A Study in Murder

The place is Bath, England and the year is 1890 where you encounter the fiery and independent Lady Amy Lovell who has a surprising secret: she writes murder mysteries. She never wished to marry in the first place, but when she receives a surprising note that her fiancé has been dabbling in the opium trade, she sees an opportunity to break the engagement. She doesn’t expect him to show up a few nights later unannounced only to be found quite dead. To top it off, the authorities seem to think she’s the guilty party. She knows more than they do about how to solve a murder and with the help of her good friend Lord Wethington, she stirs up the high society of Bath to uncover her ex-fiancé’s shady dealings which catches the attention of the killer and puts their lives on the line.

Historical cozy mystery lovers are in luck! A Study in Murder is a breath of fresh air with a heroine that is smart, clever, and brazen. Callie Hutton excels at capturing the finer details of this era through their mannerisms, dialogue, and the setting which brings the time period to life. Amy will be one of your favorite cozy sleuths from the moment you meet her thanks to her strong-willed personality that breaks the mold of Victorian women. She’s a delightful lady that has a dual identity as an author of murder mysteries which comes in handy when she takes up the case of solving her ex-fiance’s murder. Amy and William are the ultimate duo with banter, a respectful partnership, and dazzling chemistry that brings humor, sparks, and fun every time they’re together. The story is humorous with their dynamic and her strong personality pushing back against the society around them. Hutton breathes new life into the era and into historical mysteries with a cozy read that has heart, charm, and a dazzling female sleuth that redefines what it means to be a Lady of the 1800s.