Once Upon a Murder by Samantha Larsen Series: Lady Librarian Mysteries #2
Published by Dreamscape Media on February 20, 2024
Source: NetGalley
Genres: Cozy Mystery
Length: 9 hrsn 12 mins
Pages: 304
Format: Audiobook
Purchase at Bookshop.org or Audible
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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: 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.
I enjoyed the first of the Lady Librarian mysteries, A Novel Disguise. Tiffany was interesting and bold and determined. Her relationship with Samir was fun. I wasn’t quite as enamored by Once Upon a Murder.
Tiffany is fairly happily employed as the librarian for the Duchess of Beaufort. It all goes awry when she finds the frozen dead body of former footman Mr. Bernard Coram just outside her cottage. Tiffany is quickly cleared as a suspect, but Samir, Tiffany’s friend and love interest, is arrested.
The mystery was well-done, with several suspects and enough clues to lead Tiffany in the right direction. The characters are great, whether they’re likable or not.
But, I don’t need to hear about Tiffany’s cramps or her longing for children. I’d rather not have children or baby’s in my mysteries and in this one, I found them a distraction rather than adding value to the book. Yes, the kids added some humor, but I’d rather have the unconventional Tiffany from book #1.
I listened to the audio. The story is told from Tiffany’s point of view and the narrator did a good job with her thoughts and emotions.
About Samantha Larsen
Samantha Larsen has degrees from Brigham Young University, the University of Reading (Berkshire, England), and the University of North Texas. She met her husband in a turkey sandwich line. They live in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she spends most of her time reading, eating popcorn, drinking tea, and chasing her kids. She publishes historical romances under Samantha Hastings.
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