Unfortunately though I wanted to love this book, I just couldn't get into the writing style. I liked the premise of the book, and had hoped that the further I went in the book the more I may have become engaged. But it never happened. I honestly cannot pinpoint why - just that I never connected with the characters or the story.

I will try this author again in the future. Sadly this just wasn't the story for me. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

“Murder in Season” is the enjoyable third book in Mary Winters’ Lady of Letters cozy mystery series. I love mysteries and I love historical romances and this book is a nice combination of both. Main characters Lady Amelia Amesbury is a Countess by day and an advice columnist and mystery solver on the side – her advice columns head each chapter and are fun to read. Also fun is her (inherited) Aunt Tabitha and her (inherited) daughter Winifred as well as her growing relationship with Simon. In this book, Amelia finds herself in charge of her sister Margaret’s unexpected Season, as well as investigating several jewelry robberies and a murder that takes place during Margaret’s Season debut – with Margaret being the chief suspect. This is all very nicely done with just the right amount of suspects, a slight sense of danger, and plenty of twists and turns along the way. When reading a mystery, I always try to figure out who the killer is – this time I was totally surprised (and a bit sad) when all was reveaed. Nicely done by Winters!

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.

These books are such a fun romp. The mysteries are clever, but I admit I'm more invested in the relationship between Amelia and Simon. The rest of the cast with Aunt Tabitha and company rounds out the story nicely.

I loved the first book in the series, but was disappointed by the second book. However, I was hoping it was just a fluke and the third book would be more to my taste. Sadly, that wasn't the case. I enjoy the mystery aspect of this series, but not the romance. I loved Simon in the first book and how supportive he was, but he keeps disappointing me more and more in the follow-up books. At this point, I think Amelia deserves better than him. I'm not a fan of romances where it feels the heroine is chasing the hero and having to convince him to love her. Simon has turned into a reluctant suitor and that's not appealing. Plus, he can be a bit of a bore and too domineering at times. After reading Murder in Season, I don't feel Simon would support Amelia in her sleuthing or writing if they were ever to marry. Amelia needs to meet someone else, a true rival for her affection, and make Simon really grovel and regret pushing her away and sending all those mixed signals.

I adore this series and hope there will be more to come! This books has more romance (for everyone) and a very intriguing murder to solve. Getting to meet Amelia's family, more interactions with the cantankerous Lady Tabitha, and a possible move forward with Simon!! So much happened in this story including a party a the Amesbury house! . I hope we have more to come in the future-who does Madge end up with? Will Simon finally court Amelia? What mystery will Lady Agony solve next?

3.5 stars. This was a fun story! I will say though, I recommend reading the first two books first, because though I was assured it worked as a standalone, many references through the story made me feel like I had missed things (relationships, drama, romance) that would have added to character and plot development. Still, it was a fun mystery, and I really liked Amelia. The letters starting the chapters were fun, and tied to the story well. I liked Madge and the chaos/drama she brought, and the sisters' relationship helped develop their characters. I also liked the morally grey area the "bad guys" fell into, making them more realistic. If I can go back and read the first two, I'd happily continue with a fourth, if there is one!

This series continues to be as interesting as books 1 and 2. Amelia and Madge (her sister) are the focus of this book. There's a lot going on. Madge is having a London season, which is not going quite well. There are robberies happening and a murder that all adds to the puzzle. And Simon and Amelia declare they affections, yay!!!

Interesting, fast-paced, and well written. And every Lady Agony letter is on point and sometimes very funny.

#netgalley #MurderinSeason

I had somehow missed that this is the third book in the Lady of Letters mysteries series, which follows commoner-turned-Countess-turned-Victorian advice columnist Amelia Amesbury as she finds herself in the unlikely position of investigating mysteries and solving murders.

Such a premise is all catnip for this reader, and I was all set to lose myself in the book. Alas, it was not to be; the more I read, the harder it was to suspend my disbelief enough to keep on reading, and after weeks of trying to get back to it, I finally DNFed the ARC at the 27% mark.

