Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Victorian Traveller

Rate this book
Join Elena Manning as she gets hurled back in time to Victorian London, 1876. Where her skills are put to the ultimate test, as she takes on the guise of a Victorian– evading discovery, gangsters, marriage proposals and disgruntled gentlemen in snug suits who are not as charming as Jane Austen made them out to be. Elena must navigate this old world to uncover a mystery, and ultimately, find her way back home.

322 pages, Paperback

Published November 5, 2024

6 people are currently reading
128 people want to read

About the author

L.M. Bean

1 book15 followers
​L.M. Bean, known to friends and family as Lucy, has always thrived in the creative realm, spending the past decade as a designer, but it was the lure of storytelling that ultimately led her to pen her debut novel, The Victorian Traveller. Where her passions for history and adventure, combined with a mix of mystery, romance, and a touch of time-travel intrigue, come to life. As Lucy embarks on this new chapter of her life as an author, she is excited to share her stories with the world, promising more to come on this exciting new literary journey.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
39 (51%)
4 stars
32 (42%)
3 stars
3 (3%)
2 stars
2 (2%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for Blake.
393 reviews8 followers
January 21, 2025
What a fun, clever and captivating story! I was lucky enough to read this as an ARC and am floored that this is Lucy’s first book. I’m so impressed by the plot, its twists and its obvious potential for a sequel (don’t let me down, Lucy!!!!).

I received this ARC for free in exchange for an honest review and I have to be fully transparent: I think if this indie published had the editing perks of a professional publishing company it would have been simply amazing. I started out worried that the narrative was a bit clunky, but the ONLY reason I’m disclosing this at all is to enthusiastically encourage any other readers to have faith because the story itself is absolutely worth it. There are some classic tropes, some excellent witty banter, seductive Bridgerton vibes, a nail-biting mystery, and a touch of magic.

And my favorite part? Our heroine Elena was a refreshing badass and independent woman. Go girl!
Profile Image for Angela Pearse.
Author 16 books83 followers
November 7, 2024
Oooh this was fantastic! Blown away that it's a debut novel, the writing is top notch! If you love the Victorian era then you're in for an immersive treat. It's got an Enola Holmes type of vibe with a mystery and a witty, kickass FMC, but with a time travel element and darker love interest (oh Mr Graves, you are gruffly and utterly divine!). Keeping my fingers tightly crossed there is going to be a sequel 🤞
Profile Image for Alix | IG: ThisBookishMom.
567 reviews38 followers
October 10, 2024
Great debut! I really enjoyed this unique story about a woman who has to trade places with her Victorian era doppelgänger and solve a mystery to get back home.

There were multiple love interests and nothing was what it seemed. The ending was crazy and I didn’t realize this wasn’t a standalone until I was left on a slight cliffhanger! Cannot wait to see what happens in book 2.

Content: kissing
Profile Image for Beatriz.
65 reviews21 followers
October 13, 2024
First things first, thank you L. M. Bean for giving me not just a copy, but a physical copy of this book. It was a pleasure to read it and to have gotten this opportunity.

Now, onto the review. I might be biased as I always wished I could have gone back in time and travel to the Victorian era, but this book was amazing.

Without giving any spoilers, this book takes you on a journey with our main female character back to the Victorian era where she will have to uncover a mystery in the mist of Victorian London. It will be more than she bargain for and she will have to conceal her real self while adapting to a world she feels she doesn't fit into.

The characters are relatable and charming. There are soooo many, and I mean so many male characters that I just wanted to have them all for myself, but the chemistry between the FMC AND MMC is so good. You can feel the tension and the flirting all the way to your bones. It's very sensual and seductive and it was giving me heart palpitations.

The mystery was well woven with the romance and the plot was cohesive. Also, the end.... The end... Wow.

Let's just say that I appreciate authors that write books that don't provide a safety blanket and gives us all the dangers and stakes that we can find in real situations. So we can't get attached to anything and anyone.

I loved how the book seems to indicate to have a follow up and I'm definitely here for it.

Definitely a must read! Thank you again!
Profile Image for Holly (read.or.not.real).
93 reviews
October 10, 2024
4.5⭐️

This was a fun one that I really enjoyed!
We follow Elena as she unexpectedly time travels back to Victorian London in 1876, and has to solve a mystery while learning about the world there and how to navigate it.

