Widow Lily Adler anticipates a tranquil visit to Hertfordshire to reconnect with acquaintances, including her late husband's friends. However, a snowstorm traps them all together, and when a gentleman is found shot dead in the poultry yard, Lily is drawn into an unexpected murder investigation. Determined to uncover the truth, she soon realizes that secrets abound, threatening to bury her in a wintry web of deceit.

Oh, Lily. A lot has happened since book one (which is the only book I’ve read before this one). This is definitely a series where you cannot skip a book! Though someone who hasn’t read a previous book will not be lost, I did feel lost, trying to figure out a new character is that she’s had an affair with previously.
A lot happens in this book! It is a classic house party/closed room mystery. Someone in the group has committed murder, and everyone is lying. It takes all of Lily’s observational skills to discover the truth.
Listening to the audiobook was a lot of fun! The narrator brought each person to life, and had a pleasant voice.

I would recommend this to readers who enjoy historical mysteries.

This was a DNF for me, I just couldn’t get into this story. It was really hard to follow and I’m just not one to finish a book I can’t get into. Giving it a 3 star and will not review on good reads! Thank you NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

The audiobook helps make the story more dynamic. The narrator has a pleasant voice and gives life to the different characters. You really get a sense of yesteryears in England. It's fun and very entertaining. I very much enjoy reading that book with the audio version.

A murder mystery set at an English house-party. I found this a little patchy, to be honest. It was the fourth in a series, which may have added some confusion, as some of the characters obviously had background that I didn't know about - but some authors can handle this sort of problem neatly so that the reader doesn't feel at sea, and this wasn't really the case here.
Then there was a continual switching of point of view, mostly between the main character, Lily, but also with a younger woman, Amelia. This wasn't signalled in the audiobook, so I don't know if the print copy headed chapters, for instance, with whose experience we were following, but I had to go back and check. Also Amelia alternated between being pathetic and gutsier, rather at random and, I felt, more at the author's convenience than actual consistency of character. A couple of Americanisms crept in too. And finally, I felt the denouement was a bit rushed - up till then, the writing could have used a bit of editorial pruning, but suddenly we were whizzed pell-mell to a conclusion! I was still picking up my metaphorical skirts, and it was all over.
All of that being said, it was a pleasant listen - the narrator did a nice enough job, if a little lacking in distinguishable voices, and the plot had enough red herrings to keep the listener guessing. I might go back to some of the earlier ones to follow Lily's adventures.
Thank you to both NetGalley and Dreamscape for a review copy.

I enjoyed the small portion of this audiobook that I was able to listen to, but something went wrong and it disappeared from the app before I was able to finish it.

I enjoyed the "Holmesian" feel of the book. I found the character Lily compelling and I wish I had the opportunity to spend more time with her to give a more thorough review.

I am so glad that I found this series, it's such a fun one! I read books 1-3 to get ready for this ARC and I am glad that I did. The characters are so much fun and I love getting to know them as the story progresses. I can't wait for the next in the series! Katherine Schellman has just been added to my always-read list!

#MurderatMidnight
#NetGalley

This was a delightful regency whodunit in which a guest at a ball is killed, and widow Lily Adler is determined to catch the killer and set her accused friend free.

While part of a series, this is my first experience with our heroine, and for the most part, the book works as a standalone. I'm sure readers who are familiar with the settings and characters likely got more out of the story than I did, from that standpoint, but I found it enjoyable all the same.

I will say that there were a LOT of characters to keep track of; not just guests, but servants too. Given the setting, that's pretty much a given. But it did make it more challenging to keep track of what all was going on, especially to someone new to this cast of characters.

Overall, though, I found the story to be a clever one, and I look forward to future installments in the series.

Thank you to Katharine Schellman, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for an advance review copy.

A really good addition to the Lily Adler series [which I have loved from book 1 <--once I got the whole time frame thing worked out, something I have had to do with each book apparently. I read very few books set in this time period and I always want it to be Victorian not Regency and get annoyed with how the characters are until I smack myself on the head and go "YOU DOOFUS" and then go back and everything falls into place and all is well. LOL].

I am really enjoying the influx of really well-written "locked room" mysteries and was excited to see how this author handled this trope; I am here to say she does it very well [though technically not a traditional "locked room", a houseful of snowed-in unexpected guests makes it a touch more exciting] and even though I had guessed the who and what very early [from one line from the killer and then one line from the story], I kept second guessing myself and following the [excellent] red herrings [especially after the second murder] until I knew without a doubt I had been right. Let me say, this knowledge DID NOT take away from the story as a whole at all. I loved being back with Lily and Matthew and JACK!!!! I was so glad to have Jack back in the story. I love him. Watching how Lily's family treats her [even after all of her adventures] was disappointing [R E A L L Y John??] and I doubt we will see her visiting them again any time soon [she just isn't meant for "small-town" life and the restrictions that come with that life] as I got the feeling that she as very disappointed in how they treated her as well.

