Enjoyed this one very much, another great cozy suspense from author Anastasia Hastings. Never disappoints, highly recommend!

Another fun historical cozy mystery by Anastasia Hastings. I have read many books by this author under other names but this one is the most unique. I enjoyed this well-planned mystery and never guessed "whodunnit"! I can't wait to read more books in this series.

Hastings' writing is easy to dive into and no there is no extravagance in her writing-it is concise and immersive. The mystery was equally as compelling (although maybe not the hardest case to solve). I would say this could be considered a cozy historical mystery with a romantic subplot.

I adore Violet and she is just as compelling and interesting in the second book in this series. While Violet has a stoic strength to her, she is equally as soft and compassionate.

Lastly, I have to add that I loved the character development when it came to learning more about the secondary characters who serve as Violet's found family. You can jump in at this book if you wish, but I would highly recommend reading the first book as I found it to be perfection!

Thank you to the publisher via NetGalley for the opportunity to respond to this book with my honest opinions.

if your into historical feels then this mystery will check a lot of boxes for you. For me it was a miss but I know this author has put out a bunch of books in this series . So if your a tried and true you will adore this content.

Being a new reader to this author it doesn’t have what I’m looking for. But i’m a big fantasy cozy mystery reader.

A cute sequel to the story, and a fun English mystery. Will be a favorite of anyone who liked Enola Holmes!

Please note: This review was drafted on June 19, 2024 but was held back from being posted in solidarity with the ongoing SMP boycott calling for action and accountability in regards to systemic racism at St. Martin's Press.

After the events of OF MANNERS AND MURDER, Violet and Sephora are bored out of their minds. While they don’t wish harm to anyone, they do miss the rush of playing detective and solving a homicide. But when a new Miss Hermione letter that arrives in the mail for Violet leads to the discovery that Sephora’s dearest friend Margaret has gotten caught up in a cult, Violet is on the case. She sets off for the compound to try to convince Margaret to return home, only to find herself in the midst of yet another murder mystery.

A cozy mystery at its core, this story has high stakes that somehow still didn’t inspire anxiety in my very anxiety-prone brain. Just as with the first book in the series, I was unable to figure out where the story would end which is one of my favorite parts of a mystery.

Where the story kind of fell flat for me was the main characters—Violet and Sephora. They felt like they continued to be the same people they were in book one with very little growth or change and I didn’t find myself really caring about them as much as I would want with main characters. However, I really adored some of the side characters like Eli and Bunty, even with their minimal page time. In the brief time they are present, they made more of an impact to my feelings (in a positive way!) than I felt either Violet or Sephora did.

Overall though, it was a fun romp in Victorian England filled with mystery and a bit of romance. Hastings's writing is intriguing enough to keep me coming back for more and I look forward to seeing what the rest of the series has in store for Violet, Sephora, Bunty, and Eli.

Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher for free and have voluntarily written this review.

Travel back to 1885 England in this second Dear Miss Hermione Mystery as Violet Manville (the pen behind the Dear Miss Hermione column) goes undercover in a cult to rescue the runaway daughter of a distraught mother who’s written Miss Hermione seeking advice. Shortly after her arrival at Alburn Abbey a man is murdered and the young girl she has come to rescue is accused of his murder. The characters of Violet, Bunty and Sephora are well developed, unique and entertaining. Sephora is blossoming and showing that she isn’t as flighty and shallow as everyone has believed. There is more to her than just a pretty face. Eli Marsh, Violet’s potential love interest, adds an aura of mystery. (We need more of the entertaining interactions between Violet and Eli!) This is a very enjoyable historical cozy mystery series!

Of Hoaxes and Homicide is the second historical cozy featuring agony aunt Miss Hermione written by Anastasia Hastings. Released 30th Jan 2024 by Macmillan on their St. Martin's Press imprint, it's 304 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

This is a diverting, pleasantly written, eminently readable cozy set in Victorian era England. Half sisters Violet and Sephora, along with their redoubtable housekeeper Bunty are once again drawn into danger investigating a religious cult into which their friend has been drawn. A poisoning ups the stakes and puts them in direct danger.

The author, who is quite versatile (she also writes series in half a dozen genres under 10 pseudonyms), sends up the Victorian era in this series. It's very well put together, but it never takes itself too seriously and the characters are rendered deftly and with humor.

The mystery and denouement are self-contained in this volume, so it works well as a standalone. There are small spoilers for the debut book in the series if read out of order, however.

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 9 hours 57 minute and is capably read by Mia Hutchinson-Shaw. She has a very young sounding voice which complements the vibe of the book. She does a good job delineating the various characters and keeps them distinct. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read.

Four stars. A fun romp. It would be a good choice for public library acquisition, home reading, or a short binge/buddy read as a series.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

This was a fun cozy mystery. It started off a bit rocky, in dialogue and prose, and the name Sephora really was hard to separate from modern connotations, but overall I thought it was an enjoyable read. I liked that we got to explore the relationship between the characters as well as the mystery aspect.

Of Hoaxes and Homicide takes Violet who answers Victorian agony letters for the paper as Hermione and her sister Sephora into the heart of a cult where young ladies have fled their families and are being used to get their money. One member of the cult dies of poisoning and their client's daughter is accused of the murder. What could go wrong when members are not who they seem, the drinks are drugged and the stakes are high?

I really liked the first book but for some reason I just couldn't get into this one the first time I tried it back in January. So I put it down and then when I seen the audiobook had come out I put it on hold and finally got around to reading it that way. Once I got over that hump that I just found boring it did pick up some but just wasn't as engaging as the first book. I think I just wasn't into the cult thing.
I really like Violet and I liked her sister a bit more in this one once we got past the whining at the beginning. She actually turned out to be a good help.
3.5 stars

A Twofold Mystery: A Review of Of Hoaxes and Homicide

Anastasia Hastings's "Of Hoaxes and Homicide" delivers a delightful second installment in the "Dear Miss Hermione" series. Stepping confidently into Victorian England, the novel weaves together two captivating mysteries: the public fascination with a potentially dangerous cult and a personal plea for help from a young woman trapped within its grasp.

**Strengths**

* **Dual Threats:** The book cleverly balances the intrigue of the sensationalized cult, the Hermetic Order of the Children of Aed, with the emotional weight of rescuing a vulnerable individual. This keeps the reader guessing and invested in the outcome.
* **Vivid Setting:** Hastings paints a vivid picture of 1880s London, capturing both the social constraints and the burgeoning women's rights movement that shapes the lives of our heroines.
* **Compelling Characters:** The bond between the two sisters, Violet and Sephora, is a highlight. Their contrasting personalities and their growth throughout the narrative add depth to the story.

**Considerations**

* **Series Entry Point:** While the author provides enough background for newcomers, those familiar with the first book, "Of Manners and Murder," might gain a deeper appreciation for the characters' established dynamics.
* **Balancing Act:** Some readers might find the whimsical tone at odds with the seriousness of the cult's potential harm. However, Hastings manages this balance well for the most part.

**Overall**

"Of Hoaxes and Homicide" is a charming historical mystery with a thrilling whodunit and a dash of social commentary. It's a perfect read for fans of cozy mysteries with a touch of suspense and a strong female cast.

Violet and Sephora are in a better place in their relationship, though Violet continues to keep her role as Miss Hermione secret, knowing it would hurt Sephora if she discovered she was writing to her older, staid and colourless sister (Sephora's assessment, not mine).

When Miss Hermione receives a letter about a daughter who has joined an odd group, Violet decides this is the situation she'll investigate, particularly as the daughter is Sephora's friend Margaret.

Reluctantly taking Sephora with her to the group's gathering in a London park, Violet discovers that Margaret is involved with a cult called the Hermetic Order of the Children of Aed. Violet is not impressed by the look of the group, nor some of their ideas, but decides she's following the group to Nottingham, where she pretends to be contemplating joining. She meets the charismatic leader, known as Master, and his right hand Celestia, a woman who seems to convey a sense of menace, even while calmly pouring tea and welcoming people.

Despite agreeing with a few of the ideas, Violet also feels a distaste for some of the dictates of the cult, and thinks one might have led to a murder, of which Margaret stands accused, and which occurs shortly after her arrival. To Violet's surprise, during her digging into the cult's members and activities, she runs into Eli Marsh, the American detective she met during her first investigation, and whom she is attracted to.

This was a fun entry in this series. Violet remains a keen observer, and not easily duped by the trappings of the cult. She does make some mistakes, landing her in some trouble, but I knew Violet would eventually find the murderer (who wasn't hard to figure out). But what was particularly nice about this book was both sisters working together for a change, with Sephora proving she's not just a silly young person. I think there's hope for Sephora to grow some real sense. And, we also get a much better understanding of who Bunty is and it was great!

This was a fun story, and I look forward to another entry in this series.

Thank you to Netgalley and to St. Martin's Press for this ARC in exchange for my review.

"Of Hoaxes and Homicide" by Anastasia Hastings immerses readers in a captivating world where the best-loved Agony Aunt in Britain, Miss Hermione, embarks on a thrilling investigation. Sensible Violet Manville and her refined half-sister Sephora find themselves longing for the excitement of detective work, leading them to uncover a web of mystery surrounding a cult, human sacrifices, and a ghostly presence at Alburn Abbey. As the plot unfolds, unexpected connections to the cult surface, and the arrival of the mysterious Eli Marsh adds an extra layer of intrigue.

Violet Manville and Sephora may be polar opposites in terms of personality and demeanor, but their differences ultimately prove to be complementary as they join forces to solve the mystery at hand. While Violet exudes intelligence, strength, and resourcefulness, Sephora brings elegance, charm, and a unique perspective to the table. Their evolving relationship is marked by moments of tension, understanding, and mutual respect, culminating in a partnership that showcases the power of unity in the face of adversity. As they navigate the complexities of the case together, Violet and Sephora discover that their bond runs deeper than they initially realized, highlighting the importance of familial connection and solidarity in unraveling the truth.

In "Of Hoaxes and Homicide," readers witness a significant shift in the dynamic between Violet Manville and Eli Marsh, as their relationship evolves from tension to a deeper understanding. The lingering sparks and unresolved feelings from the first book pave the way for a more profound exploration of their connection in the second installment. As they navigate the intricacies of the unfolding mystery, Violet and Eli find themselves drawn closer to each other, allowing readers to delve into the complexities of their emotions and the challenges they face in reconciling their past encounters with their present circumstances. Their journey towards mutual understanding and trust adds a layer of depth to the narrative, offering a compelling portrayal of romance amidst the backdrop of suspense and intrigue.

"Of Hoaxes and Homicide" by Anastasia Hastings masterfully intertwines elements of mystery, intrigue, and romance, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end. The dynamic relationship between Violet Manville and her sister Sephora, as well as the evolving connection between Violet and Eli Marsh, adds depth and richness to the story, offering a captivating blend of familial bonds and romantic tension. With its seamless integration of character development and an enthralling plot, this novel is a must-read for those who appreciate a captivating mix of genres. Anastasia Hastings skillfully crafts a world where the thrill of detective work converges with the complexities of human emotions, resulting in a truly immersive reading experience.

This second book in the series split character time between the two sisters Violet and Sephora. While Violet is still secretly penning an advice column, she also has been led to a cult situation that happens to include a good friend of her sister. While trying to help this friend leave the cult, Violet continually faces danger, as she does not know who she can trust. Meanwhile, Sephora, decides to also help solve the mystery of what is happening at the cult and to do everything she can to protect her older sister.

The storyline gets a little convoluted as the two sisters independently try to determine just who the bad guy really is. Along the way though, each sister finds her own inner strength, discovering more about themselves than they anticipated, as well as also seeing the other sister in a new light. The story moved at a relatively quick pace, and I think readers who enjoyed the first book in this series will be happy to see further developments in this second book, both in their characters as well as with romantic prospects.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and have written an objective review.

In this historical mystery novel, sisters Violet and Sephora find themselves involved with a cult as they try to rescue a friend from a false accusation of murder. While the Children of Aed profess to be earth and nature loving, their leaders also bilk followers out of expensive possessions. When a member of the cult uncovers their schemes, he dies of poisoning and his intended fiance is accused of his murder. As Sephora and Violet infiltrate the group undercover as Seekers,they also end up in the middle of a dangerous game of magical tricks as well as an inheritance scheme.

While this is part of a series, the story can be read as a standalone. Readers who enjoy novels with a little gothic intrigue and featuring plucky independent women will find this novel to be a welcome addition to their reading repertoire.

I received this novel from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

I liked this one more than the first! I found the second book to be easier to follow and the story was great! I thought it was hilarious and horrifying at the same time. Odd combo I know but regardless I couldn’t put it down! I feel like you don’t even need to read the first one to get this one. The characters felt stronger too. Overall an enjoyable read.

It's taken me a while to review this book - I was delighted to receive an ARC on NetGalley, then realized it was book 2! So I bought book 1 and sat down to read. I've read a lot of mysteries, which is my favorite genre, and I don't consistently figure out who the murderer is, but I did in both books in the series. There were multiple occasions when the lead characters made inexplicable choices that led them into danger, and I found myself frequently rolling my eyes as the story progressed.

The character of Violet is promising, and I was glad to see SOME character development - the sister, Sephora, is utterly unlikeable, and the fact that the story alternated to her POV was detrimental to my enjoyment of this book.

I'm unsure if I'll seek out book 3, as I'm assuming the series will continue.

A charming historical mystery based on the premise of a Victorian woman who answers questions sent to an advice column is drawn into mysteries. Violet, a down-to-earth woman, is bored with answering etiquette questions but is intrigued by a request from a mother whose daughter has joined a cult. In the course of investigating, a body is found and the daughter is accused of the crime. Violet is joined by her half-sister, Sephora, and their housekeeper Bunty in an attempt to solve the homicide and clear the young woman's name. Of course, things are complicated by Eli Marsh, an American who seems always in the middle of the events the women are drawn into.

I really like the characters. There is a bit of push-pull romance between Violet and Eli which is enjoyable. I like how Violet who is so sure her sister is completely wrapped up in the Season, fashion and the social scene discovers her sister is more drawn to investigation than Violet thought an is pretty good at it too. Bunty reminds me a little bit of Bunter from the Lord Peter Wimsey mysteries. Though I guessed who the culprit was pretty early in the book, there were plenty of twists to keep me happy and entertaining scenes to keep me amused. I definitely want to read more of this series. The premise is interesting, the story telling delivers the idea and the characters sparkle.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this cozy mystery even though it was a Historical one! I thought the writing was well done and will look for more from this author. I would definitely recommend this book.