While the story is told in third person, past tense, we only get Amelia’s point of view, and the narrative sticks to her so closely, it might as well have been first person. This can work quite well, and it’s quite effective for mysteries, which is what I thought this book was going to be. Unfortunately, it didn’t work for me here, for a number of reasons.

Partly, because I found Amelia increasingly annoying, and as everyone else in the story is seen exclusively through her perceptions, I never got invested in any of them.

There’s her younger sister, who comes across as an incredibly spoiled brat whose entire personality is basically stomping her feet and tossing her hair, while being “not like other girls” enough not to care about her hair or dress.

There’s Lady Tabitha, her late husband’s aunt, who, we are told over and over, has been Amelia’s rock since his death, but whose actions and words paint her as an unbending snob who resents being now the poor relation in her family’s home, and having to defer to a commoner who has barely learned how to behave in society, simply because Amelia married her nephew.

There’s Simon, Lord Bainbridge, the late earl’s closest friend and Amelia’s love interest, who apparently returns her regard but has some tragic backstory that precludes him ever declaring for her–but not from showing up constantly in the guise of “old family friend”.

Meanwhile, Amelia spends more time and energy mooning over him, than she does caring about anything else, from her sister’s potential ruination and utter disregard of all social conventions, to the man poisoned at her very own ball.

In fact, one of the reasons I found Amelia annoying is that her sense of priorities is totally skewed; a man takes ill, and ultimately dies, at the first event she hosts after the death of her husband (and apparently, her first ever ball), and she is more preoccupied with trying to make Simon jealous than with the fact that a man her sister had a loud argument with is dead less than an hour later.

The text wants us to believe that while Amelia is young in years, she’s wise and sensible far beyond her age; not so much because loss can make people mature in a hurry, as because she’s always been like that. The problem is that neither her own thoughts nor her actions support that characterization; Amelia comes across as a much younger person than she’s supposed to be.

Then there were the many different authorial choices that required deliberate suspension of disbelief. It soon got so I could just not bring myself not to notice all the contrivances piling on.

I could accept that Amelia is so beautiful/charming/sweet/fill-in-the-blank, to catch the eye of a young and sickly earl who preferred her devotion (and gratitude), to the more obvious self-interest of London’s marriage mart. I could accept that his illness prevented consummation of the marriage–mostly because the virgin widow is a genre romance trope, even though is one that grates, especially in a book published in 2024.

It was however a lot more difficult to buy into the idea that a young countess would end her year of mourning by hosting a large ball, rather than by attending a number of smaller, less formal events over the course of a few weeks. It especially makes no sense as, from the backstory we are given, Amelia spent barely any time in society before her husband’s death; who would she even know to fill a whole ballroom with barely a few days’ notice? (and let us not even consider all the preparation needed for such an event, from food and drink to invitations and so forth).

The reason for the ball–to be Margaret’s debut in society–makes even less sense; for all the Amelia is now a countess, her sister is very much a commoner with no dowry, and Amelia’s own social network is limited to a couple of people beyond Lady Tabitha and Simon.

Margaret isn’t particularly pretty, nor especially witty or charming, and has no name, fortune or connections beyond her older sister. Amelia’s own social standing is fairly tenuous; she’s a wealthy and titled widow, but once she either marries or dies, the earldom and title pass on to someone else. There is no reason for Amelia to believe than any member of the ton would have two words to say to Margaret, let alone want to marry her.

But even if I could pretend that her sisterly love blinds Amelia to the facts, I can’t accept that Lady Tabitha would go along rather than insisting that Margaret at least be tutored on proper behavior for a few weeks, before lending the weight of her own reputation to the chit’s debut in society.

Furthermore, while I can accept that Margaret needed to stay in London for a while, maybe even permanently, the whole, “we need to introduce her to society and marry her off, stat” urgency that Amelia displays just didn’t make any sense in context.

Between the plot holes, Amelia’s implausible background, and a main character acting like a lovelorn teenager rather than a sensible adult, I finally gave up.

Murder in Season is a DNF.

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of a five-star historical cozy mystery set in the Victorian Era. Filled with charming characters, enthralling romance, and compelling intrigue, this book is the third installment in a delightful series that will leave you guessing until the final page. The well-crafted pace and engaging storyline make it a must-read. Don't miss out – orderi today! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I just adore this series. Its clever premise is that a widowed countess also writes an advice column. She also investigates murders. The whole cast of characters is wonderful, and I enjoyed the mystery immensely.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

This is the third book in the series but the first I have read. There are lots of details of the Victorian era and the etiquette of the time. to enhance the story and the complex characters are vivid and entertaining. The mystery kept me guessing all the way to the end, which made the story move along at a good pace. All in all an enjoyable and entertaining read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I'm loving Mary Winters' Lady in Letters series and this a good one that kept me hooked and entertaining. Well plotted, solid mystery, lieable characters
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I've read every installment of the Lady Of Letters cozy murder mysteries and I think this one might be my favorite. It kept me guessing all the way to the end, which is what you want from a mystery. I adore the romance as well. Overall, a really cute and enjoyable read. low stakes, but it keeps you guessing. Bonus points for the romance. Thank you, Severn House and NetGalley for the advance reading copy!

What's a book that you wish more people knew about?

Amelia Amesbury is a young Victorian widow. She is a countess but was not raised in high society. She secretly writes an advice column at night. When her sister, Madge, experiences a scandal, she comes to visit to hopefully find a husband during the season. When a string of thefts starts occurring at balls and a murder takes place at her own home, will Amelia be able to solve the crimes?
My thoughts on this novel:

• This is the third book in A Lady of Letters Mystery series. It is the first book I have read in the series, and it gives enough background to read it as a standalone. I need to read the first two books in this series – I enjoyed Murder in Season so much!

• The start of each chapter has a letter to Lady Agony and her response. They are amusing and often related to the plot. They had great advice!

• I loved the developing love story between Amelia and Simon. Simon was Amelia’s husband Edgar’s friend, and this fact is holding him back from having a relationship with Amelia. Will they, or won’t they? It was a good slow burn romance.

• I enjoyed the characters – especially Madge and Amelia’s late husband’s Aunt Tabitha. Madge is impetuous and says what she feels. Aunt Tabitha is the same and keeps Amelia and the entire household in line.

• This cozy mystery had many twists and turns with two different mysteries – the jewel theft and the murder. I liked the final resolutions and the path to get there. I did not guess the ending for either mystery.

• I enjoyed the 1860 Victorian Age England setting.

• This cozy mystery was short in length, which is perfect for reading during a busy holiday season.

Favorite Quotes:
“Good people did bad things for the right reasons. Who was to say she wouldn’t do the same when it came to her family members?”

“People were measured by the money, title or status they could bring to the marriage. Love was, for the most part, for the youthful and inexperienced. Yet Amelia held out hope that exceptions existed, such as Oliver and Kitty. And maybe, one day, she and Simon.”

Overall, A Murder in Season by Mary Winters is a delightful cozy historical mystery with a wonderful slow burn romance and great characters.
Book Source: Review copy from Severn House Imprint as part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour. Thank-you! Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Good addition to the series. I love the letters at the beginning of each chapter and Amelia’s responses that truly show her personality and just a touch of snarkiness when needed. I enjoyed the extended visit by her sister, which gave the opportunity for more matchmaking and the introduction of more characters, rather than the blossoming relationship with Amelia and Simon, which is moving along nicely. The mystery was OK but seemed to take a backseat to the romances. Hoping we get back on track for the next one.

I really enjoyed this cozy mystery with a touch of slow burn romance! There’s an “inconvenient death” and theft and clandestine meetings and an advice column and mystery.

THOUGHTS 💭
🩷 This book gave me Bridgerton vibes - it had British high society and scandal and love.
🩷 I enjoyed the Lady Agony letters, where anonymous people write into a magazine with questions that our FMC answers. Each chapter starts with a letter and I loved that the letters related to what was happening in the story.
🩷 I loved watching Amelia uncover bits and pieces to this story’s mysteries. The “unknowns” were uncovered nicely by the end of this read.
🩷 Amelia is a strong, adventurous FMC, especially for the day/time in which she lives.
🩷 Romance was not the main focus of this read, but I still enjoyed the romance element underpinning the whole story.

Thanks so much to Mary Winters, Severn House Imprint, and Austen Prose for the beautiful ARC of this book!

This was a very interesting story! Even though I hadn't read the first two, I was introduced to the characters and the family well enough that I felt like I understood them and their motives. The story was well written too despite being short. There were a few historical inaccuracies with the language but I've read worse so this didn't bother me. I was surprised to see who ended up being the culprit in the end! It was a pretty good plot twist.

I’m so happy I found this delightful series! This is book three in The Lady Letters series. (I’m reading book two as soon as I’m able.) The story and characters had me turning pages quickly. Amelia is back with another mystery on her hands. Actually two.

Amelia’s sister Margaret (who is my favorite!) is in town, running from the Inn because of a possible scandal. And what comes from it brings more mystery and danger.

The author does a great job of catching the reader up. Although I was glad I read book one, these books are written well as stand-alones, I wouldn’t have necessarily needed to read them get a sense of Amelia and the rest of the characters. Winters captures the characters and the setting/plot so well. (Tabitha is still wonderful.)

Like the first book, I adored the letters. Amelia gives her readers honesty, and what’s on her mind. I love it. Again, I love how theory’s incorporated in the chapters. The mysteries are captivating and I had suspected everyone. Margaret was so well done. I loved her spunk and some of the things she said had me rolling.

I can’t wait to read book two!

I received a NetGalley link and paperback from the publisher. All views are mine.

Murder in Season is book #3 in The Lady of Letters Mystery Series by Mary Winters. This blend of cozy mystery and romance is set in London, 1860. Lady Amelia Amesbury, countess and advice columnist, is still in mourning when her sister Margaret arriving under duress, asks to remain for the Season. As fans of Bridgerton and the ton know, the Season, a time for young people to find a spouse, is from May to August. Lady Amesbury hosts a ball to introduce Margaret, but the plan backfires when a guest is poisoned. Margaret becomes the main suspect, and Lady Amesbury feels called to prove Margaret’s innocence. Winters whisks readers from balls and concerts in manor houses in Mayfair across to markets in the East End’s Petticoat Lane, and to the exhibition by the Royal Botanic Society at Regent’s Park.
Margaret, or Madge, is known to be bullheaded, brave, and smart. Winters uses an impromptu performance at a concert to develop the sisters’ character by revealing their competitive spirits and musical talents, adding another intriguing layer to their personalities. Their adventurous spirit surfaces as the sisters travel in disguise to Petticoat Lane to track a jewel thief! The action, dialogue and sensory descriptions of the market wares and stalls sink the reader into London’s East End.
Each chapter opens with a letter from a devoted reader to Lady Agony. The writer’s situation often hints at the impending conflict in the plot. Amelia’s slow burn romance with Simon, jewelry thefts, and a poisoning death keep readers following rumors and clues to the mystery. Lady Agony’s readers will discover a surprising, satisfying close to the Lady of Letters Mystery Series.

The perfect historical cozy mystery! Amelia is a widow running her late husband's household along with her late husband's strict Aunt Tabitha. Amelia's mother and younger sister, Madge, show up unannounced saying that Madge wants to have a season. It's all very suspicious until Amelia learns that her tough sister hurt a man's arm in their small home town and now she's the talk of the town. What she needs is a new setting where no one knows of her transgressions. But during a debut ball for Madge, in Amelia's home, someone already knows and makes a spectacle of Madge.

Then everything kind of breaks loose from there with a deceased party guest and missing jewels from Aunt Tabitha's jewelry box. A perfect blend of who-dunnit feels in a historical setting. I love these kinds of stories where you're trying to figure out exactly who is the guilty party and how did everything transpire. Not to mention that Amelia is an astounding character. She's charming, witty, and while she's well behaved in company she also is a fiery one. Especially when it comes to her attraction to her late husband's best friend, Simon.

There are elements of romance within the story between Amelia and Simon as they try to navigate their confusing feelings for one another and attempt to avoid dishonoring Amelia's late husband. But the mystery elements are so fun to follow as well! It took me a while to figure out exactly where it was going and I enjoyed every minute of it!