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Lady Librarian Mystery #3
A Poetic Pox: A Lady Librarian Mystery
1786, England
It is the twelve days of Christmas, and Mrs. Tiffany Lathrop is happily juggling her duties as a new mother and a librarian to Catharine, the Duchess of Beaufort. Her employer receives a mysterious letter from an old paramour, the Marquess of Harwood, who is the biological father of Catharine’s son. He promises to leave his estate and fortune to Beau if he can see the boy before he dies.
Her elder son, Thomas Montague, has a terrible cold, so Catharine asks Tiffany to accompany her and Beau. When they arrive at the dilapidated abbey, they discover a dead body—only it isn’t the marquess, but his valet! Lord Harwood is alive, but unconscious with suspicious-looking pox marks on his hands. Tiffany wonders if the marquess is really dying, or if it is all poetic revenge? Especially when she discovers the secrets that haunt Rosedean Abbey.
Between breastfeeding and dirty diapers, Tiffany must discover who killed the valet and attempted to murder the marquess before anyone else dies.
It is the twelve days of Christmas, and Mrs. Tiffany Lathrop is happily juggling her duties as a new mother and a librarian to Catharine, the Duchess of Beaufort. Her employer receives a mysterious letter from an old paramour, the Marquess of Harwood, who is the biological father of Catharine’s son. He promises to leave his estate and fortune to Beau if he can see the boy before he dies.
Her elder son, Thomas Montague, has a terrible cold, so Catharine asks Tiffany to accompany her and Beau. When they arrive at the dilapidated abbey, they discover a dead body—only it isn’t the marquess, but his valet! Lord Harwood is alive, but unconscious with suspicious-looking pox marks on his hands. Tiffany wonders if the marquess is really dying, or if it is all poetic revenge? Especially when she discovers the secrets that haunt Rosedean Abbey.
Between breastfeeding and dirty diapers, Tiffany must discover who killed the valet and attempted to murder the marquess before anyone else dies.
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Published July 22, 2025
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August 2, 2025
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Mrs. Timothy Lathrop is loving life this holiday season with her husband, Samir, their adopted son, Nat, and their new daughter, Priya, while continuing to be Catharine, the Duchess of Beaufort’s librarian. She and Catharine have also become very close friends.
Catharine has received a letter from the Marquess of Harwood. It’s been a well-kept secret that the Marquess is the biological father of her son, Beau. In the letter, he has pledged to leave his entire estate to Beau, but she must bring the boy to Rosedean Abbey so they can meet before he dies. Because Catharine’s oldest son, Thomas, is under the weather, she requests that Tiffany travel with her and Beau to the abbey. Tiffany has no desire to leave her family, but agrees, stating that Priya will also be making the trip, and hopes they will return home in time for their 12th night celebration.
After their long excursion, they are not welcomed with open arms at the abbey. The abbey has been severely neglected, and a thick coat of dust covers the top of everything. When they demand to see the Marquess, they are shocked to find a dead body. The deceased was not the Marquess but his valet. They find Lord Harwood near death, unconscious, with strange-looking wounds/pox marks covering his hands.
What has been happening at Rosedean Abbey? Could the Marquess have set up a ruse to win over the Duchess of Beaufort? Or was someone truly trying to kill Lord Harwood? And why?
It isn’t long before Tiffany is uncovering secrets while seeing to her young daughter’s needs. Can she piece together all the clues to get to the truth and get back to the rest of her family and their plans? Or will she be another victim of the madness at Rosedean Abbey?
A Poetic Pox, what a perfect title.
The story takes these dynamic characters on the road with some creative storytelling put into effect when they arrive at Rosedean Abbey. Tiffany Lathrop is a strong woman, but knows her place. She had to use her strength to help Catharine, who became a mere shell of herself when they arrived. It was clear how close these women had become and the trust that they had built. Tiffany was uncomfortable taking the lead, but there was something fishy going on at the abbey, and she needed a plan to keep the people she cared for dearly safe. Beau is one smart little boy, knowing his own title carried power even at his young age. He was ready to help his mother and Tiffany any way he could. When the truth of his parentage was revealed, he had many questions but was excited about all it could mean. Ms. Larsen’s characters continue to evolve in all the right ways. I have been a fan of Tiffany since book 1, A Novel Disguise. She was a woman then who had to think on her feet to protect herself. Now, she is surrounded by people whom she will always protect.
Lord Harwood was an intriguing man with an interesting past. We soon see how that past affects his present and future. Actions he had not even considered were now vital. According to the Author’s Note in the book, three out of every ten people who contracted smallpox died. While inoculations were available, many chose not to be inoculated or didn’t have access. It was a complicated time in the world and a stirring theme for this story. Ms. Larsen took the disease head-on, describing the types of pox and the disfiguration, scarring, and death caused during the outbreak. She also explains treatments and potential cures at the time. The story is made more powerful in the face of the horrific suffering felt personally.
The author has plotted out an incredibly complex mystery. The staff at the abbey was a curious, somewhat sinister set who were all keeping secrets. Tiffany was dogged in her pursuit of the truth. She multitasked her sleuthing with her mothering like a pro. Her visit to the local rector and review of the church records were quite revealing about the time of the epidemic. It also opened the door for more suspects and motives. Some unexpected twists and turns kept everyone, including me, on my toes. Catherine became more like her demanding self after some revelations, fully on board to unwind all the deception in her midst, knowing there were still more secrets to be uncovered. Each woman has their own strengths and weaknesses, but together they make an excellent team. I was delighted to tag along on this shocking adventure right up to the surprising ending.
A marvelous cast of characters and a fantastic mystery allowed me to totally escape into A Poetic Pox. I am amazed by how much happened in a short span of days. I just know it was an impossible book to put down. It was darker than the first books in the series, and the setting at the abbey gave it a real Gothic feel. Audio books are not my thing, so I was grateful to receive a digital copy. I was so moved reading the words, I can only imagine the feelings evoked by hearing them read aloud.
I am thrilled to say A Poetic Pox will hold a place on my Best Reads of 2025 list. I hope it is released soon in other formats so that everyone can enjoy this outstanding story. Until then, if you haven’t read A Novel Disguise and Once Upon a Murder, you have time to get to know Tiffany’s story from the start. If you are an audio fan, you are all set.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Mrs. Timothy Lathrop is loving life this holiday season with her husband, Samir, their adopted son, Nat, and their new daughter, Priya, while continuing to be Catharine, the Duchess of Beaufort’s librarian. She and Catharine have also become very close friends.
Catharine has received a letter from the Marquess of Harwood. It’s been a well-kept secret that the Marquess is the biological father of her son, Beau. In the letter, he has pledged to leave his entire estate to Beau, but she must bring the boy to Rosedean Abbey so they can meet before he dies. Because Catharine’s oldest son, Thomas, is under the weather, she requests that Tiffany travel with her and Beau to the abbey. Tiffany has no desire to leave her family, but agrees, stating that Priya will also be making the trip, and hopes they will return home in time for their 12th night celebration.
After their long excursion, they are not welcomed with open arms at the abbey. The abbey has been severely neglected, and a thick coat of dust covers the top of everything. When they demand to see the Marquess, they are shocked to find a dead body. The deceased was not the Marquess but his valet. They find Lord Harwood near death, unconscious, with strange-looking wounds/pox marks covering his hands.
What has been happening at Rosedean Abbey? Could the Marquess have set up a ruse to win over the Duchess of Beaufort? Or was someone truly trying to kill Lord Harwood? And why?
It isn’t long before Tiffany is uncovering secrets while seeing to her young daughter’s needs. Can she piece together all the clues to get to the truth and get back to the rest of her family and their plans? Or will she be another victim of the madness at Rosedean Abbey?
A Poetic Pox, what a perfect title.
The story takes these dynamic characters on the road with some creative storytelling put into effect when they arrive at Rosedean Abbey. Tiffany Lathrop is a strong woman, but knows her place. She had to use her strength to help Catharine, who became a mere shell of herself when they arrived. It was clear how close these women had become and the trust that they had built. Tiffany was uncomfortable taking the lead, but there was something fishy going on at the abbey, and she needed a plan to keep the people she cared for dearly safe. Beau is one smart little boy, knowing his own title carried power even at his young age. He was ready to help his mother and Tiffany any way he could. When the truth of his parentage was revealed, he had many questions but was excited about all it could mean. Ms. Larsen’s characters continue to evolve in all the right ways. I have been a fan of Tiffany since book 1, A Novel Disguise. She was a woman then who had to think on her feet to protect herself. Now, she is surrounded by people whom she will always protect.
Lord Harwood was an intriguing man with an interesting past. We soon see how that past affects his present and future. Actions he had not even considered were now vital. According to the Author’s Note in the book, three out of every ten people who contracted smallpox died. While inoculations were available, many chose not to be inoculated or didn’t have access. It was a complicated time in the world and a stirring theme for this story. Ms. Larsen took the disease head-on, describing the types of pox and the disfiguration, scarring, and death caused during the outbreak. She also explains treatments and potential cures at the time. The story is made more powerful in the face of the horrific suffering felt personally.
The author has plotted out an incredibly complex mystery. The staff at the abbey was a curious, somewhat sinister set who were all keeping secrets. Tiffany was dogged in her pursuit of the truth. She multitasked her sleuthing with her mothering like a pro. Her visit to the local rector and review of the church records were quite revealing about the time of the epidemic. It also opened the door for more suspects and motives. Some unexpected twists and turns kept everyone, including me, on my toes. Catherine became more like her demanding self after some revelations, fully on board to unwind all the deception in her midst, knowing there were still more secrets to be uncovered. Each woman has their own strengths and weaknesses, but together they make an excellent team. I was delighted to tag along on this shocking adventure right up to the surprising ending.
A marvelous cast of characters and a fantastic mystery allowed me to totally escape into A Poetic Pox. I am amazed by how much happened in a short span of days. I just know it was an impossible book to put down. It was darker than the first books in the series, and the setting at the abbey gave it a real Gothic feel. Audio books are not my thing, so I was grateful to receive a digital copy. I was so moved reading the words, I can only imagine the feelings evoked by hearing them read aloud.
