4.0

Albertine is a faux countess who sold everything she had to move to London and become a private investigator. She and her maid/business partner are a comedy duo who get into more bizarre situations than is, well, legal. Spencer is a swoon-worthy Scotland Yard savant who happens to be, begrudgingly, an earl now. Instead of questioning her about a murder, he inadvertently goes undercover as her newest employee. His chemistry with the mysterious Albertine defies the laws of physics.

Is it absurd? Of course! But this unique historical mystery is fun, sweet, engaging, and definitely worth a read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing me with a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.

The blurb for this breathlessly compares it to Deanna Raybourn and Katharine Schellman's work. Yeah...it's not. More to the point, it doesn't read like a mystery at all. It reads like a farce-a fairly good farce at that, but, since I was primed for historical mystery, getting into this story was a big shock. The main character is at best naive and, at worst, dumb as a post. The action starts so fast that it skips critical information such as the century the story is set in. (I honestly thought it was 1780s until I read further.) If you like chic lit or steampunk fantasy, you'll probably love this, but if you're expecting an actual mystery, you'll be disappointed.

The world’s worst detective meets the world’s worst duke in this historical romance mystery romp.

This is being marketed as a mystery, but it’s solidly a historical romance with a mystery subplot. Albertine and Spencer have strong chemistry and bring out the best in each other. The mystery subplot is engaging and kept me guessing.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

A romp of a historical mystery featuring Albertine, who has been pretending to be a Countess, and Spencer, an actual Duke who works for Scotland Yard,. And Joan- gosh Joan-who is Albertine's maid but more like a sister. Albertine becomes a suspect in a murder but she didn't do it and now she's got to find the real villain, as does Spencer. Fans of the genre might quibble that the dialogue etc. is a little more modern than the 1894 setting would dictate but it's a delight. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Fun read- and I'm looking forward to further outings.

Albertine Honeycombe has fled an unwanted marriage along with her maid Joan. They have come to London to follow up on dreams held by Albertine's brother Algie before his death. His goal for the two of them was always to set up a detective agency like that of Sherlock Holmes and Watson.

In order to begin this, Albertine has made up a new name and a new fake husband so that she can claim a place in society and begin working. However, jobs are infrequent and generally the society women who asks for her help doesn't see any reason to pay for it. Her latest job is retrieving some blackmail letters from the safe of an unscrupulous gentleman. She finds the letters but is disturbed by the gentleman and is forced to use a sleeping potion developed by her father in order to get away.

Unfortunately, someone else came upon the sleep aristocrat and strangled him. This murder brings her to the attention of Scotland Yard in the person of Spencer Sweetman who, after a successful career at Scotland Yard, has inherited the title of Duke of Erleigh after the unexpected death of his brother. Spencer had never wanted to be the Duke. He preferred the relative freedom he had without the burdons of the dukedom.

Spencer finds himself the new public face of Albertine's detective agency as he investigates the possibility that she murdered Lord Grendel and possibly her spouse too. Aiding in throwing suspicion Albertine's way is Lord Wallop, a gambling cheat whose crimes Albertine exposed.

Neither Spencer nor Albertine were looking for love when they met, but love found them anyway. Before they can live happily ever after, they will have to deal with accusations of murder, false imprisonment, and lies each has told.

This was an entertaining historical mystery/romance with interesting characters.

In 1894, a new aristocrat arrived with the goal of setting the London Ton ablaze. Countess Von Dagga, Albertine to her friends, and her maid Joan (who is remarkably familiar with her mistress) have set up shop to work as a detective for women and the aristocracy. Spencer Sweetman, the Duke of Erleigh and a detective for Scotland Yard, answers Albertine and Joan’s ad for a man of all work because the office suspects that the two women were involved in the suspicious death of Lord Grendel. As things continue to devolve and Spencer and Albertine look into this murder on separate investigations, readers follow the mystery and work to uncover the true murderer framing Albertine for Grendel’s death. The characters are the center of the story, and readers will enjoy Albertine and Joan’s friendship and the growing relationship between Spencer and Albertine. Such relationships are particularly enjoyable because they are realistic, occasionally contentious, and heartwarming, and January has brought this world, criminals and aristocrats alike, to life. January’s prose and characters are the highlight of this novel, and she has done an incredible job bringing the world of 1894 and the lives of the aristocracy and lady detectives to life.

This was a fun read and I didn't hate the romance aspect of it! So much lying and intrigue in trying to accomplish the same thing without knowing it! I would absolutely be here for book 2 if this becomes a series, which I hope it does! I want to know how the Duke and Albertine are living life and what shenanigans she gets up to!

