What an absolute treat of a book, the second in series and as brilliant as the first. This series is FAST becoming one of my favourites.

Lots of us are after a meaningful job, a great partnership, a better relationship with our challenging families and improved fitness and so is Violet Hamilton! She’s just doing it all in the 19th century and the vibrant seaside town of Hastings and St Leonard’s.
When the body of one of her acquaintances is found in mysterious circumstances, Violet Hamilton continues her investigative adventures as a lady detective, deploying the eye of an outsider and the appearance of an insider to find some answers. Funny and determined, she’s a little bit Miss Marple, a little bit Mma Ramotswe and a lot all herself, if she can just figure out who that is. While she’s working on that, she’ll be solving crimes, escaping spas aimed at healing hysterical women, attending aristocratic soirées and balls, finding the perfect cycling outfit and, quite possibly, rescuing a fiancé worthy of the rescue.

I adored this book. Equally as good as the first in the series, I do hope there will be more. The literary world needs as much Violet and Benjamin as it can get. A perfect detective duo, a cleverly woven plot, vivid descriptions of Hastings, colourful characters, the regency setting, it’s got everything.

Rip-roaring sequel to No Life For a Lady.

Following on from the events of the first book, Violet is attempting to start her career as a Lady Detective, not a usual life choice for a Victorian lady. And whilst Benjamin is occupied elsewhere, Violet takes it upon herself to investigate a surprising death in the community.
This is hugely entertaining, full of humour and escapades, with Violet learning to ride a bicycle and running and cycling through Hastings, clambering through windows and wearing dubious disguises.

However, I also liked that Hannah Dolby didn't avoid the treatment of women at the time. Violet is considered a bit of an aberration and, although many members of the community still treat her with respect, many men view her as an hysterical, silly woman who needs to put in her place and controlled. Part of the plot also looks at the "treatments", including drugging, of women who were considered hysterical.
Violet is not a perfect character, she's impulsive, makes some terrible decisions, but she's also self-aware and tries to improve. I did feel like Benjamin wasn't in it as much as the first and I missed their interactions but that is a fairly mild complaint.

Entertaining, funny and engaging; this is an excellent continuation of the Violet Hamilton series.

Following the exploits of Violet Hamilton feels a bit like being on a rollercoaster. You're flung all over the place, you don't know what's going to happen next and it's all a bit chaotic...but you're also having a really good time.

I really liked the character development in this book, I felt like it really added something to the characters from the first book.

I particularly enjoyed the exploration around womens health and medical treatment, that was really interesting.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free eARC of this book

Violet Hamilton is a lady detective. She’s tenacious, inquisitive and sometimes a little reckless. In this book, we follow her as she investigates the mysterious death of a local woman.

I found this book a little slow and the style of writing a little clunky and convoluted in places.

Overall it was entertaining but I wouldn’t be rushing to read any sequels.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Another quirky read from Hannah Dolby about Violet Hamilton aspiring to be a Lady Detective in Hastings in 1897. I don't think one needs to have read the first book as this one certainly stands alone. Delightfully old fashioned and naive with gung-ho Violet and her fiance Benjamin trying to solve a murder. Fun and funny too whilst being joyfully entertaining with some of the turns of phrase.

4.75 stars rounded up. I have a new historical cosy mystery series to love ❤️. I love Violet’s desire to do more and not be limited by other people or society, I love Benjamin’s whole calm, caring, enlightened manner, and I loved the humour and story. Will definitely go back and read the first book now (events from which are referenced in this book, so bear that in mind if you hate spoilers), and all the subsequent books - of which I hope there will be many!

I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.

Title: How to Solve Murders Like a Lady by Hannah Dolby

Release Date: June, 6th, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars

In the bustling seaside town of Hastings and St Leonards, Lady Detective Violet Hamilton solves mysteries and unveils scandals. But when a local woman's body is found on the beach, Violet's investigations are met with resistance at every turn. Is it because society doubts her abilities as a woman, or is there a more sinister reason? This delightful mystery of manners, reminiscent of Jane Austen meets Sherlock Holmes, promises a captivating journey into a world of seaside scandal, moonlit balls, dubious doctors, and daring escapades.

Lady Detective Violet Hamilton is back, and she's sharper than ever! Armed with wit and determination, she navigates the labyrinth of societal rules while unraveling mysteries that would leave Sherlock Holmes impressed. From moonlit balls to seaside scandals, this book has it all.

The witty humour adds charm to the story, although the plot may become a bit convoluted at times. But what truly sets this novel apart is Violet herself. She's not your average lady of leisure; she's a force to be reckoned with. And let's not forget about Benjamin, her charming love interest, who adds just the right amount of swoon-worthy moments without overshadowing Violet's brilliance.

So grab your magnifying glass and your favourite cup of tea, because Hannah Dolby's latest masterpiece is guaranteed to keep you!

Tropes:

Historical
Mystery
Humorous Banter
Strong Female Lead
Romance subplot



Thank you to The Publisher Aria & Aries | Aria, The Author Hannah Dolby & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

I loved the first book and was really excited to recieve this one. It was a little slower and, for me, took a little longer to get into properly. But it was another fun and engaging romp with Violet that I really enjoyed.

Dnf not really my cup of tea. Just not feeling in the mood for this not to say that I won't go back to it just not atm.

I loved No Life for A Life and was so excited to read the second! It didn't disappoint. Violet is still as brilliantly independent as ever and her relationship with Benjamin just lovely. I also enjoyed her better understanding her father and his love for his girlfriend. There were a number of interesting themes including corruption and also 'water cures'. I love how Hastings is bought to vivid life and also the mix of characters from the rejected librarian to the light-fingered auntie. Violet learning to ride a bicycle with her friends is fun. While when she has to swim away from danger, it really was tense. Also the end is brilliant bringing together all parts of the book. It took me a little while to get back into her life again but I would highly recommend as a great comfy and engaging read. Loved it! Thank you!

Hannah Dolby’s sequel featuring Lady Detective Violet Hamilton impressively expands on her character development. The narrative, while occasionally jumping between cases, remains captivating with Dolby’s witty humour and meticulous research shining through.
The relationship between Violet and her fiancé, Benjamin, adds depth and charm to the story. Benjamin’s supportive nature complements Violet’s determination, creating a dynamic partnership.
Dolby skillfully addresses the societal restrictions faced by women during the period, enhancing the story’s depth. With its engaging plot, humour, and historical backdrop, this sequel proves a worthy follow-up. Fans of historical fiction and mystery will appreciate this captivating tale and eagerly await more adventures with Violet.

I received an ARC copy of this book for free from netgalley and I’m writing this review voluntarily based on my own opinion.

I love Violet so much. I especially love how her character has developed more through this book.

This one does jump about a lot more than the previous book with it following multiple cases at different stages.

I really enjoyed it though and I do hope there's another book to follow though!

3.5 stars

Violet Hamilton has a fledgling career as a Lady Detective, a most unusual occupation for a woman in 1897. She is newly engaged to Benjamin Blackthorn although neither appear in any rush to walk down the aisle. They’ve set up the Hamilton and Blackthorn Detective Agency following their previous successes. When outspoken Mrs Withers is discovered dead on the beach at Hastings, Violet’s efforts to get involved are thwarted at every turn. However, it seems that much more is afoot of the nefarious kind in Hastings than this shocking murder. Can Violet, ably assisted by Benjamin, get to the bottom of it?

I love the first novel ( No Life For a Lady) where we are introduced to Violet, finding that novel both captivating and very funny. Although this novel is undoubtedly engaging and there are several lively moments, it doesn’t achieve the heights of book one in my opinion. The standout feature of the book is the character of Violet who is immensely likeable and very resourceful although I’m sure the male of the species find her more than a little exasperating as she doesn’t fit the compliant feminine role of the day. She is very independent in an age where that is not seen as an asset, quite the reverse and the situation for women at this time is done extremely well. The cards are stacked against women and Violet being Violet has to overcome the obstacles put in her path in her own inimitable fashion. She certainly gets herself into scrapes and more than a pickle or two which is entertaining….

There is plenty going on to keep you engaged and I especially enjoy the sections on quackery, goodness, the mind boggles.
There are some good, colourful descriptions of events, characters and so on with good historical details .

However, the plot is way too convoluted and it diverts a lot from the main track and it’s filled with extraneous detail. Inevitably, this means that they’re all lulls where very little happens to advance the plot. Where humour is intended some of this falls flat for me.

Overall, it is entertaining and is worth reading just the Violet but if there’s to be a third novel, more humour and a clearer plot would be greatly appreciated!


With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Head of Zeus, Aria and Aries for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

Bravo Hannah Dolby! Sequels are a tricky thing but you have totally nailed it. Once again I found myself laughing out loud while also learning so much about history and savouring every word on every page.

The humour is clever and witty and it snuck up on me, managing to make me splutter in hysterics in one scene and smirk or giggle in others.

Not only did I learn about the ways people behaved and dressed in days gone by and the forgotten activities such as bath chairs, but the use of language was fascinating and delightful.

It is obvious a lot of research has gone into the creation of this novel, but also a lot of imagination. So many genres contain many, many books that can become almost interchangeable but this is so original and refreshing.

Please let there be more adventures to come for this Lady Detective.

I received this arc from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

I loved this book. Violet Hamilton is a brave and impetuous Lady Detective, newly engaged and chafing against the restrictions on her life. I hadn’t read the first book in this series by Hannah Dolby but I certainly will now. Violet is a fantastic character, modern but still very much a product of her upbringing and the times in which she lives, which is a difficult balance to achieve. The book is very funny, with an excellent central story and secondary characters, and a lovely sense of time and place. Hugely enjoyable.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in return for an honest review.

Violet (and the lovely Benjamin) is back and she is as intrepid and delightful as ever.

If the first (fabulous) book was about a young woman finding her voice and purpose in a patriarchal, small town, Victorian society, How to Solve Murders Like a Lady shows Violet learning to use that voice. Violet is now engaged to Benjamin, but mostly so she can be his business partner and learn how to be a detective without causing a scandal. Of course she likes him, is sometimes a little fixated by his forearms, has fond and disturbing memories of certain activities in a railway carriage, but is it love? Does he love her? And if so what does that mean for her fledgling independence? Marriage is the end of a woman's career after all. While she battles with these questions there are crimes to solve and if missing goats doesn't feel like the biggest of tasks, it's a start. But things soon take a darker turn and Violet finds her new profession can lead to very real danger.

Of course, Violet is not just thwarted by crime and criminality, she also has to battle with the expectations of a lady's behaviour in a patriarchal society where a woman has few rights. There were so many passages I wanted to underline, to annotate, to put on a tshirt as Violet grows in spirit, confidence and independence. She is a keen, satirical, questioning observer and narrator, and if sometimes naive that's because that's how society has brought her up to be.

How to Solve Murders Like a Lady is a more than worthy sequel which could be read as a standalone, and I for one can't wait to see what Violet does next. I loved every word. Highly recommended.

i greatly enjoyed <i> no life for a lady </i> and was thrilled to discover it had a sequel! thank you again to netgalley for this copy. violet remains endearing to me; her antics and interactions with the various characters in her seaside town make for an easy, entertaining cozy read. although, i thought the pacing was slower here, which could get a bit boring.

This is the second in the series and I have loved seeing Violet grow as a character and as a young woman, newly engaged and finding her feet in the relationship amongst the Victorian rules of society. There is plenty of mischief and mysteries to solve for Violet and Benjamin in this one and a spattering of real history in too - electric corset anyone?! Thoroughly enjoyed and will certainly be on the lookout for book 3.

**Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read an advanced e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own **