I don’t want to give away any spoilers since it is a mystery, and I liked not knowing much going in, but I really enjoyed the characters, writing, setting, and trying to figure out the mystery along side Elena. I was guessing the whole time, and while I suspected some things part of the way through, others I didn’t see coming at all! The Narnia and Disney references were also fun!

I read half this book the first day I picked it up since I had some time and got sucked into the story, and I finished it in the next few. I’m excited to see where the story goes next as it was well set up for a sequel!

Thank you so much to the author for the ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Sara.
4 reviews1 follower
November 11, 2024
I was fortunate enough to receive an advanced copy of this amazing book, thank you L.M. Bean! WOW, this book had me at the edge of my seat from start to finish. The Victorian era is one of my favorite periods to read about and I have often wondered what it would be like to go back in time and this book did exactly that for me! The author’s descriptions of the setting and characters were astounding. The main character is close in age to myself and was so relatable! I was often laughing out loud as she tried to navigate life as a 21st century woman trapped in the 1800s. I am not big on romance but this book had just enough and at times left my heart racing. There were so many twists and turns, especially that ending, I will definitely be in a book hangover after this and won’t be able to pick up anything else for a bit. I cannot wait to see what else this author has in store for us, I don’t know if I will be able to stand the wait!
Profile Image for Hannah West.
6 reviews1 follower
November 3, 2024
WOW! This book was so fun to read! I can’t wait to read more. Thank you so much L.M. Bean for the arc!
Profile Image for Elizabeth Connor.
1,466 reviews41 followers
October 9, 2024
Thanks to Reedsy for an ARC of this book. My one and only complaint is that it ended on a cliffhanger. I know some people love that, but I’m not one of them. And the truth is, I already want to read more from LM Bean. In fact, I’ve already gone to her website and signed up for her mailing list. Considering the amount of emails I have to weed through on a regular basis, this is high praise, indeed. Okay, I do have one other complaint, also related to the ending. The setup for the next book is a little shaky. I’m hoping book two will more fully explain how the final events could have taken place. And yes, I DO want to read book two.

Elena Manning is thrust from present-day London to 1876, while Elena “Elle” Manning trades places with her. The exchange is very well thought out and executed, with Elle setting the terms for them to return to their respective periods. Elena must find Elle’s missing friend, Elizabeth, who has been kidnapped. Elena is not exactly excited about her predicament until she meets bad boy, Henry Graves, who she describes thusly: “In all his dark splendour, everyone around him turned to scenery, as if they were drawn in pencil, while he was stained in permanent black ink.”
Told entirely from the POV of Elena, we know how much she is fighting her attraction to Graves for several reasons.

First of all, the first time she encountered him, he was threatening another man. Next, her mother introduced her to Graves as a potential suitor, which was awkward. But most importantly, Graves is one of Elena’s primary suspects in the disappearance of Elizabeth. But the attraction between them is undeniable and she finds herself seeking opportunities to be alone with him. After the first time, she wonders, “Why had she let him kiss her? And when was he going to do it again?”

Regarding only the time period, I had to wonder about the freedom afforded Elena while in 1876. She was constantly disappearing on her own, traipsing around London, and even being alone, behind closed doors, with Graves. I could understand her tendency to do things on her own, but based on the time period, I was really surprised she wasn’t forced to have a chaperone.

I could overlook that, as well as several editing mistakes (some not insignificant), because I enjoyed the story and the writing so much. Even in describing something as mundane as a building on a corner, the author is flowery: “The green paneled ground floor bent around the street corner…” And I loved when this happened to Elena. “She double tapped the back of the book next to her with her ring finger to check the time. Idiot. She thought realising it was her book."

I now count myself as a fan of LM Bean and I’m looking forward to reading more. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Freddy Reads.
131 reviews1 follower
October 27, 2024
"She never imagined death would look so good, but here he was, dressed in his finest"

"Do yourself and the entire female population a favour and stop listening to your chauvinistic friends when it comes to women"

"She was a moth to a flame, a kitten to a laser, a celiac to a load of pasta. She just couldn't help herself"

"Even London's underbelly hath no fury like a woman scorned"

I cant keep just quoting this book - although I easily could because I highlighted this ENTIRE book!!
Also an open apology to L. M Bean for the distressing messages in her inbox and I worked my way through this phenomenal read!

To quote myself yelling at the author - This was like if Bridgerton, Outlander and Sherlock Holmes had a baby.

