In Death Below Stairs this historical mystery takes you to the house of Lord Rankin where Kat Holloway becomes the new cook. She thrives in the kitchen and is happy until her young Irish helper is murdered. Kat's friend, handsome Daniel McAdam set off to find the killer only to discover that the Irish lasses murder was just the tip of the iceberg, everything twists and turns leading to treason against Queen Victoria herself, and time is running out!

This story drew me in and I loved the characters, plot, setting and descriptiveness. I highly recommend this story!

This book was one I had a lot of trouble getting into at first. The beginning is a bit hard to bite into, so to speak. However, I'm glad I hung on and kept going because it does pick up.
The characters are well fleshed, as they should be. I will most certainly recommend this title to friends.

In this novel Ashley brings all of her experience writing compelling and rich characters to bear within a dynamic plot of intrigue and treason. I've read many of Ashley's romance novels and knew that I greatly enjoy her character building, but I wasn't sure how her transition into a mystery novel would go. I absolutely devoured this book and greatly enjoyed the relationship between Kat and Daniel, it's paced to develop believably across a series of books. There's many historical details woven into the plot as Kat and Daniel seek to stop a plan to kill the queen, but they don't bog down the pacing at all. I was a little lost at time by the characters references to previous encounters but I've since learned that there is a short story that precedes this novel, so maybe if I had read that first it would have help. Definitely swinging by the library to pick up book 2 this weekend!

I enjoyed reading this mystery. Jennifer Ashley always comes up with entertaining books, and this is no different. Kat is a very practical woman, who always manages to figure out the problem, and solve it.

I really wish this hadn't been listed as the first in the series as you really did feel late to the party (an original novella was published with these characters). I enjoyed the story line and felt all the parties were engaging. I also learned a bit about the politics of the time.

This is the best mystery I've read in a long time, and after finishing it in record time, it made me scramble for the next books in the series. First, I love how competent the main character, Kat Holloway is. She's dedicated to her job, and very good at it. I love the scenes that show her actual working, and explaining what she's doing. I love the mystery as well, and Ashley clearly did her research so that everything feels appropriate for the period. I love the slow-burn romance as well.

A historical fiction mystery featuring the working class (ala <em>Downton Abbey</em>)? Yeah, this sounds like a winner!

Kat Holloway is a cook. She's good enough that she could almost choose where she wants to work, though she will be part of the working class. She accepts a position at Mayfair mansion working for Lord Rankin. The family has plenty of eccentricities ... but Kat knows that most of the wealthy families have their eccentricities. As long as no one bothers her kitchen, she can tolerate just about anything.

But when her Irish servant, the kitchen maid, is found murdered Kat gets involved trying to solve the crime. With the help of her friend, Daniel McAdam, and Rankin's sister-in-law, Kat gets caught up in a plot much deeper than the simple murder of a downstairs staff member. Kat and crew uncover a plot to kill Queen Victoria - which brings about a great deal of danger to the cook.

This story started out really well but as the plot developed it lost its steam.

What was working well was the establishing of the character(s) and the period research. I'm probably not alone in having enjoyed the <em>Downton Abbey</em> television series and really enjoyed this visit back to the similar period.

What didn't work was the mystery.

I'm usually willing to stretch credibility to some extent, but to have a cook in a large household have the freedom (not to mention the time) to chase down a mystery (and save the Queen!) really pushes the boundaries. Certainly plausible, but it didn't work well here.

I also felt that once the mystery began, the character growth stopped. Who we met at the beginning of the book was exactly who we were left with once the story was resolved. Given all that happens, to have essentially the same character is really disappointing.

This may be the first in a series, but it will be my last.

Looking for a good book? <em>Death Below Stairs</em> by Jennifer Ashley has a promising premise but loses its steam the further into the mystery that it gets.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

A terrific start to a new mystery series. I loved the details about life as a cook and food served at this time. What an unusual character to have at the center of the action and how delightful! I've already recommended this at several book-talking events as I know plenty of book clubs that would enjoy this one.

When acclaimed young cook Kat Halloway takes a job at Lord Rankin’s Mayfair mansion in Victorian London, she has no idea of the tempest in which she’s landed. From kitchen help below stairs to the family above stairs to the very throne of England, there is plenty of mischief afoot, and it’s up to Kat and the mysterious and multi-talented Daniel McAdam to discover who murdered Kat’s Irish kitchen assistant and what her murder means to a much bigger plot.