I am thrilled to say A Poetic Pox will hold a place on my Best Reads of 2025 list. I hope it is released soon in other formats so that everyone can enjoy this outstanding story. Until then, if you haven’t read A Novel Disguise and Once Upon a Murder, you have time to get to know Tiffany’s story from the start. If you are an audio fan, you are all set.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
July 16, 2025
Ohhhh, I loved the gothic feel and all of the twists and turns of this murder mystery! I always love reading about Mrs. Tiffany Lathrop's adventures. She is quite a delightful character. I loved seeing how the author showed her character trying to balance being a new mom, a wife, a librarian to Her Grace, Catharine, the Duchess of Beaufort. And to see a little glimpse of what being a mom to a baby would have been like in this time period was very interesting. I know some reviewers weren't too keen on the talk of nursing and changing nappies, some saying it was redundant, but I feel like it was interesting and that most of those times were scenes that were set so that Tiffany could contemplate the situation and go over facts of the murder and mystery. If not done in that moment, they would be done in another moment of Tiffany's life. I thought the balance of the situations was well done. But each reader is different in their preferences. I feel like it was written in a sensitive and thoughtful way and not graphic. And, as I said previously, I think these moments were also a time that she reflected on being a mom and balancing everything.
I kept trying to guess what was going to happen and guess the whodunnit character. And I did!!! There are lots of different options and I'll tell you that it isn't that clear, so pay close attention to all of the clues.
I loved seeing the friendship between Tiffany and Catharine continue to develop. They are two very funny characters. I loved that we see more of Catharine's humor in this story. And the love story was heartwarming. Add in the characters of the children, the staff at the Abbey and the villagers, and you'll find yourself caught up in quite a "Pox"-ful adventure! Haha! Sorry, I was trying to be pun-y!
I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the narrator. There were a couple of times where her voice for a certain character changed several times within the one scene and had me giggling a little, but overall she did a delightful job!
Content: Clean. Some kisses, some very mild innuendos, some moments of peril, a mother nurses her baby, and talk of death.
I received an ebook copy from the author, and an audiobook copy from the producer, Dreamscape Media, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Listening & Reading!!!
I kept trying to guess what was going to happen and guess the whodunnit character. And I did!!! There are lots of different options and I'll tell you that it isn't that clear, so pay close attention to all of the clues.
I loved seeing the friendship between Tiffany and Catharine continue to develop. They are two very funny characters. I loved that we see more of Catharine's humor in this story. And the love story was heartwarming. Add in the characters of the children, the staff at the Abbey and the villagers, and you'll find yourself caught up in quite a "Pox"-ful adventure! Haha! Sorry, I was trying to be pun-y!
I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the narrator. There were a couple of times where her voice for a certain character changed several times within the one scene and had me giggling a little, but overall she did a delightful job!
Content: Clean. Some kisses, some very mild innuendos, some moments of peril, a mother nurses her baby, and talk of death.
I received an ebook copy from the author, and an audiobook copy from the producer, Dreamscape Media, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Listening & Reading!!!
February 1, 2026
Mystery, mayhem, & motherhood all combined in this intriguing whodunit! A Poetic Pox continues the story of Mrs. Tiffany Lathrop as her sleuthing skills are put to the test again. It’s 1786 England, & Twelfth Night when Tiffany’s employer, Her Grace, Catherine the Duchess of Beaufort is summoned to the deathbed of a former love, the Marquess of Harwood. With no heirs, he’s decided to leave his estate & fortune to Catherine’s son Beau who’s actually the marquess’ son. Catherine begs Tiffany to accompany her, but Tiffany’s a nursing mother, has a sick adopted son, & her husband is away on business. With little choice, she packs up her belongings & goes.
Tiffany’s luck of stumbling into a mystery knows no bounds. When they arrive at the marquess’ estate, they find his valet dead & Nicholas near death. While it’s made to look like he’s dying of one disease, Tiffany suspects he & his valet have been poisoned. As she begins to unravel the mystery, she’s torn between the demands of a nursing baby & finding a killer.
Tiffany’s such an endearing character. I enjoyed returning to her world & family. It was fun seeing her try to juggle a nursing baby with all her responsibilities in the late 1800’s. I did miss Samir & was glad when he made an appearance.
This engaging mystery had so many twists & turns. There’s a slew of suspects with various motivations & past grievances. Nicholas is the only surviving heir, but there are many in the nearby village who look a lot like his family & are vying for his fortune. I enjoyed dissecting all the clues & learning more about Small Pox in the process. There’re a lot of characters to keep track of & it took a minute to figure out who was who & their relationships. The surprising ending had me on pins & needles as all the pieces finally come together.
Highly recommend to historical mystery fans! This book could be read as a standalone, but in order to fully understand the characters, I’d recommend reading the previous books in the series.
Tiffany’s luck of stumbling into a mystery knows no bounds. When they arrive at the marquess’ estate, they find his valet dead & Nicholas near death. While it’s made to look like he’s dying of one disease, Tiffany suspects he & his valet have been poisoned. As she begins to unravel the mystery, she’s torn between the demands of a nursing baby & finding a killer.
Tiffany’s such an endearing character. I enjoyed returning to her world & family. It was fun seeing her try to juggle a nursing baby with all her responsibilities in the late 1800’s. I did miss Samir & was glad when he made an appearance.
This engaging mystery had so many twists & turns. There’s a slew of suspects with various motivations & past grievances. Nicholas is the only surviving heir, but there are many in the nearby village who look a lot like his family & are vying for his fortune. I enjoyed dissecting all the clues & learning more about Small Pox in the process. There’re a lot of characters to keep track of & it took a minute to figure out who was who & their relationships. The surprising ending had me on pins & needles as all the pieces finally come together.
Highly recommend to historical mystery fans! This book could be read as a standalone, but in order to fully understand the characters, I’d recommend reading the previous books in the series.
July 13, 2025
1786, England.
Mrs. Tiffany Lathrop, new mother and a librarian to Catharine, Duchess of Beaufort, is feeling a little itch to do something other than change nappies. When Catharine gets a letter from a former lover (and the natural father of her younger son) that he is dying, Catharine insists that Tiffany make the journey with her nursing daughter. When they arrive, they discover Lord Harwood on death's door with suspicious looking pox marks, and his valet dead of a potential poisoning. An interview with the vicar and examination of church records show a smallpox epidemic twenty years ago... and it may have been brought on by Lord Harwood and his friends searching for a cure for the "speckled monster."
I picked this one up for the smallpox, and it did not disappoint me. Pox is central to the plot and the mystery from the deaths years prior to the ongoing mystery in the story's present timeline. Smallpox was an incredibly deadly disease, and Samantha Larsen does not shy away from descriptions of types of pox (contiguous and discrete) and the horrors of the disfiguration not only from scarring but from the disease itself. But Larsen also talks about the early smallpox inoculations (using live virus), and uses the young men of the village as examples of how English doctors adapted medical technology from other cultures (successfully and unsuccessfully... because while 21st century readers know that bleeding a patient and taking mercury before inoculation is unwise, 18th century doctors found that a logical preparation of the patient's constitution.)
This is the third book in the Lady Librarian Mystery series, and I had not read the previous books. This meant that I came in without some of the background for why Tiffany likes to solve mysteries and for her position as librarian, former governess, and new mother, though much of that is repeated throughout the story, so I was by no means lost. The mystery stands well alone. While there are some elements of romance, the romantic relationships are not central to the plot of the story. I appreciated the diversity in 18th century England: Catharine's oldest son is adopted and is African, and Tiffany is married to a man of South Asian descent, making her daughter biracial. While it feels like the acknowledgement of their racial identities are a part of the backstory from previous books, they are accepted by the central characters and considered an oddity to the villagers outside of London.
I enjoyed the audiobook, which is good, because in my research, it appears for now this is an audio-only release.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media for an ALC. A Poetic Pox is out 7/22/25.
Mrs. Tiffany Lathrop, new mother and a librarian to Catharine, Duchess of Beaufort, is feeling a little itch to do something other than change nappies. When Catharine gets a letter from a former lover (and the natural father of her younger son) that he is dying, Catharine insists that Tiffany make the journey with her nursing daughter. When they arrive, they discover Lord Harwood on death's door with suspicious looking pox marks, and his valet dead of a potential poisoning. An interview with the vicar and examination of church records show a smallpox epidemic twenty years ago... and it may have been brought on by Lord Harwood and his friends searching for a cure for the "speckled monster."
I picked this one up for the smallpox, and it did not disappoint me. Pox is central to the plot and the mystery from the deaths years prior to the ongoing mystery in the story's present timeline. Smallpox was an incredibly deadly disease, and Samantha Larsen does not shy away from descriptions of types of pox (contiguous and discrete) and the horrors of the disfiguration not only from scarring but from the disease itself. But Larsen also talks about the early smallpox inoculations (using live virus), and uses the young men of the village as examples of how English doctors adapted medical technology from other cultures (successfully and unsuccessfully... because while 21st century readers know that bleeding a patient and taking mercury before inoculation is unwise, 18th century doctors found that a logical preparation of the patient's constitution.)
This is the third book in the Lady Librarian Mystery series, and I had not read the previous books. This meant that I came in without some of the background for why Tiffany likes to solve mysteries and for her position as librarian, former governess, and new mother, though much of that is repeated throughout the story, so I was by no means lost. The mystery stands well alone. While there are some elements of romance, the romantic relationships are not central to the plot of the story. I appreciated the diversity in 18th century England: Catharine's oldest son is adopted and is African, and Tiffany is married to a man of South Asian descent, making her daughter biracial. While it feels like the acknowledgement of their racial identities are a part of the backstory from previous books, they are accepted by the central characters and considered an oddity to the villagers outside of London.
I enjoyed the audiobook, which is good, because in my research, it appears for now this is an audio-only release.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media for an ALC. A Poetic Pox is out 7/22/25.
July 14, 2025
Big Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the advanced copy! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
'A Poetic Pox' is the third book of Lady Librarian Mysteries, and it follows Tiffany, a mom of a newborn girl, and librarian to Duchess Catharine, as she tries to solve a complex mystery set in a haunted mansion at a spooky and illness-stricken small town.
The mystery, first of all, was quite great. It was Gothic, haunting, intense, and quite dark. The twists were, moreover, enjoyable and unpredictable, and all the characters involved were bizarre and creepy.
On the other hand, Tiffany's personal life was taking too much of the story, as there were too many repetitions of her nursing her daughter and missing her family. And yet, it was interesting to read about a married woman with children being the main lead in an investigation, but we didn't need to know every time the baby ate.
Still, the atmosphere was quite foggy, and the author did a great job handling the mystery, with an enjoyable writing style.
Finally, the narration of the audiobook was brilliant as was the production of it.