Spoilers to follow:




The book follows Elena Manning as she takes a Narnia-esq trip through a wardrobe into 18th century London to be met face to face with her Doppelgänger Elle.
The wardrobe allows each woman to cross through once deal has been made and the 'portal' will not open again until the deal is fulfilled, Elle having known this makes a deal with clueless Elena that she must use her government skills to find her friend Elizabeth who has been missing for a week already.
Thrown into 1876, with zero clues but vague entries left in Elle's dairy, Elena must uncover who is friend and foe and what happened to Elizabeth. All while assuming the identity of Elle with the hope that no one discovers she's a smart mouth, smart phone addict time traveller!

Through keen observation and perseverance, Elena uncovers and rekindles lost friendships, a massive scandal within the home and a possible love interest with a tall, handsome broody suit wearing gentleman #swoooon

Elena is a badass who takes no shit from no one and her feminine rage is so refreshing! I should have known that after she's solved the case and got the man, that IT WOULD END ON A CLIFF HANGER!!!

But for once in my life, I welcome this cliff hanger because I am not ready to leave 18th century London, Henry Graves or Elena for that matter.

I look forward to more work to come from L.M Bean who is now an automatic read for me. gimme anything you've got - I'll take a shopping list if that's all that's available!

Tropes
Time travel
Mystery
Feminine rage
Suspense
Cliff hanger
18th Century London


This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kay Hertz.
397 reviews20 followers
November 15, 2024
Absolutely flipping phenomenal!

(our 21st century FMC after getting cinched into a 19th century corset)
“She glanced down at her cleavage, which was now to her collarbone. Perhaps this was Victoria’s Secret? A Victorian Secret?”

Plot: 5📍
Spice: 0.25 (TENSION!!!)💗
Overall: 5 🌟
Laughter: 4🤣

Holy moley! I admit, I went into this story fairly blind, knowing less than a blurb would share, but I’m so, so glad I did! Because that was an absolutely fantastic read! So many fun, historical elements and (now!) household names woven into the fabric of this wonderful story!

A little Pride & Prejudice + Irene Adler + Doppelganger Magic!

I was immediately drawn in by Elena, our FMC, who is the perfect mix of feminism and grit dropped into Victorian London. I love the character is written realistically! She has skills and can use them, but true-to-life limitations happen. But she doesn’t let that deter her. She re-adjusts. She keeps trying. And she has her flaws that she’s both aware of and actively struggles to overcome.

And our MMCs (yes, plural because the ‘love interest’ is a slow burn and as the reader you’re wondering who it’s going to be) are just delicious! You have a slightly older, reserved Darcy-vibe. There’s also a wonderful Col. Fitzwilliam type BUT with a twist. And then, there’s the younger, scrappy, diamond in the rough. You root for all three! And no in a love-triangle way exactly, but you genuinely like them all!

Until... 😏Well, you'll just have to read it to find out because... ooooh boy what a twist at the end! I kept swiping on my screen thinking “What? That can’t be the end of the story! No! I need more! I'm not ready!"

I don’t think I put the book down once I started it and am absolutely dying to see what happens next in this series!
85 reviews2 followers
October 17, 2024
Elena Manning is a typical girl in 21st century London. Living in a small apartment, she can’t help but want more out of her life. This happens rather unexpectedly, when her doppelganger from the Victorian Era shows up with a mission for her. Since she has concluded that Elena is a detective (which she is not), she has come to the future to beg for her help.

Elena steps through an old wardrobe and ends up in the year 1876, in the home of Elle Manning. Through reading Elle’s diary, she learns more about Elle’s life, all the while doing her best to solve the disappearance of Elle’s best friend, Elizabeth.

Elena travels through the city wildly, looking everywhere for the missing woman. Her paths take her through Parliament and Whitechapel, where she learns of a mysterious street gang that may have ties to Elizabeth’s disappearance.

Meanwhile, the relentless Mrs. Manning has lined up several meetings for her with eligible gentlemen….

This was a fantastic debut! The end of the book came together really well and I was satisfied. The characters were well written and each of them were lovable in their own way. I enjoyed that the author made Elena’s investigation plausible, as this is often lost in mystery works, and I also enjoyed that Elena had a strong personality without coming across as fake.

As one can expect in time travel novels, the main character does struggle with the transition into a different era, however, this is written well and it is enjoyable.

Overall, I really recommend this book. It releases November 5th, 2024–don’t forget to add it to your “Want to Read” lists!

