THis was a light, fun read. There were some laugh-out-loud moments, though the book could have done with some editing. I liked its setting of Hastings, and the period detail-though some of it was anachronistic. Good debut effort.

I was given a copy for review by NetGalley without me asking for it, so here it goes:

Really tempted to give this one a lower review, but this novel has both high points and low points.
On one side, I did not care for the constant drilling of certain concepts. The constant "women aren't supposed to do this and that", "marital relations are awful for women", etc. Generally I think these points can be explained and delved upon in a much different context and I would have no problem with it. But together with the general tone of the book, it feels disconnected, it pulls me out of the story. I feel like it could be handled in a different manner and an editor should have probably trimmed it and made it a bit more poignant.
As for the plot, the aforementioned point muddled the story in the first half. I feel like we were shown a loop of occurrences that went nowhere, and a bunch of attempts at jokes (like the protagonist's "quirky" attempts at making up fake charities to get out of uncomfortable social situations). I can't say I am a huge fan of the protagonist, but I didn't hate her either. I feel like she could have been replaced by any other modern protagonist and things wouldn't change much.

Onto the good. From the middle onwards the story really picks up the rythm and it starts to feel like it goes somewhere. I liked the new perspectives and development of the protagonists, the subtle conversation about getting over grief and how moving away from a negative mindset can make all the difference in your life.
This might be getting spoilery, but the decisions Violet (the protagonist) makes from a certain point onwards, while sometimes made me say "god you're so stupid" were really interesting and endearing, and I could understand where they came from, even if I did not share her perspective in the slightest. Even then, at that point my focus went from wanting to just finish the book to actually wanting to know how the story went. Turning around this perspective is not easy and I commend the author for it. I would like to read more from her.

So in the end, it was a positive experience, despite my initial resistance to it. The romance was cute and I was left with a few questions, since the story ended with some questions left unanswered, right at the brink of Violet's life changing forever, but I can't say I'm unsatisfied with the ending. While the humor of it did not work for me (it rarely does), there were enough positive elements to be left with a benevolent rating.

No Life for a Lady

First I want to thank Netgalley and Aria & Aries for granting me a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

What a cute easy going read this was! We are introduced to a strong willed, unconventional woman who at the age of Eight and Twenty is still unmarried much to the despair of her father. All Violet wants is to find her place in the world, and her missing mother. So she sets out to enlist a Detective. Unfortunately for her he has died, and his son wants nothing to do with detective work. Unfortunately for the son, Violet won’t take no for an answer.

We are taken on a hilarious journey filled with secrets and self discovery. I adored the interactions Violet has with men, mainly because they made me laugh. Confronted with awkward situations Violet has a plan. Walk away. You’ll understand once you read.

I would enjoy more stories about our loveable Violet and I hope they will come!.

the best thing I have read for ages - a gentle, funny, joyful delight. I didn’t want to finish it and I know I will re-read it often.

It is part mystery, part romance, part tale of self discovery and utterly, utterly charming. I can’t remember the last time I felt such deep affection for a protagonist- Violet’s voice is totally original, so funny and you will care SO MUCH about what happens to her. If you enjoy a comfort read then you will LOVE this. Out in March and I’m already crossing everything for a sequel.

I LOVED THIS BOOK!
For a start, it was easy to get into - I connected with the main character from the word go.
Secondly, it was hilarious. There was one line in particular that just cracked me up!
Thirdly, it had a good plot. It kept me guessing.
It's the kind of book you race to finish because you want to know what happens, then you regret it the second you reach the last word, because you know you'll miss the characters and the next book won't seem quite as good.
Please, please, please tell me there'll be a sequel....

So much fun! A delightful mix of comedy, mystery, and romance.

It is 1896 and Violet is discovering her dream job might just be “Lady Detective”. She is 28 years old and remains devastated by her mother’s disappearance a decade ago. As detective work is an unsuitable profession for women, Violet saves up in hopes of hiring a private detective to find out what happened to her mother. When Violet saves enough and happens upon a notice in the paper advertising detective services, she is elated. Soon, however, she gets the sinking feeling this detective isn’t as talented as he led her to believe. Unfortunately, the best detective in town is dead and his son, Benjamin (aka Mr Blackthorn) has sworn off detective work in favor of selling furniture. Will Violet be able to solve the mystery before her reputation is in tatters?!

Violet is an amazing and lovable character - full of curiosity, humor, resilience, aspirations, and determination. Would love to read a series about Violet thriving as the best detective in town!

Thank you to Aria & Aries and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

No Life for a Lady by Hannah Dolby is a great historical fiction that is full of mystery, laughter, and fun.

