A Killer in Kensington

The Lady in Blue Mysteries #4

by H.L. Marsay

Inspired by the remarkable life of Dorothy Peto, the Metropolitan Police’s first female superintendent.

Has the Ripper returned to the Royal Parks?

It’s 1918 and the prospect of peace in Europe is tantalizingly close. However, for Dorothy and the detectives she works with, there is no time to rejoice. The body of a young woman has been discovered in Kensington Gardens, and Scotland Yard fear that after thirty years, Jack the Ripper may have returned to terrorize the streets of London. For Inspector Derwent, this case is personal, distracting him and potentially endangering the investigation. Dorothy tries her best to help and keep him focused, yet she is still reeling from the grief of losing a close friend.

When a second young woman is murdered, Dorothy puts herself in danger with devastating consequences, but is the killer really crazed or is there a motive behind their madness?

Genres: Mystery, Historical Mystery

238 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 5, 2025

Reviews

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous book in this series Dorothy Peto has come a long way since her and a group of suffragettes were given permission to help the police department at the start of World War One and form the Woman’s Police Volunteers, it is now 1918 and Dorothy has been seconded to Scotland Yard and is working with DI Derwent, when a young woman’s body is found in Kensington Gardens and it has all the hallmarks of Jack the ripper and the Whitehall murders that happened thirty years ago, is he back?

DI Derwent is sure he is and this case gets very personal for him but Dorothy is not convinced that is the case, Dorothy sets out to uncover the truth and is asking lots of questions and doing her best to support her boss, and then when another young woman is found dead things heat up and they are all working hard to find the killer or is it killers.

Dorothy is struggling when she loses a very good friend and the pressure is on to get to the truth her investigation is going in a complete different direction at times to her boss but she feels that she is getting closer and linking the two deaths and then they set a trap and puts herself in danger and the penny drops has she discovered the truth?

This is a page turner of a story the case is intriguing and emotional for many of our friends I have made in this series and yes, I shed a few tears in this one but am really hoping that we see more in the series, HL Marsay is one of my favourite mystery authors and I can highly recommend this book and the series. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

My thanks to Tule Publishing for my digital copy to read and review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a heady mix of tragedy and triumph in this story. Love and loss and grief and war. I absolutely think the time period comes alive in a poignant and very real way. Poor Dorothy so much good and so much sad that happens right all at once. I feel like giving tons of details would ruin the story and so I won’t. I will say that the mystery is captivating I can’t imagine the fear a murder so similar to the infamous Jack the Ripper would have dredged up. I loved how the WPS worked hand in hand with the detectives to crack the case. Coming up with crucial insight and evidence too! I’m still so shocked by the two significant deaths that occur. I wonder how this will affect Dorothy personally and professionally. I very much hope for more stories with our Lady in Blue!!
I received an advance review copy for from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ale · Rating 4 out of 5]

ITA
La storia è ambientata a Londra quasi alla fine della prima guerra mondiale ed è ispirata a persone e fatti realmente accaduti, con alcune modifiche e l’aggiunta di personaggi di invenzione dell’autrice.
Dicevamo: Londra 1918 a Kensington Garden viene trovato il corpo di Elizabeth Clayton, 22 anni, con una ferita superficiale al viso e pugnalata mortalmente all’addome.
L’ispettore Derwent e il suo team, insieme a Dorothy Peto che fa parte del Woman Police Service, indagano sull’omocidio cercando di trovare colpevole e movente. Mentre Dorothy cerca di trovare prove concrete, l’ispettore e il medico legale cercano di far combaciare quello che sta succedendo con gli omicidi, avvenuti 30 anni prima, di Jack lo Squartatore. È tornato?
Dal mio punto di vista è un giallo interessante, se c’è in previsione di scrivere altri casi (non ho indagato) non sarebbero male da leggere.
Ci sono degli indizi veri e si viene anche depistati, ottimo.
L’unica cosa che secondo me forse sarebbe da aggiustare è come vengono condivise le varie informazioni, che sono dei depistaggi veri e propri, ma con il lettore consapevole. Ci sono un paio di volte dove Dorothy facendo le sue indagini separatamente dagli altri dove scopre qualcosa ma lo condivide in modo non del tutto corretto e quindi in qualche modo diverge le indagini dei suoi colleghi.
Ho ricevuto una copia gratuita di questo libro tramite Booksprout e sto volontariamente lasciando una recensione.

