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In the Midst of Shadows
In the Victorian era, a cheap and popular form of entertainment has entranced the population often known by the name; penny dreadful. Costing a penny, readers purchased the stories and entered the fantastic world of superhuman men and damsels in distress.
The stories have been popular for over fifty years and Lavinia Howard is a young woman who dreams of being such a writer. Having recently lost her father, she turns to a family friend who puts her in touch with Jasper Courtenay, owner of Courtenay Publishing.
Writing under the pen name G. R. Howard, Lavinia creates a character who becomes a huge success as her penny dreadful stories are the most popular ever printed. Her character is brash and obnoxious and has no respect for authority as he solves London murders and the working classes adore him!
But strange things begin to happen as the stories Lavinia writes start to come true. Two very similar deaths mirror those she writes about, and Detective Chief Inspector Harrison Bryce is assigned to investigate. Inspector Bryce soon discovers that Lavinia has become so popular that she has also made enemies along with her legion of fans.
He realizes that everyone surrounding Lavinia has a motive to have committed the crimes. He must work fast to determine who wants to harm her as he suspects Lavinia may be the next target on the killer’s list.
The stories have been popular for over fifty years and Lavinia Howard is a young woman who dreams of being such a writer. Having recently lost her father, she turns to a family friend who puts her in touch with Jasper Courtenay, owner of Courtenay Publishing.
Writing under the pen name G. R. Howard, Lavinia creates a character who becomes a huge success as her penny dreadful stories are the most popular ever printed. Her character is brash and obnoxious and has no respect for authority as he solves London murders and the working classes adore him!
But strange things begin to happen as the stories Lavinia writes start to come true. Two very similar deaths mirror those she writes about, and Detective Chief Inspector Harrison Bryce is assigned to investigate. Inspector Bryce soon discovers that Lavinia has become so popular that she has also made enemies along with her legion of fans.
He realizes that everyone surrounding Lavinia has a motive to have committed the crimes. He must work fast to determine who wants to harm her as he suspects Lavinia may be the next target on the killer’s list.
323 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 30, 2021
158 people are currently reading
353 people want to read
About the author
Nicola Italia
22 books152 followersNicola spent her childhood in Los Angeles. She graduated from university with a degree in communications and held a variety of positions in journalism, education, government and non profit.
Nicola has traveled extensively throughout Europe, China and Central America.
She currently has twenty one novels available at Amazon, Google Play and Barnes and Noble.
https://linktr.ee/authornicolaitalia
Nicola has traveled extensively throughout Europe, China and Central America.
She currently has twenty one novels available at Amazon, Google Play and Barnes and Noble.
https://linktr.ee/authornicolaitalia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 7, 2022
A young genteel woman in Victorian England writes penny novels for fun and pocket money. After each of the first two of her murder mysteries are published, there are two "accidents" in town that mimic the murders in the stories. In addition to voluminous fan mail, she starts getting threatening letters sent to her by someone that suggests she may die as in one of her future novels.
The book starts off with the text of her first penny novel. I didn't know that, and thought it was the story itself. I have to say, I liked her penny novels better than I liked the plot of the overall book itself. The young woman was one of those simpering spoiled types who feel faint at the drop of a hat; do stupid things like go walking alone after dark even when they've received murder threats; and fall in love with the big strong man who comes to their damsel in distress routine. Lots of improbables in the plot.
The book starts off with the text of her first penny novel. I didn't know that, and thought it was the story itself. I have to say, I liked her penny novels better than I liked the plot of the overall book itself. The young woman was one of those simpering spoiled types who feel faint at the drop of a hat; do stupid things like go walking alone after dark even when they've received murder threats; and fall in love with the big strong man who comes to their damsel in distress routine. Lots of improbables in the plot.
November 7, 2021
I absolutely loved the book. Once I got started, I couldn't put it down. Read it in less than 12 hours, that's how good it was. I loved the combination of mystery, love, and crime. Would recommend to anyone that loves murder mysteries.
February 16, 2022
Maybe 2 stars. I fell for the 5 star reviews 🙄. First, the editor should be fired. Lots of mistakes for a digital read. Next, the extra pointless writing explaining meaningless things that add nothing to the story. Then the characters. Lavinia and Harrison could have been so much better. I get the formal ness of 1880 England but I don’t believe the thoughts in peoples heads were that formal and pure. Ugh. Not worth the time fir those of you that have read fiction with truly strong capable main characters.
April 16, 2022
1880 London. Lavinia Howard has hopes of being a mystery writer, to this end family friend Dr Malcolm Allopp gives her story to a publisher of penny dreadfuls, Jasper Courtenay. But after publication it seems her crimes are being reenacted. Detective Chief Inspector Harrison Bryce is assigned to investigate.
More of a romance, and less of a mystery rather than wholly a mystery.
More of a romance, and less of a mystery rather than wholly a mystery.
March 23, 2022
Dull, uninteresting
DNF at 33%, surprised I even made it that far. Most scenes were pointless (I had exactly no desire to read MC’s chapters of the book she was writing, especially since we knew going into this book that someone would be copying the murders and I didn’t want to read the same stuff twice, plus her character was even more annoying than the MC herself). The author was obsessed with telling the color of the outfits and dresses (there was only one time that it made sense) sometimes would be fine but saying what color dress MC/MC’s aunts are wearing *every scene* is overkill and uninteresting. The style was overall bland and between the repetition and the characters being too perfect (MC, apparently could do nothing wrong and everything she did was immediately perfect and “everyone” went nuts about her/her story in less than a week) or plain boring, less important things bothered me more. I peeked ahead at the end and yup, no surprises there.
Only reason this gets 2 stars instead of one is because it’s generally coherent and readable, and I’ve read worse.
DNF at 33%, surprised I even made it that far. Most scenes were pointless (I had exactly no desire to read MC’s chapters of the book she was writing, especially since we knew going into this book that someone would be copying the murders and I didn’t want to read the same stuff twice, plus her character was even more annoying than the MC herself). The author was obsessed with telling the color of the outfits and dresses (there was only one time that it made sense) sometimes would be fine but saying what color dress MC/MC’s aunts are wearing *every scene* is overkill and uninteresting. The style was overall bland and between the repetition and the characters being too perfect (MC, apparently could do nothing wrong and everything she did was immediately perfect and “everyone” went nuts about her/her story in less than a week) or plain boring, less important things bothered me more. I peeked ahead at the end and yup, no surprises there.
Only reason this gets 2 stars instead of one is because it’s generally coherent and readable, and I’ve read worse.
November 5, 2021
Loved it and couldn’t put it down. The main characters were likable. Vinny is definitely a woman who knows her mind and speaks it. I would have liked to see more character development between Duncan, Jasper, and Selina as the story progressed.
March 28, 2022
2.5 stars - because of editing issues
I enjoyed this book a lot, but there were some typos and odd phrasings that were jarring and took me out of the book. I would have given this book more stars if not for the editing issues.
Here are a few that I highlighted for reference. Page numbers given are from the Kindle version I read and may not be the same in other versions. I hope the author takes note and has changes made.
Page 148 - “I knew you were would.”
Page 236 - “But I wrote about a gruesome death and someone read that and made it came true.”
Page 300 - “Lavinia proudly showed of her ring.”
There were a few others earlier in the book but I didn’t highlight them as I thought it was just a one off at first.
The story was well done and pretty well paced. I liked Lavina very much, and did enjoy her over the top penny dreadful series. She is strong willed and intelligent. Chief Inspector Harrison Brown was a wonderful character as well. He was very conscientious and thorough in his investigations. I appreciate the fact that there was no insta-love and that these two butted heads a bit at first. There are a few well placed red herrings to throw you off the true culprit and keep the mystery interesting.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and will read more from this author in the future, I just hope the editing is better in her other books. And please correct the errors in this one so others can enjoy this book more as well.
I enjoyed this book a lot, but there were some typos and odd phrasings that were jarring and took me out of the book. I would have given this book more stars if not for the editing issues.
Here are a few that I highlighted for reference. Page numbers given are from the Kindle version I read and may not be the same in other versions. I hope the author takes note and has changes made.
Page 148 - “I knew you were would.”
Page 236 - “But I wrote about a gruesome death and someone read that and made it came true.”
Page 300 - “Lavinia proudly showed of her ring.”
There were a few others earlier in the book but I didn’t highlight them as I thought it was just a one off at first.
