I didn't realize it was part of a series (my fault), so it took me a few chapters to get into the groove but I really enjoyed it once I understood the lay of the land. I found Tiffany to be smart and admirable. My biggest issue, and probably the only reason it's not a 4⭐️ read, was the very unrealistic and almost comical solution of the issues of racism in this small Victorian era town. Tiffany's love Sameer is Indian and has faced terrible racism and bigotry, but she proves his innocence in a frame job for murder and the judge comes to him to say he will no longer judge him on the color of his skin... it was too pretty of a bow on a long and ongoing issue and it felt a bit insensitive.

Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an advance copy of this audiobook.

This is Samantha Larsen’s second book featuring librarian-governess Miss Tiffany Woodall and the dashing Constable Samir Lathrop, generally referred to as “the bookseller.” Set in one of those quaint and cozy British villages of lore, during the Regency period of the late 18th century (Bridgerton times), the main characters are unusual in status and proclivities. They are both, as Tiffany puts it, “unfathomable” in a society with hardened expectations regarding class, race and gender.

Whereas the first book saw the tall and angular 40 year old Tiffany bury her suddenly dead half-brother Uriah in the garden of their shared cottage, so as to take on his position as private librarian at Astley Palace, home of the local noble nobility. The handsome Samir, a gentleman of impressive education and bearing, is part-Indian and consequently not to be trusted. They shared quick wits and a solid logic, and were gradually drawn to each other as they solved the “scandalous” case of the Duke of Beaufort’s murder together.

At the start of the second volume (where this backstory is quickly recounted), the heroine occupies the librarianship and the cottage in her own right and in her own gender, and lovingly attends to the precocious and endearing little Lord Beaufort, young son of the rather dour Dowager Countess. These were her rewards for solving the first murder, subject of the first book.

Like its predecessor, this one opens with an unusual incident that occupies a lot of place over several chapters. But it is not really the fact that our heroine literally trips over the body of the much-disliked manor footman (“he were one rotten sod”) just outside her front gate as she hastens to her job.

Even stranger is the preoccupation with her so-called monthlies. It’s an odd way to start a Regency mystery-romance, but this is not your typical Regency story. Periods were not the subject of offhanded mention, nor any at all, among decent people in Regency times. Yet there is much further discussion of this rare subject, with servants, the Countess herself, midwives, doctors, investigators, undertakers and even the almost-dainty Samir Lathrop. Her own monthlies briefly implicate Miss Woodall in the murder. It seems a bizarre theme to run through the narrative, but there are reasons.

Not that things went smoothly in the pair’s earlier collaboration; this one is further complicated by Lathrop’s sudden distancing and Woodall’s love-sick torment. Both seem uncharacteristic. Again, there is The mystery beneath this development is part of the larger “dead footman” plot. The Tiffany Woodall portrayed here is a more contained and “proper” woman than she was, which might disappoint some, but it rings true to me. She now has everything she wanted, the job, the cottage, the side-hustle investigations, the companionship of a kind and intelligent man. What she still wants seems further out of reach than it ever had, however. For all that, she is still a funny, quirky, smart and delightful woman in a funny, quirky, smart and delightful novel. I appreciate that the author has let her grow without stripping all that away.

This is a cosy read, I enjoyed some aspects of the book since isn’t a bad written book. But there are some aspects of the story that make me feel a bit uncomfortable. I didn’t feel so please with the instant love on the book. But was a easy book to read, was a bit rushed but I enjoyed most of the time. I think the characters development is my favourite part of the book. The audiobook was such a good quality and narrator did a excellent job

Once Upon A Murder was one of those sequels I think should have just been a different story with different characters instead. Think the two books should have been independent from one on one other it just didn't work as a sequel for me.

This book was a pleasant surprise. When I began listening I thought it well written and narrated, but what an unlikeable cast of characters with no camaraderie, and a series of depressing events. Tiffany's outlook could only be described as bleak. Well, good things come to those who wait or maybe persevere. About 25% into the book, things began to change dramatically, and it became clear that the initial angst served as a contrasting backdrop to the story as it unfolded. This book is a story of redemption, forgiveness, and the potential for happily everafters.

Set in 1784 England, much earlier than most of my historical mysteries, the story deals with the ubiquitous class strata, as well as societal issues of racial bias and the treatment of women. I had never heard of a "wife auction," and it is a thing of nightmares, difficult to believe it was legal in England, even in the late 18th century. While the societal issues may seem familiar, they also serve to showcase the great advances made in them, not to mention in criminal law, since that time.

Although Tiffany is the MC, and Samir, Thomas, and the Duchess (Catherine) are integral to the story, it is Beau who is my favorite character and was always the exception to my initial impression. Who doesn't love a precocious 6 year old Duke who loves being a "pirate?" He is fun, loving, and a breath of fresh air.

I recommend this book to those who love a good but unique historical mystery.

Marni Penning does a good job of voicing the characters and bringing them to life.

Sidenote, I absolutely should have listened to/ read book 1 first as I was a little adrift in the sense of who is who, but the story itself was great fun and I ca nalways go back to book 1 to learn more about Miss Tiffany Woodall, her background and her erstwhile colleagues

Samantha Larsen has an incredibly engaging writing style which is perfectly suited to cozy mysteries (of which I am a huge fan) and I see myself having Larsens books on the autobuy list .

Setting this series in Regency England is a real treat as I enjoy changing between different era's and sensibilities when it comes to historical mysteries/ cosy mysteries and having a likable FMC as the anchor is even better

Once Upon a Murder is beautifully constructed and I absolutely adore Samir. I was equally gasping with incredulity and cheering for him and Miss Woodall

A quick listen, but a fun one which keeps you engaged throughout

Thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for this fantastic ALC. This review is left voluntarily