Thank you so much to the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

P.S. It is also well set up for a sequel, I hope there is one coming!
Profile Image for evelyn.
70 reviews15 followers
Want to read
November 4, 2024
First of all, thank you so much to L.M Bean for sending me a physical ARC copy of your debut! Receiving this was such an honour and I am forever grateful.

Secondly, WOW!! As someone who's always been fascinated by history and all things vintage, I really enjoyed this book! Reading this made me feel like I was truly transported back to Victorian London, 1876 to follow Elena's journey to solve a mystery and find a girl named Elizabeth. Elena is such an interesting character; she's smart, she's fierce, she's determined but somehow still retains a hint of mystery to me at the same time.

And Henry Graves!! At first I thought he would just appear as one of her possible love interests, but nope! Yes they do have INSANE chemistry, but he also plays a much bigger role on her quest to find out the truth. While reading, I often found myself salivating for any crumbs and moments of these two together alone. I believe L.M Bean has achieved perfection with these two.

Personally, I love books that keep you hooked throughout and this book is definitely IT . The book cover, the plot, the suspense, the characters, the twists and that CLIFFHANGER?!? I am SO EXCITED that we get to see more of these characters in future books. I simply cannot wait for book 2.
Considering the fact that this is L.M Bean's debut, I am so so impressed! Thank you again for sending me a physical copy ❤️

The Victorian Traveller comes out November 5th, 2024. If you love mystery, time travel, romance, captivating plot with a touch of humor in a historical setting, this book is for you.
Profile Image for dr.eaming_away.
52 reviews
November 5, 2024
𝐀𝐫𝐜/𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
4.5 ⭐️

This has been such a light and yet mysterious read. I couldn’t stop once I started.

The plot kicks off immediately with Elena, who works in administration for the police force, suddenly finding herself transported back to 1876 Victorian London. There’s a mysterious element as to how or why she could travel (no spoilers here!), and the story quickly turns dangerous as she helps solve a crime that may be her only ticket back to modern-day London. And, of course, it wouldn’t be the Victorian era without a handsome, dark-haired man, right? Yes, he’s rich and powerful, too!

The writing style is not overly simple. The author has definitely have mad talent!
The setting was fabulously described—I felt as if I was transported to that era. I could sense Elena’s struggles to fit in, especially with the social issues of the time. I appreciated her wit, common sense and adaptability. From extravagant parties and teas to the murkier, grittier side of Victorian London, the atmosphere was spot-on.

The romance did not feel forced and there was a good amount of tension between the main characters. The enemies-to-lovers trope was well-executed.
As I read on and the pages grew fewer, I worried the ending might feel rushed, so thank goodness for that cliffhanger! Elena’s adventure will continue seems like it.

This is a solid historical fiction novel with a splash of crime-solving and time travel. I hope the underlying plot will be explored even further.
Profile Image for Hailey.
246 reviews
November 5, 2024
How do you think you'd react if you suddenly found yourself back in time? What modern comforts would you miss the most?

This story follows modern-day Elena as she navigates Victorian London is both suspenseful and fun, filled with unexpected twists, witty characters, and just the right touch of romance.

📝 RATED (5/5): ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📖 𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: The Victorian Traveller
✍🏻 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: L.M. Bean
⚠️Cliffhanger Alert ⚠️
🗓️ 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲: 11/5/2024

“Why had she let him kiss her? And when was he going to do it again?”

"Do yourself and the entire female population a favour and stop listening to your chauvinistic friends when it comes to women."

With clever nods to Disney, Narnia, and even Holmes vibes, the story balances intrigue and humor perfectly. The romance sizzles, the mystery captivates, and the finale leaves you breathless and eager for more. A must-read for fans of historical mysteries with a twist!

Overall, it was a thrilling tale that had me laughing out loud at the banter, swooning with Elena over the morally dark man, and absolutely stunned by that cliffhanger. This story had me obsessed and kept me constantly turning the page.


—————————————————————
* I received an advanced copy of The Victorian Traveller and am sharing my honest review voluntarily. A big thank you to the author for providing it!

RELEASES: 11/5/2024
Profile Image for Jenny Wojcik.
1 review
October 22, 2024
4.5 ✨

It was so easy to get sucked into this story. The beginning wasted no time getting right to the time travel aspect, and once Elena was successfully transported to 1876, it felt like the writing found its groove and it was easy to follow along!

I loved the humor and detail put into this. We get a fresh look at London’s early architecture, and even see a few important historical figures in their prime (Alexander Graham Bell, Queen Victoria, and Florence Nightingale). They were such minor moments but they really stuck out to me.

I LOVED the romance. I was so giddy reading about Mr. Graves and Elena’s interactions. Honestly, I was suspicious of him and his intentions, but that didn’t stop me from smiling and kicking my feet every time he appeared lol

The mystery itself was really interesting, and with every new piece of evidence Elena uncovered, the stakes got higher. I was constantly worried she would say/do the wrong thing. I was not expecting the reveal of the Bloodhound, and I was definitely not expecting a setup for a sequel!

Overall I really enjoyed this!

Thank you to L.M. Bean for providing me an ARC 💙
11 reviews
October 27, 2024
I loved this book! The mystery, the romance the shock at the end and it all got left on a cliffhanger.
I loved the character of Elena she was just herself even if a lot of the time it wasn't appropriate as she was in the 19th century.
The book flowed well, you didn't get confused as to what was going on. Time did move quickly but you didn't lose the story at all.
All the characters are well fleshed out and you got to know their motives for doing things.
The romance was there but it wasn't too full on so didn't take away from the main plot at hand. It also just felt natural, you could feel it between the characters.
I loved every page of this book, I just didn't want to put it down.

This book is about a girl called Elena who purchased a wardrobe only to find out one day the back has gone and on the other side is 19th century England. She learns she has a doppelganger who needs her help finding her missing friend. They end up switching places and the only way Elena can get back is if she finds the friend. If you enjoy a mystery with a hint of romance then this is the book for you. I can't wait for book 2!
Profile Image for Phoebe Richo.
35 reviews3 followers
December 22, 2024
4.75 stars

The premise of The Victorian Traveller draws the reader in, and from chapter one, you're thrown into the story. L. M. Bean weaved character arcs, competing storylines, historical cameos and humour together so well that you don't want to put the book down.

Elena (playing Elle) is constantly being set up with eligible bachelors to be wedded off to. This 'limitation' on the romantic aspect of the book was met brilliantly with banter and sexual tension so thick you can't breathe.

The pacing was medium-to-fast, increasing as the story progresses and the stakes rise until you hit the inevitable conclusion that leaves you wanting more. With the ending of The Victorian Traveller, L. M. Bean has set up the perfect transition for a sequel. One I guarantee I will be reading as soon as it's out!

Throughout the book, I found myself audibly gasping, laughing out loud, tearing up and filled with butterflies. This is the perfect book for those wishing to dabble in historical fiction. This story completely captivated me and I can't wait to read more.

I received an advance readers copy from the publisher at no cost but all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Maddison Lillie.
21 reviews
October 19, 2024
The Victoria Traveller ARC review

Let’s step back into 1876. Victorian era, London. Queen Victoria’s reign, horse drawn carriages, elegant dresses, top hats and a mystery.

Elena steps back in time to help find her doppelgängers best friend, who has mysteriously disappeared.
However she discovers that there is more to this disappearance than what she was lead to believe. Connections to the gang Bloodhounds and even the head Hound himself, Elena must be careful who she can trust. While trying to fit into this new century, Elena is faced with many different people who may or may not be willing to help.

This thrilling tale had me on the edge of my seat, laughing at the banter, swooning over the morally dark men and absolutely gobsmacked by that cliffhanger of an ending.

I am so obsessed with this book and I cannot wait for the next!

Thank you Lucy for sending me an ARC! It is a truly amazing story!

The Victorian Traveller
Releases November 5th
Profile Image for Charlotte B.
1 review
October 30, 2024
Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes meets Lost in Austen

The first few chapters go as you might expect for this kind of fish out of water story, but once you get into the mystery of Elizabeth's disappearance, it becomes a solid crime novel that I think would appeal to fans of Enola Holmes and similar stories.

The mc is likable and realistically competent for the task at hand. I like the fact that she doesn't look down on the women in 1876 as less enlightened than her, but appreciates and befriends them, even as she does things her own way. Her relationship with the love interest developed a bit fast for me, but the chemistry and potential are both there.

Reading the latter half especially was a joy because I honestly didn't know how the time travel aspect was going to resolve itself due to the relationships she'd formed in 1876, and that ending has left me wanting a sequel before this book is even published.

Do yourself a favour and get this book
182 reviews6 followers
October 9, 2024
As a girl who’s absolutely obsessed with Victorian London, this book ticked all the right boxes.

There isn’t a single thing I can fault about this book - the characters, the world and its aesthetic, the mystery and most importantly the men (I’m looking at you Graves 😉) were written perfectly. Every single thought or idea I had was quickly proved wrong with mind blowing twists, secrets and revelations. The betrayals in this book were ones I didn’t see coming - who knew Victorians were so crafty?!

I absolutely loved the fmc, Elena and how she went from a mediocre modern woman to a badass Victorian sleuth - honestly, she had a better reaction than me to finding her Victorian doppelgänger and said doppelgänger sending her on a seemingly difficult

Many thanks to the author for this gorgeous arc, and I cannot wait for book 2!
1 review
November 2, 2024
This is a beautiful debut novel from L.M. Bean. We are taken back to 1876 with Elena, our main character, where she needs to solve a mystery before she can travel back to her own timeline.

The characters in this book were so enjoyable to meet. The chemistry between our main characters was *chefs kiss. The angst and banter were unbelievable and so enjoyable to read.

This book put me through an emotional roller coaster, I was full of anxiety, laughed out loud multiple times, and ugly cried throughout this book, highlighting how much you connect with these characters.

The mystery aspect of the novel was exciting and not predictable, which is what you want from a mystery novel, and with the added romance, this book quickly became of my favourites of the year.

This is a must-read !!
Heila
Profile Image for noelle.
95 reviews1 follower
November 17, 2024
⭐️: 4.5 of 5
🌶: .05/1 of 5 (tension!!)

Thank you to the author for the eArc!

Okay...I've been following this book from pretty much it's halfway point. I got to watch it grow, and I was ECSTATIC when the author gave me the opportunity to read this book. 

I couldn't put it down. 

I loved Elena's dilemma, the way she was dragged into Victorian England by her teeth and forced to help her doppelganger. It was a really clever plot, and one that I thought was very well done! 

The love interest, like has been stated by other reviewers, is actually not one but three! You'll fall in love with each of them. The end definitely leaves you on a bit of a cliffhanger, which I know some are disappointed by, but it just makes me want to read the next book more. 

Overall, a lovely read and one I will return to again, most assuredly. 
Profile Image for Julia Rachelle.
54 reviews8 followers
October 29, 2024
The Victorian Traveller

If you mix Narnia and Peaky Blinders together into a crime novel, you’ll end up with The Victorian Traveller.

When Elena Manning is accidentally transported to 1876 London, she is faced with a choice. Solve a mysterious disappearance, or never be able to return home. As Elena struggles to solve the disappearance, she must also learn to fit in to Victorian culture and not draw attention to herself—a task that proves especially daunting amid friendships and budding romances. Elena races against the clock to not only solve a heinous crime, but yo get her old life back.


Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC copy of this book. All opinions are completely my own.
Profile Image for Maria Rogers.
1 review
November 5, 2024
Brilliant debut novel from L.M. Bean! It has a lot of my very favourite elements: Victorian era, London, mystery, romance, a touch of supernatural and lots of witty dialogue! Also, a few unexpected turns that I really enjoyed!
The main character is very relatable, and I really loved all the cultural references and detailed descriptions of the settings, attires, medicines, etiquette, and other things that were prominent in that time. It creates an immersive experience and makes you want to explore more facts about this fascinating era.
The romantic storyline is tasteful and intriguing, makes you wonder until the very end which way is it going to go.
Overall would definitely recommend this book for an atmospheric light reading, quite perfect for cozying up by the fire with a cup of tea.
Profile Image for Abby.
168 reviews8 followers
November 5, 2024
The Victorian Traveller is a story about Elena Manning, a 21st-century admin assistant who walks through her wardrobe and unwillingly trades places with her Victorian-era doppelganger. The only way for Elena to get home is to solve a mystery and find her doppelganger's friend Elizabeth. What Elena doesn't know is that this mystery is only a thread in a complex web created by the Bloodhounds; a gang that hides in the shadows of London's underbelly. Elena must navigate this old world, evading discovery, marriage proposals and not get distracted by a disgruntled, mysterious gentlemen who she can't seem to stay away from.


I just loved everything about this book!! The writing, the characters, the small pop culture references and historical figures, the plot, I just couldn't get enough of it! L.M. Bean wrote this Victorian-Era London perfectly, to me at least who has no idea what that time period is like... But still it encapsulated the time period while adding mystery and intrigue with a female lead. I thought the author started the book really well, it wasn't too long of a beginning but also gave us all the information we needed before reading, then straight into the mystery!

The mystery was of course the catalyst of the plot but I enjoyed the fact that we got to see aspects outside of the mystery, like Elena's dynamic with the family she was thrust into and the way she had to get used to things. It wasn't just an instant acceptance, the author remembered to let Elena be surprised and amazing by things throughout the book. She also included little literature and movie references which added a touch of humor. As for the mystery itself, I thought it was written so well! At first I was like, 'okay this is still a fun read but it's a bit predictable,' until the ending which I did not predict at all!! It was shocking and there were so many interesting twists that really sealed the deal and made me certain this was going to be a five star read.

The characters! OMG the characters. I loved them. Elena was instantly likable and witty. I loved Graves, he was the perfect mysterious, brooding Victorian-Era man, who has a soft side. I will never get tired of male characters like that. Plus, the romance was written so well! I loved how they interacted and their stolen glances, their little dates and how they tried to resist the undeniable attraction.

One thing I cannot believe Lucy did was leave us on a cliffhanger! It's going to be a series! And I'm so excited because I did not want to leave this world! It's going to be interesting to see where the author takes this next book because I can think of several different ways it could end! I'm so thankful to Lucy for providing me with a copy of her book because I absolutely loved this one!

Overall, I loved this book! And if you love historical settings and swoon-worthy moments mixed with mystery, humor and twists you won't see coming, then you definitely will too!
Profile Image for Maddie Elam.
147 reviews3 followers
October 26, 2024
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read and review this!

I was so excited to grab up this book as soon as possible, and it did NOT disappoint. It sucks you in right from chapter 1! In this time travel mystery, you get so much packed in to one great read- romance, mystery, secrets, family issues, etc etc.. I truly did not expect the ending!!

The writing in this was amazing, especially considering this is a debut. This is a GREAT read for those who enjoy the Victorian era, but want to make it a bit more “modern” in writing style.

I cannot wait to read more from this author in the future, and I’m so thankful I was chosen for a physical ARC so I can cherish it forever!
Profile Image for Stephanie W (cartfullofbooks).
165 reviews2 followers
October 9, 2024
I had the chance to read an early copy of The Victorian Traveller and let me tell you - you all are in for a wild ride!

Basically, Elena swaps lives with her doppelganger from the 1870s to help solve a missing person's case and along the way she has to navigate a new to her London, gangs, and dark, handsome men if she wants to get back to her life in modern times.

I really enjoyed the twists and turns of this one, the mystery, and how the characters developed throughout the story. I'm excited to see where the next book takes us!
Profile Image for Rita ✨.
68 reviews
October 24, 2024
I loved this book! If you love time travel stories with Victorian London settings, then this one is for you!

When Elena Manning unwillingly trades places with her Victorian era doppelganger to solve a mystery in order to get back home, she could not have imagined the adventures she would have and how right this so different world would feel to her.

I loved the characters, the setting and the plot! I was completely transported into this world and I didn't expect that ending! It does end on a cliffhanger, so I can't wait for book 2!
Profile Image for V Rod Reads.
63 reviews
January 13, 2025
Debut novel by LM Bean with Sherlock Holmes vibes and time travel?!

2025 starting out strong with second 5 ⭐️ read!!!!

✔️ Time travel
✔️ Romance
✔️ Mystery/ Solving a Mystery
✔️ Grumpy/Grumpy
✔️ They both have dark/twisty sides

Spice 🌶️ / ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I cannot wait until the second book will be released/announced.

This debut novel follows the life of Elena Manning who travels back to the Victorian era and must solve a mystery to return.

There is intrigue, romance and adventure problem solving. This YA novel is sure to be a hit for anyone who likes Sherlock Holmes and Time Travel.
Profile Image for Arielle.
2 reviews
October 7, 2024
I love Victorian themes, plus you sprinkle in some time travel? SIGN ME UP! If you love Bridgerton and Peaky Blinders, you’ll want to check out The Victorian Traveller. Quippy writing with humorous moments, and modern references contrasting a rich historical setting. Expect lots of swoon worthy moments akin to Jane Austen novels that will leave you giddy! There was never a dull moment, the writing kept me guessing, and wanting more and more... I’m sensing a sequel on the horizon!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.