ENG
The story is set in London at the end of WWI and it is inspired by real people and events, with some modifications and the addition of characters of the author's own invention.
We said: London 1918, in Kensington Garden, the body of 22-year-old Elizabeth Clayton is found with a shallow wound to the face and fatally stabbed in the abdomen.
Inspector Derwent and his team, along with Dorothy Peto, who is part of the Woman Police Service, investigate the homicide, trying to find the culprit and motive. While Dorothy tries to find actual evidence, the inspector and coroner try to match what is happening with the murders, 30 years earlier, of Jack the Ripper. Is he back?
From my point of view, it's an entertaining murder mystery; if there are plans to write more cases (I haven't investigated), they would be a nice read.
There are real clues, and you are also depicted. Great.
The only thing I think maybe would need to be adjusted is how the various pieces of information are shared, which are real red herrings, but with the reader aware. There are a couple of times where Dorothy is doing her investigations separately from the others, where she discovers something, but she shares it in a way that is not quite right and therefore somehow diverts the investigations of her colleagues.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Killer in Kensington is the 4th book in H.L. Marsay’s fabulous series, The Lady in Blue Mysteries. This new book, like all the previous ones, is well written with genuine characters and great insights into the climate of the time in London. As the book opens, it is now 1918 and a woman’s body is found in the park and Scotland Yard is called in to investigate. Dorothy joins Inspector Derwent and the sergeants in seeing the crime scene. It is suggested to her that she not see the body but she does anyway. As in the past, she accompanies the Inspector to interview some of the people who are potential suspects and witnesses. The victim was an employee of a milliner’s shop in a popular shopping area. They interviewed the security people as well as the man who found the body and the owner of the shop. There is also speculation that this could be the work of Jack The Ripper who was never caught years earlier.

Dorothy’s friend Nina who had helped found the Women’s Police Volunteers returned to London and accompanies her for some of the investigation. The other founders, Mary and Margaret are also included in some of Dorothy’s plans to catch the murderer. Unfortunately for her, her plan goes awry and another woman’s body is found in the park. The inspector still suspects the Ripper but has made a few arrests of locals he also suspects. The story is very suspenseful as the reader wonders who has committed the murders and if they are connected. In addition, there are some very heartbreaking things that happen in the story that affect Dorothy personally.

I love this series and hope there are additional books coming in the future. I enjoy the characters and their interactions as well as having a window into what life was like in the early 20th century. I was not as familiar with the events of WWI so this was very interesting and enlightening. Ms. Marsay has created a terrific fictional series while still including real events and people of the time. I found I needed a Kleenex for the sad parts of this story. This is my favorite book of the series. I have given it 5 stars and highly recommend it.

I was fortunate to receive this ARC from Tule Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

[Ferne (Enthusiastic Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

August – November 1918.

Dorothy Peto, a member of the Women’s Police Service, is part of Inspector Derwent’s team at Scotland Yard. A brutal crime against a young woman has occurred in Kensington Gardens. Although the notorious perpetrator known as Jack the Ripper was active nearly 30 years ago, the shadow of that case still lingers in the minds and conversations of long-time members of the force. The unsolved mystery of Jack the Ripper continues to affect current investigative inquiries.

This engaging novel is a captivating and fast-paced read. The suffragettes had gained the right to vote earlier that year, and the nation was still at war. It is fascinating to learn about the emergence of the Women’s Police Service, their unwavering support for one another’s endeavors, and their shared commitment to contributing to society. The investigation is filled with suspense and unexpected red herrings, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. It encourages thoughtful reflection on the many factors involved in investigations, from motives and the history of cold cases to witness statements, alibis, and evidence.

I encourage everyone to read the Author’s Note to learn the people and events in history that were the inspiration for this novel.

Thank you to Tule Publishing Group for the March 5th newsletter giveaway win celebrating March new releases.
The question to enter the giveaway:

What’s your favorite mystery or thriller trope?

My reply:

My favorite mystery trope is really a tie between "Unassuming suspect" or "Twist ending." My favorite thriller trope is "Unassuming villain."

I chose this new release mystery, not expecting it to incorporate all my favorite tropes. Highly recommended! This is my first experience reading H.L. Marsay's work, and I eagerly anticipate reading the first three novels in the series, as well as more of her writing!!

