Kat Holloway is one of my favorite protagonists in historical mysteries. She has a successful job as a cook in a nice house, takes care of her daughter the best she can, and has a budding romance with the charming Daniel. She is thrown for a loop when her supposed husband's real/first wife shows up to ask for her help. It's not a very nice ask, but Kat reluctantly agrees to help. There is a question about whether their shared husband actually died an accidental death, and whether he knew about a large amount of stolen money.

Kat finds herself in many precarious situations, but still feels a need for justice. I enjoyed the mystery and love the slow burn romance with the Daniel; I can't wait for more!

Kat and Daniel both have hidden backstories. As they try to solve years old murder much of their past comes up. Plenty of tension, lots of action and great secondary characters.

The Secret of Bow lane was by far the best book in the Kat Holloway mystery series. In this novel Jennifer Ashley dives deep into Kat's past. We are given more details about her childhood and her disastrous marriage, as the mystery in this novel revolves around the death of her so-called husband.

In this book we also receive more information about Daniel's past and the work he now does for Mr. Monaghan. The reason Daniel is indebted to the man is finally revealed, as well as his determination give up his service.

More exciting than the individual character development we see, is the development between Daniel and Kat's relationship. Until now there has been a deep friendship with a great deal of underlying sexual tension; both characters wanting more from each other but both too scared to admit their feelings. Finally though, this novel brings both their feelings for each other to the surface. Intentions are made known and we readers are breathing a sigh of relief.

The one disappointing factor of this book was that we did not see any development in the relationship between Lady Cynthia and Mr. Thanos. While I know this book was meant to focus on Kat and Daniel (and did so remarkably well) I would have like a little taste of where things could be heading with Cynthia and Thanos.

All in all, Jennifer Ashley does an incredible job weaving the threads of her characters pasts and present. I highly recommend this series to all fans of Victorian Era mysteries. I can't wait too see what her next novel has in store for us.

I’ve so enjoyed being in Kat Holloway’s upstairs/downstairs world these last few years. The mysteries, the colorful characters, even the cooking; all woven about in a pleasing manner. This time, Kat has been approached by her late husband’s first wife; wanting Kat to help her find money Joe supposedly had, and promising her a cut. The adventure takes Kat all around Bow Lane and the dockyards, and she’s digging up more about Joe than she bargained for.

A good deal more of Kat’s past is uncovered, as is that of the mysterious Daniel McAdams, her longtime ‘friend’. Regular readers of the series will be happy to find their friendship (finally!!) deepening. The way the book ends, there is a possibility that the series is near to the finish. Kat is weary of the life she leads as master cook to the finer houses in London, and she wants more out of life. As of the end of this book, it looks like she’ll soon get her way. I’m hoping that the author will find a way to incorporate Kat and Daniel’s changed circumstances and still continue the mysteries of the books.

I had a hard time getting into this book. I blame that Kit through me through a loop by denying Daniel that they were more than friends. Kit, you kiss him. You don’t do that with friends. I applaud Daniel for not being upset that long because I questioned my own memory of their relationship in the last books.

The mystery itself is about Kit’s dead polygamist husband. The mystery is in the background, but it was nice to see how many people came together to help Kit discover what happened to her dead husband.

I’m curious to read the future developments for Kit. Will she quit? Will she have that cafe for Grace and her? Will she marry Daniel?

This review is based on an advanced reader copy provided through Netgalley for an honest review.

Readers will enjoy the continued development of Kat's mysterious backstory, and a mystery that is closer to home for the protagonists than usual.

This is my favorite book in the Kat Holloway series so far. We finally get more detail on Kat's life before she became the person we know today, and some more information about Daniel's past as well. Of all the mysteries these two have tackled together, this feels the most personal and moves the characters forward the most.

Another delightful entry in the Below Stairs series. I loved how this book really built on the characters' relationships with each other and the back stories of the main characters. The mystery seemed besides the point at times but dedicated series readers are well rewarded with character details, moments and an ending the promises so much more for the future. As always the period food details, the meals and life below stairs is brought vividly to life and inspires readers' taste buds. I do wish that recipes were included in the back.

The Secret of Bow Lane is a gentle historical mystery that lovers of cozy mysteries will enjoy. I certainly did.

I believe this the the 6th book in the series. Reading the earlier books will enhance the enjoyment of the story, but it’s not necessary to understanding the plot. It is also gentle enough to disengage from when the responsibilities of real life beckon.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
#TheSecretofBowLane #NetGalley

I have been hooked on the Mrs. Holloway mysteries since Death Below Stairs, book one, of the Below Stairs mystery series. She has a mysterious past and is a fine match to Daniel McAdam a man of many talents. The latest book in the series, book six, explains their back stories. I highly recommend reading the other books in the series first so you don't spoil anything.

After solving a couple of cases that involved the house or staff members on Mount street, where Mrs Holloway works as a cook, her reputation as a smart and resourceful woman is made. One day she is accosted on the street outside her employers home by a woman from her deceased husband's past. This woman claims that her husband did not die as reported. In fact he dies a few weeks later and in London not during the sinking of his ship. The woman also claims that "Joe" had money. Bags of money. She requests Mrs. Holloway's help in finding the money and the man who killed Joe. Is it possible for a cook to solve a crime twelve years old? Where would Joe a lowly sailor get that kind of money? Asking for help will also mean Kat Holloway has to reveal her past to the man she cares about.


Another smashing mystery in the series. I am hoping book seven will be following soon. I look forward to Kat and Daniel McAdam getting a Happily Ever After of their own.

I’m always excited when a new Kat Holloway mystery comes out and I get to spend more time in Victorian London with Kat, Daniel, and the whole cast of amazing side characters who I have come to love. I think this new book will especially appeal to fans since the mystery involves solving the murder of Kat’s former husband, Joe Bristow, who was legally married to another woman when they said their vows. Because of his crime, Kat and her daughter were left with nothing. But now, Joe’s wife Charlotte has approached Kat because she believes Joe had money hidden away when he died and she wants Kat to find it, promising her a cut of the profit if she does. Instead of investigating someone else’s world, Kat returns to her old neighborhood to investigate her past. We get to learn more about her and where she came from; because the mystery is personal the emotional impact is higher as she discovers more about her dead husband’s past. There is also more drama on the romance side with Daniel McAdams, making this a novel more focused on the main character than the typical mystery plot demands. If you’ve taken a break from the series, this would be a great book to get back in with.

Kat Holloway is back and this time the mystery involves her past. The widow of her long-dead husband (who forgot to tell Kat he was already married when they wed has come to tell her that he apparently came into some wealth just before he died. Unfortunately, she doesn't know how or what it was that was in his possession. He's been dead 12 years so this is quite the trail to follow.
The Secret of Bow Lane really pulls together past characters who help Kat along the way as she sets out to find if what Charlotte said is true. She's promised some money for her troubles which she could use for her daughter. I really liked how Kat navigates her old street, Bow Lane, where she grew up, and how she shares it now with her daughter. This book takes place mostly outside of the kitchen and has little to do with the aristocracy. I hope there is more to come in this series as I look forward to future developments.