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From the cover and description, I expected a solid mystery with a slow burn romance. This is a romp that never captured my attention. Albertine gets into some cringy situations. She’s more silly than sharp. The mystery is weak and the romance had no chemistry. The author has a great voice but bad characterization, unearned insta love, and strange pacing made this a miss for me.

4/5 stars

A quick read with some fun elements. I wasn't expecting the romantic subplot but it only added to the overall story. This was a first for me from this author and I enjoyed their style of writing. I would definitely read another book if it becomes a series.

Thank you to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and offered voluntarily.

As a romance I suppose this novel is up to snuff, but it falls incredibly flat as a detective story. I had hoped for a more balanced work, based on the description. The characters were very typical, almost but not quite caricatures.

The Mayfair Dagger by Ava January is a glorious escapade, fun, intriguing, scintillating and just a little bit tittlating, but clean and a great read

Albertine does not want to marry a farmer with 15 children so runs away to London to find her own way in the world. Not an easy task for a woman in 1894, let alone a single woman! Albertine decides to works as a female sleuth under the pseudonym, the Countess Von Dagga and does not have the best of beginnings in her sleuthing career. After all, getting framed for murder is just a tad inconvenient, let alone antisocial

Firmly placed at a wonderful cross section between historical mystery and cozy mystery and very well written

Thank you to Netgalley, Crooked Lane Books and the very talented Ava January for this wonderful ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for an early read of The Mayfair Dagger. This cozy mystery set in 19th century London, follows independent heroine Albertine Honeycombe. After her father’s death, her cousin inherits her home (simply because he is a man) and threatens to marry Albertine off to the farmer next door with fifteen children! Albertine runs away to London with her maid/childhood friend and pretends to be a Countess, while trying to start a detective business. She only has enough money to last a few months, so she is desperate to succeed. When she becomes a suspect in a murder, she realizes she needs a man to help be the face of her business. Little does she know the handsome stranger who applies for the job is actually a Scotland Yard detective and a Duke. Full of fun, mystery and romance, this book was an easy read, perfect for curling up with a cup of tea.

Albertine Honeycombe, aka Countess Von Dagga, is determined, smart, a bit naive, and kind hearted. She is still grieving the death of her beloved brother while trying to make her own way as a detective. Her best friend and maid, Joan, is a hilarious flirt. Spencer Sweetman, Duke of Erleigh, is a Scotland Yard Detective who investigates her.

The mystery wasn't that complicated but provided the background for laugh-out-loud situations, romance, and a young lady with good intentions learning some hard lessons about navigating the world she was unprepared for. I know there are those out there that don't like much emphasis on the romance part of mysteries, so take note that this has a stronger romance element than most. It is still a mystery, but it has a strong romantic element.

The killer seemed pretty obvious even with a few red herrings, but the journey was worth it since I became vested in Albertine. I was hooked early and read this pretty fast for me. It kept my interest through the entire book. The climatic reveal was tense and different from any other reveal I've read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and hope this will be a series.

Thank you for reading this blog and please recommend to friends and family who will enjoy it.

Rating: Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list

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The Mayfair Dagger is a delightful historical novel. A Lord hiding his past and a Lady masquerading her past become involved in solving the murder of a member of the aristocracy. The murdered man has a dubious reputation. The lady detective becomes compromised in his presence and is forced to give the man a sleeping draught to protect her honor. Alas, she loses part of her bracelet in his private room. The romp continues as she tries to retrieve the charms from her bracelet and to discover if the innocent sleeping draught she administrated killed the man.
The Lord in disguise is working as her accomplice in the detective business. Neither are aware of their true positions.
You must read this book to enjoy the laugh-out-loud moments of their antics solving the crime.
Thank you #NetGalley# and publisher for a copy of this book for an honest review..
I highly recommend the book.

Love this historical mystery with an amazing female lead in Albertine. This was amazing. I loved this and it had some twists that were superb. I had a great time reading this book and hope there will be more with Albertine solving mysteries.
I just reviewed The Mayfair Dagger by Ava January. #TheMayfairDagger #NetGalley
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“Mayfair Dagger” by Ava January unfolds as a witty and feminist mystery, immersing readers in the vibrant tapestry of 19th-century London. In this daring adventure, the protagonist, Albertine Honeycombe, emerges as a captivating woman detective, a character set to resonate with enthusiasts of Deanna Raybourn and Katharine Schellman. Set against the backdrop of 1894 London, Albertine, staunchly opposed to the notion of marriage, ingeniously reinvents herself as Countess Von Dagga. This guise allows her to navigate the upper echelons of society as a private detective, a role she embraces with fervour. The clever ruse involves a non-existent husband, affording Albertine more freedom than the constraints of singlehood.

The narrative takes an intriguing turn when Lord Grendel, a beneficiary of Albertine’s detective skills, is murdered, thrusting her into the spotlight as the prime suspect. The plot unfolds with a mix of mystery, suspense, and a dash of humour. The reviewer, not typically a fan of historical books, found “Mayfair Dagger” to be an exception, finishing it in a single day. The main character, Albertine, is commended for her resilience and ability to navigate from one predicament to another. The story blends action, twists, and turns seamlessly, striking a balance between seriousness and comedy. The historical setting is well-crafted, and the characters, including the supporting cast, contribute to the book’s overall charm.

The book’s modern touches are appreciated, adding to its appeal. The romantic subplot involving Albertine, Joan, and Spencer (a Scotland Yard inspector turned Duke) adds depth to the narrative. The reviewer expresses eagerness for a potential sequel, anticipating the continued evolution of the characters and their relationships. In conclusion, “Mayfair Dagger” stands out as an entertaining and enjoyable historical mystery, enriched by its engaging characters, a touch of modernity, and a promising setup for future developments. Ava January’s storytelling prowess shines through, offering readers a compelling and satisfying experience within the pages of this feminist mystery set in the heart of Victorian London.

The Mayfair Dagger is a delightful entertaining novel that combines historical fiction and a mystery.

Albertine has started her own detective agency along with her good friend Joan in London.

Albertine is trying desperately not to have to return home so as not to get married to someone who is not her choice.

Things don't run smoothly for the duo and Albertine is soon accused of two not one murders.

I laughed with her and Joan, I cheered them on and hoped the ladies would prevail.

Its a fun read that I hated to end.

Ava January you have a new fan and I certainly will be reading more of her books

The Mayfair Dagger-Cringy Comedy

I want to be able to review this book as a witty feminist mystery set in the heart of 19th-century London. But instead, I’m going to review this book as a madcap comical farce, possibly set in 1894. There’s a threat of romance, although absolutely no sizzle between the two main characters, and while there is a mystery, I spent most of the book cringing as the FMC landed in one absurd circumstance after another.

If you’re looking for a daring adventure with an intelligent heroine, look elsewhere.

The main character and her friend, who may or may not have been a maid back home – have traveled to London To avoid an arranged marriage and fulfill the dreams of the deceased brother of the FMC by opening a detective agency.

Nearly every time that the FMC has found herself in yet another pickle, she will wistfully recall how her father always said she was “sharp as a dagger” and that gives her the courage to forge onward. It doesn’t matter that usually, her next step is something that digs the hole deeper and is indeed the opposite of anything a “sharp“ person would do. I began to think that perhaps her father thought she was simple and told her she was “sharp as a dagger” to encourage confidence. The actions of the FMC were more idiotic than courageous. How she and her equally dim “maid” have made it to London for nearly three months is beyond me.

The MMC is a surprise Duke. A second son who has come into the dukedom reluctantly. He is an inspector at Scotland Yard, a position he seems too young to have, but that’s minor compared to all the other outrageous suppositions.

All the elements of a suspenseful mystery with a Slow-burn romance were there. The characters had so much promise, but the story took a ridiculous turn into unbelievable territory within the first few pages. I just felt it was not a mystery, nor was it suspenseful. It was a comedy. I kept reading it, looking for some mystery and suspense, and I was disappointed on nearly every page.

Had I known this was a comedy, I might have had different expectations. I probably would’ve enjoyed the book much more.

This was a lovely read. The initial setting promised a story about a talented private detective who would use subterfuge to expose those who were selfish and exploitative. It turned on the death of one of her targets and developed into a murder hunt. However, as the book progressed, it evolved into a comedy with some farcical elements. Not least the coffin scene! After a dramatic ending and a happy ever after ending, the book left you with a feel good factor. The characterisation is great! In particular, the female lead, Albertina who as well as being resourceful and determined is universally likeable. A really enjoyable novel

Albertine needs to escape an arranged marriage, so she flees her home for the upper crust townhomes of fashionable London and sets herself up as a detective, just as she and her late brother had hoped to do. She begins by helping ladies in distress but soon becomes one herself. What ensues is a madcap romp of a Victorian romance with a bit of mystery on the side. An enjoyable read!