Another wonderful addition to the Lily Adler series! I adore Katharine Schellman and the universe she has created within these books. Lily is a strong, smart, empowered woman, and Jack is her perfect counterpart.

Another great instalment in the Lady Adler Mystery series from Katharine Schellman!
I always get excited when a new book in the series is released as I continue to grow more and more fond of Lady Adler, her family, and Captain Jack Hartley with each book.

In this instalment, there are two mysteries for Lady Adler to solve; one involves a young woman who needs assistance to access her inheritance, and the other involves the potential growing of poison in a flower window box.

Of course, things aren't always what they seem to be, and the two mysteries are actually linked. The way Schellman is able to take us on the journey to build the links and to find a satisfying conclusion is part of the fun of reading mystery books, for me. She builds the evidence into the story in such subtle ways that by the time we reach the conclusion, we know it is the only conclusion to come too, but we don't necessarily get there before Lady Adler and her friends do.

I look forward to the next book in the series and will continue to recommend this book and series to fellow readers of historical mysteries with some romance in it!

Thanks to Crooked Lane Books for an eARC; all opinions are my own.

A Scandal in Mayfair (Lily Adler Mystery Book Five) by Katharine Schellman
Review by Sarah Erwin

I’ve been a fan of Katharine Schellman’s Lily Adler Mysteries since book one, A Body in the Garden, released in April 2020. Book five, the newest book in this historical mystery series, A Scandal in Mayfair is a page-turning delight. For readers who enjoy audiobooks, I can also recommend these titles in audio format.

The series is set in Regency England, and in book five, it is 1817 in London. Readers find Lily back in her home on Half Moon Street and ready to begin a new season in London. She is no longer considered a recent widow, and she also is responsible for her protégée Amelia, who is the sister of Lily’s longtime friend, Captain Jack Hartley.

Lily’s reputation as a lady of quality who can discreetly solve mysteries of the social elite is becoming more well known. This brings her into contact with a young woman desperate to find the truth about her inheritance. Unfortunately, Lily is threatened with blackmail, and then there is a murder, an attempted murder, and a missing will. Lily, never one to step away from a challenge, takes these mysteries on, and what follows is a wonderfully well-executed mystery.

I like Lily so much, as well as the diverse set of characters that help make up the story. The handsome Captain Jack Hartley is featured throughout, and the touch of romance this adds to Lily’s story is just perfect. We also see more of the wonderful Mr. Page from Bow Street and his niece, Fanny. I do hope she is featured in more stories.

While readers can read this entry as a standalone, as someone who has read all the entries, I can attest that it has been fun to watch Lily grow as a character. Readers who enjoy mysteries with strong female leads should most certainly give this series a try. It’s immersive and page-turning––all the things we want in our mysteries!

As always, I thoroughly enjoyed this latest instalment in Schellman's Lily Adler series. I loved the character development and very much appreciated that Schellman has chosen to avoid a good few tropes in the relationships between the characters. I particularly liked how the various plot threads came together in the book's conclusion. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

Lily Adler and Amelia are getting along well living in Lily’s London home together. Lily is pondering her feelings for Jack, when she receives a letter from a young woman, asking for help.

Lily has VERY discretely handed out the occasional card to certain women in Society, offering the services of a Lady to solve perform certain types of inquiries. Naturally, if all of London Society knew Lily was involving herself in something perilously like working and snooping, her reputation would be shot. This bothers her a little less than the idea that her own activities could negatively affect Amelia’s reputation, something she is determined to prevent, particularly as she’s assured Amelia’s and Jack’s parents she will care for the younger woman while she lives with Lily.

Taking precautions, Lily arranges to meet the young woman, Sarah Forrest, who is desperate for Lily to determine if her uncle Martin Forrest is keeping her fortune from her. Sarah lacks a certain polish, and is louder than Lily would like while they discuss the matter in Hyde Park, but what really bothers Lily is Sarah's association with Henry Clive (they are engaged), a man Lily views with distaste.

