What do you think?
Rate this book
The Lady in Blue Mysteries #2
A Death in Chelsea
Inspired by the remarkable life of Dorothy Peto, the Metropolitan Police’s first female superintendent.
During war, death isn’t only found on the battlefield…
It’s 1915 and war continues to rage across Europe, but at home in England, the members of the Women Police Volunteers are more accepted and their numbers continue to grow. However, founding member, Dorothy Peto is frustrated at being consigned to office duties and training recruits. Then, early one morning, her friend Margaret finds a dead body in the garden next door.
When they discover the wealthy victim’s will is missing, the list of possible suspects grows. Once again, Dorothy finds herself working alongside the inscrutable Inspector Derwent. Determined to prove herself a worthy investigator even as she battles personal loss and feuding friends, Dorothy gains the trust of witnesses, and pits her wits against a killer who may not stop if threatened.
During war, death isn’t only found on the battlefield…
It’s 1915 and war continues to rage across Europe, but at home in England, the members of the Women Police Volunteers are more accepted and their numbers continue to grow. However, founding member, Dorothy Peto is frustrated at being consigned to office duties and training recruits. Then, early one morning, her friend Margaret finds a dead body in the garden next door.
When they discover the wealthy victim’s will is missing, the list of possible suspects grows. Once again, Dorothy finds herself working alongside the inscrutable Inspector Derwent. Determined to prove herself a worthy investigator even as she battles personal loss and feuding friends, Dorothy gains the trust of witnesses, and pits her wits against a killer who may not stop if threatened.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 27, 2024
33 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 23, 2024
Book two in this wonderful series and I was pulled in from the start, it was so good catching up with Dorothy, Nina, Margaret and Mary again as they continue to work as WPV, Woman’s Police Volunteer, the war is still going on and more woman are needed to help in this role and Dorothy is forever training new woman and wants to be out on the streets but her true desire is to be a police investigator when Margaret discovers her neighbours body in his yard.
Dorothy arrives to help not long before Inspector Derwent and his team arrive and she is offering her opinion as they search for clues and when they discover that the very wealthy neighbour’s will is missing a list of suspects grows and Dorothy is more determined than ever to show Inspector Derwent that she is very capable of being a very good investigator.
As another spanner is thrown into the works with a grandson and what has happened to him and then another death things are heating up and Dorothy is working hard to find the killer, there is unrest in her group of friends and with the news that a woman MPV member has been given a warrant card and authorized to arrest as needed, Dorothy’s hopes for herself are growing if she can prove herself this time.
This is another fabulous story in this series it is so well written that I felt transported to Chelsea 1915, I love the characters and the way Dorothy works through clues to get to the answers and her special way with witnesses especially female ones. This is one that I would highly recommend to any lover of a good historical mystery, I am really looking forward to the next one in the series I am sure we are going to see Dorothy excel.
My thanks to the publisher Tule Publishing for my digital copy to read and review.
Dorothy arrives to help not long before Inspector Derwent and his team arrive and she is offering her opinion as they search for clues and when they discover that the very wealthy neighbour’s will is missing a list of suspects grows and Dorothy is more determined than ever to show Inspector Derwent that she is very capable of being a very good investigator.
As another spanner is thrown into the works with a grandson and what has happened to him and then another death things are heating up and Dorothy is working hard to find the killer, there is unrest in her group of friends and with the news that a woman MPV member has been given a warrant card and authorized to arrest as needed, Dorothy’s hopes for herself are growing if she can prove herself this time.
This is another fabulous story in this series it is so well written that I felt transported to Chelsea 1915, I love the characters and the way Dorothy works through clues to get to the answers and her special way with witnesses especially female ones. This is one that I would highly recommend to any lover of a good historical mystery, I am really looking forward to the next one in the series I am sure we are going to see Dorothy excel.
My thanks to the publisher Tule Publishing for my digital copy to read and review.
February 29, 2024
Set against the backdrop of WW1 and the very real story of a group of women who acted as volunteer police officers both to cope with the additional crimes caused by soldiers marauding around towns looking for a good time and the lack of able-bodied men to do the job. I read the first book and enjoyed it, but I found the historical political aspects overshadowed the detection. Accordingly, although I requested an ARC I left this on my TBR shelf until after publication day (Bad reviewer). And then, typically I picked it up and tore through it in a day because I enjoyed it so much.
