Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the complimentary ARC. All opinions provided are my own.

Part of me is so intrigued by what Kerrigan Byrne is doing with the Fiona Mahoney series.

I stan her portrayal of the heroine, who’s a working-class woman who’s made a name & a life for herself as a postmortem sanitation specialist. She longs for revenge & enjoys the thrill of the chase (the person she’s chasing happening to be Jack the Ripper).

Yay for a bold and determined heroine with an unconventional job & for Byrne’s empathetic & also, I think, nuanced portrayal of the prostitutes (& prostitution in general) that Fiona tries to help in this book.

The other part of me thinks that with book 2, A Treacherous Trade, this series is veering into romance directions I’m not entirely loving. I don’t want to spoil anything but the dynamic set-up isn’t entirely working for me romance-wise—not to mention the male fascination with Fiona’s virginity. I’m hoping more direction & clarity comes with book 3 as 2 ends on a cliffhanger.

The mystery is well-done & the characters are interesting but I’m cautious regarding the romance arc. I’ll have to see how things pan out in the next book!

3.5 ⭐️. Release date: 03/08.


CWs: murder; violence; references to necrophilia and threat of necrophilia; attempted sexual assault.


[ID: the ebook rests on an open hardback. To the upper left are a mason jar with yellow daffodils & a bright green plant in a terra cotta pot.]

3.5 stars

To have a woman struggling to break out of chains placed upon her within the very thrilling, paradoxical time period of Victorian England is frankly, a hell of a story to tell, because the possibilities are endless. Or at least, it's Fiona Mahoney's fight here, who somehow places herself in the crosshairs of very dangerous people as she for some inexplicable reason, goes on a self-righteous quest to chase justice for murdered sex workers. Jack the Ripper hence, is the man she's got in her sights, just as the legendary killer has her in his

That Byrne puts this smack dab in the middle of the Ripper murders makes the series a rich fantasy-weaving ground for throwing speculations, red-herrings and suppositions at the unsolved murders during this chaotic time. And undoubtedly, I was fascinated.

But it is slow-going, given that there is a constant tendency towards purple-prose-type dialogues, introspective musings, self-questioning and reasoning rather than actual action itself. There's also something incredibly obsessive about Fiona as she finds herself constantly out of her depth, then (quite stupidly) placing herself in situations where she shrugs off danger in search for 'truth' in her naïveté while trying to keep her own head above water. In short, TSTL in our modern day terms, especially during the times when she really needed to step back rather than take on things larger than herself.

Those who are looking for a romance would be disappointed that there're just some ripples in the water, with 3 questionable men sniffing around Fiona's seemingly preserved virginity as she conducts her business among the 'sullied' women. I'm not entirely sure where this is really leading as well, but if you enjoy the murky and hypocritical vagaries of Victorian morality and sexuality, this is a book that resonates with it as the characters do talk themselves in and out and around sex and what it should or should not be.

Quite a bit of history trails behind 'A Treacherous Trade'; reading what happens in the first book is essential to understanding the sequel as there's a lot going on at every point in time, and Byrne shows no sign of getting these pesky hanging threads to converge just yet.

This turned out a middling kind of read as the storytelling sagged a little in the middle, before the conclusion came like a rush in the last chapter without a consistent and an upward build-up. Still, it's a series I'm hoping to see to the end, with my fingers crossed.

I did enjoy this but like the first one, it starts off pretty slow. The mystery in this is really good and you really don't know (or in my case figure out) who the killer is until the end. Of course I do like the splashes of romance in this and hopefully this series will end with Fiona being happy.

A Treacherous Trade by Kerrigan Byrne is the 2nd book in the Fiona Mahoney Mystery series. It follows the life of Fiona, a Sanitation Specialist, who cleans up grizzly crime scenes. She is a woman of contradictions. Soft and hard. Innocent and informed. Delicate and strong. Careful and brave. Like a fox, Fiona is not just lovely, but clever mysterious and nearly impossible to capture. Fiona is obsessed with solving the crimes of Jack the Ripper. This obsession leads her to become acquainted with the seediest parts of town and mingling with the most dangerous of men in an attempt to catch the killer while also finding justice for the overlooked bawdy women of London. Kerrigan Byrne is the most talented author I have ever read! It’s not just the multifaceted characters, the intriguing plot lines or the vivid settings that she creates, but it’s her artistry with the English language that captivates me in each of her tales. I look forward to the next in the series.

I received a copy of this title from the publisher; all opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are my own. A Treacherous Trade picks up several months after the events of the first book and finds Fiona about to make a confession to Inspector Croft but is prevented from doing so when her reason for appearing at the inspector's house is mixed up. She quickly finds herself involved in the appearant murder of two prostitutes at a house run by a friend of Croft's sister.

The mystery surrounding the murders is nicely done and I devoured this book. I love the characters so much and to get more glimpses into them is a real treat, especially Artemis Night Horse and Jorah. I hope we see more of them in future titles. I appreciate the grittier view of London and the details about what conditions women faced during this period. I'm extremely interested to see how the thread related to Jack the Ripper plays out in future titles. I cannot wait for the next title in this series.

I am so hooked on this series!! The characters are just so engaging and interesting. The action is exciting, just as I expect from Kerrigan Byrne. The first book seemed more about the mystery, while this one had quite a bit about Fiona dealing with events from the first book, and I loved it. The characters are so good to me that I don’t care what they’re doing - I just want to read about them doing it. The banter is funny, the emotional exchanges are deep…I just love Kerrigan’s writing.

The Fiona Mahoney series is now a must read. This story picks up after a period of mourning following the events in The Business of Blood, Fiona has not been able to work through her grief when she gets involved in another prostitute's murder. Are other recent death's connected and is Jack involved? The fine line she must walk between staying respectable and doing what she must for justice is once again a major plot point. As is trying to stay alive while searching for a murderer. Inspector Croft and his sister play a big part in this story and hopefully will continue to be.

I look forward to Fiona's next book and thank #NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of #ATreacherousTrade.

A Treacherous Trade was an awesome read with edge of the seat moments but it didn’t quite live up to the first book. It was enjoyable don’t get me wrong and I am looking forward to the next book in the series but it was missing something. That said I do recommend it. Those who love mystery, betrayal, love triangles mixed with history and other things will definitely enjoy it.

A Treacherous Trade is book 2 in Kerrigan Byrne’s Fiona Mahoney Mystery series. I read the first book, The Business of Blood, right before jumping into the arc of book 2 and this book picks up right where book 1 left off. This series centers around Jack the Ripper, the heroine’s best friend was his canonized last victim. And Fiona has been trying to track down the murderer/get justice for her friend ever since. This story takes place in 1890, so 2 years past the Ripper’s known last crime and other murders are happening…could it be the Ripper again, or someone new? Fiona is Irish, working in London as a Post-Mortem Sanitation Specialist (aka crime scene clean-up crew), and the book has a very cat-and-mouse mystery vibe to it. Book 1 was more heavy on the gore, this book takes a break from that as Fiona goes undercover at a brothel to try and figure out what has happened to a couple working-ladies who show up dead.

Kerrigan Byrne is one of my favorite historical romance authors, and I knew going into this read that this one was going to be different…it’s a mystery-suspense and does not feature a romance (at least not in these first 2 books, I’m not sure what the series will eventually bring). So I was prepared for it to read differently than the 3 series I’ve read from her before, but I still did have a hard time with this series. They are shorter reads but did take me quite a while to get into the story both times. I do still feel like there are a lot of characters and no one has been well-developed enough for me to fully understand or appreciate them. Maybe a personal thing as well, but I don’t always like having real-life historical figures as characters in fictional reads, so having Oscar Wilde in this series I just haven’t feel like was needed. Fiona’s character has a very “not like other girls” vibe where just every person she meets is into her and how different she is and obsessed with her virginity. And from what time we’ve had with her character, I just don’t get it or feel pulled to her. I also just wasn’t surprised by the mystery aspect of the murders and am not sure if this is a series I’m going to want to continue with.

That said, I do like Fiona’s Aunt Nola and think she would make an interesting main character as she continually seems to have everything figured out. 😅 I think this series would be great for someone wanting mystery, who enjoys Jack the Ripper stories, or who likes the television show Miss Scarlet and the Duke (Victorian era heroine detective).

Thank you to the publisher, Oliver Heber Books, and Xpresso Book Tours for an e-ARC via NetGalley. All thoughts in this honest review are my own. A Treacherous Trade has a publish date of March 8, 2022.

received a review copy.

This is the second book in a series and will not make sense without the information in book one.
I loved that this book did not dive fully into romance. It’s a mystery with romance elements. For me , this book drug through the first half. It did pick up but was a tougher read overall than book one.

This book builds on everything that I loved about the first. Fiona is an admirable heroine. A woman who is aware of her shortcomings (perceived and otherwise) and unashamed of who she is. We get a deeper dive into her connections with Croft, Aramis, and Jorah. I devoured this book. It had equal parts mystery, unconventional romance, and smart humor. It was a fun book to read which might be an odd compliment given the subject matter. I need the next book before this has even released.

This is a well written mystery book that keeps you guessing until the truth is finally told. A little upset by the cliffhanger at the end and assume it will be revealed in another book. The characters are well developed, the beginning a little confusing, but as the book progresses, it grabs you and doesn’t let you go. The heroine is real in her feelings and trauma that happens to her. Cannot really say there was a true hero, though I would have liked to see the enemies to lovers been resolved, thus the cliffhanger. All in all a very good read.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I read the first book in the series and thoroughly enjoyed it and have looked forward to this book the second in the series. Fiona has been grieving the loss of the love of her life and that is where the story picks up. I would recommend reading the first book before reading this book. The mystery of who is killing prostitutes has Fiona disguising herself as a prostitute and helping to solve the mystery even though she remains a virgin. Several men desire her but there is very little romance in the book. The first part of the book was a bit of history of the previous story, and I thought it was a bit slow. The middle of the book showcases each of the male leads and interactions with Fiona and I enjoyed that. The ending solves the murders. I rate it 3.5

A Treacherous Trade is the second book in The Fiona Mahoney Mysteries. (Note: Not a standalone novel). Highly recommend reading the first book.

The series takes place in 1890 London after the Jack the Ripper murders. Fiona Mahoney is at the heart of these series. Her job is to clean up crime scenes, and her path always seems to cross with inspector Grayson Croft. The story opens with another murdered prostitute and Fiona arriving at the scene. to "clean up". It is a gruesome mess and Fiona is right at the center of it all, asking questions of her own. Croft notices this, and try as he might, cannot seem to prevent Fiona's investigative involvement, or her presence.

Fiona and Grayson are like water and oil. They bicker, fight, and can never agree on anything. As the series moves along, they seem to have a bit of an understanding about each other. Will it lead to more?

Bits and peaces of Fiona's past is revealed, and I cannot wait for the final installment to learn more!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review of this book.

Fiona Mahoney takes time off from her Post Mortem Sanitation duties. She reluctantly agrees to investigate two prostitutes’ dubious deaths, when the authorities refuse to do so. Fiona knows the case lacks any of Jack the Ripper’s usual trademarks. As her investigation takes a darker turn, she feels torn between three men’s interest. Which man will Fiona choose? And will this case help her become closer to revealing Jack the Ripper’s identity?
Fiona has come quite a long way since the first book. However, she is not done growing. Fiona has endured an emotional setback, and she is trying valiantly to move past it. I like that she is growing aware of Night Horse, the Hammer, and Croft’s interests in her. She understands the pros and cons with each man.
Can I say I am Team Croft? I am happy that Inspector Grayson Croft plays a prominent role in this book. He is my favorite among Fiona’s possible love interests. I cannot resist Croft’s gruff and rough-around-the-corners demeanor. He means well, but he has a rough way of showing it. There are lines that he refuses to cross, no matter what. I like how Croft is starting to show his interest in Fiona. Yes, I am aware the two will face many problems, but I feel he would be a better fit for her.
A TREACHEROUS TRADE is book two in Kerrigan Byrne’s Victorian-mystery series, THE FIONA MAHONEY MYSTERIES. I feel these in-between cases are necessary for Fiona to grow sharper and stronger. They are preparing her to go head-to-head with Jack the Ripper.

This second book is even better than the first, mainly because it shows us other aspects of Fiona and especially of the Hammer and Aramis. Croft remains a bit in the background and maybe it's better that way, because I find him the least interesting and mostly two-dimensional of all the "suitors". This confirms itself in my eyes as a series worth reading and now I just have to arm myself with patience and wait for the third book, also because this second volume ended with a cliffhanger...

Questo secondo libro é anche migliore del primo, soprattutto perché ci mostra altri aspetti di Fiona e soprattutto di The Hammer ed Aramis. Croft rimane un po' sullo sfondo e forse é anche meglio cosí, perché lo trovo tra tutti gli "spasimanti" quello meno interessante e piú bidimensionale. Questa si conferma quindi ai miei occhi come una serie che vale la pena leggere e ora devo solo armarmi di pazienza ed aspettare il terzo libro, anche perché questo secondo volume é terminato con un cliffhanger niente male...

I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.

This is the second in a series set in 1890 London after the Jack the Ripper murders. While I always prefer to read a mystery series in order, I had hoped it would be easy to jump into this series, but page one makes it clear that you need to read the first book. The story even begins in the middle of a conversation that ended the last book.

After a rocky introduction to the characters, the story picks up. Fiona’s childhood friend was one of the Ripper’s victims and she now makes her living cleaning up murder scenes, sometimes as a business arrangement with the criminal behind it. She has a connection to the Ripper that was established in the first book and she helped Inspector Grayson Croft in stop a copycat killer.

Here she’s drawn into another killing by helping Croft’s former prostitute sister Amelia find out who has killed two upscale prostitutes. Fiona’s drive drew me in, and her haunting past pushes her to speak for prostitutes and to seek the Ripper, who is apparently still watching her. She’s a fascinating character who is filled with secrets about herself and the people around her.

There’s a strange subtext around sex and Fiona’s virginity that felt out of place, but maybe that was established in the first book.

The mystery itself seemed second place for me, with more time spent with Fiona interacting with men from the first book rather than actively solving this crime. There are heavy themes about the subjugation of women, sex, and power, and coarse language to go along with it. To fully appreciate Fiona’s motivations and character arc, it’s necessary to read the first book. Fans of the first will probably like this one and be eager to find out what Fiona decided when the third book ultimately comes out.

This is the second book in the series, however I have not read the first, yet. The Book works as a stand alone, but I still wish I had read, and enjoyed, the first so I could understand the relationships between Fiona and the men in her life.

A Treacherous Trade is an excellently written, engrossing and enjoyable dark mystery that has an incredible heroine you can't help but admire. I can't wait to see what Fiona gets up to next! 4-1/2 stars

Thank you to Oliver Heber Books and NetGalley for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.