Daniel seems comfortable in whatever role he’s called upon to play, whether above or below stairs. His past confounds Kat, but they make a formidable team, along with a cast of quirky characters including Lord Rankin’s unconventional sister-in-law to Daniel’s son to a mathematics genius. All have their parts to play in unraveling the mystery playing out.

If you enjoy an historical mystery, Death Below Stairs will transport you to Victorian London as Kat, Daniel and company solve one murder and prevent more.

Kat Holloway has been hired to be a cook for the noble family of Lord Rankin. When she arrives, she finds a hostile working environment. The other servants in the household are cold to her, and Lord Rankin makes it clear that he wants her dismissed. However, she forms an unlikely friendship with Lord Rankin’s eccentric sister-in-law. When her assistant dies in her kitchen, Kat joins Daniel McAdam, who appears to be a delivery man but is not what he seems, to investigate her murder. The two soon learn that the murder may lead to a bigger conspiracy that plots to assassinate England’s ruler, Queen Victoria.

Even though Death Below Stairs is the first mystery in the Below Stairs series, it read like a sequel. Going into this book, I did not get a sense of Kat Holloway’s character as a whole. There was very little information regarding Kat before we are introduced to her. There were some details about her halfway through the book. However, her backstory was only sprinkled throughout the book so that I came across feeling like I did not know her. I did like her as a character. She seems very practical and loves to investigate mysteries. Even though Kat was a mysterious character, her partner Daniel seems even more perplexing. I still do know anything about him except that he may have a secretive job.

Overall, Death Below Stairs works best as a sequel rather than an introductory novel. I would have enjoyed the story more had there been more build-up between the characters. Instead, I felt that there was a missing novel in the series. Also, there were some answers to questions that were never explained. The mystery was very predictable. Despite these flaws, it was a fast-paced and fun novel. The setting of Victorian England felt very authentic, and it is clear that she did her research. I am looking forward to reading the sequel because I would love to know more about these characters. Death Below Stairs is not only perfect for fans of Downton Abbey, but also for fans of A Curious Beginning, A Lady in the Smoke, and The Anatomist’s Wife.

A fantastic read! I think this book would appeal to all audiences. You do not have to be a fan of historical fiction to enjoy. The writing style flows beautifully and the pacing of the story was just right. I sped through this one and have already recommended it to my bookworm friends!

Good cooks are hard to find. Kat Holloway knows this, and uses the knowledge to aid her in both serving fine meals to her clients and solving the mysteries that cross her path. Daniel McAdam is not who he seems, but is Kat's ally as she seeks to find out who killed the kitchen maid the night after the master attempted to seduce her. Kat has more time off than you would expect, due to the eccentricities of her clients. Kat juggles her career, her child, and her investigations much as women do today. She is a refreshing change from youthful, pretty-pretty heroines. I am looking forward to seeing how Kat's backstory is revealed and how her character develops.

Jennifer Ashley is probably better known for her romance novels, but she does branch off occasionally and that's when she piques my interest. My one experience with her was her historical fiction take on Elizabeth I and I was pretty impressed with her storytelling, characterizations, and historical detail. So I had high hopes for Death Below Stairs.

The good? Just like in her Elizabeth book, Jennifer Ashley focuses on a historical craft and brings it wholly to life. In the Elizabeth book it was fashion and sewing, but in Death Below Stairs it's all about the food. The main character serves as the cook in a fancy British house ala Downton Abbey and the descriptions of the dishes she makes are detailed and divine. Honestly, I would have enjoyed the book if it was entirely about the cooking. The Downton Abbey feel of the upstairs, downstairs relationships and the big house was charming and thoroughly enjoyable.

So why the DNF? Mainly two reasons: I didn't like the main character and I didn't like her romance. The character of the main character didn't ring true to me and she was far too Strong Female Character for her own good. In an early scene she boldly sasses the master of the house while standing in defense of one of the servant girls who he occasionally likes to get handsy with. Now, don't get me wrong, she was in the right and the master of the house was very much portrayed as the Villain of the Piece, but it all felt so contrived. She also ran off half-cocked, which is behavior that would be more likely to get her fired than not. Which, a woman in her position would know and therefore not likely behave in such an eye-roll-inducing way. I know these traits are supposed to make us root for her, but it really just made me shake my head at her and find her off-putting and not realistic.