This book starts very much like one of my beloved Lord Peter Wimsey novels (albeit the plot is very different). Dorothy is woken by one of her fellow volunteers Margaret calling to ask for help, her next door neighbour Mr Gaskell is dead in his garden. When Dorothy arrives she concludes he has been murdered, based on the blood on his forehead. The victim, a parsimonious man, lived alone with a butler, cook, and maid. On the night before his body was found, he dined with his nephew, a dissolute young man called Gervase, who is married to Mr Gaskell's former ward Emily.
Apparently, on the afternoon before he died Mr Gaskell received a letter from his grandson Paul, a soldier serving at the Front, following which he called his solicitor Mr Pearson and changed his will, a will that no-one can now find.
This felt like a good old-fashioned mystery. Who murdered Mr Gaskell? Is it the alcoholic Butler with a gambling problem? Was it the deaf cook who quarrelled with Mr Gaskell after he refused her request for a payrise? What about the maid Connie who apparently didn't sleep in her bed on the night he died? Dorothy favours the nephew Gervase who shows no sadness at the news of his uncle's death and immediately starts planning a party. Could it be the grandson, was he about to be written out of the will? Or what about the gardener who had easy access to the gardens? Even the saintly Emily and Mr Pearson come under suspicion.
In the background the Women's Police Volunteers are splintering over the Defence of the Realm Act which sought to combat the rise in drunken disorder and venereal diseases by effectively placing women under curfew. Some of the women, particularly Dorothy's friend NIna, feel they should not enforce such laws while others, notably Margaret and her lover Mary, argue that the WPV agreed to uphold all laws when they took office, not just the ones they agreed with.
Overall, this was an intriguing and satisfying historical detective story which also taught me some things about WW1 of which I was previously unaware.
I received an ARC from the publisher Tule for an honest review.
This book starts very much like one of my beloved Lord Peter Wimsey novels (albeit the plot is very different). Dorothy is woken by one of her fellow volunteers Margaret calling to ask for help, her next door neighbour Mr Gaskell is dead in his garden. When Dorothy arrives she concludes he has been murdered, based on the blood on his forehead. The victim, a parsimonious man, lived alone with a butler, cook, and maid. On the night before his body was found, he dined with his nephew, a dissolute young man called Gervase, who is married to Mr Gaskell's former ward Emily.
Apparently, on the afternoon before he died Mr Gaskell received a letter from his grandson Paul, a soldier serving at the Front, following which he called his solicitor Mr Pearson and changed his will, a will that no-one can now find.
This felt like a good old-fashioned mystery. Who murdered Mr Gaskell? Is it the alcoholic Butler with a gambling problem? Was it the deaf cook who quarrelled with Mr Gaskell after he refused her request for a payrise? What about the maid Connie who apparently didn't sleep in her bed on the night he died? Dorothy favours the nephew Gervase who shows no sadness at the news of his uncle's death and immediately starts planning a party. Could it be the grandson, was he about to be written out of the will? Or what about the gardener who had easy access to the gardens? Even the saintly Emily and Mr Pearson come under suspicion.
In the background the Women's Police Volunteers are splintering over the Defence of the Realm Act which sought to combat the rise in drunken disorder and venereal diseases by effectively placing women under curfew. Some of the women, particularly Dorothy's friend NIna, feel they should not enforce such laws while others, notably Margaret and her lover Mary, argue that the WPV agreed to uphold all laws when they took office, not just the ones they agreed with.
Overall, this was an intriguing and satisfying historical detective story which also taught me some things about WW1 of which I was previously unaware.
I received an ARC from the publisher Tule for an honest review.
February 28, 2024
A Death in Chelsea by H L Marsay is the second book in a series which features Dorothy Peto who is one of the four orriginal women who set up the Womens Police Volunteers in England.
Set in London 1915 at the start of the first World War and Dorothy is interupted from her administration tasks when contacted by the WRV leader Margaret , who tells her she has found a dead body in her neighbour's garden .
Dorothy heads over to support Margaret and soon Scotland Yard's Inspector Derwent arrives to begin an investigation into the death , and welcomes Dorothy's help with questioning persons of interest. As the story unfolds there is another death , which keeps the team busy and Dorothy's other work rececuiting more volunteers has to be put aside as she continues to work with the Inspector.
Although this book would be considered a mystery/thriller , it also contained a lot of interesting historical material which added to the background and made the overall story more interesting . At a time when women were still fighting for their rights and to have their voice heard , Dorothy , Margaret and the other volunteers were real trend setters in their work with the police .