'A Poetic Pox' is the third book of Lady Librarian Mysteries, and it follows Tiffany, a mom of a newborn girl, and librarian to Duchess Catharine, as she tries to solve a complex mystery set in a haunted mansion at a spooky and illness-stricken small town.
The mystery, first of all, was quite great. It was Gothic, haunting, intense, and quite dark. The twists were, moreover, enjoyable and unpredictable, and all the characters involved were bizarre and creepy.
On the other hand, Tiffany's personal life was taking too much of the story, as there were too many repetitions of her nursing her daughter and missing her family. And yet, it was interesting to read about a married woman with children being the main lead in an investigation, but we didn't need to know every time the baby ate.
Still, the atmosphere was quite foggy, and the author did a great job handling the mystery, with an enjoyable writing style.
Finally, the narration of the audiobook was brilliant as was the production of it.
February 3, 2026
Mrs.Tiffany Lathrop is one of my favorite characters and I am so happy to see her back in action. Not only is she a delight, but her sleuthing skills and matter-of-fact ways are ahead of her times and she makes me smile and anticipate what adventures will come her way. When Catharine, the woman Tiffany is a librarian for, receives a letter regarding her son, they embark on a journey that turns into a gothic whodunnit mystery–including deaths.
I love the way this author gives the reader a view into motherhood during this time, as Tiffany juggles many hats, including the one of having a baby. And the friendship that continues to develop between these two women is absolutely enjoyable. Every character and situation is very well written and an intricate pattern is set, full of clues and situations that leave the reader thinking as hard as Tiffany is to solve it all.
While there are some precarious situations, they are handled well–not too graphic, but descriptive enough to give a full-picture of what these characters are dealing with. History had some difficult times and while serious in nature, Tiffany is a breath of fresh air to a heavy situation.
The narrator is fun to listen to and really brings this cast and plot to life. I hope there is more in store for Tiffany in the future.
Content: death–mildly graphic; mild romance and talk of infidelity
*I received a complimentary copy through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*
I love the way this author gives the reader a view into motherhood during this time, as Tiffany juggles many hats, including the one of having a baby. And the friendship that continues to develop between these two women is absolutely enjoyable. Every character and situation is very well written and an intricate pattern is set, full of clues and situations that leave the reader thinking as hard as Tiffany is to solve it all.
While there are some precarious situations, they are handled well–not too graphic, but descriptive enough to give a full-picture of what these characters are dealing with. History had some difficult times and while serious in nature, Tiffany is a breath of fresh air to a heavy situation.
The narrator is fun to listen to and really brings this cast and plot to life. I hope there is more in store for Tiffany in the future.
Content: death–mildly graphic; mild romance and talk of infidelity
*I received a complimentary copy through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*
August 6, 2025
A Poetic Pox is the third book in the fun and unique "A Lady Librarian Mystery" series. The books are set in the late 1700s. I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook. Marni Penning, the narrator, does an amazing job. She uses many different voices that fit each character well. I loved hearing her read this story.
This gothic murder mystery begins with Tiffany (Woodall) Lathrop. She travels with her employer, Catharine, the Duchess of Beaufort and her son, Beau. They are going to Lord Harwood's estate. He wants to see his son, Beau, before he dies. Then, Beau will inherit his estate and money. Of course, Tiffany, a new mother traveling with her baby, faces challenges. Motherhood brings its own pressures. Upon arrival, they discover Lord Harwood's valet has died. This sparks the mystery and investigation. Lord Harwood is alive but poisoned. The person responsible for these awful acts must be found and stopped.
I loved every part of this novel. The mystery was great with all its twists and turns. There was a hint of romance along with witty dialogue. The characters were distinct and interesting. I have enjoyed all the books in this series, and book three was a fantastic addition. It showed Tiffany growing as an investigator and as a new parent. You could read A Poetic Pox on its own. However, you will enjoy it much more if you read the first two books. Knowing the characters and their backgrounds will help you appreciate this story better.
This gothic murder mystery begins with Tiffany (Woodall) Lathrop. She travels with her employer, Catharine, the Duchess of Beaufort and her son, Beau. They are going to Lord Harwood's estate. He wants to see his son, Beau, before he dies. Then, Beau will inherit his estate and money. Of course, Tiffany, a new mother traveling with her baby, faces challenges. Motherhood brings its own pressures. Upon arrival, they discover Lord Harwood's valet has died. This sparks the mystery and investigation. Lord Harwood is alive but poisoned. The person responsible for these awful acts must be found and stopped.
I loved every part of this novel. The mystery was great with all its twists and turns. There was a hint of romance along with witty dialogue. The characters were distinct and interesting. I have enjoyed all the books in this series, and book three was a fantastic addition. It showed Tiffany growing as an investigator and as a new parent. You could read A Poetic Pox on its own. However, you will enjoy it much more if you read the first two books. Knowing the characters and their backgrounds will help you appreciate this story better.
August 28, 2025
A Poetic Pox is the third book in Samantha Larsen’s Lady Librarian series and follows librarian and new mother, Mrs. Tiffany Lathrop as she accompanies her friend and employer the Duchess of Beaufort to visit her old Paramore, the Marcus of Harwood, who written to say he is on his deathbed and wishes to meet his son before he passes!
Upon arriving, they find the house in disarray, the Marquess ill in bed and his valet dead on the floor! This visit has now become a nursing mission and a murder investigation!
Mrs. Lathrop does an excellent job investigating to the best of her ability and I really enjoyed when her husband comes to assist in the investigation.. A great pairing and unravelled all the mysteries within the Marquess’ home.
I enjoyed this book, but I thought the relationship between Mrs. Lathrop and the Duchess had a lot of intricacies that would’ve been easier to follow if I had read the first two books.
The audiobook narrated by Marni Penning was well done and had a good pace. I appreciated the narrators use of distinct voices for the various characters and their expression while reading the audio gave this story another dimension.
July 22, 2025
Tiffany (Woodall) Lathrop’s return to detective work in this third installment in the series felt so relatable - not because I’m a detective of any sort, but because Larsen’s depiction of motherhood is so accurate. The ups and the downs of motherhood are shown, and with the utmost understanding and respect for motherhood. Tiffany’s desire to feel like more than a milk cow/changer of nappies, and her guilt over enjoying something other than mothering her children is so raw and real; it was so validating as a mother seeing that depicted in a novel. I can just imagine Tiffany sitting down with me and my friends and us all discussing the importance of breaks and balance in motherhood. I loved that Tiffany was shown to be even more capable in motherhood than she was in the first two books, and shown to be learning just the same as before as well!
The mystery is so well done, too. The twists and turns are hinted at with just the right touch, making it a delight to follow along with and to attempt to predict. The cast of characters is diverse (especially for 1700s England!) and many of the corresponding challenges are respectfully contained in the book.
Highly recommend this audiobook! Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
The mystery is so well done, too. The twists and turns are hinted at with just the right touch, making it a delight to follow along with and to attempt to predict. The cast of characters is diverse (especially for 1700s England!) and many of the corresponding challenges are respectfully contained in the book.
Highly recommend this audiobook! Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
July 20, 2025
This captivating murder mystery weaves together suspense, romance, and rich cultural diversity, creating an enthralling narrative that kept me hooked from start to finish. Set against a backdrop of gothic vibes, this is the third installment in the Lady Librarian Mystery series, and I was pleasantly surprised at how easily I fell into the story without having read the previous books.
Our protagonist, Tiffany, is a fascinating character—a librarian, former governess, and a new mother—who thrives on solving mysteries. While there are touches of romance throughout, the focus remains primarily on the mystery at hand.
The cast is wonderfully diverse; we meet Catharine's eldest son, who is adopted and of African descent, and Tiffany, who is married to a man of South Asian heritage. This delightful mix makes their daughter biracial. The acknowledgment of their racial identities enriches the backstory and adds depth to the characters. While the villagers outside of London view their differences with curiosity, the main characters embrace their identities with open arms.
The audiobook, narrated by the talented Marni Penning, brought the story to life beautifully. I received an audiobook copy from the author, the producer, Dreamscape Media, via NetGalley, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to immerse myself in such an enchanting tale! I was under no obligation to give a positive review.
Our protagonist, Tiffany, is a fascinating character—a librarian, former governess, and a new mother—who thrives on solving mysteries. While there are touches of romance throughout, the focus remains primarily on the mystery at hand.
The cast is wonderfully diverse; we meet Catharine's eldest son, who is adopted and of African descent, and Tiffany, who is married to a man of South Asian heritage. This delightful mix makes their daughter biracial. The acknowledgment of their racial identities enriches the backstory and adds depth to the characters. While the villagers outside of London view their differences with curiosity, the main characters embrace their identities with open arms.
The audiobook, narrated by the talented Marni Penning, brought the story to life beautifully. I received an audiobook copy from the author, the producer, Dreamscape Media, via NetGalley, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to immerse myself in such an enchanting tale! I was under no obligation to give a positive review.
August 14, 2025
* I received an e-arc/audiobook via the author, Netgalley and the publisher. Thank you for the opportunity to review. All thoughts are my own*
So excited to dive back into this series after loving the previous two books! This time around I was able to listen to the audiobook while reading along, and it enhanced my reading experience. The narrator was a great choice! A Poetic Pox is an entertaining mystery, filled with twists and turns. If you enjoyed the previous books, or you enjoy historical mysteries, I think you’ll love this one too!
Mrs. Tiffany Lathrop is balancing her responsibilities as a new mother and also as the librarian to Catherine, The Duchess of Beaufort. During the 12 Days of Christmas, Catherine receives a letter from her son Beau’s biological father, The Marquess of Harwood. In this mysterious letter, the Marquess requests that his son come to visit at once and he will bequeath him his estate before he dies.
Catherine’s older son, Thomas Montague, has a bad cold, so Catherine asks Tiffany and her daughter to accompany her and Beau to the estate. When they arrive at the abbey they are shocked to see the deplorable condition of the home, and not only that, they come across a dead body! The body is not that of the Marquess, but his valet. Lord Harwood is still alive, but barely and he is unconscious with strange pox marks on his hands.
While breast feeding and changing diapers, Tiffany races against time to discover who killed the valet and attempted to murder the Marquess before anything else happens.
It was wonderful seeing Tiffany as a mother in this one and I appreciated the nursing mother representation. As a mother who nursed my babies, this was a pleasant surprise. I enjoyed getting to see Tiffany’s relationship with Catherine blossoming, as well as the sweet romance she shares with her husband. It was also interesting to learn more about small pox, and I always appreciate Samantha’s research.