And then there's the romantic lead. He's a scoundrelly guy with Secrets who engages in work that isn't exactly above board. He has a network of spies and secret handshakes and disguises and he felt like such a contrived caricature and I just could not care less about him. He and the main character apparently have a history together, which is hinted at very strongly (which, really, the purpose was to hamfistedly direct the reader to the prequel novella) and yet he keeps so many secrets from her. I imagine this is supposed to make him seem dangerous and mysterious and therefore alluring, but I feel like I'm too old for that crap and I just want him to cut the childish games and be trustworthy, honest, and stable for her.

To be fair, much of this is simply a case of "wrong reader" as opposed to any real flaw in the book. The romantic lead is very much the adult version of the Dickensian street scamp, and that's a character I tend not to like very much.

Anyway, then, underneath all this, there is a murder mystery. I was interested in following this part of the story, but between the unappealing main characters and historically unrealistic vibe, I found it hard to stick with the story.

Bottom line

Readers who click with the main character and romantic lead should find enjoyment with Death Below Stairs. There are a lot of elements here I can get on board with and I want to love this series, but I think it's probably just not for me.

Favorite Quote: “I often pity the upper classes. I have the option to take a job to keep myself fed, no matter how menial the position. Lady Cynthia has no prospects unless she marries and no inheritance unless some benefactor provides it for her. She must beg for room and board from her friends and family, be the poor relation, the spinster no one wants. No wonder she puts on trousers and behaves boorishly. I might do the same.”

Kat Holloway, a talented cook, has been hired on by the Mayfair residence after leaving her former position due to a small matter of her employer dying. Formally trained and hiding a few secrets of her own, Kat has no qualms in dealing with the reclusive Lady Rankin, the authoritarian Lord Rankin, or any member of the particular household as long as they stay out of her way and allow her to do her job. When the scullery maid/kitchen assistant is bludgeoned to death in the pantry, Kat is determined to discover who killed this bright young woman and why. With the help of the elusive Daniel McAdams, his son James, Lady Rankin’s cross-dressing sister Lady Cynthia, and a math genius, Kat and her friends soon discover a treasonous plot that threatens life, limb, and liberty.

Death Below Stairs is the first in Jennifer Ashley’s historical mystery series featuring a young, single, intelligent working woman to whom trouble seems to actively seek out. Set in the Victorian era, Ashley focuses her story on those who live beneath the stairs, taking a considerable amount of time to describing this world while paying special attention to the kitchen, the menus, and the effort involved in feeding a large household. I enjoy historicals that build around the working class. Not everyone can be nobility and not everyone’s HEA is found by marrying into it.

Kat Holloway and Daniel McAdams were first introduced in the prequel novella-A Soupcon of Poison. I didn’t read the novella beforehand and was not put out by any means. Ashley does a mild recap that brings you up to speed through the novella does give some insight into the heroine’s history with Mr. McAdams. The story starts out slow and garrulous as Ashley uses a heavy hand to build the world and character base while setting up the main conflict. Regardless, I found myself instantly smitten by the women of this household. From the housekeeper’s relationship with the mistress of the house to the sister in law’s attempts to live her life on her own terms to Kat’s own personal demons, each woman has chosen to deal with the constraints of their gender through various means.

Kat starts out strong and sure of herself and her role in the world. Trained professionally to be a cook, Kat’s mother was determined her daughter would have a career and as much independence as allowed by society. As we get to know more about Kat, we see beyond her professional persona and we learn of her past and the lengths she goes to protect it. It’s because of that past that Kat keeps from getting too close to anyone; especially Daniel McAdams.

Daniel is a bit of an enigma. A supposed jack of all trades, he is a chameleon whose origins and current occupation are unknown. He pops up when Kat seems to need him most, only to disappear without a word. A few shared kisses don’t inspire her confidence and she remains wary of his intentions. We learn a bit more about him through his son James though Ashley keeps him a man of mystery for the time being. While there is a romantic attraction between he and Kat with the potential of more, it is not the base on which this story is built upon.

An eclectic cast of secondary characters only adds to the suspense, intrigue, and humor as the original one mystery slowly merges into a second mystery. The story’s pacing picks up considerably in the second half with more action and engaging dialogue as we follow the hints and clues to the end. The conclusion is rather convoluted as we learn how the assistant’s murder ties into a plot against the Queen. Fast and furious, the storyline and subsequent subplots resolve in a clear and concise manner, placing the final piece in the puzzle, showing us the big picture. There is an epilogue and a small passage from book two-Scandal Above Stairs.