Marsay has written a real page turner , her writing style suits the formality of the era, and I am sure this book will appeal to a wide age group of people .
I found this an easy read which grabbed me from the start, and look forward to reading the third book in the Lady in Blue Series.
Thanks to the author and Tule Publishing for an early e -copy to read and review.
Set in London 1915 at the start of the first World War and Dorothy is interupted from her administration tasks when contacted by the WRV leader Margaret , who tells her she has found a dead body in her neighbour's garden .
Dorothy heads over to support Margaret and soon Scotland Yard's Inspector Derwent arrives to begin an investigation into the death , and welcomes Dorothy's help with questioning persons of interest. As the story unfolds there is another death , which keeps the team busy and Dorothy's other work rececuiting more volunteers has to be put aside as she continues to work with the Inspector.
Although this book would be considered a mystery/thriller , it also contained a lot of interesting historical material which added to the background and made the overall story more interesting . At a time when women were still fighting for their rights and to have their voice heard , Dorothy , Margaret and the other volunteers were real trend setters in their work with the police .
Marsay has written a real page turner , her writing style suits the formality of the era, and I am sure this book will appeal to a wide age group of people .
I found this an easy read which grabbed me from the start, and look forward to reading the third book in the Lady in Blue Series.
Thanks to the author and Tule Publishing for an early e -copy to read and review.
February 29, 2024
This was a smashing British historical cozy mystery. I loved everything about it: the characters, the writing, the pacing, the situation. It provided a plethora of possible suspects and kept me guessing until the very end.
This is the second book in this series, but it read perfectly well as a standalone. I found all the information I needed to understand the background of the story included in an unobtrusive manner.
This novel is based on real people and real events. The Women’s Police Volunteers was formed at the beginning of WWI to fill in for men called to serve. The women were trained to patrol the streets, providing assistance where they could. The tale is about women being taken seriously. This was the first step toward women being given full authority to do real police work as part of local constabularies and Scotland Yard.
The story is believable, well-written, perfectly paced, and with enough characters to make the story interesting and keep the reader guessing. The end provides a nice surprise. It was a quick and delightful read. I look forward eagerly to reading the next book in this series.
If you enjoy cozy mysteries that take place in the early twentieth century, then I believe you’ll enjoy reading this book. I highly recommend it.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher. I thank all involved for their generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
This is the second book in this series, but it read perfectly well as a standalone. I found all the information I needed to understand the background of the story included in an unobtrusive manner.
This novel is based on real people and real events. The Women’s Police Volunteers was formed at the beginning of WWI to fill in for men called to serve. The women were trained to patrol the streets, providing assistance where they could. The tale is about women being taken seriously. This was the first step toward women being given full authority to do real police work as part of local constabularies and Scotland Yard.
The story is believable, well-written, perfectly paced, and with enough characters to make the story interesting and keep the reader guessing. The end provides a nice surprise. It was a quick and delightful read. I look forward eagerly to reading the next book in this series.
If you enjoy cozy mysteries that take place in the early twentieth century, then I believe you’ll enjoy reading this book. I highly recommend it.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher. I thank all involved for their generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
July 29, 2024
H. L. Marsay’s A Death in Chelsea is book #2 in her wonderful A Lady in Blue mystery series. It is a privilege to write this review. A neighbor has died. His death initially appeared to be an accident, but it wasn’t. The reader can expect Inspector Derwent from Scotland Yard and Dorothy Peto from the WPV will find whoever was responsible. With each passing day, their suspects and their motives lists get longer and more expanded.
Per normal, Inspector Derwent and his men analyze and develop the traditional crime scene evidence. Volunteer extraordinaire Dorothy Peto brings her different observations and analyzes to the investigation. As the reader has previously seen, we may begin with one crime, but our story ends only after the addition of many more crimes. How will this mystery end? Will the hostilities of WWI have an impact? Will Dorothy have a prominent role as she did in our first book? Is danger lurking?
I must voice my appreciation to the author. It is obvious the critical role that her research plays in her exquisite writing. Every word on every page is important. I’ve read hundreds of stories where I could predict the story’s end. That will never be the case with H. L. Marsay. For decades of my life, I preferred to read John Le Carre or Frederick Forsyth. Currently, today, I prefer to read H. L. Marsay. She has given me the same style beautiful writing, and a heroine, Dorothy Peto. Thank you! Rating: 5 STARS!