Fans of historical mysteries don’t want to miss out on this wonderful series! I hope that the author will write more in this world.
So excited to dive back into this series after loving the previous two books! This time around I was able to listen to the audiobook while reading along, and it enhanced my reading experience. The narrator was a great choice! A Poetic Pox is an entertaining mystery, filled with twists and turns. If you enjoyed the previous books, or you enjoy historical mysteries, I think you’ll love this one too!
Mrs. Tiffany Lathrop is balancing her responsibilities as a new mother and also as the librarian to Catherine, The Duchess of Beaufort. During the 12 Days of Christmas, Catherine receives a letter from her son Beau’s biological father, The Marquess of Harwood. In this mysterious letter, the Marquess requests that his son come to visit at once and he will bequeath him his estate before he dies.
Catherine’s older son, Thomas Montague, has a bad cold, so Catherine asks Tiffany and her daughter to accompany her and Beau to the estate. When they arrive at the abbey they are shocked to see the deplorable condition of the home, and not only that, they come across a dead body! The body is not that of the Marquess, but his valet. Lord Harwood is still alive, but barely and he is unconscious with strange pox marks on his hands.
While breast feeding and changing diapers, Tiffany races against time to discover who killed the valet and attempted to murder the Marquess before anything else happens.
It was wonderful seeing Tiffany as a mother in this one and I appreciated the nursing mother representation. As a mother who nursed my babies, this was a pleasant surprise. I enjoyed getting to see Tiffany’s relationship with Catherine blossoming, as well as the sweet romance she shares with her husband. It was also interesting to learn more about small pox, and I always appreciate Samantha’s research.
Fans of historical mysteries don’t want to miss out on this wonderful series! I hope that the author will write more in this world.
July 16, 2025
A delightful mystery with all the gothic vibes! A cozy Lady Librarian mystery not to be missed. I enjoyed how the narrator brought the story to life!
I received an audio ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.
I received an audio ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.
January 29, 2026
4.5 STARS. AUDIOBOOK REVIEW. Between the title, cover, and the audiobook sample I listened to, there was no way I wasn’t going to dive into A POETIC POX as soon as possible and stay there until the last word had been uttered. Sometimes, you just *know* when a book is a perfect fit, and I’m happy to report that my gut didn’t do me dirty in choosing A POETIC POX for my next listen. Reminiscent of one of my favorite characters, Lady Sherlock of Sherry Thomas’s series of the same name, main character Mrs. Tiffany Lathrop is sharp as a tack, witty, and defies societal expectations and behaviors. What fun!
A POETIC POX includes a plethora of characters to keep up with and few relationships are straightforward. In this respect, it might be easier to read with the eyes as opposed to the ears. My solution was to just jot down names and details - then mark them out and update them; the author definitely keeps readers on their toes with surprising reveals, one after another. Possibly, the new eBook version will have a cast of characters.
Set in eighteenth-century England during the days leading up to The Twelfth Night, A POETIC POX gives readers a peek into societal norms and class and gender differences of the time. One interesting aspect of the book is how the characters are breaking those boundaries. Another interesting aspect is the factual history of the smallpox epidemic, and author Samantha Larsen doesn’t shy away from depicting the horrors of it and the medical treatments of the time. *shiver* It’s clear she’s done her research. (Side note: we’re currently watching Ken Burns’s American Revolution series on PBS, so seeing the parallel impact of the disease on this side of the pond at the same time.) Add in a hint of the paranormal, secret passages, a decaying abbey, and dodgy characters-a-plenty, A POETIC POX is practically unputdownable with its worldbuilding.
While the novel is historical fiction, Larsen also reminds readers of women’s issues and themes that are timeless: the guilt of a mom who wants more than just motherhood; the difficulty of finding balance; the ruminations about life and purpose. There are regular – and likely quite intentional – interruptions in the story while Tiffany has to nurse or change the nappy of a demanding baby. These parts often offered some comic relief and tenderness against the horrors of death and disease.
Going in, I didn’t realize that A POETIC POX is the third book in the A Lady Librarian Mystery series because I didn’t have any trouble following the story as a stand-alone. However, I am very interested in knowing the backstory of how Tiffany became a private librarian at all, given the period, how she first met Samir Lathrop, a bookseller who is now her husband, and of course, Lady Catharine’s full, sure-to-be-juicy story. (I’ve already downloaded the audiobook of the first book in the series, A Novel Disguise, and can’t wait to get started and get all the tea.)
ABOUT THE AUDIOBOOK: The narrator, Marni Penning, is outstanding and truly performs the parts with delightful voicing of young and old, male and female, nefarious and innocent. Her pacing and delivery are perfect, and the audio is glitch-free. (I listened at 1.1x on the Audiobooks.com app.)
Hang on to your petticoats! A POETIC POX provides a wild, twisty plot with surprising reveals that come one after another, like aftershocks to an earthquake. But fear not: the author brings it back around to give readers a happy, hopeful ending – and plenty of anticipation for a next installment.
This full review and more special features on Hall Ways Blog.
A POETIC POX includes a plethora of characters to keep up with and few relationships are straightforward. In this respect, it might be easier to read with the eyes as opposed to the ears. My solution was to just jot down names and details - then mark them out and update them; the author definitely keeps readers on their toes with surprising reveals, one after another. Possibly, the new eBook version will have a cast of characters.
“I would not paint all women as sinners or saint. Life is far too complicated for such simplistic morality.”
Set in eighteenth-century England during the days leading up to The Twelfth Night, A POETIC POX gives readers a peek into societal norms and class and gender differences of the time. One interesting aspect of the book is how the characters are breaking those boundaries. Another interesting aspect is the factual history of the smallpox epidemic, and author Samantha Larsen doesn’t shy away from depicting the horrors of it and the medical treatments of the time. *shiver* It’s clear she’s done her research. (Side note: we’re currently watching Ken Burns’s American Revolution series on PBS, so seeing the parallel impact of the disease on this side of the pond at the same time.) Add in a hint of the paranormal, secret passages, a decaying abbey, and dodgy characters-a-plenty, A POETIC POX is practically unputdownable with its worldbuilding.
“Why did Tiffany yearn for more than what her Lord had so generously given her?”
While the novel is historical fiction, Larsen also reminds readers of women’s issues and themes that are timeless: the guilt of a mom who wants more than just motherhood; the difficulty of finding balance; the ruminations about life and purpose. There are regular – and likely quite intentional – interruptions in the story while Tiffany has to nurse or change the nappy of a demanding baby. These parts often offered some comic relief and tenderness against the horrors of death and disease.
Going in, I didn’t realize that A POETIC POX is the third book in the A Lady Librarian Mystery series because I didn’t have any trouble following the story as a stand-alone. However, I am very interested in knowing the backstory of how Tiffany became a private librarian at all, given the period, how she first met Samir Lathrop, a bookseller who is now her husband, and of course, Lady Catharine’s full, sure-to-be-juicy story. (I’ve already downloaded the audiobook of the first book in the series, A Novel Disguise, and can’t wait to get started and get all the tea.)
ABOUT THE AUDIOBOOK: The narrator, Marni Penning, is outstanding and truly performs the parts with delightful voicing of young and old, male and female, nefarious and innocent. Her pacing and delivery are perfect, and the audio is glitch-free. (I listened at 1.1x on the Audiobooks.com app.)
Hang on to your petticoats! A POETIC POX provides a wild, twisty plot with surprising reveals that come one after another, like aftershocks to an earthquake. But fear not: the author brings it back around to give readers a happy, hopeful ending – and plenty of anticipation for a next installment.
This full review and more special features on Hall Ways Blog.
November 23, 2025
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
A Poetic Pox is the third book in the Lady Librarian historical cozy mystery series by Samantha Larsen. Released 22nd July 2025 by Audible.
This is a charming historical cozy with an appealing protagonist who employs creative and intelligent solutions to counteract some of the harsher realities of Regency history (women often lived lives of tenuous and terrifying insecurity). She's smart and generally honest and clever as well, and easy to relate to. Although she's sworn off murder and investigation after the last couple of times, she's now stumbled over the body of a servant at the estate of the former paramour of her patroness and employer, The Duchess of Beaufort and so much once again use her intellect and wiles to sort out what really happened.
The book is well written and the author has a firm grasp on the nuts and bolts of plot, setting, and characterization. It's a light cozy with a strong romance subplot and a surprising amount of effective humor. It's a bookish book, and there are book titles and period book/library trivia and title-dropping throughout. Readers will certainly find this book slower in pace and plotting than the last 2 books in the series and this one is overflowing with dirty diapers and other biological realities of having responsibility for a newborn.
Happily, the author mostly ignores the more rigid realities of race, parentage, and class which would have otherwise precluded many of the interactions and relationships in the book.
The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 8 hours 47 minutes and is capably read by series narrator Marni Penning. She has a well modulated classically trained alto voice and does a good job with a number of disparate accents of both sexes and a range of ages. It's easy to keep the characters separate and the dialogue flows smoothly.
Four stars. This would make an appealing binge/buddy read, as well as a good choice for public library acquisition. It appears that currently the book is only available in audio format; the previous 2 installments are also available in hardcover and ebook formats (from Crooked Lane).
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
A Poetic Pox is the third book in the Lady Librarian historical cozy mystery series by Samantha Larsen. Released 22nd July 2025 by Audible.
This is a charming historical cozy with an appealing protagonist who employs creative and intelligent solutions to counteract some of the harsher realities of Regency history (women often lived lives of tenuous and terrifying insecurity). She's smart and generally honest and clever as well, and easy to relate to. Although she's sworn off murder and investigation after the last couple of times, she's now stumbled over the body of a servant at the estate of the former paramour of her patroness and employer, The Duchess of Beaufort and so much once again use her intellect and wiles to sort out what really happened.
The book is well written and the author has a firm grasp on the nuts and bolts of plot, setting, and characterization. It's a light cozy with a strong romance subplot and a surprising amount of effective humor. It's a bookish book, and there are book titles and period book/library trivia and title-dropping throughout. Readers will certainly find this book slower in pace and plotting than the last 2 books in the series and this one is overflowing with dirty diapers and other biological realities of having responsibility for a newborn.
Happily, the author mostly ignores the more rigid realities of race, parentage, and class which would have otherwise precluded many of the interactions and relationships in the book.