Ashley’s latest venture is entertaining despite some issues that I’m sure will fade as the series matures. Fans of historical mysteries with strong female protagonist and handsome mysterious sidekicks will feel right at home in this world. I look forward to reading book two.

I’m a fan of the kind of book Ashley’s written: historical setting, central mystery, a romance to follow from book to book. I LOVES’EM! My favourites are C. S. Harris’s Sebastien St. Cyr historical mysteries and Deanna Raybourn’s Veronica Speedwell. 2018 is turning out to be a global crapfest in so many ways, but it’s a good for having two additions to these series to look forward to. Add the time travel historical-mystery-romance of a Susanna Kearsley and life doesn’t get better. So, you’d rightly say, dear reader, where does Ashley’s fall in your category of reading bliss? Argh, must I add another series to all the ones I already follow? It appears I must. Ashley’s premise captured me (and not only because I was a sucker for Downton Abbey). Her cast of characters stays pretty much below stairs, except for one compelling example and a hero who seems to be a class-chameleon.

In 1881 London, Mrs. Kat Holloway arrives at her new position as cook in Lord Rankin’s household, which includes wife, Lady Emily, and sister-in-law, Lady Cynthia. Kat acquaints herself with the downstairs staff: butler Davis; housekeeper, Mrs. Bowen; and recruits kitchen-maid Sinead as cook’s assistant. Before she knows it, handyman Daniel McAdam shows up too as a house-staff member. It is immediately obvious that Kat and Daniel have a history, a flirty, attracted manner to him and a “get away, you pest, come hither, big-boy” on hers.

Mrs. H, as Daniel calls her, is a woman very much aware of her place and her actions’ propriety. When Sinead is found with her head smashed in in the larder the second day of Kat’s employment, however, we see another side to Kat, one who wants justice for the lowest of Victorian society. She and Daniel, who’s no handyman, but a chameleon who shows up, dressed as a gentleman, in Lord Rankin’s sitting room as often as he turns up in muddy boots and workman’s cap, to snatch a muffin from Kat’s kitchen. The novel unfolds in an interweaving triple-threaded narrative: Daniel and Kat are soon in pursuit of Sinead’s killer, leading them to intrigues, spies, danger to Queen and country; an unfolding of Kat’s backstory, which includes her flirtatiously delightful, warm-with-affection relationship with Daniel; and, the progress, in the midst of killers, fraudsters, and an exciting train journey in pursuit thereof, of Daniel and Kate’s relationship.

Ashley handles her narrative with dexterity, though I would say the novel’s first third tested my patience. It was plagued with constant hints about Kat’s backstory, one typical of class, age, etc.. With every glaring hint, I could see what was coming and the revelations weren’t terribly revelatory. Daniel, on the other hand, while it’s obvious he’s in law enforcement, or secret service, makes for a more compelling character introduction. I’m really looking forward to learning more about him in the books, hopefully, to come. Despite my quibbles, I loved Kat and Daniel’s commitment to truth, justice, and their protective sense. I loved their exchanges and occasional kisses. I also loved the wonderful characters they amassed in pursuit of Sinead’s killer, especially the mathematical genius Mr. Thanos, the cross-dressing Lady Cynthia, and Daniel’s teen-age son, James. Woven into all to this goodness is another element that would see me return to the series, despite its minor weaknesses: the food and cooking details, as narrated by Kat, are marvelous. I hope we see more of them in future volumes.

All in all, *sigh*, another series to add to my reading queue. Kat, Daniel, and the crew below and above stairs are likeable and the action scenes compelling (the resolution had a moment of cringe-worthy melodrama, sadly). If you’re a fan of this type of multi-element read, with a strong romance being one of them, this is a series for you, dear reader. With Miss Austen, Jennifer Ashley’s Death Below Stairs, is indicative of “a mind lively and at ease,” Emma.

Jennifer Ashley’s Death Below Stairs is published by Berkley Prime Crime. It was released on January 2nd and may be found in e and dead-tree at your preferred vendors. I received an e-ARC from Berkley Prime Crime, via Netgalley.

Kat Holloway works as a cook in a Victorian London home, when she stumbles upon a dead body in the larder. Kat is a great character, complicated and yet straightforward in her honesty. Daniel pops up in Lord Rankin’s Home and remains mysterious, a good guy trying to keep the Fenians from destroying the monarchy, while falling for Kat. Atmospheric, detailed with great likable characters, this is a good debut to a new mystery series.