Per normal, Inspector Derwent and his men analyze and develop the traditional crime scene evidence. Volunteer extraordinaire Dorothy Peto brings her different observations and analyzes to the investigation. As the reader has previously seen, we may begin with one crime, but our story ends only after the addition of many more crimes. How will this mystery end? Will the hostilities of WWI have an impact? Will Dorothy have a prominent role as she did in our first book? Is danger lurking?
I must voice my appreciation to the author. It is obvious the critical role that her research plays in her exquisite writing. Every word on every page is important. I’ve read hundreds of stories where I could predict the story’s end. That will never be the case with H. L. Marsay. For decades of my life, I preferred to read John Le Carre or Frederick Forsyth. Currently, today, I prefer to read H. L. Marsay. She has given me the same style beautiful writing, and a heroine, Dorothy Peto. Thank you! Rating: 5 STARS!
February 25, 2024
A Death in Chelsea, the second book in the Lady in Blue Series, by H L Marsay is even better than the first. This time the characters clear out so that Dorothy Peto is the main character along with Inspector Derwent. I so enjoy how these two characters work together, as if he is training her without her knowledge. He may seem to be an enigma to her but not to those who observe their actions. I also like how several of the other officers show a respect for her. Of course, some still do not.
This story was not as clear cut as the first but it did show compassion and the complexity of a country at war. It seemed a simple murder for money at first but continued to become more and more intricate as the plot developed.
One of the best parts is that it is based on a true historical figure, who showed the world though her actions, knowledge and respect for the judicial system that women can do the job as well as men. In some cases even better. My new favorite series by this brilliant author. Highly recommend especially to historical mystery readers.
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This story was not as clear cut as the first but it did show compassion and the complexity of a country at war. It seemed a simple murder for money at first but continued to become more and more intricate as the plot developed.
One of the best parts is that it is based on a true historical figure, who showed the world though her actions, knowledge and respect for the judicial system that women can do the job as well as men. In some cases even better. My new favorite series by this brilliant author. Highly recommend especially to historical mystery readers.
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 26, 2024
A Death in Chelsea ~ The Lady in Blue Mysteries #2 by H.L.Marsay.
PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION
Inspired by the remarkable life of Dorothy Peto, the Metropolitan Police’s first female superintendent. During the war, death isn’t only found on the battlefield…
A Death in Chelsea is set in 1915 and is a brilliant story to read. I have only read the first book in this series by H.L.Marsay, and I thoroughly enjoyed that and I knew this book would be just as good.
Again we follow Dorothy and her challenges of being a woman in 1915 London and with her desire to become part of the Metropolitan Police Service, in a man's world.
This book has been written brilliantly with a storyline that holds the reader's interest from the beginning till the end. It is full of intrigue, and of course, there are a couple of murders to solve, and the characters are wonderful too, and work well together.
My words will not do the justice this book deserves, so I will not give any spoilers here. If I could give more than 5* then I would. I highly recommend this book to all, and I am looking forward to Dorothy's travels in her next story.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Great world building, Informative, Inspirational, Original, Page-turner, Realistic, and Wonderful characters
PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION
Inspired by the remarkable life of Dorothy Peto, the Metropolitan Police’s first female superintendent. During the war, death isn’t only found on the battlefield…
A Death in Chelsea is set in 1915 and is a brilliant story to read. I have only read the first book in this series by H.L.Marsay, and I thoroughly enjoyed that and I knew this book would be just as good.
Again we follow Dorothy and her challenges of being a woman in 1915 London and with her desire to become part of the Metropolitan Police Service, in a man's world.
This book has been written brilliantly with a storyline that holds the reader's interest from the beginning till the end. It is full of intrigue, and of course, there are a couple of murders to solve, and the characters are wonderful too, and work well together.
My words will not do the justice this book deserves, so I will not give any spoilers here. If I could give more than 5* then I would. I highly recommend this book to all, and I am looking forward to Dorothy's travels in her next story.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Great world building, Informative, Inspirational, Original, Page-turner, Realistic, and Wonderful characters
February 28, 2024
Death in Chelsea by HL Marsay absolutely blew me away! I am a huge fan of cozy/ historical mysteries and especially 1900s turn of the century when the world was changing exponentially. Not least, women fighting for the right to vote and the burgeoning liberation movement that only got a voice in the late 1960s (which we really do not want to be going back to!!)
