Member Reviews
Not your average mystery novel! I was taken in from the very beginning of this book. I love how it is set in the year 1890, so it is a historical Victorian mystery. A similar time setting to the Sherlock Holmes stories.
And these Victorian characters are in a book club together! Men and women both, together. (How remarkable!) Best of all, our heroine Amy is a published author(!!) -- but she must keep her status a secret from the social world, as she writes under a pseudonym. It would be unseemly for a lady of her status to be found writing such murderous nonsense for the world to see.
When Amy's (ex) fiance is found dead -- in her own home --she must set out to discover who really killed him to clear her own name.
Content includes mentions of unwed pregnancy, and drug use. There is a splash of romantic tension in the plot, which is kept tactful and clean.
If you are a fan of 'Miss Scarlet and the Duke' on Masterpiece television, you will love this book.
This is a fun start to a new cozy mystery series. I liked the Victorian setting, and Hutton has created a character that will hopefully have staying power across the series.
I feel like I’ve been starting all my reviews like this lately but why did it take me so long to read this? I’ve had this ARC for way too long and I’ve started it a couple times but didn’t get too far into it, this time though? Flew through it in no time and then immediately went and read the next 2 books in the series. I’m thinking that it might be because I decided to give it a try on audio, and I absolutely loved it. The book itself is fantastic though and I know that I would have loved it if I had read the ARC that I was kindly gifted.
So it’s definitely the characters that made this such an excellent book for me. I absolutely loved Amy as a main character, she felt like a very accurate character for the time period but one that is still independent and demands to be respected. Sometimes characters feel like they’re modern but happen to be living in the 1800’s which always takes me out of the story a bit. The writing here is so well done though – they’re all so believable. William was also a perfect sidekick/love interest. He is just as believable to read as Amy and I absolutely adored their dynamic. They had such a lovely relationship and I loved reading about how they worked together and grew closer.
I also just loved all the side characters! I think that Margaret was my favourite but the other members of the book club and Persephone were also so much fun and added so much to the story.
The story itself was also super compelling, I loved the mystery and how it all played out! I didn’t guess who did it, but I honestly never actually guess because I’m just along for the ride so I can’t comment on whether or not it’s predictable. I really don’t care if cozies are predictable because it’s all about the vibes and the journey for me! And this one was a clear win for me.
The next two books were just as amazing! I’ve loved reading them all so much and am just really hoping that there’s more coming from this series because I adore it. Definitely a new favourite and I recommend this one so so much.
A cozy mystery that will keep readers guessing to the end. Clues to eliminate potential suspects and a little more romance would speed up the reading.
If you are a reader who likes Victorian set cozy mysteries then this is one you might like. It wasn't like as some cozies can be and felt researched well to give accurate ways a lady of the era would be seen in society. I liked it but not overly - enjoyable, solid mystery.
Kudos to Crooked Lane publishers for being such a wonderful resource for those who enjoy cozy mysteries. Here is the first of a new series. Three things initially drew me to this title; it was historical, it mentioned a book club in the title, and it takes place in Bath, England (one of my favorite places).
This is an entertaining read that tells the story of Lady Amy and at least one other character who will appear in the next books. The story; a disturbing letter that Lady Amy receives sets the stage for what happens after. There is murder, detection, interesting characters and a good story. To add to the fun, Lady Amy writes mysteries herself.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
A Cup of Holiday Fear by Ellie Alexander is the tenth in the Bakeshop Mystery series, although it is the first one that I have personally read. Many thanks to @netgalley for my eARC. As always, opinions are my own.
Plot summary: The holiday season is a busy time in Ashland, Oregon, and no one knows that better than Jules Capshaw, the owner of Torte. Her newly expanded bakeshop is one of the most popular destinations in town, and Jules and her staff are working hard as they provide an extra cup of holiday cheer to their customers. Deciding that the staff have earned a much-needed night out, Jules treats them all to a Dickens-themed holiday feast at the historic Winchester Inn. While enjoying a night of feasting and entertainment, the power goes out and the Inn is shrouded in darkness. When a woman ends up dead, Jules finds herself not only preparing for the holidays, but also solving a murder.
I really enjoyed this one! The author excelled at providing so many delightful descriptions. I loved the many festive and cozy details and would have loved to jump through the pages and visit the bakeshop and town in real life. If you are looking for a fun little holiday mystery, this is definitely a winner! I will certainly be checking out more of the books in this series. Also, there are a few yummy-sounding recipes that I would love to try. Why do cozies leave me feeling so hungry?!
Fun fact: my husband bought me this mug (I have a small collection of owl mugs) for our anniversary, not realizing that it is Christmas-themed. We both had a laugh when he presented it to me - in June! It still makes me smile every time I look at it.
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I enjoyed this mystery historical romance story with two main characters that were Lady Amy Lovell and Lord William Wethington. And also the rest of the characters too.
Lady Amy Lovell received an anonymous letter telling her about how her fiance is dabbling in something that is illegal. So she decides to break their engagement. But when her ex fiance comes back to her home wanting something she is quite surprised by this. But before she can find out what he wanted to tell her he ends up died on her study floor.
Lord William Wethington has came to Lady Amy Lovell house to lend her a book. But when he gets there he hear someone screaming and decided to go see what has happened. When he gets there he see Lady Amy Lovell standing over a body and has blood on her hands.
This was a fun mystery story that had a few laughs a long the way. It was fun trying to guess who the murder was. I was quite surprised at the end because I thought it was someone else. I enjoyed reading and also listen to this story. The narrator did a good job.
I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. I did buy that audio for this book. This is my honest unbiased opinion.
While the mystery kept me guessing and I enjoyed Lady Amy and Lord William, I would have liked this better if the book club had been far more prominent and central to the events. The setting was superbly drawn so readers who are drawn to well written settings will enjoy this a great deal.
This is an wonderful start to a series. As with most first in series the story isn’t complex since you are get the characters backstories. However it is well- written with several twists and turns. The characters are entertaining and likable. I look forward to reading more in this series.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.
I was pleasantly surprised to find Callie Hutton’s A Study in Murder is actually a mystery that takes place during Victorian times. This was such a fun mystery. I loved Amy and William. They are such a good sleuthing duo. The author did such a brilliant job at throwing out a lot of red herrings that I did not guess who the murderer was. I also got such a kick out of Amy correcting everybody when they called the murder victim her fiancé. This series is now on my must read. Thank you to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
England, Victorian, Cozy, Royal, Mystery, and Murder.... Ummm, yes please.
This book was so well written. A fabulous setting with an intriguing plot and an endearing protagonist, this book was a hit for me and I cannot wait for the next.
While paying homage to the great British mystery of novels of the past, Callie Hutton still manages a fresh take on the genre. A female mystery novelist, in a mystery book club, who is actually solving real life murders, what a smart storyline.
I recommended this book for fans of Cozy Mysteries, Books about Books, and fans of Doyle and Christie, looking for a fresh take on the genre.
I had a digital copy of this book from NetGalley; as well as the audio version. I thought the narrator did a great job.
I have been an avid reader of Callie Hutton's and love her historical romances. In this book she takes a journey into murder mystery, and what a journey it is. The storyline continues a bit of everything, intrigue, murder, plenty of suspects, danger, a bit of humor and a bit of romance. Lady Amy Lovell prefers Victorian era Bath to London, enjoys her mystery book club, doesn't wish to marry, but is engaged. By the way she also writes murder mysteries under a pseudonym. Her father pressured her into the engagement, but she is not so sure about marrying Mr. St. Vincent and breaks the engagement. Unfortunately, several days later he ends up dead in her library, a knife to the chest. Who does the police suspect, Amy, of course. And of course, the police do not seem interested in finding any other suspect. What is a good murder mystery author to do? Along with her friend, William, Viscount Wethington, they start their own investigation. What follows is a really good story. The two come up with a credible list of suspects. In the next to last chapter, I thought I had the right one, but the author very cleverly tosses in the real one at the last minute. I had to chuckle every time someone called Mr. St. Vincent her fiance to which Amy quickly responds, ex-finance! The epilogue suggests the Amy and William team will continue murder investigations. Love it!
I enjoyed reading this first book in a new cozy series. The story takes place in Bath, England in 1890. Lady Amy finds her ex-fiance dead in her library and she becomes the prime suspect. Knowing that the police are not looking for any other suspects she sets out to solve the crime herself. Assisting her is William, who was also in the house dropping off a book, her best friend and her unmarried aunt. The mystery is good and there are a lot of suspects. I was surprised by the who-did-it. The author does a wonderful job with the setting and time. There is some romance. I look for word to reading the next book. Enjoy
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. You can purchase your copy here:
https://www.amazon.com/Study-Murder-Victorian-Book-Mystery-ebook/dp/B07WJF41W9
This book starts in Bath, England way back in April 1890.
Amy is arriving late for Sunday service at St. Swithin's. Amy was not only late, but wearing two different shoes.
Despite our first impression of Amy she is in a women's rights group. At 25, she was betrothed, only at her father's insistence. Amy was ahead of her time with hopes and dreams to be more than just someone's wife or mother. Amy found unsolved murders fascinating. Things take quite the turn when Amy receives an anonymous letter and she takes matters into her own hands. Threats are made and now the drama starts.
This book is way ahead of its time, but was very enjoyable!
I love mysteries but I can be picky when it comes to tropes. I loved how this clever, cozy mystery challenged my ideas of what kind of tropes are boring to me. I enjoyed the plot twists and turns, the dynamic duo solving the crime, and the funny play on Victorian England. Highly recommend and can't wait for book two!
I received an arc from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Hi, I lost the eARC of this book so I won't be able to review this book. I hope you understand. I really wanted to read it but unfortunately my phone got formatted and I lost the copy.
I love cozy mysteries they are the best! This one is more of a historical, cozy mystery so be prepared to be thrown back in time. There is courting, marriage contracts, weekly dances, and sewing groups. I had so much fun picturing their outfits and carriages.
The author did a fantastic job of leaving little Easter eggs throughout the book leading you to believe you had figured out the killer, alas I did not figure it out until the end.
Thank you NetGalley for the DRC.
Ladies we have come a long way since A Study in Murder with a way still to go. Hard to believe the restraints that were placed on women back then. Amy a murder mystery author forced to write under a pseudonym because she was a woman struggles to find the real murderer that she is under suspicion of. Amity's exfiance is found dead in her home. I loved the way Callie kept us guessing on whodunnit and why. You won't believe
A good whodunit, but it didn't hold my interest very well. I think it was mostly the language they spoke that bored me. I was however surprised about the killer.