The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 8 hours 47 minutes and is capably read by series narrator Marni Penning. She has a well modulated classically trained alto voice and does a good job with a number of disparate accents of both sexes and a range of ages. It's easy to keep the characters separate and the dialogue flows smoothly.
Four stars. This would make an appealing binge/buddy read, as well as a good choice for public library acquisition. It appears that currently the book is only available in audio format; the previous 2 installments are also available in hardcover and ebook formats (from Crooked Lane).
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
July 22, 2025
Mystery, mayhem, & motherhood all combined in this intriguing whodunit! A Poetic Pox continues the story of Mrs. Tiffany Lathrop as her sleuthing skills are put to the test again. It’s 1786 England, & Twelfth Night when Tiffany’s employer, Her Grace, Catherine the Duchess of Beaufort is summoned to the deathbed of a former love, the Marquess of Harwood. With no heirs, he’s decided to leave his estate & fortune to Catherine’s son Beau who’s actually the marquess’ son. Catherine begs Tiffany to accompany her, but Tiffany’s a nursing mother, has a sick adopted son, & her husband is away on business. With little choice, she packs up her belongings & goes.
Tiffany’s luck of stumbling into a mystery knows no bounds. When they arrive at the marquess’ estate, they find his valet dead & Nicholas near death. While it’s made to look like he’s dying of one disease, Tiffany suspects he & his valet have been poisoned. As she begins to unravel the mystery, she’s torn between the demands of a nursing baby & finding a killer.
Tiffany’s such an endearing character. I enjoyed returning to her world & family. It was fun seeing her try to juggle a nursing baby with all her responsibilities in the late 1800’s. I did miss Samir & was glad when he made an appearance.
This engaging mystery had so many twists & turns. There’s a slew of suspects with various motivations & past grievances. Nicholas is the only surviving heir, but there are many in the nearby village who look a lot like his family & are vying for his fortune. I enjoyed dissecting all the clues & learning more about Small Pox in the process. There’re a lot of characters to keep track of & it took a minute to figure out who was who & their relationships. The surprising ending had me on pins & needles as all the pieces finally come together.
The audiobook version was fantastic! I thoroughly enjoyed the narrator & the way she brought these characters to life. I especially loved how she voiced Tiffany & captured her wit & intelligence.
Highly recommend to historical mystery fans! This book could be read as a standalone, but in order to fully understand the characters, I’d recommend reading the previous books in the series. I received an advanced listener’s copy from the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are completely my own & provided voluntarily. 4-4.5 stars!
Tiffany’s luck of stumbling into a mystery knows no bounds. When they arrive at the marquess’ estate, they find his valet dead & Nicholas near death. While it’s made to look like he’s dying of one disease, Tiffany suspects he & his valet have been poisoned. As she begins to unravel the mystery, she’s torn between the demands of a nursing baby & finding a killer.
Tiffany’s such an endearing character. I enjoyed returning to her world & family. It was fun seeing her try to juggle a nursing baby with all her responsibilities in the late 1800’s. I did miss Samir & was glad when he made an appearance.
This engaging mystery had so many twists & turns. There’s a slew of suspects with various motivations & past grievances. Nicholas is the only surviving heir, but there are many in the nearby village who look a lot like his family & are vying for his fortune. I enjoyed dissecting all the clues & learning more about Small Pox in the process. There’re a lot of characters to keep track of & it took a minute to figure out who was who & their relationships. The surprising ending had me on pins & needles as all the pieces finally come together.
The audiobook version was fantastic! I thoroughly enjoyed the narrator & the way she brought these characters to life. I especially loved how she voiced Tiffany & captured her wit & intelligence.
Highly recommend to historical mystery fans! This book could be read as a standalone, but in order to fully understand the characters, I’d recommend reading the previous books in the series. I received an advanced listener’s copy from the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are completely my own & provided voluntarily. 4-4.5 stars!
July 22, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the advanced copy of the audiobook.
This was a pleasant surprise! I have to say I didn't really see it coming but it all makes sense in the end.
I jumped into this book without reading/listening to the previous two installments but the main characters are well written and vivid enough for me to grasp their disposition easily. There were some references that made me feel that it would be nice if I had read the previous two books to understand the conversation with more ease but overall starting from the 3rd book of the series wasn't a problem at all.
The story started very strong with the mystery of why the Marquess of Harwood wanted to see Catharine and why he was poisoned and his valet ended up dead as Catharine and Tiffany arrived. It was a little difficult for me to follow the start of the investigations especially with some of leads that's the more inheritance focused motives. There were definitely more suspects that I initially anticipated for a story of this length but my lack of context of the prior story and made me second guessing how important some of the "this character" may be a biological child of the other character and how important this is to the mystery, although I expect that would be less of an issue for readers who's already familiar with the main characters and their situations.
There's a good amount of twist and turns as the story unfolds, surprisingly layered motives of the characters involved in the murder/crimes, and everything still makes sense as the story goes.
It's also quite informative about the danger and impact of small pox. These days it's not something that concerns us at all anymore, but the author made an earnest effort of reimagining what a wave of the disease does to a village, both for the people who perishes and the ones who lives on.
The narrator did such a great job with both the dialogues and the more descriptive scenes and it did a lot of the heavy lifting in recreating the tension in the story. I love how she recreated the scene when the characters in the story "screamed", it's very natural and believable, almost like I'm listening to a dramatized version, not just an audiobook.
This was a pleasant surprise! I have to say I didn't really see it coming but it all makes sense in the end.
I jumped into this book without reading/listening to the previous two installments but the main characters are well written and vivid enough for me to grasp their disposition easily. There were some references that made me feel that it would be nice if I had read the previous two books to understand the conversation with more ease but overall starting from the 3rd book of the series wasn't a problem at all.
The story started very strong with the mystery of why the Marquess of Harwood wanted to see Catharine and why he was poisoned and his valet ended up dead as Catharine and Tiffany arrived. It was a little difficult for me to follow the start of the investigations especially with some of leads that's the more inheritance focused motives. There were definitely more suspects that I initially anticipated for a story of this length but my lack of context of the prior story and made me second guessing how important some of the "this character" may be a biological child of the other character and how important this is to the mystery, although I expect that would be less of an issue for readers who's already familiar with the main characters and their situations.
There's a good amount of twist and turns as the story unfolds, surprisingly layered motives of the characters involved in the murder/crimes, and everything still makes sense as the story goes.
It's also quite informative about the danger and impact of small pox. These days it's not something that concerns us at all anymore, but the author made an earnest effort of reimagining what a wave of the disease does to a village, both for the people who perishes and the ones who lives on.
The narrator did such a great job with both the dialogues and the more descriptive scenes and it did a lot of the heavy lifting in recreating the tension in the story. I love how she recreated the scene when the characters in the story "screamed", it's very natural and believable, almost like I'm listening to a dramatized version, not just an audiobook.
August 2, 2025
A Poetic Pox is a delightful and clever gothic mystery that balances wit, intrigue, and social commentary with effortless charm. Told through the sharp, observant third-person perspective of Tiffany Lathrop—librarian to the Duchess of Beaufort—the novel immerses readers in a richly layered world of aristocratic grandeur and servant-class pragmatism. Larsen’s narration is masterful, crafting a vivid cast of characters who feel distinct and fully realized, whether they’re highborn guests at the Abbey or the bustling household staff keeping everything running.
What makes Tiffany such a compelling protagonist is her dual role as both a working woman and a mother—a dynamic Larsen weaves seamlessly into the story. The extra labor Tiffany shoulders (juggling her duties as a sleuth while caring for her child) adds depth and realism, highlighting the often-unseen burdens women have historically carried (and still do). Her intelligence, practicality, and dry humor make her an investigator to root for, and her grounded perspective keeps the gothic elements from tipping into melodrama.
The mystery itself is engaging, with just the right blend of suspense and reveals. The plot unfolds at a brisk pace, with red herrings, clever misdirection, and satisfying reveals. The aristocratic setting provides plenty of fodder for satire, but Larsen never lets her critique overshadow the humanity of her characters, whether they’re scheming nobles or overworked servants.
Fans of historical mysteries with a feminist edge—think The Lady Sherlock series by Sherry Thomas or The Widows of Malabar Hill by Sujata Massey—will adore A Poetic Pox. It’s a book that respects its genre while adding fresh layers of social insight and humor. Tiffany Lathrop is a heroine I’d gladly follow into another mystery, and I hope Larsen has more in store for her!
Rating: ★★★★ (4/5)
Read if you love: Gothic mysteries with a twist, witty female sleuths, historical fiction that explores class dynamics, and stories that don’t shy away from the realities of women’s lives in the past.
(And more Tiffany Lathrop, please—this librarian-detective deserves a long series!)
What makes Tiffany such a compelling protagonist is her dual role as both a working woman and a mother—a dynamic Larsen weaves seamlessly into the story. The extra labor Tiffany shoulders (juggling her duties as a sleuth while caring for her child) adds depth and realism, highlighting the often-unseen burdens women have historically carried (and still do). Her intelligence, practicality, and dry humor make her an investigator to root for, and her grounded perspective keeps the gothic elements from tipping into melodrama.
The mystery itself is engaging, with just the right blend of suspense and reveals. The plot unfolds at a brisk pace, with red herrings, clever misdirection, and satisfying reveals. The aristocratic setting provides plenty of fodder for satire, but Larsen never lets her critique overshadow the humanity of her characters, whether they’re scheming nobles or overworked servants.
Fans of historical mysteries with a feminist edge—think The Lady Sherlock series by Sherry Thomas or The Widows of Malabar Hill by Sujata Massey—will adore A Poetic Pox. It’s a book that respects its genre while adding fresh layers of social insight and humor. Tiffany Lathrop is a heroine I’d gladly follow into another mystery, and I hope Larsen has more in store for her!
Rating: ★★★★ (4/5)
Read if you love: Gothic mysteries with a twist, witty female sleuths, historical fiction that explores class dynamics, and stories that don’t shy away from the realities of women’s lives in the past.
(And more Tiffany Lathrop, please—this librarian-detective deserves a long series!)
August 8, 2025
Mrs. Tiffany Lathrop returns with another mystery to solve. But this time she's a new mother navigating both diapers and death, proving once again that sleuthing doesn’t stop just because you’ve had a baby.