I digress. There is a wonderful trend in historical fiction right now that is catching up to the sleuthing cozies of focussing on strong female leads of the era that were not swooning about all over the shop and these adventures are based on the true story of Dorothy Peto (OBE KPFSM no less!) who was the first female police inspector (a quick googly moogly wiki search was utterly fascinating!) What an absolute legend!
This book is fantastic, not least for highlighting the work of this exceptional trailblazer! The story is highly engaging and narrative authentic. It is a stark reminder of the battles women had to face while still working hard to earn a living. The storyline is utterly immersive and very well researched in the ambience, attitudes, behaviours and events of the time
This is a series I shall absolutely be geting behind!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I digress. There is a wonderful trend in historical fiction right now that is catching up to the sleuthing cozies of focussing on strong female leads of the era that were not swooning about all over the shop and these adventures are based on the true story of Dorothy Peto (OBE KPFSM no less!) who was the first female police inspector (a quick googly moogly wiki search was utterly fascinating!) What an absolute legend!
This book is fantastic, not least for highlighting the work of this exceptional trailblazer! The story is highly engaging and narrative authentic. It is a stark reminder of the battles women had to face while still working hard to earn a living. The storyline is utterly immersive and very well researched in the ambience, attitudes, behaviours and events of the time
This is a series I shall absolutely be geting behind!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 20, 2024
The second book in The Lady in Blue Mysteries was just as enjoyable as the first, The Body in Seven Dials. Dorothy and the other members of the WPV are slowly being accepted and patrols are taking place in other parts of the country. However, their routine work is disrupted when Margaret discovers the dead body of one of her neighbours.
When it transpires that the victim was murdered, Dorothy finds herself working with Inspector Derwent of Scotland Yard again. Together they work through a long list of suspects while Dorothy also has to deal with personal loss and ongoing arguments amongst her colleagues. Once again the elements of a classic whodunnit are woven together with plenty of historic details.
All in all, another wonderful mystery that transported me to the streets of London in 1916.
I loved the ending and can’t wait for book #3.
When it transpires that the victim was murdered, Dorothy finds herself working with Inspector Derwent of Scotland Yard again. Together they work through a long list of suspects while Dorothy also has to deal with personal loss and ongoing arguments amongst her colleagues. Once again the elements of a classic whodunnit are woven together with plenty of historic details.
All in all, another wonderful mystery that transported me to the streets of London in 1916.
I loved the ending and can’t wait for book #3.
April 11, 2024
A Death In Chelsea is H L Marsay’s second historical mystery involving the Women’s Police Volunteers. Starring Dorothy Peto, who was a founding member of the organisation, the story is set in London during WWI. While this story is fiction it is based around factual events and provides a fascinating glimpse of life at that time along with all the societal prejudices against working women. Dorothy is a strong lead character, whom I admired greatly. I loved the way she insinuated herself into the Scotland Yard investigation into the death of Mr Gaskill, the neighbour of WPV Commandant Margaret Damer Dawson. Another favourite character is Scotland Yard’s Inspector Derwent, who tolerates Dorothy’s regular appearances in the incident room. I really enjoyed reading this story and am looking forward to the next book in this series.
February 20, 2024
I have read books by this author before, but not this particular series. This is the second book in the Lady in Blue mysteries series.
A crime took place very early in the story, and as I hadn't read the first book in the series, I think I would have appreciated a little more of an introduction to the characters, and the chance to get to know them better, before any crimes took place. Aside from that, this was my ideal type of book. It was very much in my comfort zone of reading - historical cosy crime, with genteel characters. It was a very light, easy read, and I probably would read another book featuring these characters.
Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A crime took place very early in the story, and as I hadn't read the first book in the series, I think I would have appreciated a little more of an introduction to the characters, and the chance to get to know them better, before any crimes took place. Aside from that, this was my ideal type of book. It was very much in my comfort zone of reading - historical cosy crime, with genteel characters. It was a very light, easy read, and I probably would read another book featuring these characters.
Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 1, 2024
This is my first book from this author but it absolutely won’t be my last! This was an extremely intriguing case and a fascinating glimpse into history all rolled into one. Dorothy Peto is one of the WPV who step in to help bolster the police ranks during the First World War. The mystery in this book is the death of the neighbor of one of her colleagues and then a twisty turny journey to find a killer and heir. Interspersed in the investigating are some of the sorrows of war, the state of the world in that era, and some advances and set backs in women’s suffrage.