I really enjoyed this historical mystery. The author did a great job of balancing historical detail and the more serious elements with quip, wit, and humor.

I always like a book that balances it all, as it helps create a fresh, fun, and entertaining read. Violet Hamilton is a creative, sassy, and vibrant young woman and placing her in the late 19th century really creates a push/pull scenario as she is a circle surrounded by square pegs.

Definitely entertaining.

4/5 stars

Thank you NG and Aria for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 3/2/23.

I thought I knew what I was in for after reading the blurb for No Life for a Lady. But I was wrong. At first I found it slow to get into as I couldn’t quite get a handle on it - was this a romance? was it a crime? What is this book? Everything for me felt like frayed edges, not least because of how quiet this book was. It just felt like it was drfifting.

And then I got it. The heart of this book is a but if a delayed coming of age novel.At 18, Violet’s vibrant mother has disappeared, before she’s had a chance to really school her in life. This leaves her a decade later with a hole, plus living with her taciturn father who wants to tame her and have her married off. Violet is quietly feisty and independent, at the cusp of really coming into her own as a feminist (not a term used back then but you can see how Violet has an image understanding of the patriarchy constraints on her and she, like her mother is resistant).

Violet ends up setting off a bit of a chain of events after hiring a sleazy PI to find her mum.

There are times this book did drag, and I wanted action to move forward, but I can see how important it was for the character development Hannah Dolby is setting up. I absolutely loved her growing awareness of her sexual desires and her potential love interest. While it was a bit clear what happened to her mother so it wasn’t a huge mystery, I think this book really has the potential for a really great historical crime/romance series. I really do hope we see Violet again as a PI in training with her amor.

When Violet Hamilton's mother goes missing she's set on finding out where she went. Violet hires a private detective. She then hires another one. In the midst of that she finds herself set on a course of doing a spot of detective work herself. It's an unusual occupation for a woman but she finds she likes it. I came to like Violet, she's an inquisitive woman with a willingness to learn and try different things and that makes her a better detective. It's an interesting journey with a woman who's willing to take chances to find out what happened to her mother and she might also find out so many other things about the world and herself along the way.

Violet Hamilton, a 28-year-old "spinster" living in a seaside town in England during the late Victorian era, is one of the most delightful characters I have encountered in a long time. Keeping house for her stolid banker father and unwilling to accept any man as a potential husband, Violet looks for something to make her life meaningful. Obsessed with finding out what happened to her beautiful mother, who disappeared 10 years ago, she decides to engage a local private detective, Frank Knight, to find her. But when Knight uncovers some unsavory details and is not as discreet as she demands, Violet approaches another detective who seems more suitable. Unfortunately, Benjamin Blackthorn has decided to become a furniture salesman rather than follow in his late father's detective footsteps and is reluctant to help Violet. But he hasn't reckoned with her determination and persistence--no shrinking Violet here!

Narrating her own story, Violet reveals in the most entertaining (often hilarious) fashion her unshakeable character, her desires and eccentricities, and her shocking lack of knowledge about certain things. Supporting characters are also well drawn and memorable. This is a fun, charming book by a debut author, and there is certainly enough going on in Violet's tumultuous life by the end of the story to fuel a sequel. Here's hoping!

My thanks to NetGalley and Aria and Aries for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.

This was a remarkably entertaining debut novel. It's difficult to pin it down since it has a bit of romance, a bit of history, a bit of sleuthing and a bit LGBTQ before its time. I had no expectations before starting the book but got into it quickly, mainly because of its endearing protagonist. This could be the first one in a series about a lady detective if the writer develops her characters a bit more and finds other equally interesting story lines. I would be interested to see how it continues.

I just loved this book! Set in 1896, Violet is a feisty 28 year old spinster actively avoiding marriage despite the reputation it brings her. The humour throughout this book is very well written so we find our trusty heroine inventing ridiculous charities to explain where she spends her time. In reality, it's spent trying to trace her mother who disappeared a decade earlier and with her new friend who owns a furniture shop. Clearly there's a lot more to it than this so it well worth reading.

If you are looking for an escape with an endearing main character who will make you smile, this is the book for you. Highly recommended.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Funny, enlightening, joyous romantic comedy. Historical angle gives it a really fresh feel. Highly recommended.

I was randomly selected by the publisher to receive an ARC. Thank you to Netgalley as well. It's 1896 and Victoria is 28 years old. Her mother has been missing for ten years now. In that time, Victoria has searched her room and done all that she could think of to figure out what happened. An advertisement for a local detective catches her eye and she hires Mr. Knight on the spot. He seems a bit unsavory but she knew of no other detective. Victoria lives with her Father on the seaside and their two staff. She attends church weekly and is determined not to marry.

Victoria's Father introduces her to many gentlemen, all of which she firmly and creatively turns them down. She is a bit of an oddity, being 28 and unmarried. There is also a kind of public stain from having a missing Mother. Victoria has dabbled in charity work but longs for more purpose. It's not proper really for a spinster to work, being a gently bred young daughter of a banker. When Mr. Knight continues to investigate her Mother's disappearance, she continues to find him uncomfortable to be around. When firing him doesn't work, she looks for another detective.

Benjamin's Father was the detective but has since passed away. His son has decided instead to sell furniture. Victoria charmingly inveigled herself into his life. She assists him with some light detective work. His shop has a typewriter and he allows her to learn typing, even assisting with receipts and such. Victoria keeps her activities from her Father but she is immensely pleased with herself for finding useful, interesting work. Benjamin takes on a few cases reluctantly, with Victoria's help. Detective work could be dangerous and he wanted to avoid his Father's fate. Victoria has become a permanent part of his life. As feelings start to develop, Victoria pushes them aside to focus on finding her Mother.

Mr. Knight is consumed with finding her Mother and she soon finds out why. Victoria's innocence is shed several times over the course of the investigation and from meeting new people in this new enterprise of hers. She finds out her Father hid a letter from her that her Mother sent after her disappearance. The mystery unravels in unexpected and exciting ways. I was entertained throughout and thoroughly enjoyed Victoria and Benjamin. Her strong, silly and unconventional personality are a treasure. I look forward to more of Victoria.

This is a fantastic piece of historical fiction that was well written with well developed charcaters and a compelling storyline that was full of charm, mystery and humour - it made me laugh out loud at times. A great read.

Oooh, what a joyful character Violet is! I really appreciated her being vulnerable for not knowing lots of things she could've asked her mother if she hadn't disappeared then years earlier. How she walks out on men on two different occasions on the same day just because she was feeling uncomfortable, and is embarrassed about it later, but haven't we all had situations like that?
And when things do go the way she was hoping or even better – sorting things, Violet being on a high, realizing what a powerful feeling that is, as opposed to being terrified which she admits to often feel as well.

Also very on topic when it comes to men thinking women are inferior creatures, as indeed you sometimes think nothing much changed since 1896.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the book.

I suspect we all need someone like Violet Hamilton in our life to remind us to dream bigger and break a few rules every once in a while!

This is a funny and heartwarming book set in the glorious Hastings seaside in the late Victorian era. Violet Hamilton lives with her father, being a rather different kind of young women, who at the ripe old age of twenty-eight has already decided to spurn the advances of suitors arranged by her father to woo her. Violet dreams of something more than marriage. But she isn't sure what. Especially as Violet's own Mother disappeared without any explanation ten years ago - there are things she longs to know. Violet thinks she can't solve this mystery alone, so she employs the help of a Detective, Mr Knight. But Violet can't shake her suspicions that Mr Knight is more than just a bad mannered man, he might also be a bad detective. Violet starts investigating other options and meets Benjamin, the bearded son of Hasting's best detective. Piecing together her Mother's past and learning about herself, Violet realises she has ambitions that cannot be contained by her fathers limited expectations and sets forth on an adventure that is filled with hilarious and heartwarming moments. Picking up skills from Benjamin and uncovering more clues about her Mothers life, through these events Violet starts to see the possibilities of life open around her.

Dolby creates a world filled with rich characters that are easy to love, even if at first some are misunderstood by Violet's innocent view of the world - that only adds to the comedic dilemmas she faces getting to know Benjamin under strict social rules for unmarried women. ("If anyone heard us use our first names they might think we were lovers. It was a truly shocking lapse of formality. It felt dangerous and illicit. I realised I didn't care.")

It is a book I wholeheartedly recommend, an absolute diamond of richly drawn characters, dramatic twists, and a slice of romance that keep pages turning.

It's easy to get complacent and forget that reading is about escaping, No Life for a Lady is a reminder of what good stories do best: transport the reader into an adventure. Especially one as fun as Violet, brought to life in vivid technicolour detail on every page. I cannot wait to read what Dolby writes next!

A fun read definitely in the vein of Dear Mrs Bird and Mrs Bensons Beetle. It makes such a change for a book that doesn’t just follow usual rules, one to pack in your bag for holiday

Violet doesn't want to marry but her father is insisting that she does. Not that she has much choice as it is in 1896. She is definitely unique in her views for a lady in that time period. She wants to find her mother who disappeared mysteriously 10 years earlier. She is fun, original and sassy. I love the LOL scenes. She is a delight. It's an interesting mystery and I have fun reading it.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.

This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, from Aria and Aries and #NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to preview and review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Charming characters, funny, entertaining and relatable.