[Rose Seals · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, full of murder, intrigue, intrigue, history, drama, action, mystery, sadness, villains, society, and twists. This story has a touch of the Ripper, is he back? Young women are again being murdered. Scotland Yard is involved in solving it. Some of the detectives were around the Ripper's time and remember him. Inspector Derwent is one of them as well as some of the others detectives. He keeps thinking that maybe he has resurfaced after some time. Dorothy works at Scotland Yard and is part of the Women Police Volunteers. It was started y some other women- Mary and Margaret, who were also suffragettes. They run the program--WPV. During the war these ladies replaced men who were fighting in the war. As Dorothy and the other detectives search for more clues, they find lots of interesting facts. The clues finally get them to the murderer. What a surprise it is and why it happened. Very sad about the death of Derwent. Good book to read and hard to put down. Lots of action and history rolled into this book. Would recommend to everyone.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elaine Coghlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Killer in Kensington ~ The Lady in Blue Mysteries # 4 by H.L. Marsay

Publisher Description
Inspired by the remarkable life of Dorothy Peto, the Metropolitan Police’s first female superintendent.
Has the Ripper returned to the Royal Parks?

I just adore these mysteries from H.L. Marsay. I find them gripping throughout the book. There is suspense and intrigue that keeps me engaged from the start.
Living in the U.K. I know the story of Jack the Ripper, I went on a guided walk around London a few years ago.
H.L.Marsay has captured the history and successfully put it into this wonderful book.
A Killer in Kensington has been written tremulously well, with great details of the history behind Jack the Ripper, as well as the characters and storyline. I can not find anything that I didn't like or enjoy with this story, I highly recommend it to all.

Thank you, H.L.Marsay, for this wonderful story. If I could give more than 5* then this book would have them.

Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Informative, Inspirational, Original, Page-turner, Realistic, and Wonderful characters,and a new take on English hisory.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 4 in the Lady in Blue set in London near the end of WWI. Women in policing is unheard of but The war has changed much of society. Inspired by the remarkable life of Dorothy Peto, the Metropolitan Police’s first female superintendent.

Has the Ripper returned to the Royal Parks?

It’s 1918 and the prospect of peace in Europe is tantalizingly close. However, for Dorothy and the detectives she works with, there is no time to rejoice. The body of a young woman has been discovered in Kensington Gardens, and Scotland Yard fear that after thirty years, Jack the Ripper may have returned to terrorize the streets of London. For Inspector Derwent, this case is personal, distracting him and potentially endangering the investigation. Dorothy tries her best to help and keep him focused, yet she is still reeling from the grief of losing a close friend.

When a second young woman is murdered, Dorothy puts herself in danger with devastating consequences, but is the killer really crazed or is there a motive behind their madness

[Shelagh · Rating 4 out of 5]

In A Killer in Kensington, Dorothy Peto and Inspector Derwent once again team up in search of a serial killer in London, this time in the Chelsea area. He’s convinced it’s the return of Jack the Ripper, thirty years after the last ripper murders, but she’s not so sure. Set in London in August 1918, this story takes place against the backdrop of the final months of World War One. As the bodies start to pile up, and despite the different murder weapons, the inspector becomes more and more certain he’s after the ripper, losing his usual crystal-clear focus on the facts along the way. Meanwhile, Dorothy uses her quiet conversations with staff in the Burlington Arcade, where Bessy, the first victim, worked. All the clues she uncovers point to a connection with the arcade and the hat shop and a collection of suspects is rounded up. While there is subtle foreshadowing throughout the story as to who the killer might be, the case against that person takes time to build. I liked the way Dorothy assembled her facts. This story is well-written and captivating and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes a great solid mystery is just what you want to read. This is exactly what A Killer in Kensington by H L Marsay is from beginning to end. While it is the fourth in The Lady in Blue Mysteries Series, all four are just solid stories with this one having a twisty ending I did not see coming. This time the mystery is also convoluted with many suspects but no clear line of guilt for any. Spins in the investigation, trying to ways to lure the killer out and finally catching the killer kept this a riveting read.

However, it is also a bittersweet storyline especially for Dorothy and the reader of the series. I was as unprepared as she was for several events that sadden my heart and broke hers. It reads as if this is the final book in the series but perhaps not. I would love to see more of Dorothy Peto working for Scotland Yard.

[Dena · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel follows the adventures of one of the early female police officers in London, circa WWI. The premise and setting are fantastic, and I was excited to read in a time period I haven't really seen. It is the 4th in a series, but I have not read previous books.

There were lots of characters, but I found that my biggest emotional investment was not in the main character. Perhaps that is because it was 4th in the series and I would have had a more vested interest if I had begun with volume 1.

This made the book a bit slow of a read for me. When I go back and read them in order, I should be able to update my review.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Killer in Kensington is a great read , Dorothy Peto returns working with the Scotland Yard team to find the killer of young women This is the fourth book in the Lady in Blue Mysteries and H.L Marsay has included interesting facts , this is war time Uk at the time the Spanish flue is circulating so I found lots of similarities in our world today with the wars and Covid 19 affecting peoples daily lives .
The author incorporates strong women into her books and the descriptive well written prose had me absorbed into the storyline very quickly . Some good twists to this mystery , also sadness but some joy and the promise of better times ahead so looking forward to book 5 in the series.
Thanks for the e-copy to read and review

[Teresa Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very enjoyable historical British crime novel. Some readers might classify it as a cozy but since our protagonist is a police officer I think it qualifies as a police procedural. The characters are realistic and relatable, there is a good balance of action and investigation and the historical details ring true. The story is compelling and has excellent pacing with an even balance of dialogue and narration. I will be looking for more works by Ms. Marsay to enjoy. I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens and this review reflects my honest and voluntary opinion. I highly recommend Ms. Marsay's writing. She also does an excellent job with her Inspector Shadow series.

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dorothy is once again involved in a very fascinating case. A young woman's body is found in Kensington Gardens and the city is once again filled with fear. The question on everyone's mind is "did the Ripper return after all this time? Di Derwent seems to think so, becoming personal for him Dorothy tries to keep him on track. I loved Dorothy's input on this case and that she is finally being accepted. Alongside the interesting case Dorothy's personal life and the details of 1918 London adds drama, sadness and elation. The details for the time period is where this series excels. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first mystery I read in this series and didn't know anything about an intriguing character like Dorothy Peto.
I was hooked since the beginning and the twisty and dark mystery, the well developed characters, and the vivid historical background kept me hooked.
An excellent historical mystery that make want to read the rest of the series. I also checked Dorothy Peto on wikipedia and the details and the characters were even more fascinating after discovering the historical character
The mystery is solid and gripping, a twisty and sometimes gritty story I thoroughly enjoyed.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Sam Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining, exciting and emotional!
This is the fourth (I hope not the last) book in this series. Dorothy and the detectives of Scotland Yard are investigating the murder of young woman whose body was found in Kensington Park and Inspector Derwent fears Jack the Ripper may have returned to the streets of London.
Not wanting to give any spoilers - the war may be drawing to an end but there is still heartbreak for our heroine.
I loved it!

[DeeAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book for in the series. I feel like there’s more to come. I think I may have enjoyed it more if I would’ve started with the first book. But that being said I did like the time period. I felt it was well written.
I liked Dorothy‘s character, and the story of finding a body in Kensington Park that made the detective feel as if Jack the Ripper had returned to the streets of London .

I received this ARC Tule publishing in return for my honest review.

[Kathryn Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable read and "traditional" whodunit with plenty of twists.

Yes, there were some surprises - not all pleasant - but I'll certainly be looking out for the next in the series.

I enjoy the historical context as well as the secondary plot lines of women's rights.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Barbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable historical mystery. I don't feel like I missed anything by not reading any of the other books in the series. I will have to go back and read them when I get the chance. I also hope to see more books in the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[AMBER CLARK]

Inspired by the remarkable life of Dorothy Peto, the Metropolitan Police’s first female superintendent.

Has the Ripper returned to the Royal Parks? Dorothy is back to help Scotland Yard figure out if that is the case or what is going on. I love this series. I love that it's inspired by a real pioneer in her field. I hope there are many more books to come.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read in this series and I really enjoyed it. There were some sad parts in the book and even with beginning at book 4 the author still made the characters resonate with me, therefore I was very sad over the losses. It was well-written and I will definitely read the next book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

August 1918. A body of a female is discovered in Kensington Gardens, that of 22 year old Elizabeth 'Bessie' Clayton. Inspector Derwent and his team investigate ablely help by WPS Dorothy Peto. Then there is another death. But why and by whom. Is The Ripper really back.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable main characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kevin Cannon (Monty's Book Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent period series that beautifully paints a portrait of post world war one London. Great plot, excellent characters and a peak into history.

I highly recommend this series