The depiction of the life of a cook in one of London's great houses is so detailed that you really feel like you're there as Kat whips up a delicious meal or selects the choice ingredients for her next dish. In fact, the descriptions of some of those dishes made me hungry! With a focus on the common people instead of the members of the ton, this story really gives you insight into what went on every day to keep all the rich folks fed, dressed, and cleaned up after.

But all that detail doesn't take away from the very entertaining tale of murder and intrigue that Kat and Daniel have to puzzle out. With help from various characters from all levels of society, they race to find out who killed a young kitchen maid and what wider plots are in motion. Kat also has to deal with her feelings for Daniel, who is a man of mystery himself. She's a skilled cook who doesn't need a man to take care of her, but oh, wouldn't it be nice to let someone take care of her every once in a while. The two have a history from a previous case, and since this is a continuing series, I'm looking forward to how their relationship develops.

An ARC of the book was provided to me by the author.

Kat Holloway is a cook, which is a well-respected below stairs position and she feels responsible for those under her care. So, when she finds her assistant dead, murdered, she is determined to find out who killed her. To do that she calls for the assistance Daniel MacAdam. Daniel is a delivery man and man of all work…or at least that’s what people are supposed to think. Kat doesn’t quite know who or what he is, but she knows he'll help. But the mystery of her assistant’s death is more complicated and more dangerous than she imagined.

Jennifer Ashley writes one of my favourite historical romance series, so when I saw that she was digging into the historical mystery genre, I knew I had to give it a shot. I had a feeling before I started that I was going to enjoy it, and there’s nothing I love more than being proved correct. Death Below Stairs proved me correct. Ashley has presented us with an interesting mystery with a cast of very likable characters, a dash of action and a hint of romance.

Normally when I am reading something within a historical context, it will be a historical romance, which for the most part focuses on the lives of aristocrats and those with a fortune. What I liked about Death Below Stairs is that I got a completely different point of view as we see life through the eyes of a servant. Namely, through Kat from whose eyes this story was told. Kat was a great character, she was practical and intelligent with a streak of compassion and I enjoyed seeing the story unfold from her perceptive eyes.

The mystery itself wasn’t quite as interesting as the characters involved in solving it. It involved a few too many leaps of intuition for the characters to figure out the dastardly plot. However, I was genuinely interested to see what would happened and the whole thing had an element of conspiracy and danger that was exciting to read about.

This was a great start to the series and I can’t wait to read the next one and see what else life has in store for Kat. If you want a mystery with a little romance and adventure I recommend you give this a read.

A flavorful, rich Victorian murder mystery among servants

I have read a bunch of Jennifer Ashley’s Mackenzie series Victorian romances, but I had never read any of the author’s mystery books before. This is actually the second installment in this Kat Holloway series. The first installment, “A Soupcon of Poison” has recently been republished in Ashley’s mystery anthology “Past Crimes”. I did not read that one first, but sometimes during my reading of “Death Below Stairs” I wished I had. The author often vaguely refers to the events as being important in Kat's life, but it is still very possible to read “Death Below Stairs” first.

It took me a few chapters to settle in and get to know and love the heroine, but then I was very engrossed and enchanted by the book. Kat is an intelligent, practical lady who has deep compassion for others. The book is written in the third person past perspective. I found the rich descriptions of Kat’s menus and cooking process very soothing and sensory. I could smell the brioche bread rising, and my mouth watered for her sponge cake with lemon cream. I also enjoyed the colorful cast of characters both below and above stairs.

On her first day at a new job Kat's young female assistant was murdered. Kat found the body in the larder. Daniel, an enigmatic man who had helped out Kat in the past, turns up and they both try to figure out the murder in between her cooking schedule. The amiable and secretive Daniel really grew on me, and I cheered on his and Kat's slowly developing relationship. I think that the book is suitable for teens and adults.

The plot took some wonderfully unexpected turns. It is a very high quality historical mystery fiction. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes Victorian mysteries or lady investigators or to anyone who likes to read about great cooking. I think fans of Jennifer Ashley’s other series would love this one as well.

I received a free advanced reading copy from the publisher via Netgalley, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.

This book doesn't read like the first book in a series. After I did some hunting on the author's website I found out that the main characters had already been introduced in a novella. Now, I didn't mind that the two main characters already had met but I didn't like being introduced in the middle on their 'will they-won't they' romance.
However, I did like the characters themselves. Having the main character a cook was an interesting take on the historical fiction genre. The main guy himself has a nice mysterious background.
The mystery was fine even though there were times when it wasn't the center of the book.