Once Upon a Murder
Ratings1
Average rating3
Miss Tiffany Woodall must sleuth the slaying of a footman to clear her beloved's name in the second Lady Librarian mystery, in the vein of Deanna Raybourn and perfect for fans of Bridgerton. 1784 England. Officially hired as the librarian for the Duchess of Beaufort, Miss Tiffany Woodall is through with masquerades and murders for good. That is, until she stumbles upon the frozen dead body of former footman Mr. Bernard Coram. The speed with which her peaceful new life is upended is one for the record books: the justice of the peace immediately declares her the primary suspect in the murder. As Tiffany hunts for the truth to clear her name, she learns that Bernard got into a fight over a woman at the local pub the night of his death–but he was also overheard blackmailing Samir. The justice of the peace arrests Samir, and Tiffany realizes that her life may have more in common with a tragic play than a light-hearted romance. With her love locked up in jail and her own reputation on the line, Tiffany must attempt to solve the murder before the book closes on her or Samir’s life.
Tags
Genre
Series
Featured Series
2 primary booksA Lady Librarian Mystery
A Lady Librarian Mystery is a 2-book series with 2 primary works first released in 2023 with contributions by Samantha Larsen and Samantha Hastings.
Reviews
Popular Reviews
Reviews with the most likes.
Book Review: Once Upon a Murder by Samantha Larsen
Rating: 3 Stars
As a fan of historical cozy mysteries, delving into “Once Upon a Murder” by Samantha Larsen was like stepping back in time to 1784 England alongside the determined Miss Tiffany Woodall. The novel follows Tiffany's journey as she navigates through a web of deception and intrigue after stumbling upon the lifeless body, setting off a chain of events that test her resolve and wit.
From the very beginning, Larsen's storytelling drew me in with its blend of mystery, romance, and historical flair. The intricate plot twists kept me guessing as Tiffany raced against the clock to unearth the truth behind the murder and exonerate her beloved.
While I thoroughly enjoyed the well-paced narrative and the abundant red herrings that kept me on my toes, the other women addition turned me off. In addition, Tiffany's character development, though intriguing, felt somewhat subdued compared to her vibrant portrayal in the first Lady Librarian mystery.
Another aspect that proved challenging was keeping track of the numerous relationships among the characters, which added a layer of complexity that might overwhelm readers new to the series. As such, “Once Upon a Murder” is best enjoyed after immersing oneself in its predecessor to fully appreciate the interconnected dynamics at play.
In summary, while this second installment may not reach the heights of its predecessor, it remains a captivating historical cozy mystery that showcases Larsen's skill in crafting intricate narratives. The enduring appeal of the characters and the promise of future adventures leave me eagerly anticipating continuing my journey alongside Tiffany as she unravels secrets and solves crimes in the enchanting world created by Samantha Larsen.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