Lily is initially unwilling to help Sarah, but Clive blackmails Lily, and by extension Ofelia (Lady Carroway) by implying he knows they've engaged in what Society would deem scandalous.

After apprising Ofelia, Lily reluctantly agrees to search Martin Forrest’s home for Sarah’s father’s solicitor’s name so Sarah can learn the terms of her deceased father’s will.

At the same time, Fanny Page, the neurodivergent niece of Bow Street Constable Simon Page, informs Lily that Fanny’s neighbour, a woman who sells beautiful lace, also has extremely poisonous flowers growing in her window boxes.

Though these two situations seem unrelated, the more Lily becomes involved with the Forrests, she begins to get an inkling of nefarious dealings and a troubling number of people dying suddenly.

This was a fun instalment in this series. Not only is Lily faced with a client whose associations she doesn’t like or trust, but she has Fanny Page, and the girl's extensive knowledge of botany, piquing Lily's interest in Fanny’s neighbour. Though many plants, and flowers, have poisonous parts, the flowers in question are highly toxic, and can cause grave harm and even death.

All this is happening while Lily and Jack are trying to figure out what they might do with heir feelings for each other. They’re both swamped by guilt, but are also intrigued by the idea of acting on their attraction. As author Katherine Schellman has slowly and carefully built up their relationship, this novel is a great payoff.

The mystery is also suitably twisty, taking Lily through the lives of veterans and the effect of war on them. And the appeal of sudden wealth to those without, who might be unscrupulous enough to harm others.

I found this entry to be compelling, entertaining, and it left me eager to find out what is next for Lily and Jack, and for Lily's next investigation.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Crooked Lane Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review an advanced copy of this novel. I highly enjoyed it and will be recommending it.

Yet another wonderful addition to the series!

The two different cases emerging into one is one of my favourite ( and hardest I'd imagine) tropes to execute, so huge props to the author for managing to do so!

One star off because I'd like to see a bit more development of the relationship between lily and some other characters, however the main mystery plot was one of the most satisfying the series had to offer!

This is the fifth book in the Lily Adler regency mystery and romance series. After reading it, I now have a new favorite book in the series!

A Scandal in Mayfair had a great mystery plot even though I knew the method, I couldn’t figure out who the mastermind was behind it all.

My favorite part of the book was the progress in the very slow burn relationship between Lily and Jack. The author beautifully conveyed the emotions of the moment where the couple are finally honest about their feelings for each other.

The Lily Adler mystery series by Katharine Schellman continues to delight, and I was thrilled to dive into the latest installment, A Scandal in Mayfair. (Out now)
Once again, our intrepid heroine Lily Adler, along with her triends, takes us on an intriguing journey through a Regency-era historical mystery. It was great to see several supporting characters take on important roles in the story, though it's still Lily who ultimately pieces everything together.
As expected, this was another winner-well-crafted, expertly written, and filled with clever twists. The author masterfully incorporates several red herrings, keeping readers on their toes until the very end. One aspect I particularly enjoyed in this book was how the romance between Lily and Captain Hartley made significant progress without overshadowing the mystery itself and while being true to the characters.
I love all the character development I have seen through the five books but even so this can definitely be read a a stand alone - even if I would recommend just going ahead and reading the whole series. True to the spirit of the series, this book is both captivating and entertaining. I thoroughly enjoy each installment and eagerly look forward to the next ... waiting for book six now ...
Highly recommended for mystery lovers !

A Scandal in Mayfair is a novel in the Lily Adler Mystery series. Something I failed to realise before I requested it, and yet it was really easy to pick up the storyline and history as each mystery serves as a standalone story.

Lily Adler is Mayfair’s resident private investigator - something that is a well kept secret to society and known only by a few select people. Discretion is the word and the reason for her success.

A desperate young woman seeks out Lily’s help and leads to Lily and her good friend Jackie investigating a murder. Someone knows Lily’s secret, and the threat of blackmail hangs over her as she rushes to try and find the killer.