I do have a couple niggling things to talk about [and this is what kept it from being a 5 star read for me]:
* The dual narration [THIS was the biggest issue for me and one I found more annoying as the book went on]. We, the readers, are used to Lily [and Lily alone] being the narrator of the story and having it from two POV's [and one being a character we are new to] was confusing and frustrating, and in my opinion, bogged the story down some. I feel it really interrupted the flow and I hope going forward, the author sticks to just Lily's POV.
* There were just too many characters. I get that this was a ball and there had to be quite a few people there, but it was a bit overwhelming at times to try and remember just who everyone was.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book [and was 100% behind Lily in regards to Matthew] and am already looking forward to the next book - Lily is one of the best-written characters I am currently reading and I really enjoy how "real-life" the author makes her and those around her [even when the others behaviors drive me crazy LOL. Just reminds me how glad I am to have skipped that century ;-) ] and how she [the author] is willing to break out of the "traditional" regency trope and write how life really must have been back then. If you like good mysteries and real-to-life characters, I highly recommend this series. Well done!

I was also gifted the audiobook ARC and am grateful for that. I don't love the narration for this for one simple reason [though once I get used to it, I am okay], the narrator speaks in a wildly staccato voice and it drives me crazy in the beginning and makes it difficult for me to get into the story [though that was not the case here as this was a banger from the first page]. Once I settle in, I get used to the narrator's extreme staccato's narration and it only occasionally bugs me [it did happen more in this book, but I think that was simply because there were so many characters and she had to do voices for them all that the staccato just never fully smoothed out. I do love how she voices Lily and Jack though; Lily really comes alive for me though her narration of her.

Thank you to NetGalley, Katharine Schellman, Henrietta Meire - Narrator, Crooked Lane Books, and Dreamscape Media for providing the eBook and audiobook ARC's in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Katharine Schellman, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for allowing me to listen to an e-audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoy this series! This was a great addition. My only complaint was that it felt like it went on a bit longer than it needed to; I started to zone out in the 70-90% range. I think I missed about an hour because I wasn't paying attention while it played, listening without hearing, and I didn't feel like I missed anything.

Otherwise I like Lily and Jack and Ophelia and Ben! I didn't care for the love triangle in the last couple books, and I'm not sure how necessary Amelia's POV was, but it was a good time, and I look forward to the next installment!

I requested this one because it might be an upcoming title I would like to review on my Youtube Channel. However, after reading the first several chapters I have determined that this book does not suit my tastes. So I decided to DNF this one.

Mini summary: The story follows a group of people stuck in a house (this is the regency era btw) due to a snow storm, and they discover that someone's been murdered... so now there's a murderer amongst their midst and there's no way out for anyone!

Review: This was a fun and fast whodunnit mystery, with characters who were interesting and with vivid personalities, some who are funny and others who are truly terrible😅. There's some slight romance going around the main character, and I was really rooting for one of the love interests over the other, because he's so sweet and protective of her🥺. I also enjoyed the creative take on some of the more progressive aspects of the story and characters and how it contributed to the plot, for example, the fmc having the freedom to investigate a murder in the regeney time period.

Unfortunately, however, I wasn't exactly blown away by the story... I don't know if it had to do with the fact that it was an audiobook, because I normally save audiobooks for rereads, and this is the first time I went into one as a first time read. I would like to try out reading it, because I think I might feel a lot differently. My expectations going into the book was for it to be a very cozy mystery, but other than a few mentions of it snowing outside, and being stuck in a house, there was no elaborate descriptions to go with the cozy trope. Again, I don't know if the audiobook aspect played a part in that.
There was a lot of potential with the book where the plot could have twisted and turned, but unfortunately, again, it fell a little flat. I also wish that more had happened with the romance, but considering this is a series of mystery books, there might be something that happens down the road, so readers have something to look forward to!

Overall, I did enjoy it, just not in the way I was expecting it to go ❤️.

Setting the Scene: "Regency widow Lily Adler is looking forward to returning to Hertfordshire to spend time with the family of her late husband. She is also excited that Captain Jack Hartley, her friend and confidante, will be visiting his own family after a long voyage at sea. With winter quickly approaching, Lily is most excited at the prospect of a relaxing and enjoyable Christmastide season away from the schemes and secrets she witnessed daily in London.

At a neighborhood ball, she soon becomes reacquainted with a friend of her late husband, Peter Coleridge, a wealthy man who not only manages Irish investments, but also a fund that most of the locals of Hertfordshire take part in. There, she also learns Jack’s sister, Amelia, is the subject of much of the neighborhood gossip—although Amelia refuses to explain if there is any truth to it. For a brief moment, Lily wonders if she ever really left London.

When a snowstorm forces several guests, including both the Adlers and the Hartleys, to stay the night, Lily quickly deduces that all is not well this holiday season. In the morning, a maid discovers the body of a guest in the poultry yard, shot to death—and he is the same man that is scandalously linked to Amelia.

Lily accepts the offer to assist in the investigation, but will she find more than what she bargained for the more she digs? Or will she herself be buried deep within the snow?"

What I Thought: I enjoyed another outing with Lily Adler and her friends, especially the return of the good Captain. As a widow, and with the reputation of her earlier investigative successes, Lily enjoys a level of freedom and respect denied most women in her world. This is very clear in this book, as is her innate intelligence. I do love an intelligent but kind protagonist, and when both can be displayed without stretching credulity too far, it makes me happy. What else makes me happy? The potential love triangle is resolved, though I will refrain from divulging how that is accomplished. Finally, the mystery is solid, and although I had most of it figured out, there are enough surprises to keep readers on their toes. As always when I finish a good book, I am both sad and satisfied. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.

The narrator did a good job voicing the characters.

This is the 4th book of the Lily Adler Mystery series, and I have enjoyed all of them. I think this is my favourite of the the four. I enjoy Lily's spunk and how she doesn't just let life happen to her, now that she's learned the freedom that she can have as a widow, she is not willing to settle for just anything.

The mysteries in this book were interesting with lots of clues sprinkled throughout and plenty to discover. I also enjoyed the continuation of Lily's relationships with both Jack and Matthew. This story was well written, and I truly feel invested in the lives of the main characters and what happens to them. I can't wait for the next installment.

I received this book in audio format. I found the narrator to be easy to listen to, and she put enough drama into her telling to make it interesting, without taking away from the story. I would listen to this narrator again.

I received an advanced copy of this audiobook from the publisher through Netgalley, all opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this one and I already borrrowed the first book in the series. I'm a big fan of the Lily and would love to read more of her stories. I also can't wait for future books to see how her love story plays out!

I did figure out a big part of the mystery, but there were many twists and turns I didn't see coming. I think that's the best way to write a mystery, because if you figure everything out it can ruin some of the fun (at least for me).

I do have one small complaint: based on the cover and description, I was excited for a holiday themed book. I just love Christmas. Frankly, they could have changed the ball to being for Valentine’s Day and they wouldn't have had to change a single other word in the book. But that's just me being a Christmas girlie.

I received a copy of this title from a publisher, but all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I listened to the audio version of the book and really enjoyed the narration; it definitely enhanced my reading experience.
Murder at Midnight is the latest title to feature Lily Adler and finds her visiting her deceased husband's family around the holidays, but this is not a Christmas story. While attending a local event, Lily finds herself involved in trying to solve yet another murder while stuck snowed in with the suspects. And to add to the stress, Matthew Spencer is present forcing Lily to decide if she wants a future with him or if it is time to move on. The lead suspect is her friend Jack Hartley's younger sister who rumor says was seen scandalously coming back from being alone with the deceased. The mystery was interesting, and readers got to learn a lot more about Jack and his background including meeting his mother and younger sister. The Matthew Spencer storyline is tied up in this story and not drug out as many writers end up doing. I've enjoyed this series, and this story is a wonderful addition; I look forward to future titles following Lily as she decides what she wants from life now that she is out of mourning and ready to move forward with her life.

3.75

A terrible snowstorm turned one evening‘s ball into a multi-day house party in the fourth Lily Adler mystery.

After the last book with its creative mystery, this is a more typical historical mystery during an unplanned house party set in a great manor house. The difference here is that nobody expected to stay past that evening, and no one has clothing to sleep in, change into, or keep up appearances with and none of their servants are present. Quelle horreur!

Widow Lily Adler is staying with her in-laws in the country for the Christmas season. Their home is conveniently near the home of Matthew who Lily has more or less been sleeping with under the radar but also spending time with him and his children. It is obvious that he is getting ready to propose. At least it’s obvious to everyone maybe but Lily. Also at the ball is Jack who has surprisingly recently given up his commission in the Navy. He is there more or less protecting his sister Amelia who has some sort of black mark against her having been caught alone with the man who later becomes the victim. The victim is heavy into gambling and is a perfect cad all around

For the first time, Lily has to ask to investigate the murder because her brother-in-law is the local magistrate and has authority over the investigation. Unfortunately, he is such a kind person who doesn’t want to do what sometimes might be necessary to solve the crime. It’s a good all-around mystery with some quirks. I listen to it as a reader of the series and, since I ended up having to go back to the third book to clarify some of the events and people, I can’t say how it would be for a first Dash time lily Adler reader. Of course, I am anti out-of-order reading anyway.

Spoilers:

This book is one slam-dunk perpetrator after another. First, Amelia is no doubt the murderer and then she’s absolved because someone else is undeniably the murder and on and on.

The romance part is also frustrating. Matthew is obviously going to propose and everybody knows it and everybody assumes that she will then be under his command. I’m not sure how Matthew wouldn’t see that coming as a problem for her. Then, when she does finally turned him down, he admits that he wasn’t really in love with her but wanted a mother for his children and thought it would be nice. I can imagine him having doubts about her wanting to be a mother to his children, but have a hard time believing that he wasn’t in love with her. His wife has been gone for quite a while and if you think you can do better with then Lily, you’re fooling yourself. Plus, he’d been acting very enamored.

And don’t get me started on Jack. She went to visit him when he was locked up and he was too afraid to tell her how he feels. Okay. But then he’s on his deathbed and I think he even knew that she wasn’t engaged (I don’t remember) but he still didn’t say anything. Come on! Also, they made it seem like he was dead and so at the very least he should’ve been in a coma. Then it sounds like he was just touch and go but it would have been known amongst the others around that he was going to be OK. That seemed a little strange.

End Spoilers

Otherwise, there’s some good mystery solving and some interesting characters. This is the first Lily Adler mystery that I have listened to rather than read, so I don’t know if that has affected my perception. It is harder for me to recall names and details for this review if I didn’t write them down in my notes right after I finished. The narration is good as far as I remember.

I received a free copy of this audiobook from NetGalley in exchange for providing an unbiased review.

A big winter storm blows in during a neighborhood ball and not all the guests can make it home. The hostess quickly has rooms made up so everyone can retire for the night - but some of the guests continue the party under the cover of darkness. By morning, it becomes clear that they won't be heading home. Not only are they snowed in, but there is a dead body in the courtyard.

I don't often read books set before the 20th century, but I've read a couple of cozy mysteries set in the 1700s and 1800s that I've enjoyed. As Murder at Midnight looked to be a Christmas novel I thought I would give this Regency cozy mystery a try.

I think protagonist Lily Adler would give Elizabeth Bennett a run for her money. She is quick-witted and opinionated about the social ills of the time period.

Murder at Midnight is the fourth book in the series, and Lily Adler has proven herself to be a skilled investigator. As such it doesn't take much convincing to get her brother-in-law, the local magistrate, to enlist her help. In many ways, Lily reminded me of Miss Scarlett from the television show Miss Scarlett and The Duke. As I was listening to the audiobook, the character even sounded a bit like Miss Scarlett at times.

As I mentioned, the story is set at Christmas, but it isn't really a Christmas cozy. Outside of the ball, there doesn't seem to be any other festivities. If it hadn't been mentioned, I would have just thought it was a winter party. And the novel didn't read like a Christmas story.

The novel was well-written and the mystery was intriguing - everyone has secrets that could ruin their reputation so it is difficult to determine the truth.

If you are a fan of Miss Scarlett and The Duke or enjoy Regency-era murder mysteries, then this book is definitely your cup of tea.

My review will be published at Girl Who Reads on Monday - https://www.girl-who-reads.com/2023/09/murder-at-midnight-by-katharine.html

I came to this series late in the game, but instantly became a fan. Backstory and explanations were not necessary, making the story feel like a stand-alone. The main character, Lilly, is bright and composed. The writing does not play everyone else down or as stupid to make Lilly appear the smartest person in the room. Instead, nearly everyone is relatively bright, Lilly just observes better.

There were a lot of characters, which is to be expected when a ball ends abruptly due to sudden bad weather. However the number of characters served to keep the plot from becoming overly simple. After all, if there were only a few, it would be much simpler to figure it out. All the characters have something of a motive, as would be expected of a scoundrel like the deceased.

The storyline and characters played well together. It was an enjoyable escape.

An unable to put down 'who done it and why' book. I loved the mfc and her strength of will. After losing her husband of less then 3 years our mfc decided to take her future into her own hands and become a secret pi of sorts. When party going group is forced to shelter in place due to a severe snowstorm, we soon Lean a murder is among the group. But who would kill and why is the question of the hour.
A wonderful storyline and great Narrator my only complaint is now I have to go back and read More from this author.

I did not find anything new here, but it was a good story with a satisfying ending. Lily and Jack are close and have an equal relationship.