Set in 1786 England during the twelve days of Christmas, the story follows Mrs. Tiffany Lathrop, who’s adjusting to life as a new mother while working as a librarian for the Duchess of Beaufort. Tiffany thinks she’s got enough on her plate until a mysterious letter throws everything into chaos. The duchess’s old flame, the Marquess of Harwood (and the secret father of her younger son), claims he’s dying and wants to see the boy one last time. In return, he promises to leave him his estate.
Tiffany agrees to travel with the duchess and young Beau to Rosedean Abbey, which turns out to be far from welcoming—it’s falling apart, haunted by rumors, and full of secrets. But when they arrive at Rosedean Abbey, it’s not the marquess who is dead—but his valet. And Lord Harwood is barely clinging to life, his hands covered in pox-like lesions.
What I loved most is that Tiffany isn’t your typical historical heroine. She’s got a baby on her hip, she’s tired, she's a nursing mom just trying to find a moment to breathe, but she’s also smart, observant, and determined. There’s something refreshing about a main character who’s managing real life (and motherhood!) while unraveling a murder mystery.
The run-down abbey added the perfect amount of gothic atmosphere, and the mystery kept me guessing, especially with so many people having a motive to want the Marquess dead. And while this is a murder mystery, it never forgets to have a little fun, with its cast of colorful supporting characters.
I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the narrator, Marni Penning. She did a wonderful job bringing all the characters to life. If you're a fan of historical mysteries who love smart women, and a story that keeps you guessing right up to the end, this one is for you.
I received an ebook copy from the author, and an audiobook copy from Dreamscape Media, via NetGalley. All opinions in the review are my own.
Set in 1786 England during the twelve days of Christmas, the story follows Mrs. Tiffany Lathrop, who’s adjusting to life as a new mother while working as a librarian for the Duchess of Beaufort. Tiffany thinks she’s got enough on her plate until a mysterious letter throws everything into chaos. The duchess’s old flame, the Marquess of Harwood (and the secret father of her younger son), claims he’s dying and wants to see the boy one last time. In return, he promises to leave him his estate.
Tiffany agrees to travel with the duchess and young Beau to Rosedean Abbey, which turns out to be far from welcoming—it’s falling apart, haunted by rumors, and full of secrets. But when they arrive at Rosedean Abbey, it’s not the marquess who is dead—but his valet. And Lord Harwood is barely clinging to life, his hands covered in pox-like lesions.
What I loved most is that Tiffany isn’t your typical historical heroine. She’s got a baby on her hip, she’s tired, she's a nursing mom just trying to find a moment to breathe, but she’s also smart, observant, and determined. There’s something refreshing about a main character who’s managing real life (and motherhood!) while unraveling a murder mystery.
The run-down abbey added the perfect amount of gothic atmosphere, and the mystery kept me guessing, especially with so many people having a motive to want the Marquess dead. And while this is a murder mystery, it never forgets to have a little fun, with its cast of colorful supporting characters.
I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the narrator, Marni Penning. She did a wonderful job bringing all the characters to life. If you're a fan of historical mysteries who love smart women, and a story that keeps you guessing right up to the end, this one is for you.
I received an ebook copy from the author, and an audiobook copy from Dreamscape Media, via NetGalley. All opinions in the review are my own.
July 16, 2025
Tiffany Lathrop (née Woodall) has returned just past Christmas 1786. When the presence of her employer, the chaotic Duchess Beaufort, is requested at the home of an old "friend", Tiffany is expected along as a companion (and perhaps a cover story). Upon arrival, they find a sickly Marquess and a dead valet alongside some suspicious tea...
This book is a real soap opera and the drama is delicious. By far the best book of this series. You can figure out some twists relatively early but the ending is still suitably dramatic. Tiffany is the most likable she has ever been and while the Duchess is as demanding and ornery as ever, she provides great contrast to the kind-hearted Tiff. Thomas and Samir feature sparingly but are important in what they bring to the table instead of making mere courtesy appearances. Nat (Tiff's older child from the previous book) is barely present as he is left home while Priya (the younger Lathrop child) and the young Duke Beaufort accompany their mothers on this adventure and provide much of the comic relief. I fear I cannot say much without revealing parts of the story you really need to read for yourself. Seriously, this series is worth catching up on just for the wild ride of this book.
I struggle a bit for criticism in my elation at how well this installment went. There is quite a bit of dialogue about the station of women, Indians, and Africans in late-1700s English society as if the author does not trust her examples to work without being explicitly spoken about by Tiff and the Duchess. It becomes repetitive.
The audiobook has great acting though at times it sacrifices accessibility. At one point I had to rewind three times and slow the book down to understand a whispered line. I love the acting but I do value audiobooks primarily as accessibility tools and this may not be the best choice for this.
I received this audiobook through NetGalley as an ARC/ALC. Opinions are my own; many thanks to Dreamscape Media for the read.
This book is a real soap opera and the drama is delicious. By far the best book of this series. You can figure out some twists relatively early but the ending is still suitably dramatic. Tiffany is the most likable she has ever been and while the Duchess is as demanding and ornery as ever, she provides great contrast to the kind-hearted Tiff. Thomas and Samir feature sparingly but are important in what they bring to the table instead of making mere courtesy appearances. Nat (Tiff's older child from the previous book) is barely present as he is left home while Priya (the younger Lathrop child) and the young Duke Beaufort accompany their mothers on this adventure and provide much of the comic relief. I fear I cannot say much without revealing parts of the story you really need to read for yourself. Seriously, this series is worth catching up on just for the wild ride of this book.
I struggle a bit for criticism in my elation at how well this installment went. There is quite a bit of dialogue about the station of women, Indians, and Africans in late-1700s English society as if the author does not trust her examples to work without being explicitly spoken about by Tiff and the Duchess. It becomes repetitive.
The audiobook has great acting though at times it sacrifices accessibility. At one point I had to rewind three times and slow the book down to understand a whispered line. I love the acting but I do value audiobooks primarily as accessibility tools and this may not be the best choice for this.
I received this audiobook through NetGalley as an ARC/ALC. Opinions are my own; many thanks to Dreamscape Media for the read.
July 18, 2025
📖 ARC Review
A Poetic Pox by Samantha Larsen
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎧 Audiobook | Narrated by Marni Penning
🗓️ Release date: July 22, 2025
Smallpox takes center stage in this atmospheric historical mystery, with its chilling impact lingering years after a string of deaths rocks the village. Samantha Larsen doesn’t shy away from the gruesome details—from the horrifying symptoms to the scarring disfigurement. The book delves into early inoculation efforts, revealing how English physicians experimented with techniques borrowed from other cultures—sometimes with success, sometimes disastrously. (Mercury and bloodletting? Definitely not the best pre-vaccine prep.)
This is the third installment in the Lady Librarian Mystery series, and while I hadn’t read the previous books, I never felt lost. Enough context is woven throughout to bring new readers up to speed. Tiffany, a former governess turned librarian, now a wife and mother, brings a refreshing perspective to the amateur sleuth archetype. Her desire for identity beyond domestic roles added real depth to her character.
I especially appreciated the nuanced portrayal of diversity in 18th-century England. Tiffany’s husband is of South Asian descent, making their daughter biracial, and her friend Catharine has adopted an African son. While their backgrounds are clearly established in earlier books, their presence is woven naturally into the story, acknowledged by those around them but not sensationalized.
The mystery is delightfully dark, with a gothic tone, eerie characters, and an unsettling atmosphere that kept me guessing. The twists were clever and unexpected, and the stakes felt real.
Marni Penning’s narration brought the story to life—clear, expressive, and perfectly paced. I listened at 2x speed, and it matched the urgency of the unfolding plot beautifully.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the advanced audiobook in exchange for my honest thoughts.
If you enjoy layered historical mysteries with a touch of horror and a strong female lead, this one’s worth your time.
A Poetic Pox by Samantha Larsen
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎧 Audiobook | Narrated by Marni Penning
🗓️ Release date: July 22, 2025
Smallpox takes center stage in this atmospheric historical mystery, with its chilling impact lingering years after a string of deaths rocks the village. Samantha Larsen doesn’t shy away from the gruesome details—from the horrifying symptoms to the scarring disfigurement. The book delves into early inoculation efforts, revealing how English physicians experimented with techniques borrowed from other cultures—sometimes with success, sometimes disastrously. (Mercury and bloodletting? Definitely not the best pre-vaccine prep.)
This is the third installment in the Lady Librarian Mystery series, and while I hadn’t read the previous books, I never felt lost. Enough context is woven throughout to bring new readers up to speed. Tiffany, a former governess turned librarian, now a wife and mother, brings a refreshing perspective to the amateur sleuth archetype. Her desire for identity beyond domestic roles added real depth to her character.
I especially appreciated the nuanced portrayal of diversity in 18th-century England. Tiffany’s husband is of South Asian descent, making their daughter biracial, and her friend Catharine has adopted an African son. While their backgrounds are clearly established in earlier books, their presence is woven naturally into the story, acknowledged by those around them but not sensationalized.
The mystery is delightfully dark, with a gothic tone, eerie characters, and an unsettling atmosphere that kept me guessing. The twists were clever and unexpected, and the stakes felt real.
Marni Penning’s narration brought the story to life—clear, expressive, and perfectly paced. I listened at 2x speed, and it matched the urgency of the unfolding plot beautifully.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the advanced audiobook in exchange for my honest thoughts.
If you enjoy layered historical mysteries with a touch of horror and a strong female lead, this one’s worth your time.
February 11, 2026
A POETIC POX: A Lady Librarian Mystery
(Lady Librarian Mystery Book 3)
by: Samantha Larsen
@samanthahastingsauthor
••I give 4 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~Between breastfeeding and dirty diapers, Tiffany must discover who killed the valet and attempted to murder the marquess before anyone else dies…
-A POETIC POX: A Lady Librarian Mystery, is Book 3 in Lady Librarian Mystery Series, that is set in 1786, England. It is a story filled with of fun and twisty turns. It is delightfully blended with a dear historic atmosphere, a clever mystery, and with just the right touch of humor! I thoroughly enjoyed the witty banter, friendships, and support that is within the pages of this book adventure. Between twists and turns, relatable and endearing characters, and heartwarming moments of dear family life, was an extra layer of depth. I really loved watching dear main character, Tiffany Lathrop’s focused determination and her quick thinking skills put to use. More than that however, I loved watching her growth. Seeing how she chose to be intent with balancing out her sleuthing skills with the very real challenges of new motherhood. She was committed. It wasn’t easy yet, she drew from strength within, and with deep love for both her family, who supported her, she also was able to solve a mystery. Seeing her own who she was and what she wanted was both refreshing and inspiring! This is a fun book part of an exciting series to not miss! It can easily be read as a stand alone but, more fun if read in order of the series!🙌🏻📚
•Content: mystery, death, poison, societal intricacies of the time, investigating, continual dangers lurking, realities of motherhood, devastating disease, secrets uncovered, and a dash of clean romance; kisses only.
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
#apoeticpox
#aladylibrarianmystery
#samanthahastingsauthor
#allaboutthebestreads
(Lady Librarian Mystery Book 3)
by: Samantha Larsen
@samanthahastingsauthor
••I give 4 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~Between breastfeeding and dirty diapers, Tiffany must discover who killed the valet and attempted to murder the marquess before anyone else dies…
-A POETIC POX: A Lady Librarian Mystery, is Book 3 in Lady Librarian Mystery Series, that is set in 1786, England. It is a story filled with of fun and twisty turns. It is delightfully blended with a dear historic atmosphere, a clever mystery, and with just the right touch of humor! I thoroughly enjoyed the witty banter, friendships, and support that is within the pages of this book adventure. Between twists and turns, relatable and endearing characters, and heartwarming moments of dear family life, was an extra layer of depth. I really loved watching dear main character, Tiffany Lathrop’s focused determination and her quick thinking skills put to use. More than that however, I loved watching her growth. Seeing how she chose to be intent with balancing out her sleuthing skills with the very real challenges of new motherhood. She was committed. It wasn’t easy yet, she drew from strength within, and with deep love for both her family, who supported her, she also was able to solve a mystery. Seeing her own who she was and what she wanted was both refreshing and inspiring! This is a fun book part of an exciting series to not miss! It can easily be read as a stand alone but, more fun if read in order of the series!🙌🏻📚
•Content: mystery, death, poison, societal intricacies of the time, investigating, continual dangers lurking, realities of motherhood, devastating disease, secrets uncovered, and a dash of clean romance; kisses only.
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
#apoeticpox
#aladylibrarianmystery
#samanthahastingsauthor
#allaboutthebestreads
July 29, 2025
My thanks for the audio ARC goes to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
Genre: Historical Mystery, Historical Suspense, Cozy Mystery
Spice Level: Kissing but mentions affairs
A POETIC POX. is a fun addition to the Mrs. Tiffany Lathrop mystery series. I thoroughly enjoy books set in a different time period, and I know less about the late 1700s than other eras, and I always want to research more about history.
Tiffany has to take her infant on this murderous adventure. I'm not 100% sure how I feel about the time spent on nappies and breastfeeding—is it there to show real life? Or maybe to highlight how Tiffany is trying to understand how she feels about motherhood and her desire to solve mysteries? Probably both. I think it probably could have been trimmed a bit.
I was so caught up in the primary mystery and trying to figure out who poisoned the valet. There were so many people with legitimate reasons to want to murder the marquess. He didn't even realize how many people he had rubbed the wrong way.
I really can't say anything about the murder except that I loved the twists. Secrets come to light. Then more secrets. And MORE!
The abby with its gothic air was a delightful setting that contrasted with the happy associations for the twelve days of Christmas.
Tiffany's struggles are very relatable. I think mystery lovers, and especially historical mystery lovers will want to read this book. It can be read as a stand-alone, but I think you'll appreciate Tiffany more if you read the first book prior to this one.
Happy reading!
Genre: Historical Mystery, Historical Suspense, Cozy Mystery
Spice Level: Kissing but mentions affairs
A POETIC POX. is a fun addition to the Mrs. Tiffany Lathrop mystery series. I thoroughly enjoy books set in a different time period, and I know less about the late 1700s than other eras, and I always want to research more about history.
Tiffany has to take her infant on this murderous adventure. I'm not 100% sure how I feel about the time spent on nappies and breastfeeding—is it there to show real life? Or maybe to highlight how Tiffany is trying to understand how she feels about motherhood and her desire to solve mysteries? Probably both. I think it probably could have been trimmed a bit.
I was so caught up in the primary mystery and trying to figure out who poisoned the valet. There were so many people with legitimate reasons to want to murder the marquess. He didn't even realize how many people he had rubbed the wrong way.
I really can't say anything about the murder except that I loved the twists. Secrets come to light. Then more secrets. And MORE!
The abby with its gothic air was a delightful setting that contrasted with the happy associations for the twelve days of Christmas.
Tiffany's struggles are very relatable. I think mystery lovers, and especially historical mystery lovers will want to read this book. It can be read as a stand-alone, but I think you'll appreciate Tiffany more if you read the first book prior to this one.
Happy reading!
July 20, 2025
This story follows Tiffany, a librarian for a Duchess and their travel to a town to visit a dying Marquess who happens to be the Duchess’s son’s biological father. When they stumble upon a dead body and see the condition of the Marquess, Tiffany begins an investigation into the secrets of the people and the history within the town.
Full of family secrets, political motives, plagues, and more, this gothic story is full of mystery and intrigue. The writing itself is wonderful with a small caveat; the repetitive statements about Tiffany’s love for her baby girl and missing her family back home. It was oddly and frequently peppered into the story. And I do think it could have been a bit shorter. While I appreciate the twists and turns, it just kept going and going and going.
I listened to this and I do usually prefer to read complex murder mysteries but the narrator did a wonderful job and was able to give each character their own personality and voice!
I will say, going into this I wasn’t aware it was the third in a series. However I don’t think that had an effect on my enjoyment or understanding of the story so this can easily be a standalone read. There were a few callbacks that I thought might have been foreshadowing but it had almost no impact on the current storyline.
Overall, I would recommend this, especially to someone who loves a complex murder mystery. Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this audio ARC!
Full of family secrets, political motives, plagues, and more, this gothic story is full of mystery and intrigue. The writing itself is wonderful with a small caveat; the repetitive statements about Tiffany’s love for her baby girl and missing her family back home. It was oddly and frequently peppered into the story. And I do think it could have been a bit shorter. While I appreciate the twists and turns, it just kept going and going and going.
I listened to this and I do usually prefer to read complex murder mysteries but the narrator did a wonderful job and was able to give each character their own personality and voice!
I will say, going into this I wasn’t aware it was the third in a series. However I don’t think that had an effect on my enjoyment or understanding of the story so this can easily be a standalone read. There were a few callbacks that I thought might have been foreshadowing but it had almost no impact on the current storyline.
Overall, I would recommend this, especially to someone who loves a complex murder mystery. Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this audio ARC!
July 21, 2025
Picked this up for the Pox.. stayed for the gothic mystery!
This is the first book I read from this author and despite this being the third book in the series I had no trouble understanding what was going on. This book is outside of what I usually pick for reading but I was intrigued when I heard someone talking about this book and how much it made reference to the Pox so I knew I had to picked it up.
In a Poetic pox we get Mrs Tiffany, library and new mom who accompanies her friend and employer, Catharine (the Duchess of Beaufort) to visit and old paramour who promised her a fortune if he can see his son. What was initially supposed to be a quick visit turns into something darker when they find that the valet has just died (and possible poisoned) and Lord Harwood is alive but unconscious and might have been poisoned as well! What follows is Tiffany and Catharine trying to put together what has been going on and unveiling long lost secrets. This book felt like peeling an onion with layers upon layers and new twists and turns. On top of that, I loved the talk about the different Pox, such as french pox (syphilis) and smallpox. in particular, there was a lot of emphasis on a recent outbreak of smallpox in the small town they were visiting and how that devastated the population but also emphasis on recent inoculation and it's effects.
I listened to the Audio read by Marni Penning and highly recommend.
This is the first book I read from this author and despite this being the third book in the series I had no trouble understanding what was going on. This book is outside of what I usually pick for reading but I was intrigued when I heard someone talking about this book and how much it made reference to the Pox so I knew I had to picked it up.
In a Poetic pox we get Mrs Tiffany, library and new mom who accompanies her friend and employer, Catharine (the Duchess of Beaufort) to visit and old paramour who promised her a fortune if he can see his son. What was initially supposed to be a quick visit turns into something darker when they find that the valet has just died (and possible poisoned) and Lord Harwood is alive but unconscious and might have been poisoned as well! What follows is Tiffany and Catharine trying to put together what has been going on and unveiling long lost secrets. This book felt like peeling an onion with layers upon layers and new twists and turns. On top of that, I loved the talk about the different Pox, such as french pox (syphilis) and smallpox. in particular, there was a lot of emphasis on a recent outbreak of smallpox in the small town they were visiting and how that devastated the population but also emphasis on recent inoculation and it's effects.
I listened to the Audio read by Marni Penning and highly recommend.
July 30, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media fot the gifted review copy of A Poetic Pox by Samantha Larsen in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts are mine!
I really enjoyed A Poetic Pox! This historical fiction/amateur sleuth story was both smart and thought provoking. The main character is intelligent, progressive, and incredibly relatable, even while navigating the unique challenges of 18th century life.
I appreciated how the novel explored issues that still resonate with women and mothers today, grounding the historical setting in very modern emotional truths.
The representation of biracial children was refreshing and handled with thoughtful care. The way the story incorporated these characters and the conversations around them felt meaningful and necessary.
The mystery itself was compelling, but what I loved most was how it served as a vehicle for the heroine to engage in deeper social commentary. The book also includes valuable information about smallpox, alluding to its frequency, treatment methods of the time, and the early use of inoculation as well as the very real possibility of death. These historical details were seamlessly woven into the narrative and added great depth and context to the story.
Marni Penning's narration brought everything to life beautifully, capturing the tone and nuance of each moment. A wonderful listen for fans of historical mysteries with heart, substance, and rich historical insight
I really enjoyed A Poetic Pox! This historical fiction/amateur sleuth story was both smart and thought provoking. The main character is intelligent, progressive, and incredibly relatable, even while navigating the unique challenges of 18th century life.
I appreciated how the novel explored issues that still resonate with women and mothers today, grounding the historical setting in very modern emotional truths.
The representation of biracial children was refreshing and handled with thoughtful care. The way the story incorporated these characters and the conversations around them felt meaningful and necessary.
The mystery itself was compelling, but what I loved most was how it served as a vehicle for the heroine to engage in deeper social commentary. The book also includes valuable information about smallpox, alluding to its frequency, treatment methods of the time, and the early use of inoculation as well as the very real possibility of death. These historical details were seamlessly woven into the narrative and added great depth and context to the story.
Marni Penning's narration brought everything to life beautifully, capturing the tone and nuance of each moment. A wonderful listen for fans of historical mysteries with heart, substance, and rich historical insight
July 26, 2025
Thank you, NetGalley, for this ARC.
I really tried with this one. I made it to 50% hoping the story would finally draw me in. But at that point, I realized I was forcing myself to keep going. This book just didn’t work for me.
There was so much cribbing: about motherhood, about the staff at the manor, about the situation in general. The conversations between Tiffany (our Lady Librarian and the new mom turned detective) and the house staff were especially grating, oddly rude, unnecessarily dramatic, and just not engaging. I understand that early motherhood can come with identity shifts. It can also bring exhaustion and feelings of being overlooked. However, hearing the same frustrations repeated over and over became less like character development and more like background noise.
I didn’t connect to the story. The mystery, while it should have been compelling (a dying marquess, a murder, a secret paternity), just didn’t have the spark I was looking for. Instead, it felt like I was trudging through endless feedings, diaper changes, and passive-aggressive exchanges.
By the halfway point, I couldn’t help but think about all the other books I could be reading instead. Ones that I might actually love. This one, sadly, isn’t a gem I’ll be holding onto.
That said, it does have solid reviews on Goodreads and NetGalley, so clearly there’s a reader base for it. I’m just not it.
Loved this review? 🕵️♀️🔍 Check out more feel-good mysteries and bookish adventures over on my blog: Views She Writes — where stories come to life, one review at a time! 📚✨
I really tried with this one. I made it to 50% hoping the story would finally draw me in. But at that point, I realized I was forcing myself to keep going. This book just didn’t work for me.
There was so much cribbing: about motherhood, about the staff at the manor, about the situation in general. The conversations between Tiffany (our Lady Librarian and the new mom turned detective) and the house staff were especially grating, oddly rude, unnecessarily dramatic, and just not engaging. I understand that early motherhood can come with identity shifts. It can also bring exhaustion and feelings of being overlooked. However, hearing the same frustrations repeated over and over became less like character development and more like background noise.
I didn’t connect to the story. The mystery, while it should have been compelling (a dying marquess, a murder, a secret paternity), just didn’t have the spark I was looking for. Instead, it felt like I was trudging through endless feedings, diaper changes, and passive-aggressive exchanges.
By the halfway point, I couldn’t help but think about all the other books I could be reading instead. Ones that I might actually love. This one, sadly, isn’t a gem I’ll be holding onto.
That said, it does have solid reviews on Goodreads and NetGalley, so clearly there’s a reader base for it. I’m just not it.
Loved this review? 🕵️♀️🔍 Check out more feel-good mysteries and bookish adventures over on my blog: Views She Writes — where stories come to life, one review at a time! 📚✨
July 24, 2025
I guessed the answer to the core mystery/murder pretty early on in this one, but that didn't deter from my enjoyment of the book. It's Christmas time and the whole gang is on the road to visit little Beau's natural father Nicholas who writes to Duchess Katherine that he is dying and wants to meet his son and leave him an inheritance. It's pointed out several times that Katherine is soooo shallow that the only reason she goes to visit this lovely man is because she wants his money. I really didn't like that. I think more should've been made about her romantic feelings for Nicholas.
Good thing Tiffany and her infant daughter Priya are along for the ride to the Gothic mansion because someone is trying to murder Nicholas and succeeds in poisoning his valet. There's also a ghost haunting the mansion, surly servants who are bitter towards their master and a whoooole lot of secret by-blows and scarlet fever survivors with sketchy motives. Tiffany has to dig deep into the town's history to unravel all the twisty mysteries surrounding Nicholas's family.
The narrator did a fab job with all the voice work and the audiobook flew by! If you're a fan of the series, this is a satisfying but more Gothic return to the core characters and relationships and it's the perfect listen for the holiday season.
Good thing Tiffany and her infant daughter Priya are along for the ride to the Gothic mansion because someone is trying to murder Nicholas and succeeds in poisoning his valet. There's also a ghost haunting the mansion, surly servants who are bitter towards their master and a whoooole lot of secret by-blows and scarlet fever survivors with sketchy motives. Tiffany has to dig deep into the town's history to unravel all the twisty mysteries surrounding Nicholas's family.
The narrator did a fab job with all the voice work and the audiobook flew by! If you're a fan of the series, this is a satisfying but more Gothic return to the core characters and relationships and it's the perfect listen for the holiday season.
July 18, 2025
✨Audio Review✨
A Poetic Pox
A Lady Librarian Mystery Book 3
By: Samantha Larsen
This story had me captivated with its gothic murder mystery! This is the 3rd book in the series but can be read as a standalone.
Tiffany is accompanying her employer, Catharine, the Duchess of Beaufort, to Lord Harwood’s estate for him to see Beau, his biological son, before he dies. Upon getting to the estate, Tiffany discovers Lord Harwood’s valet has died under suspicious circumstances. She is determined to uncover the murderer and to stop the poisoning of Lord Harwood. Who would have the motive to murder? What are secrets that haunt Rosedean Abbey?
I loved the representation of a breastfeeding mother in this time period! (The comments sweet little Beau makes in the carriage had me laughing out loud!) Motherhood is all about balancing your role as a mother, a spouse, employee, friend, and life in general. The way Tiffany contemplates her role as a mother while she is off investigating the murder was raw and authentic and I feel that she is portrayed so realistically!
I really enjoyed the twists and turns this story took! This is my first introduction to the series and I am excited to read the first two books!
Thank you to the publisher and @NetGalley for the ALC. All thoughts are my own.
A Poetic Pox
A Lady Librarian Mystery Book 3
By: Samantha Larsen
This story had me captivated with its gothic murder mystery! This is the 3rd book in the series but can be read as a standalone.
Tiffany is accompanying her employer, Catharine, the Duchess of Beaufort, to Lord Harwood’s estate for him to see Beau, his biological son, before he dies. Upon getting to the estate, Tiffany discovers Lord Harwood’s valet has died under suspicious circumstances. She is determined to uncover the murderer and to stop the poisoning of Lord Harwood. Who would have the motive to murder? What are secrets that haunt Rosedean Abbey?
I loved the representation of a breastfeeding mother in this time period! (The comments sweet little Beau makes in the carriage had me laughing out loud!) Motherhood is all about balancing your role as a mother, a spouse, employee, friend, and life in general. The way Tiffany contemplates her role as a mother while she is off investigating the murder was raw and authentic and I feel that she is portrayed so realistically!
I really enjoyed the twists and turns this story took! This is my first introduction to the series and I am excited to read the first two books!
Thank you to the publisher and @NetGalley for the ALC. All thoughts are my own.
September 24, 2025
In 1786 England, librarian and new mother Tiffany Lathrop accompanies her employer, the Duchess of Beaufort, to Rosedean Abbey after the duchess receives a letter from an old paramour who claims to be dying and wishes to see his son. Instead of a heartfelt reunion, they find the marquess unconscious, his valet dead, and the abbey filled with unsettling secrets. Between caring for her infant and unraveling a web of deception, Tiffany must uncover who killed the valet and tried to murder the marquess before more lives are lost.
It was lovely to be back with Tiffany once again. Some time has passed since her last adventure. She is happily married with a child of own, along with the son she’d adopted of Samirs. Her friendship with the Duchess of Beaufort has continued to grow, so when the duchess finds herself in trouble, it is Tiffany she turns to for help.
I enjoyed that this story took place in a new environment and brought new characters. I did guess the ending about a third of the way into the book, so I spent most of my time waiting for Tiffany to catch up.
Overall, it was a fun listen. Fans of the series will enjoy seeing Tiffany back in action. I received an ARC from NetGalley, and all opinions expressed are my own.
It was lovely to be back with Tiffany once again. Some time has passed since her last adventure. She is happily married with a child of own, along with the son she’d adopted of Samirs. Her friendship with the Duchess of Beaufort has continued to grow, so when the duchess finds herself in trouble, it is Tiffany she turns to for help.
I enjoyed that this story took place in a new environment and brought new characters. I did guess the ending about a third of the way into the book, so I spent most of my time waiting for Tiffany to catch up.
Overall, it was a fun listen. Fans of the series will enjoy seeing Tiffany back in action. I received an ARC from NetGalley, and all opinions expressed are my own.
January 30, 2026
THIS IS FOR THE EBOOK, NOT THE AUDIO VERSION.
I’ve been slowly dipping my toes into mysteries and this one was a perfect addition to my foray into this genre.
Fantastic twists and turns, adding to the mystery that kept me enthralled.
Long hidden secrets, revenge, a “haunted” house, sketchy villagers, so many suspects.
I was entirely charmed by our leading lady, Tiffany Lathrop. A former governess, now a wife, mother to young children, and a librarian with a unique skill at solving murder mysteries. Nothing is too odd to overlook. Tiffany will uncover the truth. Juggling her love of motherhood and love of solving the unsolvable.
The supporting cast is equally as charming. A duchess, an adopted son from Africa, a husband from India, a marquess, and a precocious young duke. To outsiders they seem an odd bunch, but to each other, they’re a found family who loves and supports one another no matter what.
Having not read the two prior to this did not hinder my understanding or enjoyment.
Rich in emotion and layered with mystery and secrets. Thoroughly enjoyed my dive into this Lady Librarian mystery.
Thank you to Samantha Larsen/Hastings for the copy. All opinions are my own.
I’ve been slowly dipping my toes into mysteries and this one was a perfect addition to my foray into this genre.
Fantastic twists and turns, adding to the mystery that kept me enthralled.
Long hidden secrets, revenge, a “haunted” house, sketchy villagers, so many suspects.
I was entirely charmed by our leading lady, Tiffany Lathrop. A former governess, now a wife, mother to young children, and a librarian with a unique skill at solving murder mysteries. Nothing is too odd to overlook. Tiffany will uncover the truth. Juggling her love of motherhood and love of solving the unsolvable.
The supporting cast is equally as charming. A duchess, an adopted son from Africa, a husband from India, a marquess, and a precocious young duke. To outsiders they seem an odd bunch, but to each other, they’re a found family who loves and supports one another no matter what.
Having not read the two prior to this did not hinder my understanding or enjoyment.
Rich in emotion and layered with mystery and secrets. Thoroughly enjoyed my dive into this Lady Librarian mystery.
Thank you to Samantha Larsen/Hastings for the copy. All opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews