-toe with darkness and witnesses the worst in human nature. What I especially love about Fiona's character is that she isn't written as perfect, the strongest, or the smartest. Instead, she is determined, refused to be defined by the expectations of others, and in her lowest moments has to dig deep to find the strength-or even the anger-to keep moving forward. She feels authentic and she's the kind of character readers can identify with and even find their own strength through.
And then there's the plot, which was absolutely gripping. I don't know how Kerrigan Byrne does it, but each book in the Fiona Mahoney Mysteries series is masterfully written and keeps readers on their edge of their seats. I cannot wait for book five to see what happens next.
August 26, 2025
OK for all of us out there who have not read the other three books in the Fiona Mahoney series, I would recommend that you do that first before going into this one. Having said that, this was a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed and decided to get the other three books to get a better perspective on this series.
Fiona Mahoney and Aramis Night Horse have yet another murder mystery to solve. This time, someone is desecrating Jewish graves by exhuming the remains and leaving them in disrepair. Fiona is a strong character with a keen sense of observation that comes in handy in the work she does, namely as a crime scene cleaner. Well written story that had lots of detail and kept me engaged from beginning to end.
Another good author to add to my “must read” list and one I would recommend. I received an ARC from the publishers and Booksprout and submit my honest review voluntarily.
Fiona Mahoney and Aramis Night Horse have yet another murder mystery to solve. This time, someone is desecrating Jewish graves by exhuming the remains and leaving them in disrepair. Fiona is a strong character with a keen sense of observation that comes in handy in the work she does, namely as a crime scene cleaner. Well written story that had lots of detail and kept me engaged from beginning to end.
Another good author to add to my “must read” list and one I would recommend. I received an ARC from the publishers and Booksprout and submit my honest review voluntarily.
August 26, 2025
A Grave Gambit is the 4th book in the Fiona Mahoney Series. I've read all the books in the series and this one did not disappoint.
This book finds Fiona out of London, proper and sent on investigation. This book focuses less on Fiona's job, as a post mortem sanitation specialist and more on the mystery Fiona's been sent to investigate. She is joined by Night Horse and Croft.
My thoughts, I enjoyed this book a great deal more than book #3. I was so happy to see Croft show up, as I have been firmly on Team Croft. While I like Night Horse, I feel that his personal demons drag Fiona down, instead of moving her forward. I enjoyed the journalist that is introduced and I hope he will be a character we continue to hear from. I'm unsure how I feel about how the Epilogue ends. I'm SO glad to know that we will have more books in the Fiona series! I can't wait to hear what Oscar has to say about Fiona and Night Horse....
This book finds Fiona out of London, proper and sent on investigation. This book focuses less on Fiona's job, as a post mortem sanitation specialist and more on the mystery Fiona's been sent to investigate. She is joined by Night Horse and Croft.
My thoughts, I enjoyed this book a great deal more than book #3. I was so happy to see Croft show up, as I have been firmly on Team Croft. While I like Night Horse, I feel that his personal demons drag Fiona down, instead of moving her forward. I enjoyed the journalist that is introduced and I hope he will be a character we continue to hear from. I'm unsure how I feel about how the Epilogue ends. I'm SO glad to know that we will have more books in the Fiona series! I can't wait to hear what Oscar has to say about Fiona and Night Horse....
August 20, 2025
I've been a fan of the Fiona Mahoney Mystery series since its inception. Each book builds on itself and Fiona continues to grow, not only as a 'sanitation specialist' cleaning up after the murdered, but as a keen observer of how and why the death occured.
In A Grave Gambit, we are reunited with Fiona's friends on each side of the table...the Scotland Yard types she sometimes works with as well as the underworld types she works with as well. Fiona walks this tightrope well, although has many silent personal discussions on why she is doing what she is doing!
Ms. Byrne's writing just flows. It is easy to follow, the plot moves along, but there are still twists and turns that you just don't see coming. The ending was...so intriguing. I can't wait for the next book in this series!
In A Grave Gambit, we are reunited with Fiona's friends on each side of the table...the Scotland Yard types she sometimes works with as well as the underworld types she works with as well. Fiona walks this tightrope well, although has many silent personal discussions on why she is doing what she is doing!
Ms. Byrne's writing just flows. It is easy to follow, the plot moves along, but there are still twists and turns that you just don't see coming. The ending was...so intriguing. I can't wait for the next book in this series!
August 26, 2025
Thank you so much to Booksprout and Kerrigan Byrne for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for A Grave Gambit coming out August 26, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I am really obsessed with this series! I’ve been waiting for this book and I am really excited that I got it. It was definitely on the shorter side, but I really love how things are progressing. There were some things that I was sad about. I won’t give anything away, but I hope things get back on track in the next book. Fiona is a really strong character. I think she needs a little more happiness in her life. But of course she’s in the business of solving murders. Night Horse is absolutely amazing and I love his character! I definitely want more! I’m excited for the next book to come out.
I am really obsessed with this series! I’ve been waiting for this book and I am really excited that I got it. It was definitely on the shorter side, but I really love how things are progressing. There were some things that I was sad about. I won’t give anything away, but I hope things get back on track in the next book. Fiona is a really strong character. I think she needs a little more happiness in her life. But of course she’s in the business of solving murders. Night Horse is absolutely amazing and I love his character! I definitely want more! I’m excited for the next book to come out.
August 26, 2025
A Grave Gambit by Kerrigan Byrne has a tough, determined woman who does a tough demanding job. She is the clean up person after a murder. This is The Fiona Mahoney Mysteries #4 with Fiona in a more dangerous situation than usual. She has a strange group of acquaintances who could help or hurt her. This usual woman took on this role for reasons other than profit. I find her stories to be compelling if disturbing at times. This is one of those you can’t stop reading but as I read then I become worried as to how bad the circumstances will get for her. Fiona sees the shady sides of 1889 London, nothing like the romances with balls, fancy dress, and love. But I dare say it is the best series I have read written by Kerrigan Byrne and an automatic read as soon as the books are released. Well done, captivating plot with an indomitable character!
August 18, 2025
It was a long wait for this next book in the series, and it wasn’t a disappointment. Although it had a slow beginning, the ending had me skipping everything I had to do to get there, and oh, what an ending. There were twists, turns, mysteries, adventure, romance and unanswered questions. The characters are well-written, and the plot is well-thought-out. It could be read as a standalone, but it is much more enjoyable if you know the history of the characters. From a Christian point of view, it was sad to see God portrayed as such a vengeful God, but sadly, in that time period, that is how he was used. I now look forward to the next book and hope the wait is not too long. I received this as an ARC from Booksprout and freely give my review.
August 19, 2025
A Grave Gambit is the newest entry in the Fiona Mahoney series. Fiona's work as a crime scene cleaner has pulled her into the worlds of both criminals and Scotland Yard. Her loyalties are once again tested when she is tasked by The Hammer, a notorious crime lord, with attending a country house festival in order to uncover the fanatical secret society who has been desecrating graves and leaving the corpses behind as messages. This series has it all - mystery, romance and great period detail. It draws you into the story and into the world of VIctorian England itself and keeps you turning pages to find out how it all ends.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 21, 2025
Intriguing mystery of grave robbing and a hatred of foreigners. Fiona works in blood, cleaning crime scenes and acting as amateur detective. Men aren’t exactly respectful of her career but a few take the high road and hire her. She’s insightful, unafraid outwardly, sharp witted and intelligent. She is often hired by the crime lord of London, the Hammer, and gets along famously with Scotland Yard inspectors. The current crime is gruesome and dangerous to her acquaintances. Fiona’s character has a modern personality in an old world setting, and it’s exciting to read how she deals with the comments both subtle and not. I received an early copy and have provided my review voluntarily.
August 24, 2025
Rated 4.5 Stars
Murder, mystery and mayhem oh my! A Grave Gambit was jam packed with them as well as action, suspense, secrets, twists and turns. It was also rife with danger. I loved it. I loved being back in this world with Fiona and going on the hunt with her once again, following clues and putting the pieces together. I also loved the way tension was woven into this installment between her and her love interests as well as the way tension was woven into the plot. It made for an edge of your seat intense ride. I adored this book and I so can't wait for more especially with the way things ended. I most certainly recommend it.
Copy provided by publisher through Booksprout
Murder, mystery and mayhem oh my! A Grave Gambit was jam packed with them as well as action, suspense, secrets, twists and turns. It was also rife with danger. I loved it. I loved being back in this world with Fiona and going on the hunt with her once again, following clues and putting the pieces together. I also loved the way tension was woven into this installment between her and her love interests as well as the way tension was woven into the plot. It made for an edge of your seat intense ride. I adored this book and I so can't wait for more especially with the way things ended. I most certainly recommend it.
Copy provided by publisher through Booksprout
August 26, 2025
The one downfall I had was that I had read the other books in the series a long while ago and I couldn’t remember some of the characters previous interactions. That is no fault of the author, but of my memory. That being said it is good to read these books in order of the series. The author is very descriptive in her scenes and this lends toward an almost gothic atmosphere in this story. Fiona is the star with her perception and intelligence. It is always intriguing how things mesh together to a satisfying conclusion. This story gets one thinking about all the prejudices that are in the world and how the mob mentality is born.
August 28, 2025
After enjoying the Goode Girls and the Devil you Know series, I was very glad to receive a story of the Fiona Mahony Mystery series. I hadn't met Fiona before, but I really admired her character. She is a fierce woman, much like all the other women in Kerrigan's books. Blood, murder and dead bodies are her trade and that is of kind of cool. The story is taking different twists and turns and it keeps you guessing, who is the good and who is the bad guy in this story. There are a lot of shades of grey. Five stars from me and a special thank you to Booksprout for providing the arc.
August 29, 2025
Fiona is a fascinating character of many layers, as are all those in the story - even the secondary ones. The plot begins with corpses that have been dug up and placed strategically in various locations. The crime boss "The Hammer" hires Fiona to find out who and why, under the protection of his enforcer and her sometime lover, Night Horse. This one kept me guessing to the very end. But the real enjoyment came from the realistic setting, the atmosphere and the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 9, 2025
Another good Fiona mystery. I really like these characters and the plot. It brought to mind what's going on in this world right now. The haters, and I don't know if that was intentional. Not that it makes a difference. I'm thinking not, as she had written this over the past couple years. The dynamics between Fiona, Night Horse and Croft drives me crazy. I hope she'll find happiness or at least contentment somewhere along the line. Looking forward to reading the next installment from this very talented storyteller.
August 19, 2025
I have enjoyed all of the Fiona mysteries. This one is a bit convoluted, though, so I struggled a bit with it.
Fiona finally has a way out of her work for the syndicate. But little does she know what it will cost her.
Croft and Night Horse are back in this book. I do like the interplay between them and Fiona.
Not my favorite Fiona book but still enjoyable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Fiona finally has a way out of her work for the syndicate. But little does she know what it will cost her.
Croft and Night Horse are back in this book. I do like the interplay between them and Fiona.
Not my favorite Fiona book but still enjoyable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 26, 2025
Another fantastic installment of the Fiona Mahoney Mysteries
Another 5 star read from Kerrigan Byrne. I was so gripped, I got it the minute it came out and read it on one sitting into the early hours of the morning. I love how the main characters have grown since the first book, there's a depth to them. My only disappointment is wanting to read the next book immediately before it's even been announced!
Another 5 star read from Kerrigan Byrne. I was so gripped, I got it the minute it came out and read it on one sitting into the early hours of the morning. I love how the main characters have grown since the first book, there's a depth to them. My only disappointment is wanting to read the next book immediately before it's even been announced!
August 26, 2025
This is the latest book in the Fiona mysteries. This was a 'who done it' with
Fiona in the lead. It was an interesting book, well written. There wasn’t much romance and a slow burner. I’m looking forward to the next book. I recommend this to all who like a mystery with some steam. these are not my usual books because they’re low on steam to me. I still enjoy them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Fiona in the lead. It was an interesting book, well written. There wasn’t much romance and a slow burner. I’m looking forward to the next book. I recommend this to all who like a mystery with some steam. these are not my usual books because they’re low on steam to me. I still enjoy them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 31, 2025
One of my favorite series to get immersed in. Wonderful character development and complete immersion into the story every time. This has been my favorite so far. I agree that Fiona needs one of these men to step up and take care of her every now and then. Yes, she is independent but she needs to know how special she really is. Her forays with Aramis are always explosive and reader consuming. Five stars
November 23, 2025
I had waited quite a while for this next installment of a series that I had really been enjoying. In fact, I thought that it was probably concluded with the third book. So it was a wonderful surprise to learn that this one was coming out, and I have hopes for further adventures from Fiona.
While I did enjoy this one, I didn't quite find it as engaging as previous books. Still a solidly good read though.
While I did enjoy this one, I didn't quite find it as engaging as previous books. Still a solidly good read though.
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