If you like mysteries, historical fiction, clever stories with even cleverer characters you will love this book! I certainly did!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
If you like mysteries, historical fiction, clever stories with even cleverer characters you will love this book! I certainly did!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 28, 2024
I enjoy this series, this is book 2 in the Lady in Blue Mystery series. Set in England during World War I, women have banned together and help the police patrol the streets since the men have volunteered for the Army. Dorothy Peto is one of the founders and is tired of sitting in the office doing paperwork. When she is called early by a friend to look at a dead body in the garden she arrives before Inspector Derwenth and collects important clues. This is an era in history that I'm not familiar with and it's fun not only solving the murder but learning of life in the early 1900's.
October 5, 2024
A prequel to women in the police force
Without reading book 1 in the Lady in Blue mystery series, reading book 2 was just as informative and interesting. I love reading books that are historical and informative as reading book to 2 that was set during WW1 and how women struggled to break into law enforcement as the first women police officers.
The author did a great job in researching the history of that era and how well she portrayed each and every character.
A Death in Chelsea was a great historical read and had me stumped a few times of who the murderer was. Great job.
Without reading book 1 in the Lady in Blue mystery series, reading book 2 was just as informative and interesting. I love reading books that are historical and informative as reading book to 2 that was set during WW1 and how women struggled to break into law enforcement as the first women police officers.
The author did a great job in researching the history of that era and how well she portrayed each and every character.
A Death in Chelsea was a great historical read and had me stumped a few times of who the murderer was. Great job.
February 26, 2024
I could not put this one down! The second in The Lady in Blue Mysteries we find Dorothy pulled into investigating the death of a man who lived next door to her friend Margaret. I loved the twists and turns, the connections Dorothy made and the increasing (if not grudging) respect given to her and the members of the Women Police Volunteers. Thank you to Tule publishing and the author for sharing this one early.
March 10, 2024
I had enjoyed the first book in the Lady in Blue Mysteries series a lot and was glad that this series continued. It had that mystery element that I was looking for and thought it worked with the time-period. I enjoyed how well the characters were what I was expecting and were written perfectly for this type of book. It had that writing style that I was wanting from this type of book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 11, 2024
War is such a tumultuous time in history. Enjoyed this story based on real people. That there were women police officers is interesting and fascinating to read about. Diverse and interesting characters to follow along on this journey. This book has many twists and turns as the characters try to put the clues together to find the killer. Good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 8, 2025
This is the first of this series I have read and I really enjoyed it. The characters were complex enough to be both believable and engaging, the plot was well paced and plausible and the setting evoked the era. While the historical details drew me convincingly into the time and place it was the narrative, and relationships that drew me in and held my interest. I believed in this world and will seek more of it.
February 4, 2024
The women of the WPV (Women’s Police Volunteers) are active again with a murder mystery. The suspects are many and coming out of the woodwork. Each has a motive for the murder. As death piles up, the hurry to solve the crime increases.
A captivating mystery with smart characters.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A captivating mystery with smart characters.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 28, 2024
This is the second book in this series and it was just as interesting as the first. I am not a big mystery or history reader but this author has definitely gave me a nudge. I loved the book and the story line was just as intriguing as the first book. I am really cannot wait for book three. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 2, 2024
I enjoyed this story. It has a bit of history and mystery. A perfect combination in my mind. I liked the characters. They were so alive on the page. I enjoyed the dialogue and the women's determination to find the truth.
I received a complimentary copy of this story and I freely left this review.
I received a complimentary copy of this story and I freely left this review.
March 23, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this story set during WWI in England about Women Police Volunteers and the mystery of a murder. It was like watching an English mystery on TV. I watched it played out and tried to figure out who committed murder (I guessed wrong) while learning history of the WPV. I will definitely read the first book and the third one when it comes out. I voluntarily read an advance copy of the book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 19, 2024
Marsay returned with another great book about the women who want to help stop crime in the 1915's. The characters continued to evolve and educate the readers Bout their story. I loved this sequel.
August 10, 2024
A Death in Chelsea is a fascinating new book by H.L. Marsay. This is the second book in the terrific series, Lady in Blue Mystery. I was fortunate to receive an arc of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. I found Ms. Marsay’s book well written and even more exciting than the first book. In addition to the thrilling mystery, there is historical information about the war times in England and women’s rights. The book is set in London in 1915, during the start of the first World War.