The story was well done and pretty well paced. I liked Lavina very much, and did enjoy her over the top penny dreadful series. She is strong willed and intelligent. Chief Inspector Harrison Brown was a wonderful character as well. He was very conscientious and thorough in his investigations. I appreciate the fact that there was no insta-love and that these two butted heads a bit at first. There are a few well placed red herrings to throw you off the true culprit and keep the mystery interesting.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and will read more from this author in the future, I just hope the editing is better in her other books. And please correct the errors in this one so others can enjoy this book more as well.
February 13, 2022
Lavinia Howard becomes a best-selling Penny Dreadful author in Nicola Italia’s “In the Midst of Shadows”. When someone appears to be bringing Lavinia’s stories to life, Detective Chief Inspector Harrison Bryce is assigned to investigate. Can Harrison keep his growing personal feelings for Lavinia separate from his professional ones and stay objective while investigating?
This story draws you in and keeps the pages turning with the curious need to know what happens next. Just when I thought I knew who the culprit was, I started second guessing myself. The author has a delightfully descriptive writing style that engages the senses. Making one feel as if they are dwelling within the pages of the book or watching a feature film on the big screen.
I highly recommend this entertaining novel. Those that love a good mystery with a touch of romance are sure to enjoy this story.
This story draws you in and keeps the pages turning with the curious need to know what happens next. Just when I thought I knew who the culprit was, I started second guessing myself. The author has a delightfully descriptive writing style that engages the senses. Making one feel as if they are dwelling within the pages of the book or watching a feature film on the big screen.
I highly recommend this entertaining novel. Those that love a good mystery with a touch of romance are sure to enjoy this story.
July 29, 2022
In the Midst of Shadows by Nicola Italia
🌟🌟🌟1/2 - 🌟🌟🌟🌟
I read this on KU and I enjoyed it. I did figure out who did it, and for a book classified as historical detective, that was a lot of romance in it but I love romance so I didn’t mind.
The characters were charming, and loveable while the size of the cast was just enough. I also enjoyed the use of time period language and phrases.
I would say if you like historical fiction, romance and mysteries then this book would be a big hit!
🌟🌟🌟1/2 - 🌟🌟🌟🌟
I read this on KU and I enjoyed it. I did figure out who did it, and for a book classified as historical detective, that was a lot of romance in it but I love romance so I didn’t mind.
The characters were charming, and loveable while the size of the cast was just enough. I also enjoyed the use of time period language and phrases.
I would say if you like historical fiction, romance and mysteries then this book would be a big hit!
December 17, 2021
I love Harrisin
Lyvania is a wonderful character, she lives with her 2 aunts her father left them a home and money. She writes for fun then a friend sends her work to a publisher and she starts writing Penny Dreadfuls. She is good at it and every one in London are loving her stories. Harrison is a inspecter for the police. Ppl start dieing like in Lyvania's stories so Harrison has to investigate , I loved the story overall great characters. Recommend this book
Lyvania is a wonderful character, she lives with her 2 aunts her father left them a home and money. She writes for fun then a friend sends her work to a publisher and she starts writing Penny Dreadfuls. She is good at it and every one in London are loving her stories. Harrison is a inspecter for the police. Ppl start dieing like in Lyvania's stories so Harrison has to investigate , I loved the story overall great characters. Recommend this book
September 3, 2022
I can't say I was holding onto my seat when reading it. Some detective books have that effect. Unfortunately, this book didn't have that much tension. The conclusion was pretty obvious half way into the book and so the ending didn't surprise me at all. The book was rather cheesy too, but that could've been due to the historical period the book is set in. Therefore it felt a little cold and shallow. I couldn't connect with the characters.
February 24, 2022
I Was Completely Fooled
Amid several murders and many suspects I thought that I had it solved part way through the story.
I was very wrong and quite surprised at the end.
The author tells a great story full of interesting characters while artfully bringing the time period to life.
It was an extremely enjoyable book that you should definitely read.
Amid several murders and many suspects I thought that I had it solved part way through the story.
I was very wrong and quite surprised at the end.
The author tells a great story full of interesting characters while artfully bringing the time period to life.
It was an extremely enjoyable book that you should definitely read.
September 6, 2023
Mystery, history, crime, romance, oh my! To tie all these together into one novel was fantastic! Loved learning about penny dreadfuls from the Victorian era! The author writes in such a way that you are immersed into this time. I did want to shout at Lavinia to quit going on walks alone! Lol! Look forward to reading more from Nicola!
September 7, 2024
A delightful novel again one in which the author does not rely on erotic scenes found in her earlier works. The heroine is a well bred young lady with a gift for sriting.When the theme of her "penny dreadful" short stories become all too real entire the hero a local detective. The ending was a total surprise as I had the antagonist all wrong.
February 14, 2022
Delightful Victoria mystery
An unusual mystery based upon the Victorian penny dreadful genre of writing. A. Bright, beautiful and self sufficient heroine with a varied cast of characters surrounding her. Unique and well conceived. The lack of editing brought it down from 5 stars.
An unusual mystery based upon the Victorian penny dreadful genre of writing. A. Bright, beautiful and self sufficient heroine with a varied cast of characters surrounding her. Unique and well conceived. The lack of editing brought it down from 5 stars.
February 23, 2022
Victorian love
This story was intriguing enough to hold a readers interest. It was not bogged down with heavy British dialect or locations. Real believable characters lived economically privileged lives .and had quite a bit of leisure time to indulge in travel,
This story was intriguing enough to hold a readers interest. It was not bogged down with heavy British dialect or locations. Real believable characters lived economically privileged lives .and had quite a bit of leisure time to indulge in travel,
July 11, 2022
mystery and intrigue
A mystery involving writers and the owner of a printing company and some of their friends along the way. Of course there is the inspector who helps tie up the intrigue and mysteries. It was a sweet and clean romance mixed in
A mystery involving writers and the owner of a printing company and some of their friends along the way. Of course there is the inspector who helps tie up the intrigue and mysteries. It was a sweet and clean romance mixed in
February 23, 2023
wonderfully original
This is a regency tale but really could be for just about any era. A who done it with multiple possibilities. Totally recommend it to anyone who likes trying to figure out who done it.
This is a regency tale but really could be for just about any era. A who done it with multiple possibilities. Totally recommend it to anyone who likes trying to figure out who done it.
March 8, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. I'm not sure about some of the language "I don't think I've wrapped my head around it" and the category of Erotica, in the 1880s, but I don't really care that much about it. I liked this book.
April 28, 2023
An interesting cozy set in the 1880’s in London. The heroine, Lavinia, is a writer of “penny dreadfuls” and gets involved with murders and a handsome Detective Chief Inspector. The author has done a lot of historical research and the mystery is well plotted.
January 31, 2024
Content: Minor Language and minor Innuendo, few negative comments about mental health
Did I pick this book because of the cover? 100% Was it a good read anyway? Yes. I found it enjoyable. Good mystery.
Did I pick this book because of the cover? 100% Was it a good read anyway? Yes. I found it enjoyable. Good mystery.
November 4, 2021
I love it!! Beautiful story and such wonderful mystery. Great writing style.
November 8, 2021
This book was an awesome ride! I really enjoyed the format. The way the two stories were woven together kept me going. I had a hard time putting this down!
February 11, 2022
Enjoyed
This is a nice clean mystery with a touch of romance. I thought the characters well developed and enjoyed the intertwining of short murder stories within the bigger novel.
This is a nice clean mystery with a touch of romance. I thought the characters well developed and enjoyed the intertwining of short murder stories within the bigger novel.
February 17, 2022
Cute story, some unrealistic scenarios in my opinion but good overall.
February 23, 2022
An entertaining read
This is an entertaining read with some good characters and a pretty compelling plot. Recommended for fans of the genre.
This is an entertaining read with some good characters and a pretty compelling plot. Recommended for fans of the genre.
March 1, 2022
Very well drawn
The characters are well drawn as are the scenes. The plot moved along well with lots of twists to keep you interested. Great story.
The characters are well drawn as are the scenes. The plot moved along well with lots of twists to keep you interested. Great story.
March 1, 2022
This was a good book. In the genre of cozy mysteries I would rate this book as average. It was decently written and had a nice plot. I would read other books by this author.
April 5, 2022
A fun story in a fun setting
I really did enjoy this book. I just feel it needed a bit more polishing. A good story, just not edited well.
I really did enjoy this book. I just feel it needed a bit more polishing. A good story, just not edited well.
May 6, 2022
Good story but too much re-explaning
I like the heroine, but tbere is an awful lot of expoditionthst does not move the story forward in any way
I like the heroine, but tbere is an awful lot of expoditionthst does not move the story forward in any way
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews