Full review to be published online in mid August.

MURDER IN EAST END is another good entry in a very interesting series that I'm intrigued by, and not sure why. It's mysteries to be solved, it has that going for it; but it's historical and really not a whole lot happens. Still, I enjoy it. The stories are well written, the characters are fun and grow on the reader, the Victorian era well represented, and Kat is just so darn plucky. I even enjoy reading about the Victorian dishes being made up by our heroine the head cook in a posh household. The Victorian setting this time took a bit of a dark turn, more into the seamy side of this era and the characters than in previous books.

Oh, and another layer is pulled back in the enigma that is Daniel. Still not sure exactly what he does, other than investigate crimes. Also, his relationship (and intentions) towards Kat inched forward. Their relationship has finally made it past the tentative stage, starting to show some substance. The best part of this book is this is the first book I've read in months that I read without doing at least a little skimming.

Another Kat Holloway historical mystery! Historical mysteries are some of my favorites, and this Victorian series featuring Kat Holloway is fun (and if you are interested in cooking, there is extra spice in the below stairs efforts to keep the upstairs fed).

Daniel McAdams seeks Kat's help in finding some children missing from the Foundling Hospital. A new character is introduced--Daniel's foster brother, a man who escaped the streets when a wealthy man takes him in and provides him with an education at Oxford. Daniel is distrustful, but agrees to help him. Kat, as usual, observes and withholds her opinion until she knows more.

The always eccentric and likable Cynthia and her friends also provide aid for Kat as she attempts to discover what has happened to the missing children.

One of the pleasures of this series is the way Ashley develops and uses her secondary characters and there are several in this latest book. A little more about Daniel's past, his ability as a chameleon who can adapt to whichever level of society is required, and the reasons for his secrets. I can't wait for the next one!

Read in May. Blog review scheduled for July 13.

NetGalley/Berkley Publishing
Historical Mystery. Aug. 4, 2020. Print length: 320 pages.