The main character in the book is Dorothy Peto, one of the 4 original women who set up the WPV or Women’s Police Volunteers. Dorothy has found she enjoys police work, not just the administrative tasks that the women volunteers are expected to handle. As the book opens, the leader of the WPV, Margaret, calls Dorothy as well as the police to let them know she discovered a dead body in the garden next door. Dorothy heads out to Margaret’s home to see if she can help. They discover her elderly neighbor has been murdered. Dorothy starts talking to each of the help about what may have happened the night before. The investigator from Scotland Yard, Inspector Derwent and his crew arrive. We met Inspector Derwent in the prior book as he allowed Dorothy to help him solve the murders. Again, he allows Dorothy to accompany him on some of his interviews and investigation.
Dorothy tries to figure out who killed the neighbor. It is discovered that he received a letter from his grandson who is fighting in the war that he burned and called for his lawyer to come to his home. The lawyer came and when interviewed by the inspector, advised that the victim had changed his will but there was only the one copy and it appeared to be missing. That evening as was the norm on Saturday nights, he had dinner with his great nephew. In addition, there are also little subplots happening within the story that are related to the murder and the various suspects. Dorothy experiences some personal sadness and her friend and colleague Nina resigns from the WPV after not being able to agree with the other founders on the principles.
Margaret sends Dorothy to meet with the first attested female police office, Edith Smith in Grantham and observe her work. Dorothy so wants that for herself with the Metropolitan Police. When she returns she learns from the Inspector that another body, one of the servants has been found. During her investigation she learned many things about the servants. The Inspector allows her to tag along when he visits the morgue and meets with the forensic expert and she is thrilled to be invited.
There are so many twists and surprises in the book that it’s so enjoyable to read. I struggle to figure out who was the killer and their motives. It was so interesting to learn about life in 1915 and all the differences to now. Dorothy and the other women in the WPV were fearless as they fought for women’s rights at that time and place. I enjoy the characters and their interactions, especially noting how formal everyone is to each other. I give this 5 stars and highly recommend it. I am looking forward to the next book.
The main character in the book is Dorothy Peto, one of the 4 original women who set up the WPV or Women’s Police Volunteers. Dorothy has found she enjoys police work, not just the administrative tasks that the women volunteers are expected to handle. As the book opens, the leader of the WPV, Margaret, calls Dorothy as well as the police to let them know she discovered a dead body in the garden next door. Dorothy heads out to Margaret’s home to see if she can help. They discover her elderly neighbor has been murdered. Dorothy starts talking to each of the help about what may have happened the night before. The investigator from Scotland Yard, Inspector Derwent and his crew arrive. We met Inspector Derwent in the prior book as he allowed Dorothy to help him solve the murders. Again, he allows Dorothy to accompany him on some of his interviews and investigation.
Dorothy tries to figure out who killed the neighbor. It is discovered that he received a letter from his grandson who is fighting in the war that he burned and called for his lawyer to come to his home. The lawyer came and when interviewed by the inspector, advised that the victim had changed his will but there was only the one copy and it appeared to be missing. That evening as was the norm on Saturday nights, he had dinner with his great nephew. In addition, there are also little subplots happening within the story that are related to the murder and the various suspects. Dorothy experiences some personal sadness and her friend and colleague Nina resigns from the WPV after not being able to agree with the other founders on the principles.
Margaret sends Dorothy to meet with the first attested female police office, Edith Smith in Grantham and observe her work. Dorothy so wants that for herself with the Metropolitan Police. When she returns she learns from the Inspector that another body, one of the servants has been found. During her investigation she learned many things about the servants. The Inspector allows her to tag along when he visits the morgue and meets with the forensic expert and she is thrilled to be invited.
There are so many twists and surprises in the book that it’s so enjoyable to read. I struggle to figure out who was the killer and their motives. It was so interesting to learn about life in 1915 and all the differences to now. Dorothy and the other women in the WPV were fearless as they fought for women’s rights at that time and place. I enjoy the characters and their interactions, especially noting how formal everyone is to each other. I give this 5 stars and highly recommend it. I am looking forward to the next book.
April 17, 2025
Ok, so I gave Marsay one more chance as I was a bit ambivalent about the first book in the series, I think I actually like it, at least a little bit. All I can say is that it's a quick and easy read. I'm just not a fan. The writing is good and Marsay can obviously handle her research and words.
(Please forgive my poor English, my excuse is I’m Swedish).
(Please forgive my poor English, my excuse is I’m Swedish).
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews