What do you think?
Rate this book
Mary Shelley Mystery #1
Death and the Sisters
The tangled relationships between Frankenstein author Mary Shelley, poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, and Mary’s stepsister Jane Clairmont form the backdrop for an intriguing historical mystery, set in London in 1814, that explores the complex dynamic between sisters and the birth of teenaged Mary’s creative genius.
London, 1814: Mary Godwin and her stepsister Jane Clairmont, both sixteen, possess quick minds bolstered by an unconventional upbringing, and have little regard for the rules that other young ladies follow. Mary, whose mother famously advocated for women’s rights, rejects the two paths that seem open to her—that of an assistant in her father’s bookshop, or an ordinary wife. Though quieter and more reserved than the boisterous Jane, Mary’s imagination is keen, and she longs for real-world adventures.
One evening, an opportunity arrives in the form of a dinner guest, Percy Bysshe Shelley. At twenty-one, Shelley is already a renowned poet and radical. Mary finds their visitor handsome and compelling, but it is later that evening, after the party has broken up, that events take a truly intriguing turn. When Mary comes downstairs in search of a book, she finds instead a man face down on the floor—with a knife in his back.
The dead man, it seems, was a former classmate of Shelley’s, and had lately become a personal and professional rival. What was he doing in the Godwins’ home? Mary, Jane, and Shelley are all drawn to learn the truth behind the tragedy, especially as each discovery seems to hint at a tangled web that includes many in Shelley’s closest circle. But as the attraction between Mary and the married poet intensifies, it sparks a rivalry between the sisters, even as it kindles the creative fire within . . .
London, 1814: Mary Godwin and her stepsister Jane Clairmont, both sixteen, possess quick minds bolstered by an unconventional upbringing, and have little regard for the rules that other young ladies follow. Mary, whose mother famously advocated for women’s rights, rejects the two paths that seem open to her—that of an assistant in her father’s bookshop, or an ordinary wife. Though quieter and more reserved than the boisterous Jane, Mary’s imagination is keen, and she longs for real-world adventures.
One evening, an opportunity arrives in the form of a dinner guest, Percy Bysshe Shelley. At twenty-one, Shelley is already a renowned poet and radical. Mary finds their visitor handsome and compelling, but it is later that evening, after the party has broken up, that events take a truly intriguing turn. When Mary comes downstairs in search of a book, she finds instead a man face down on the floor—with a knife in his back.
The dead man, it seems, was a former classmate of Shelley’s, and had lately become a personal and professional rival. What was he doing in the Godwins’ home? Mary, Jane, and Shelley are all drawn to learn the truth behind the tragedy, especially as each discovery seems to hint at a tangled web that includes many in Shelley’s closest circle. But as the attraction between Mary and the married poet intensifies, it sparks a rivalry between the sisters, even as it kindles the creative fire within . . .
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 26, 2023
96 people are currently reading
24389 people want to read
About the author
Heather Redmond
14 books466 followersHeather Redmond is an author of commercial fiction and also writes as Heather Hiestand. First published in mystery, she took a long detour through romance before returning. Though her last known British ancestor departed London in the 1920s, she is a committed anglophile, Dickens devotee, and lover of all things nineteenth century.
She has lived in Illinois, California, and Texas, and now resides in a small town in Washington State with her husband and son. The author of many novels, novellas, and short stories, she has achieved best-seller status at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Her 2018 Heather Redmond debut, A Tale of Two Murders, has received a coveted starred review from Kirkus Reviews.
She has lived in Illinois, California, and Texas, and now resides in a small town in Washington State with her husband and son. The author of many novels, novellas, and short stories, she has achieved best-seller status at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Her 2018 Heather Redmond debut, A Tale of Two Murders, has received a coveted starred review from Kirkus Reviews.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
October 11, 2023
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
DEATH AND THE SISTERS (Mary Shelley Mystery Book #1) by Heather Redmond is an engaging historical mystery and the first in a new series featuring the unconventional Mary Godwin (future Mrs. Shelley and author of “Frankenstein”), her stepsister, Jane Clairmont, and Percy Shelley who was a benefactor to Mary and Jane’s father all come together as amateur sleuths in 1814 London.
Mary discovers a young man stabbed to death on the floor of her father’s bookshop in the night when she goes down to retrieve a book to read. At first it was believed to be the famous poet Percy Shelley, but it was a contemporary competitor of Shelley’s. Mary is determined to solve the crime and with Jane and Shelley, they begin to unravel the clues that lead to Shelley’s closest circle of friends. As the investigation heats up, so does the attraction between Mary and Shelley, but it also sparks an even deeper rivalry between the sisters.
I loved that this book featured working and artistic people and was not centered around the ton. The author’s descriptive writing is atmospheric and made me feel as though I was there in 1814 London, but the dialogue a few times slipped into modern verbiage which pulled me out of the story. I liked getting each of the sister’s points of view with the alternating chapter narration because both were strong and intelligent characters. The competition between them was believable, but at times their immaturity was annoying and yes, I realize they were in their teens, but at that time in history, I would expect them to be more mature. The plot was intriguing and well-paced with plenty of red herrings, but I did not like the late revelation of information from some until close to the end.
Overall, an entertaining introduction to these characters and a beguiling mystery solved. I will be looking forward to the evolution of these characters in future books in this new series.