Agatha Christie crossed with Bridgerton, and without the spice, A Scandal In Mayfair was an entertaining and easy read for mystery lovers.

4 1/2 stars. I really love this series starring Lily Adler, a widow in Regency England, who has a circle of intelligent friends who help her solve mysteries. Lily walks a fine line between trying to help some people and her activities being exposed and her position in society threatened. And someone from a past case is willing to exploit that to get her involved in her latest mystery where a young woman's inheritance is threatened by her uncle. Then the bodies begin to drop...

I had a hard time at the beginning getting into it because of the blackmailing/bullying (the bullying is a trigger for me). But after that, is was just as engaging as the other books in the series. I like the diversity of characters without it seeming too contrived to meet modern sensibilities of political correctness of representation. Sometimes Lily seems a bit too modern but there were some remarkable women from this time period who lived anything but the typical confined life we picture of Regency women, particularly if they tried to adhere to some of the social rules.

I like to reread this series because of the compelling characters and the good mysteries. I'm sure this will be one of rereads before too long. The advancement in a possible romance was a nice touch too.

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

Katharine Schellman immerses the reader in crime in Regency London in the fifth Lily Adler mystery A Scandal in Mayfair. Lily is asked by a young lady to look into her uncle's handling of her inheritance; Lily finds that she is engaged to Mr. Clive whom she has met earlier as a trickster and cardsharp. Mr. Forrest, the uncle, is found murdered and Mr. Clive is accused of the crime. As Lily tries to untangle the convoluted plots she and her friends are in increasing danger. Scandal and poisons are in the air. Read and enjoy.

The delightful Lily Adler returns for her third mystery in A Scandal in Mayfair. As A Lady of Quality she offered discreet assistance to several people. Receiving a new request for help, she agrees to meet Sarah Forrest, who arrives with her fiancé, Mr. Clive. Sarah’s father recently died. While she was promised an inheritance, her uncle Martin Forrest was given control of the estate. He has removed her from her home, forced her to live with her aunt with a meager allowance and refuses to provide a dowry. She would like Lily to access the house and steal the will. When Lily refuses, Clive, who she encountered on a previous enquiry, threatens blackmail. He will socially ruin her and her friend Lady Carroway by revealing their investigations, an unacceptable pastime for women. Attending a ball at Forrest’s home, she discovers information for Sarah but not the will. The next day she is summoned to Forrest’s home to discover that he has been murdered. The police are holding Clive, who asks for her help to prove his innocence.

Lily is a widow, whose husband Freddie died of an illness. His best friend was Jack Hartley, who has befriended Lilly, watched over her and assisted her in her investigations. When he was injured during her previous enquiry she realized how much he meant to her. Lily saved his sister from scandal and she now lives with her, so she sees Jack frequently. As he assists her once again they have finally realized what their friends already know, that they belong together. Lily has worked with Bow Street Inspector Simon Page in the past. She is surprised when his young niece presents her with a second mystery. Her neighbor has been growing poisonous plants and she is afraid they may be used in a murder. Lily soon finds a connection between the two cases that puts her and Simon’s family in danger. Katharine Schellman gives you characters who are easy to love as well as an entertaining mystery that keeps you guessing. Fans will enjoy this entry in the series, while new readers will be looking forward to Lily Adler’s turn. I would like to thank NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing this book.

This is the second book by this author that I have read. I didn’t finish the first one as I had so many other reviews to do and found it a bit slow. When I requested this book I didn’t realize that I had partially read one before. Although I found this one a little slow to start, I found once I got into it, it was hard to put down. I found the characters well written and the storyline kept me guessing. There were twists, turns and a very nice romance that put a smile on your face. Although this book is part of a series it can be read as a stand-alone and I will now be going back and finishing the one I already have. It is one of those books you need to stick with to get the enjoyment out of it. Well worth the read. I will definitely be looking forward to the next book. I received this as an ARC from Netgalley and freely give my review.

This is a lovely addition to a great series. Lily has settled into her unconventional role as a Regency Era society lady who discreetly solves mysteries when necessary. I thought this particular mystery was complex and engaging. I liked seeing Lily accept the help of her friends along the way. I also appreciated the way that Lily’s grief was handled. Even years after the death of her husband, it sometimes strikes out of nowhere, which felt very true to life. Meanwhile, her friendship with a certain naval captain might finally be getting started. Sort of. Perhaps.

I love the minor characters in this series. They all feel like they have their own lives, values, and ambitions. There is one character who appears to be neurodiverse in some way. I really liked the way this character was treated with patience and respect. Another character has a moral compass that’s a little out of whack, which added a degree of complexity to their actions and motivations. It was interesting to see how this played out, especially considering Lily’s own very strong sense of morality.

ADDITIONAL NOTE: This is the 5th book in the Lily Adler mystery series. It can technically be read as a standalone, but there are several characters and storylines that begin in earlier books, so it’s best to read the series in order.

Lily Adler is at it again in the fifth installment of the series. I really suggest reading all the books in order as this one brings back a character previously met in book 3. She is again brought into a web of mysteries that she helps the Bow Street Runners solve. Romance wise: while I really enjoyed getting Jack's POV this story and the realization that something is really between them it is still a pretty slow, slow burn. Plot wise: this was a bit too convoluted to even think all the pieces could fit together they way they did. While this one might not be a fav in the series it was still good and that might be because I have a soft spot for Jack and just want the best for him. So this one falls in the middle for me with a 3 star review.

Another delightful adventure with Lily Adler as she uses her wits to solve the pesky murders that befall the ton. If you’re a fan of Bridgerton, slow burn romance, or cozy mystery, you must pick up this series! One of my favorites!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy. These opinions are my own.

This is the 5th book in the Lily Adler series, which finds Lily back in London after some eventful time in the country, and not quite sure where she fits. What's going on in her relationship with her late husband's dear friend, Jack? Is she willing to continue investigating mysterious circumstances if it means it brings danger to people close to her, as it did to Jack in the last installment? If she is, what might that look like? If she's not, where might she find her place in London society?

Despite the big questions, this is a strong outing in the series. Many of the previous characters are back, including Simon Page, of the fledgling Bow Street police. One of the strongest bits in this book for me was the development of the character of Simon's niece, Fanny. It is quite clear that Fanny is neurodivergent, and Schellman manages to portray that with empathy and positivity. There are some lovely interwoven plotlines here, one of which involves Simon's family.

One thing I always appreciate in a Katharine Schellman title is her ability to let her characters move forward, and that is the case here. No books-long dilly-dallying about whether things are ever going to develop their feelings for one another for this series. I'm genuinely intrigued to see where Jack and Lily go next, and their discussions about their relationship are very well-written. The inclusion of Jack, his sister, and Lily's dear friend, Ophelia, all of whom are of mixed race, allows for some welcome diversity in a Regency-era set title.

The thing I continue to enjoy about this series is that they are a comfort read which still asks my brain to do some work, and to think about how it might be to navigate a more restrictive time period as an independent woman of means.

I like the setting - historical England. I like the characters. The mystery kept me guessing.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Lily Adler is back to London and soon being asked to assist a young lady whose uncle is withholding her inheritance. There are a couple of problems with the potential case. First of all, the young lady wants to marry Mr, Clive, a man of ill repute she has encountered before. There's also the issue of the risk to her reputation should she get caught. The book is a mystery for the early part of the book, but a murder does occur and soon she is looking into that too., Add into this a budding romance with Captain Jack Hartley and there's quite a lot to take in.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as I have the previous ones. I really liked the further development in the romance between Lily and Jack. They are both feeling a bit wary with both still firmly attached to Lily's first husband in memory. I thought it was handled quite well and I look forward to seeing how things go in the next book. As in previous stories, there are many twists and turns as the case gets solved and Lily takes extraordinary steps to find answers.

Overall, I found this quite entertaining, and I rate it four stars. Thank you to Netgalley and Crooked Lane books for the book. I have written this review voluntarily.