DEATH AND THE SISTERS (Mary Shelley Mystery Book #1) by Heather Redmond is an engaging historical mystery and the first in a new series featuring the unconventional Mary Godwin (future Mrs. Shelley and author of “Frankenstein”), her stepsister, Jane Clairmont, and Percy Shelley who was a benefactor to Mary and Jane’s father all come together as amateur sleuths in 1814 London.
Mary discovers a young man stabbed to death on the floor of her father’s bookshop in the night when she goes down to retrieve a book to read. At first it was believed to be the famous poet Percy Shelley, but it was a contemporary competitor of Shelley’s. Mary is determined to solve the crime and with Jane and Shelley, they begin to unravel the clues that lead to Shelley’s closest circle of friends. As the investigation heats up, so does the attraction between Mary and Shelley, but it also sparks an even deeper rivalry between the sisters.
I loved that this book featured working and artistic people and was not centered around the ton. The author’s descriptive writing is atmospheric and made me feel as though I was there in 1814 London, but the dialogue a few times slipped into modern verbiage which pulled me out of the story. I liked getting each of the sister’s points of view with the alternating chapter narration because both were strong and intelligent characters. The competition between them was believable, but at times their immaturity was annoying and yes, I realize they were in their teens, but at that time in history, I would expect them to be more mature. The plot was intriguing and well-paced with plenty of red herrings, but I did not like the late revelation of information from some until close to the end.
Overall, an entertaining introduction to these characters and a beguiling mystery solved. I will be looking forward to the evolution of these characters in future books in this new series.
August 21, 2024
This was an interesting mystery, though not quite as good Ms. Redmond’s Dickens of a Crime series. The constant animosity/friendship between the two sisters drives the novel and adds to the tension as both women strife to work with each other to solve the mystery, while at the same time, come to grips about their mutual attraction toward the free thinking, free loving, and avowed atheist Percy Bysshe Shelley, famed for his poetry as well as his lifestyle.
The year 1814 was a pivotal year in the life of Mary Godwin Shelley of Frankenstein fame, as it was for her stepsister, Jane ‘Claire’ Clairmont (later the lover of Lord Byron), and future husband Percy Shelley. A good understanding of their historical lives adds to the background story and the numerous elements of foreshadow.
I look forward to the next book in the series to unravel a new mystery, and to see how Ms. Redmond combines fact and fiction in the lives of these three famous people.
The year 1814 was a pivotal year in the life of Mary Godwin Shelley of Frankenstein fame, as it was for her stepsister, Jane ‘Claire’ Clairmont (later the lover of Lord Byron), and future husband Percy Shelley. A good understanding of their historical lives adds to the background story and the numerous elements of foreshadow.
I look forward to the next book in the series to unravel a new mystery, and to see how Ms. Redmond combines fact and fiction in the lives of these three famous people.
April 24, 2023
I was drawn to this book by the blurb I had no idea what I was gonna read but I'm honestly happy I did read this book. Gonna have to reread this book later on in the year. 5 star book. I couldn't put it down at all because it kept me pulled into it, Yes I do recommend this book and i already told a few people that they need to read this book when they get a chance to. I'm a bit speechless by it to because I really didn't know what this was gonna be about. but it looks like the author has a new reader. Cover I think fit into what the book is about and I do like it but that isn't what drew me to this book it was the blurb. I always read the blurb first before looking at the cover. 5 star book. not sure if this book is part of a series but it abostly needs a series big time. I need more from this book big time.
July 1, 2023
Heather Redmond turns an observant eye to London in 1814 and the lives of two unconventional step sisters, Mary Godwin and Jane Clairmont. Opportunity arrives in the form of an intriguing dinner guest poet Percy Bysshe Shelley. Both sisters vie for his attention. When Mary finds a dead body in her family’s bookstore the sisters search for the murderer and their own agency. The first in a series. I can’t wait to see how the story unfolds.
September 13, 2024
Death and the Sisters is the first volume in Heather Redmond's new historical mystery series that features Mary Shelley and members of her rather complex family as central characters. I confess that I was provided a review copy of this title when it was being released in hardback, missed that deadline, but am now getting in a review close to the date of its release in paperback. Meanwhile, I have already read and reviewed the second volume in the series, Death and the Visitors.
Of the two volumes, I think Visitors is the stronger, which bodes well for the development of the series. I want to keep reading new volumes at least until Mary Wollstonecraft elopes with Shelley. Actually I just want to keep reading them infinitely as long as Redmond keeps producing them.
A significant proportion of historical mysteries featuring real-world writers disappoint because the characters are next to impossible to depict in ways that approach the effectiveness of these writers' own works. The two volumes in this series fall significantly short of Shelley's Frankenstein, but reading them is not time wasted. They're charming, and "real-worldy," the kind of book that can make for a relaxing weekend or brief vacation.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via Edelweiss; the opinions are my own.
Of the two volumes, I think Visitors is the stronger, which bodes well for the development of the series. I want to keep reading new volumes at least until Mary Wollstonecraft elopes with Shelley. Actually I just want to keep reading them infinitely as long as Redmond keeps producing them.
A significant proportion of historical mysteries featuring real-world writers disappoint because the characters are next to impossible to depict in ways that approach the effectiveness of these writers' own works. The two volumes in this series fall significantly short of Shelley's Frankenstein, but reading them is not time wasted. They're charming, and "real-worldy," the kind of book that can make for a relaxing weekend or brief vacation.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via Edelweiss; the opinions are my own.
September 1, 2024
3.5 to 4 stars
I truly enjoyed the two sisters. Mary is quite hilarious with her inner dialog and her sassy comments. I loved the historical factor to this and the fact that they lived above a Bookshop that their mother ran. Such an interesting mystery that keeps you guessing at every turn!
I relieved this book from Kensington Books to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
I truly enjoyed the two sisters. Mary is quite hilarious with her inner dialog and her sassy comments. I loved the historical factor to this and the fact that they lived above a Bookshop that their mother ran. Such an interesting mystery that keeps you guessing at every turn!
I relieved this book from Kensington Books to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
May 4, 2024
This one was really rough for me to get through. The plot itself wasn't bad. But I'm just not a fan of historical fiction. The 'who done it' mystery saved the read for me but I forced myself through this one.
January 3, 2024
Oh, how I wanted to love this. I mean, Mary Shelley solving a murder mystery? It sounded right up my alley, but the writing didn't work. The pacing was slow, and the dialogue felt clunky. I listened to the audiobook, which wasn't the way to go. It made the dual POV hard to follow. You couldn't differentiate between Mary and her sister Jane, and there were so many times I had to check the chapter header to see which one it was supposed to be. The mystery also wasn't very engaging. I forgot everything about it the moment it was over. Unfortunately, the whole thing fell flat.
September 18, 2023
Believable dialogue, fascinating history, and captivating mystery drew me into Death and the Sisters and kept me engaged throughout the story. This book by Heather Redmond is well written and beautifully edited as well as having a fantastic cover. Everything about this made me smile. If you love history and mystery this is the book for you (and it's a great time of year for some Frankenstein style mystery with Halloween right around the corner)!
The details in Death and the Sisters are absolutely necessary and weave a beautiful tapestry of 19th Century England. I never found myself wondering why particular details were included and similarly I wasn't looking for more. The amount of details was perfect throughout and I absolutely appreciate that - no parts of the book felt slow or draggy. It was engaging throughout.
Chapter 21 provided such a fun quote I have actually used in conversation and feel compelled to share. "A blessed day, whether your creed is money, God, or the pleasures of the flesh." Isn't that fun? Such engaging characters and believable dialogue - this is a book I'll pass on to my daughter and likely read again as I enjoyed it immensely! 5 stars for sure!
The details in Death and the Sisters are absolutely necessary and weave a beautiful tapestry of 19th Century England. I never found myself wondering why particular details were included and similarly I wasn't looking for more. The amount of details was perfect throughout and I absolutely appreciate that - no parts of the book felt slow or draggy. It was engaging throughout.
Chapter 21 provided such a fun quote I have actually used in conversation and feel compelled to share. "A blessed day, whether your creed is money, God, or the pleasures of the flesh." Isn't that fun? Such engaging characters and believable dialogue - this is a book I'll pass on to my daughter and likely read again as I enjoyed it immensely! 5 stars for sure!
November 18, 2023
Heather Redmond’s DEATH AND THE SISTERS is a historical mystery focusing on the tangled relationship dynamics between three real persons: the unconventional author of Frankenstein, Mary Godwin (later Shelley); her stepsister Jane Clairmont; and the young poet Percy Bysshe Shelley who find themselves privately investigating a murder that takes place in the Godwin household after a dinner party.
Read my full review on ITW's online magazine "The Big Thrill": https://www.thebigthrill.org/2023/09/...
Read my full review on ITW's online magazine "The Big Thrill": https://www.thebigthrill.org/2023/09/...
October 6, 2023
DEATH AND THE SISTERS by Heather Redmond
The First Mary Shelley Mystery
In search of some late night reading material sixteen year old Mary Godwin descends to the family bookshop only to find the body of a stylishly dressed young man, stabbed to death. Inexorably drawn to the murder as she is to her father's student and possible benefactor, Percy Bysshe Shelley, Mary finds herself called to solve the crime. She along with her stepsister, Jane, and Shelley himself start making inquiries, but what will they uncover once they delve into the poet's inner circle?
I really enjoyed this atmospheric novel that, in addition to an intriguing mystery, gave insight into some extraordinary historical characters; Wollstonecraft, Godwin, Shelley, a unique family on the outskirts of Regency society. Instead of fancy ballrooms we are witness to the squalor of the poor and the reality of the working class eking out an existence. I've always been fascinated by Percy Bysshe Shelley and reading this mystery has only enticed me to read and learn more about, not only him, but Mary and Jane Clairmont as well. It was fascinating to see the sparks that ignited the relationship between Mary and Percy.
Mary's intelligence and determination, as well as a desire for a better life, deliver her into Shelley's circle as it also propels her to solve the murder. A complex mystery, I enjoyed watching the trio investigate while also dealing with their everyday lives.
The switching of points of view from Mary to Jane was a bit disconcerting, but the chapters were labeled, telling whose viewpoint you were reading. While I’m not a fan of multiple points of view, I understand its use in DEATH AND THE SISTERS. In addition to showing the almost symbiotic relationship between Mary and Jane, it was interesting to see how each not only responded to events, but how they felt they were treated in comparison to the other.
Gritty details, fascinating characters, and historical facts combine to make DEATH AND THE SISTERS a truly unique and compelling mystery.
The First Mary Shelley Mystery
In search of some late night reading material sixteen year old Mary Godwin descends to the family bookshop only to find the body of a stylishly dressed young man, stabbed to death. Inexorably drawn to the murder as she is to her father's student and possible benefactor, Percy Bysshe Shelley, Mary finds herself called to solve the crime. She along with her stepsister, Jane, and Shelley himself start making inquiries, but what will they uncover once they delve into the poet's inner circle?
I really enjoyed this atmospheric novel that, in addition to an intriguing mystery, gave insight into some extraordinary historical characters; Wollstonecraft, Godwin, Shelley, a unique family on the outskirts of Regency society. Instead of fancy ballrooms we are witness to the squalor of the poor and the reality of the working class eking out an existence. I've always been fascinated by Percy Bysshe Shelley and reading this mystery has only enticed me to read and learn more about, not only him, but Mary and Jane Clairmont as well. It was fascinating to see the sparks that ignited the relationship between Mary and Percy.
Mary's intelligence and determination, as well as a desire for a better life, deliver her into Shelley's circle as it also propels her to solve the murder. A complex mystery, I enjoyed watching the trio investigate while also dealing with their everyday lives.
The switching of points of view from Mary to Jane was a bit disconcerting, but the chapters were labeled, telling whose viewpoint you were reading. While I’m not a fan of multiple points of view, I understand its use in DEATH AND THE SISTERS. In addition to showing the almost symbiotic relationship between Mary and Jane, it was interesting to see how each not only responded to events, but how they felt they were treated in comparison to the other.
Gritty details, fascinating characters, and historical facts combine to make DEATH AND THE SISTERS a truly unique and compelling mystery.
September 25, 2023
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Heather Redmond for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Death and the Sisters coming out September 26, 2023. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
London, 1814: Mary Godwin and her stepsister Jane Clairmont, both sixteen, possess quick-witted minds stemming from their unique upbringing, and pay little attention to the rules that other young ladies follow. Mary, whose mother famously advocated for women’s rights, refuses the two paths that are open to her—that of an assistant in her father’s bookshop, or a wife. Though more reserved than the boisterous Jane, Mary’s imagination is keen, and she yearns for worldly adventures. One evening, a chance encounter arrives in the form of a dinner guest, Percy Bysshe Shelley. At twenty-one, Shelley is already a renowned poet and radical. Mary finds their visitor handsome and compelling, but it is later that evening, after the party has broken up, that events take a truly intriguing turn. When Mary comes downstairs in search of a book, she finds instead a man face down on the floor—with a knife in his back. The dead man, it seems, was a former classmate of Shelley’s, and had most recently become rival. What was he doing in the Godwins’ home? Mary, Jane, and Shelley are all eager to the truth behind the tragedy, especially as each new discovery seems to unravel a tangled web that includes many in Shelley’s inner circle. But as the chemistry between Mary and the married poet intensifies, it sparks a rivalry between the sisters, even as it kindles the creative fire within.
I’ve read another book by this author. I love how she uses classic authors in her stories. So I was excited to check this out. Mary Shelley is fascinating as an authoress. I loved the first half of the book. I thought it was really interesting idea to explain Mary’s fascination with horror. The middle got a little muddled for me. I think it was a little much with the romance and sisters’ rivalry and murder investigation. And Shelley didn’t seem as strong a character as I thought he’d be. I definitely thought the sisters had strong personalities and I loved that. I loved how they were eager to solve the mystery. I definitely want to check out other books that might be in the series. I think more will be revealed and fleshed out later in the series.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys literary authors and murder mysteries!
London, 1814: Mary Godwin and her stepsister Jane Clairmont, both sixteen, possess quick-witted minds stemming from their unique upbringing, and pay little attention to the rules that other young ladies follow. Mary, whose mother famously advocated for women’s rights, refuses the two paths that are open to her—that of an assistant in her father’s bookshop, or a wife. Though more reserved than the boisterous Jane, Mary’s imagination is keen, and she yearns for worldly adventures. One evening, a chance encounter arrives in the form of a dinner guest, Percy Bysshe Shelley. At twenty-one, Shelley is already a renowned poet and radical. Mary finds their visitor handsome and compelling, but it is later that evening, after the party has broken up, that events take a truly intriguing turn. When Mary comes downstairs in search of a book, she finds instead a man face down on the floor—with a knife in his back. The dead man, it seems, was a former classmate of Shelley’s, and had most recently become rival. What was he doing in the Godwins’ home? Mary, Jane, and Shelley are all eager to the truth behind the tragedy, especially as each new discovery seems to unravel a tangled web that includes many in Shelley’s inner circle. But as the chemistry between Mary and the married poet intensifies, it sparks a rivalry between the sisters, even as it kindles the creative fire within.
I’ve read another book by this author. I love how she uses classic authors in her stories. So I was excited to check this out. Mary Shelley is fascinating as an authoress. I loved the first half of the book. I thought it was really interesting idea to explain Mary’s fascination with horror. The middle got a little muddled for me. I think it was a little much with the romance and sisters’ rivalry and murder investigation. And Shelley didn’t seem as strong a character as I thought he’d be. I definitely thought the sisters had strong personalities and I loved that. I loved how they were eager to solve the mystery. I definitely want to check out other books that might be in the series. I think more will be revealed and fleshed out later in the series.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys literary authors and murder mysteries!
October 24, 2023
Little did Mary know, her late night search for reading material in the family bookstore would land her and her step-sister, Jane, in the middle of a murder investigation. The girls were relieved to find it was a stranger’s body they stumbled upon and not the dashing and loquacious Mr. Percy Shelley. They both found him to be quite polished and easy on the eyes.
What a fascinating look into 19th Century England. The richness of detail put me there. Experiencing the less fortunate side of trying to keep a roof over ones head. Not the glam and glitz of higher society.
I enjoyed the dual points of view between the two sisters. It helped me understand what motivated them. What made them tick. They were both very intelligent but differed greatly in personality. Things got more intriguing when Percy also joined them in their search for answers.
Death And The Sisters is a perfect title for this story. The cover is stunning. And the writing is strong and persuasive. A solid plot and I’d be happy to read more if this is to be a series.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
What a fascinating look into 19th Century England. The richness of detail put me there. Experiencing the less fortunate side of trying to keep a roof over ones head. Not the glam and glitz of higher society.
I enjoyed the dual points of view between the two sisters. It helped me understand what motivated them. What made them tick. They were both very intelligent but differed greatly in personality. Things got more intriguing when Percy also joined them in their search for answers.
Death And The Sisters is a perfect title for this story. The cover is stunning. And the writing is strong and persuasive. A solid plot and I’d be happy to read more if this is to be a series.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
October 18, 2024
Death and the Sisters is a very delightful mystery following two stepsisters, Mary Godwin, and Jane Clairmont. By day they run the family bookshop, and during free time, early mornings and late nights, they moonlight as amateur sleuths working together with Percy Shelley to solve the murder of Cecil Campbell who was found dead in their family bookshop.
The characters are relatable and complex, and you can tell by the banter between the siblings, Mary and Jane. You also get insights into their other siblings, Fanny, Willie, and Charles, as well as their parents William and Mary Jane Godwin. You meet a handful of other people throughout the book that round out the characters, but it isn’t overwhelming. Every character had a purpose and helped the story move along.
Overall, Death and the Sisters, was a fun and entertaining book, and with this being called the Mary Shelley Mystery # 1, it seems like this is an introduction to these characters and I can’t wait to follow these characters in future mysteries.
The characters are relatable and complex, and you can tell by the banter between the siblings, Mary and Jane. You also get insights into their other siblings, Fanny, Willie, and Charles, as well as their parents William and Mary Jane Godwin. You meet a handful of other people throughout the book that round out the characters, but it isn’t overwhelming. Every character had a purpose and helped the story move along.
Overall, Death and the Sisters, was a fun and entertaining book, and with this being called the Mary Shelley Mystery # 1, it seems like this is an introduction to these characters and I can’t wait to follow these characters in future mysteries.
October 1, 2023
Okay so this was EXCELLENT!!!
Aside from that one Doctor Who episode that featured the Shelleys, I didn’t actually know a lot about their lives so I found this whole book FASCINATING!
I didn’t realize Mary grew up in such a blended family, which was still pretty unusual for the time. The Shelley/Godwin/Clairmont clan were truly ahead of their time and I absolutely loved learning about them! The research and detail in this book was truly spectacular!!
And the mystery wasn’t too bad either. I just love reading mysteries that take place at a time when modern technology did not exist. I find them extra fascinating. And this one was so fun! I truly enjoyed watching it unravel!
I’m so glad this will also be a series! We are only just getting started with Mary, Jane and company and the author’s note at the end has me so excited for what’s to come! I’m definitely in this for the long haul!!
This also has me interested in reading more about this family so I’ll definitely be looking into some nonfiction! I’m especially interested in Mary’s mother and I’m so glad she was mentioned so frequently in this story.
Although I didn’t particularly enjoy Frankenstein, I’m so glad this could give me another look at Mary. Hopefully I can give some of her other works a try in the future (and have better luck with them *fingers crossed*)
So. Long story short. HIGHLY recommend this!! It’s such a fun time!! Perfect for spooky season, if you’re looking for additions to your tbr!
Thank you to Kensington Books for sending this my way! What a treat!!
Aside from that one Doctor Who episode that featured the Shelleys, I didn’t actually know a lot about their lives so I found this whole book FASCINATING!
I didn’t realize Mary grew up in such a blended family, which was still pretty unusual for the time. The Shelley/Godwin/Clairmont clan were truly ahead of their time and I absolutely loved learning about them! The research and detail in this book was truly spectacular!!
And the mystery wasn’t too bad either. I just love reading mysteries that take place at a time when modern technology did not exist. I find them extra fascinating. And this one was so fun! I truly enjoyed watching it unravel!
I’m so glad this will also be a series! We are only just getting started with Mary, Jane and company and the author’s note at the end has me so excited for what’s to come! I’m definitely in this for the long haul!!
This also has me interested in reading more about this family so I’ll definitely be looking into some nonfiction! I’m especially interested in Mary’s mother and I’m so glad she was mentioned so frequently in this story.
Although I didn’t particularly enjoy Frankenstein, I’m so glad this could give me another look at Mary. Hopefully I can give some of her other works a try in the future (and have better luck with them *fingers crossed*)
So. Long story short. HIGHLY recommend this!! It’s such a fun time!! Perfect for spooky season, if you’re looking for additions to your tbr!
Thank you to Kensington Books for sending this my way! What a treat!!
May 1, 2024
A decent novel from Heather Redmond. This novel follows Mary, Fanny, and Jane as teenagers, and having first met Shelley. Living with her father and stepmother and helping run the bookstore, a murder occurs in the bookshop. Each of the sisters tries to solve the murder.
I found this to be a weekend read or a vacation read type of book. Decently written, though I thought the ending could have been a little not quite up to my liking. It would be difficult to describe without a spoiler, so I will leave it at that.
***I received a copy of this from Kensington Publishing Company in a Goodreads' giveaway in exchange for a fair review.***
I found this to be a weekend read or a vacation read type of book. Decently written, though I thought the ending could have been a little not quite up to my liking. It would be difficult to describe without a spoiler, so I will leave it at that.
***I received a copy of this from Kensington Publishing Company in a Goodreads' giveaway in exchange for a fair review.***
February 29, 2024
I was lucky enough to win this book in a Goodreads giveaway and I really did enjoy it! I wasn’t sure what to expect when it arrived but I was delighted by how Heather Redmond wove a story between real historical figures and her other characters. I am anxious to read the next installment!
Read
June 23, 2024The concept here caught my attention. For me, the pacing dragged too much to really ever get into it, but the character building redeemed it enough that I think that might be a first-in-the-series problem and I'm willing to give the next book another go.
January 16, 2024
Nice story line with a suprise ending. Love the insight into Mary Shelleys youth. Some parts of the book are a bit slow but all in all a great story.
September 25, 2023
Mary Shelley is an author I knew very little about. That is except for her writing of “Frankenstein” of course! Heather Redmond has opened my eyes not only to her family, but life in London circa 1800. I felt surrounded by the sights and smells of her everyday life. The damp air and cold nights of her street, the scent of paper and pencil lead in the bookshop, even her meals came alive! I loved the depictions of Mary and her stepsister Jane too! They had the perfect chemistry together when you looked at their family life. Remember, we’re talking teenagers here! Teens then are just like teens now! They stumble upon a mysterious murder in their family bookstore. A murder that seems to lead to their fathers disciple the dreamy Percy Bysshe Shelley. Need I say more? The plot is wonderful! The suspects are everywhere! Themes of family, jealousy, validation and dreams of a fulfilling future drive both Mary and Jane as they race to solve the mystery. Thank you so much Heather for the opportunity to read “Death and the Sisters”. The vivid setting and blended somewhat dysfunctional family Mary was a part of explains so much of her later writing. I loved it!
October 19, 2023
Thank you to the publisher for a finished copy of this book.
September 18, 2023
•London, 1814
•Mysterious Death
In London, 1814, There were three sisters; Mary, Jane and Fanny. While they take care of their father’s bookshop, their mother refuse to become assistant in her father’s bookshop or an ordinary wife. The book has 19th century London backdrop. The book is compelling and gripping. The characters are intriguing and some are mysterious. I love that the mystery slowly unveils. The author has given clues to solve the mystery and I love the vibe of this book. It’s a mix of classic and mystery.
The unexpected happens when Percy Shelley, a poet, comes for dinner at their house. That seems to be the opportunity for them to meet the renowned poet but the dinner party turns into a night of tragedy when a man is found dead in the bookshop.
•Mysterious Death
In London, 1814, There were three sisters; Mary, Jane and Fanny. While they take care of their father’s bookshop, their mother refuse to become assistant in her father’s bookshop or an ordinary wife. The book has 19th century London backdrop. The book is compelling and gripping. The characters are intriguing and some are mysterious. I love that the mystery slowly unveils. The author has given clues to solve the mystery and I love the vibe of this book. It’s a mix of classic and mystery.
The unexpected happens when Percy Shelley, a poet, comes for dinner at their house. That seems to be the opportunity for them to meet the renowned poet but the dinner party turns into a night of tragedy when a man is found dead in the bookshop.
February 7, 2025
Heather Redmond's cover for "Death and the Sisters" grabbed my attention as soon as I saw it at work. A murder mystery involving Mary Godwin (Shelley), Percy Shelley, and Mary's stepsister Jane Clairmont? Yes please!
While the concept intrigued me, the story itself wasn't quite what I expected. I'm not sure what exactly let me down about it, but I just felt the story was missing something. Maybe I hoped the romance between Mary and Percy would develop further? Or that I'd care more about the murder victim? Perhaps how Mary and Jane treated their sister Fanny irked me too much to enjoy the rest of the story.
It was a good book and I'm glad I read it, but I don't think I'll read the sequel. Even if the cover is just as pretty as this one 😅
While the concept intrigued me, the story itself wasn't quite what I expected. I'm not sure what exactly let me down about it, but I just felt the story was missing something. Maybe I hoped the romance between Mary and Percy would develop further? Or that I'd care more about the murder victim? Perhaps how Mary and Jane treated their sister Fanny irked me too much to enjoy the rest of the story.
It was a good book and I'm glad I read it, but I don't think I'll read the sequel. Even if the cover is just as pretty as this one 😅
May 8, 2023
Death and the Sisters was a decent historical fiction mystery novel inspired by the lives of some of England's greatest Romantic poets and authors.
Mary Godwin and her stepsister Jane Clairmont both yearn for a more exciting and adventurous life than their parents have given them. Mary, daughter of the famed Mary Wollstonecraft, is not satisfied by being a shopgirl in her stepmother and father's bookshop. She wishes to make her way in the world as her mother did, with the pen. Jane, while less aspirational towards the literary arts, nonetheless is also dissatisfied with her lot.
However, when a young poet is mysteriously murdered in the bookshop after hours, the two girls will be thrown into the heart of the twisted and turning investigation into the culprate. What could the motive for the murder have been? Was the man mistaken for the dashing rogue Percy Shelley, a disciple of their Father who had dined at their home the very evening of the murder? Or was Mr. Campbell the intended target? Who in their circle is the guilty party? Can they discover the truth before the wrong person is hanged for the crime?
Overall, I found this novel a decent read but not much more than that. It was relatively well written and the plot moved at a decent pace but I feel like a lot of the choices made in the characterization of the characters didn't feel authentic to me. The personalities of the main characters of Mary and Jane felt too catty and shallow. I had a hard time believing they were these educated young women, daughters of some of the greatest literary minds of the time and exposed to other great literaries through the society they kept. I understand they were young and that these choices may have been made in order to highlight that fact but it still felt off to me.
There were also aspects of the overarching plot that felt like they came out of nowhere and didn't make sense to me. I don't want to say too much on that subject and give the plot away, but there were aspects of the motive for the murder that just seemed to start halfway through the novel without warning. If those aspects had been handled with a little more care with more of a careful lead-up to the revelation at the end I think it would have been a better story.
I don't regret my time reading this novel, but I don't know that it would be something I would pick up again or recommend to a friend.
Mary Godwin and her stepsister Jane Clairmont both yearn for a more exciting and adventurous life than their parents have given them. Mary, daughter of the famed Mary Wollstonecraft, is not satisfied by being a shopgirl in her stepmother and father's bookshop. She wishes to make her way in the world as her mother did, with the pen. Jane, while less aspirational towards the literary arts, nonetheless is also dissatisfied with her lot.
However, when a young poet is mysteriously murdered in the bookshop after hours, the two girls will be thrown into the heart of the twisted and turning investigation into the culprate. What could the motive for the murder have been? Was the man mistaken for the dashing rogue Percy Shelley, a disciple of their Father who had dined at their home the very evening of the murder? Or was Mr. Campbell the intended target? Who in their circle is the guilty party? Can they discover the truth before the wrong person is hanged for the crime?
Overall, I found this novel a decent read but not much more than that. It was relatively well written and the plot moved at a decent pace but I feel like a lot of the choices made in the characterization of the characters didn't feel authentic to me. The personalities of the main characters of Mary and Jane felt too catty and shallow. I had a hard time believing they were these educated young women, daughters of some of the greatest literary minds of the time and exposed to other great literaries through the society they kept. I understand they were young and that these choices may have been made in order to highlight that fact but it still felt off to me.
There were also aspects of the overarching plot that felt like they came out of nowhere and didn't make sense to me. I don't want to say too much on that subject and give the plot away, but there were aspects of the motive for the murder that just seemed to start halfway through the novel without warning. If those aspects had been handled with a little more care with more of a careful lead-up to the revelation at the end I think it would have been a better story.
I don't regret my time reading this novel, but I don't know that it would be something I would pick up again or recommend to a friend.
April 30, 2023
Death and the Sisters by Heather Redmond is a great historical fiction and murder mystery that is the first in a new series: A Mary Shelley Mystery.
This is such a great start to a historical fiction series. I love how the author did her research and pulled in true events, locations, and people and incorporated them into a delicious murder/mystery concept .
Mary Shelley and the full cast of characters are divine. I loved the pacing, the dialogue, the occasional cheekiness, and the mystery itself.
Definitely interested to see where this goes.
5/5 stars
Thank you EW and Kensington Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 9/26/23.
This is such a great start to a historical fiction series. I love how the author did her research and pulled in true events, locations, and people and incorporated them into a delicious murder/mystery concept .
Mary Shelley and the full cast of characters are divine. I loved the pacing, the dialogue, the occasional cheekiness, and the mystery itself.
Definitely interested to see where this goes.
5/5 stars
Thank you EW and Kensington Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 9/26/23.
May 3, 2023
Death and the Sisters by Heather Redmond is a great historical fiction and murder mystery that is the first in a new series: A Mary Shelley Mystery.
This is such a great start to a historical fiction series. I love how the author did her research and pulled in true events, locations, and people and incorporated them into a delicious murder/mystery concept .
Mary Shelley and the full cast of characters are divine. I loved the pacing, the dialogue, the occasional cheekiness, and the mystery itself.
Definitely interested to see where this goes.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Kensington Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 9/26/23.
This is such a great start to a historical fiction series. I love how the author did her research and pulled in true events, locations, and people and incorporated them into a delicious murder/mystery concept .
Mary Shelley and the full cast of characters are divine. I loved the pacing, the dialogue, the occasional cheekiness, and the mystery itself.
Definitely interested to see where this goes.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Kensington Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 9/26/23.
May 30, 2023
There's a lot of potential in this series but there's also a lot of possible pitfall as the historical characters were quite strong
Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin is the mother of sci-fi and an intellectual, Shelley was a radical and a great poet. They are well researched but they're also a bit "light" comparing to the historical characters.
I liked the mystery as it's solid and kept me guessing.
I want to read other novels in this series.
3.5 upped to 4
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin is the mother of sci-fi and an intellectual, Shelley was a radical and a great poet. They are well researched but they're also a bit "light" comparing to the historical characters.
I liked the mystery as it's solid and kept me guessing.
I want to read other novels in this series.
3.5 upped to 4
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
December 23, 2023
I’m 33 and don’t care about two immaturish, bratty stepsisters passively fighting over a man. The cover portrayed a darker story but it seems to be everything but.
did-not-finish
July 13, 2024Blech. This book was a slog.
September 25, 2023
DEATH AND THE SISTERS by Heather Redmond is the first book in the Mary Shelley Mystery series. It’s the intriguing historical mystery that takes us back to the time of 1814 in London told through the eyes of teenagers Mary and her stepsister Jane. It’s a story of a family consisting of many parentages – including the three sisters Mary, Jane and Fanny, a different type of upbringing, keeping secrets, danger and murder.
Having been brought up in a less than conventional family, Mary and Jane don’t feel compelled to abide by the standard rules. After all Mary’s mother had been an advocate for women’s rights and both were raised by a father who is a well-respected philosopher, how could they have turned out like everyone else of the time?
Both girls seem to be drawn to Percy Bysshe Shelley, a young poet and follower of their father, (referred to as Shelley in the story). He is himself less than typical in his thinking and his ways of life being a proclaimed atheist, lover of humanity, and a vegetarian all while living life as a single man although he’s a married man with a child. Mary and Jane find Cecil Campbell, a poet who also resembles his friend Shelley, murdered in the family’s bookstore. They take it personally since it had been done in their locked business and directly below where they reside. They also have a great need to figure out whodunit to save Shelley the same feat, if indeed it had been a mistaken identity.
Needing to find answers intensifies when Peter Corn, a young poet and another friend of Shelley’s, is arrested for the murder. Even after having someone in custody, they seem to be still zoning in on Shelley. With the fear of being accused of the dastardly deed as well, Mary warns him to stay out of sight.
Why had Cecil been killed in that horrible manner? Will the partial note implicate that it was premeditated? How did they get in the bookstore and why do the deed there? Will they be able to verify alibis? With suspect many, can they whittle them down to one? Will their asking questions clear him in the case or put them both in grave danger? Will the clues each sister brings to the table have them working together instead of the stepsister rivalry they normally have? Will they be able to put the pieces of the puzzle together in time to save another innocent person being accused of a deed they had nothing to do with? Can they clear Corn’s name and get him out of that horrible jail?
DEATH AND THE SISTERS is a wonderful historical mystery with intrigue, suspense and danger that it will have you searching for clues right alongside the sisters. Heather Redmond managed to entwine history with fiction seamlessly making the story a most enjoyable and exciting one to read. As the first book in a new series, we get to become acquainted with some of the fascinating characters. Loved getting to know those in this first book and I can see others branch off into stories of their own in future books. I can hardly wait!
I receive an ARC of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own.
Having been brought up in a less than conventional family, Mary and Jane don’t feel compelled to abide by the standard rules. After all Mary’s mother had been an advocate for women’s rights and both were raised by a father who is a well-respected philosopher, how could they have turned out like everyone else of the time?
Both girls seem to be drawn to Percy Bysshe Shelley, a young poet and follower of their father, (referred to as Shelley in the story). He is himself less than typical in his thinking and his ways of life being a proclaimed atheist, lover of humanity, and a vegetarian all while living life as a single man although he’s a married man with a child. Mary and Jane find Cecil Campbell, a poet who also resembles his friend Shelley, murdered in the family’s bookstore. They take it personally since it had been done in their locked business and directly below where they reside. They also have a great need to figure out whodunit to save Shelley the same feat, if indeed it had been a mistaken identity.
Needing to find answers intensifies when Peter Corn, a young poet and another friend of Shelley’s, is arrested for the murder. Even after having someone in custody, they seem to be still zoning in on Shelley. With the fear of being accused of the dastardly deed as well, Mary warns him to stay out of sight.
Why had Cecil been killed in that horrible manner? Will the partial note implicate that it was premeditated? How did they get in the bookstore and why do the deed there? Will they be able to verify alibis? With suspect many, can they whittle them down to one? Will their asking questions clear him in the case or put them both in grave danger? Will the clues each sister brings to the table have them working together instead of the stepsister rivalry they normally have? Will they be able to put the pieces of the puzzle together in time to save another innocent person being accused of a deed they had nothing to do with? Can they clear Corn’s name and get him out of that horrible jail?
DEATH AND THE SISTERS is a wonderful historical mystery with intrigue, suspense and danger that it will have you searching for clues right alongside the sisters. Heather Redmond managed to entwine history with fiction seamlessly making the story a most enjoyable and exciting one to read. As the first book in a new series, we get to become acquainted with some of the fascinating characters. Loved getting to know those in this first book and I can see others branch off into stories of their own in future books. I can hardly wait!
I receive an ARC of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews