Murder in the Soho Graveyard

Emma Langley Victorian Mystery #3

by Emily Organ

A churchyard discovery. A shocking secret. A deadly confrontation.

London, 1890. When the body of a wealthy widow is found in the neglected graveyard of St Anne’s Church, Soho, Emma Langley and Penny Green soon discover her respectable façade concealed a web of bitter enemies.

From a disgraced doctor stripped of his livelihood to a governess whose reputation was destroyed by lies, the victim, Mrs Melbourne, left a trail of devastation in her wake.

Then Mrs Melbourne’s Belgravia mansion is consumed by a mysterious fire. Emma and Penny must race to decipher water-damaged papers salvaged from the ruins that could hold the key to the truth.

But as anonymous threatening letters arrive warning them to abandon their investigation, the friends realise they’re hunting someone who will kill again to protect their secret. In the shadow-filled streets of Victorian London, can Emma and Penny expose the murderer before they become the next victims?

An atmospheric Victorian mystery that takes you from the crumbling graveyards of Soho to the grand squares of Belgravia – and will keep you reading late into the night.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 25, 2025

About the author

Emily Organ is the author of over thirty historical cozy mysteries set in Victorian and 1920s England. Her bestselling series include the Penny Green Victorian Mysteries, the Augusta Peel Mysteries, and her newest Emma Langley Victorian Mysteries, in which a plucky widow teams up with former reporter Penny Green. She also writes the Churchill & Pemberley cozy mysteries, featuring two spirited senior sleuths. Emily’s books combine warmth, wit, and a love of history, inspired by her fascination with London’s past. 

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

London 1890, and Clara Clifton was making her way to the deserted graveyard of St Anne's church in Soho. She loved her job, but this particular graveyard gave her the creeps. When Clara spotted some colour ahead of her near the old headstones, she walked forward to check it out - it was a body, and the woman was dead. So began the deep investigation in the murder of Mrs Melbourne, by Emma Langley and Penny Blakely, both married women, Penny with her husband James of Scotland Yard, and two small children, Florence & Thomas; and Emma a widow. What they discovered was that Mrs Melbourne was universally disliked, so there were many with motive.

As Emma & Penny interviewed their suspects, they began to receive threatening letters - someone wanted them to stop. They narrowed their suspects to four people - then one of them was also murdered. Back to square one again. Would Penny & Emma find the murderer; would Detective Paget believe them? He hadn't paid much attention to them up till now...

Murder in the Soho Graveyard is the 3rd in the Emma Langley Victorian Mystery by Emily Organ and I enjoyed it very much. The two young women were determined, strong, courageous and outgoing - they knew what to do. I haven't read #1 or #2 but that didn't spoil my enjoyment of this one. I'm looking forward to #4 down the track - highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley & Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read and review.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this author

Another charming portrait of Victorian London. It is just my speed for my reading hours, enjoying the adventures of two ladies doing what they believe is necessary and right. Very enjoyable!

[Grandma Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily Organ is an amazing author. She’s new to me and I’m delighted to have found her. I’ve read 2 of the 3 books in this series and it is amazing. I plan to go back and listen to the first. One of the many things I love about this book was there were so many suspects who looked so guilty at one point or another. I never suspected who the murderer was. I love the dynamics of these two sleuths. I’m looking forward to the next in this series and the backlog of her books. The ending was refreshing. Highly recommend!

I was blessed with an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder in the Soho Graveyard by Emily Organ

Synopsis /

A churchyard discovery. A shocking secret. A deadly confrontation.

London, 1890. When the body of a wealthy widow is found in the neglected graveyard of St Anne’s Church, Soho, Emma Langley and Penny Green soon discover her respectable façade concealed a web of bitter enemies.

From a disgraced doctor stripped of his livelihood to a governess whose reputation was destroyed by lies, the victim, Mrs Melbourne, left a trail of devastation in her wake.

Then Mrs Melbourne’s Belgravia mansion is consumed by a mysterious fire. Emma and Penny must race to decipher water-damaged papers salvaged from the ruins that could hold the key to the truth.

But as anonymous threatening letters arrive warning them to abandon their investigation, the friends realise they’re hunting someone who will kill again to protect their secret. In the shadow-filled streets of Victorian London, can Emma and Penny expose the murderer before they become the next victims?


My Thoughts /

First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and author, Emily Organ for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

This historical mystery series is fast becoming one of my favourites.

Murder in the Soho Graveyard is the third book in the Emma Langley Victorian Mysteries and did not disappoint.

As in previous books, Emma Langley again joins forces with her good friend and confidante, former journalist Penny Blakely.

The story opens in 1889 where young Clara Clifton enters the gates of St Anne's Churchyard burial ground reading the notes she's made about the ground's history and the people buried here. Some may think it's strange – a young lady spending her time visiting disused graveyards, but Mrs Clifton has an unusual job - cataloguing abandoned burial grounds for the Metropolitan Public Gardens Committee. However, on this particular occasion, Clara encountered something here at St Anne's that she's never encountered before - the lifeless body of a woman lying abandoned on the graveyard floor - respectable widow and philanthropist, Mrs Eleanor Melbourne.

What follows is a skilfully woven investigation that, as our two MCs probe further into Mrs Melbourne's demise, reveal layers of deception and long-buried hostilities.

Reading Organ's writing is like attending a masterclass in how to write historical intrigue. From the 1890's London setting, to her characters, to the refreshingly new and not overly written plots – everything is authentic, true to scene, and this series is just a joy to read.

Highlights:

🪦Both Emma and Penny are sensible, inquisitive, intelligent, compassionate women, who are very likeable and very relatable. I'm enjoying how the author is developing their partnership and growing these characters.

🪦The author's use of real Victorian London landmarks as significant plot clues in this mystery only adds to the authenticity of the story.

If you enjoy reading period mysteries I'd highly recommend this series.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to one of my favourite publishers, Storm Publishing 💗 for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for September 25, 2025.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

That gorgeous cover grabbed me and the intriguing murder mystery kept me turning the pages. Highly recommended!

[Kathleen Riggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Haunting Glimse into Soho's Dark Past
Murder in Soho Graveyard is an atmospheric and gripping read that blends history, mystery, and true crime into a compelling narrative. The author captures the dark underbelly of Soho with vivid detail, transporting the reader into a world of smoky alleyways, hidden secrets, and a murder that shocks the community to its core.
What makes this book so effective is the balance between historical detail and suspenseful storytelling. The graveyard setting adds an eerie, almost gothic backdrop that intensifies the intrigue. The pacing keeps you engaged throughout, and the characters are well-drawn, making the true story both relatable and chilling. A must-read for fans of historical crime and anyone who enjoys peeling back the layers of London’s sinister past. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who enjoys the previous Emma Langley mystery novels this one did not disappoint me me. The skills of leadership abilities of our two main characters is well admired. The fact that there will be another book in this series makes me thrilled!

Both Emma abd Penny here return to solve yet another murder this time the vixtim is a middle aged widow. However, the case ends up coning up with dead ends and it seems like the widow had a sort of enemies. Worse is that her grand house catches on fire alnost destroying the work that Emma and Penny have put into the case. However, in the long run everything is worth it.

I received an arc from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.

[Beachcomber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looks like I have another cosy historical mystery series to add to my list! This was an enjoyable light read featuring two women trying to solve the murder of a local philanthropist lady, and had likeable characters and a decent plot (I did suspect whodunnit, but not why). My only quibble was that the house fire was forgotten about, and we never learned who was responsible…

Recommended for fans of cosy historical mysteries, female leads, and a little hint of romance.

I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.

[Stormi Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder in the Soho Graveyard
By: Emily Organ

4 Stars

In this third installment of the Emma Langley mystery series, Emma and Penny are back. When Emma comes across a young lady being looked at for a most gruesome murder she decides to help her by figuring out what really happened, with the help of her best friend Mrs. Penny Blakely, of course.

This story was a little darker but held true to the mystery of London at the time. Emma and Penny are a ferocious pair of ladies. This book was filled with so much mystery that kept me reading and kept me guessing. Im usually very good at figuring out "who done it," but by the end of this book, I was shocked and never saw it coming.

This was a book that combines romance, mystery, and murder with the old time history that only London can give you. Im so glad to be able to read this book and can't wait to see more from this dynamic crime solving duo.

*I want to thank Netgalley and the author for this book in return for my honest review*

Stormi Ellis
Boundless Book Review

[Shaina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Emily Organ for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Murder in the Soho Graveyard coming out September 25, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I’ve really loved this series! This was definitely a spooky one because of the graveyard setting. I loved the development. I’ll definitely read more books in the series!

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read "Murder in the Soho Graveyard" in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is the third book in the new Emma Langley Victorian Mystery series and with each book the stories get better and better, the characters more developed.

A body is found in St. Anne's Churchyard by Clara Clifton who works at documenting London's disused burial grounds for the Metropolitan Public Gardens Committee to restore public open spaces.

It has been 4 months since Emma Langley's husband has died and she's found that she has the knack for solving mysteries with her friend Penny Blakely. They learn that the deceased is Mrs. Melbourne the 64 year-old widow of a wealthy industrialist. We learn that she was not a well-liked woman, she was deceitful, meddled in everyone's lives and caused much heartache to everyone that knew her. The list of those that would have wanted her dead is very long. Her godson Christopher Ashford who inherits her estate. Dr. Lloyd who had been sued by Mrs. Melbourne. Lydia, a governess who had been accused of theft by Mrs. Melbourne. She seemed to have leverage on everyone that she knew and used it against them.

Penny and Emma start to receive nasty letters at home, giving them the idea that they are being watched by someone close to the case. Harry Write the reporter is quite sweet on Emma and everyone but her seems to realize this. Francis Edwards the librarian is once again very helpful with research.

When there is a case of arson and then one of the suspects is attacked their suspect list starts to get smaller. Emma and Penny soon find their culprit and all the loose threads in the story are neatly pulled together. It will once again be interesting to see what the ladies will get involved with next!

As always Ms. Organ adds Historical Notes at the end which are always interesting to read because they supply some of the back story to things that the reader might not be aware of. There is always a wealth of information that adds to the story.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thank NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an advance reader copy of Murder in the Soho Graveyard. All opinions and comments are my own.

A body is found in a long-disused graveyard. So, yes, murder has indeed come to this corner of Soho, and music teacher Emma Langley and her ex-newspaper-woman friend Penny Blakely will find themselves wondering if new-found acquaintances hide deep secrets enough to kill for.

The “first finder” asks them for help – the police are looking at her as a suspect, natch - which is a convenient way to get involved. Get involved they do, to the tune of checking on the dead women’s nearest and dearest, and interviewing her social contacts. It soon becomes obvious that the recently departed Mrs. Melbourne was unlamented by most of the people she came in contact with.

With a number of possible murderers to work through (readers are aided in their quest to solve the case with contributions from the suspects, explaining their thoughts and feelings), and opposition at every turn (including protests from Penny’s policeman husband and everyone else who thinks that women in Victorian England shouldn’t be doing things that hunt up murderers, up to and including receiving poison pen letters), Emma and Penny continue their efforts. The letters start to sound more ominous. But there’s no hint of giving up, especially when fellow reporter Harry Wright agrees to help (who is beginning to make Emma’s heart go a’flutter).

Emma and Penny have done their work, and a confession is extracted. A new friendship begins, and a marriage long delayed can now take place. As is discovered, the past is a powerful motive for the present.

Murder in the Soho Graveyard continues the series (this is book #3) in a compelling fashion, and I look forward to future books. Especially interesting was the Historical Note, which gives more information about the inspiration for the characters in the book, and the real places identified and locations utilized.

[Cathy Geha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Murder in the Soho Graveyard by Emily Organ
Emma Langley Victorian Mystery #3

~ Solid addition to this historical cozy murder mystery series starring Emma and Penny who are usually not steps but leaps ahead of the policemen ~

What I liked:
* Emma Holland Langley: widowed four months previously, piano teacher, lives with the Solomons, curious, good friend, tenacious, might be attracted to Harry who works for the press
* Penny Green Blakely: happily married with two young children, retired investigative reporter, writes pieces for the paper related to motherhood, puzzle solver, works well with Emma
* The friendship between Emma and Penny and the potential addition of Clara to their circle
* James Blakely: Penny’s husband, Scotland Yard Detective Inspector, loving father & husband, supportive, intelligent, protective, good man
* The murder mysteries and how they were solved
* Clara Clifton: public space researcher, married, finds first murder victim, may show up in future books
* Wondering how Harry Wright (journalist) and Francis (librarian that more than liked Penny) will participate in future books
* The second chance love story between Lydia and Christopher
* Being able to understand the motivation for the murders
* That the writing felt of the era
* That this series will appeal to people who don’t like complicated plots and are able to believe that women of this era would work as amateur sleuths willing to go where Emma & Penny went and act/do as they did
* That everything was tied up in a bow with no loose ends at the end of the story

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Knowing that the rights of women were limited and their lives often difficult
* That the book had believability issues and was a bit predictable

Did I like this book? Yes and No
Would I read more in this series? Maybe, if the synopsis interested me

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review

3-4 Stars

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A red satin clad woman found dead in a run down Soho cemetery is a sad way to start a book. But sets the scene for another instalment (book 3) of Emma Langley's Victorian murder mysteries. "Murder in the Soho Graveyard" is set in the bleak and damp London February (atmospheric ...but when is it ever sunny and warm?)
The victim, Mrs Melbourne is an elderly widow, wealthy, charitable and of standing.
Emma's dear friend and fellow sleuth, Penny's sharp instinct for solving mysteries remains...albeit curtailed by the demands of looking after two young children and running a household.
Together they unravel a number of bitter stories, all with Mrs Melbourne's true nature displayed....nasty and vindictive. Alot of people had cause to murder her! From a disgraced doctor stripped of his livelihood, a godson, her housekeeper to a governess whose reputation was destroyed by lies; Mrs Melbourne left a trail of devastation in her wake and many enemies.
The vital clues are on discovered quite late in the book and I was blindsided.
On a historical note, I found it fascinating to delve into the burial grounds of London in dreadful need for reform due to the numbers of burials...on top of each, damaging older remains. The Metropolitan Public Gardens Association did stellar work in converting these spaces to city parks...still in use today.
Emily Organ has a knack of cleverly weaving interesting historical fact into an atmospheric mystery where the lady "detectives" are clever and also endearing. Their fears and everyday struggles are still relevant today.
Thanks to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and Emily Organ for my copy

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emily Organ’s third installment in the Emma Langley Victorian Mystery series is a masterclass in quiet suspense and historical intrigue. Set against the fog-laced backdrop of 1890s London, the novel opens with the chilling discovery of a wealthy widow’s body in the overgrown graveyard of St Anne’s Church, Soho. What follows is a delicately woven investigation that peels back layers of deception, bitterness, and long-buried vendettas.

Emma Langley and Penny Green—Organ’s intrepid sleuthing duo—navigate a city teeming with secrets. From the grandeur of Belgravia to the crumbling corners of Soho, their pursuit of truth is both cerebral and courageous. The fire that consumes Mrs Melbourne’s mansion is more than a plot device—it’s a metaphor for the destruction wrought by lies, pride, and the refusal to forgive.

Organ’s prose is brisk yet evocative, painting London in shades of soot and sorrow. Her characters are richly drawn, especially the enigmatic Mrs Melbourne, whose life—once unpicked—reveals a trail of ruined reputations and broken trust. The mystery unfolds with elegant pacing, each twist grounded in emotional truth rather than mere shock.

For readers who cherish historical fiction with a touch of gothic melancholy and a strong female lead, Murder in the Soho Graveyard offers a satisfying blend of atmosphere and intellect. It’s a story that lingers, like the scent of smoke in a forgotten chapel.

With thanks to Emily Organ, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Meg Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder in the Soho Graveyard by Emily Organ is another excellent addition to the Emma Langley Victorian Mystery series. The story begins when Clara Clifton, a young woman documenting London’s neglected burial grounds, discovers the body of Mrs. Eleanor Melbourne in St. Anne’s Churchyard. At first glance, Mrs. Melbourne appears to be a respectable philanthropist, but as Emma and Penny quickly learn, her life was filled with manipulation, cruelty, and long-standing grudges.

As the two friends investigate, the list of suspects grows to include her godson, a disgraced doctor, a governess whose career Mrs. Melbourne ruined, and several others whose lives were upended by her interference. When anonymous letters arrive at Emma and Penny’s homes warning them to abandon their inquiry, the tension builds, and the danger becomes real. A shocking case of arson only deepens the mystery and reveals how far someone is willing to go to keep the truth hidden.

Emily Organ brings 1890s London vividly to life with its dark alleys, overgrown churchyards, and bustling streets. Emma and Penny’s friendship remains at the heart of the story, combining intelligence, wit, and compassion in equal measure. The pacing is brisk, the atmosphere richly drawn, and the mystery layered with enough twists to keep readers guessing until the final revelation.

This third installment proves once again that Organ has mastered the art of historical mystery. It is engaging, atmospheric, and highly satisfying, and it leaves me eager to see what case Emma and Penny will take on next.

[Randee Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Due to a chance encounter with police’s top suspect, Emma Langley and Penny Green get caught up in investigating the murder of a woman whose body was found in one of London’s many abandoned graveyards. One the surface, Mrs. Melbourne appears to be nothing more than a wealthy, respectable widow and philanthropist. Emma and Penny soon learn what an unpleasant woman Mrs. Melbourne was and come up with a lengthy list of suspects that includes the victim’s family, current and former employees, a disgraced doctor among many others. The fiery destruction of Mrs. Melbourne’s Belgravia mansion and the anonymous threatening letters received by both Emma and Penny are proof that the killer is trying to cover their tracks and dissuade the amateur investigators.

I am a huge fan of Emma Langley and Penny Green, and thoroughly enjoyed the latest addition to the series. Organ creates a realistic, atmospheric setting and really brings 1890s London to life. The decrepit, overgrown graveyard¬—and the undertaking to turn into a park—was very interesting. I would have enjoyed more scenes in the graveyard, and I have my fingers crossed that Clara becomes a reoccurring character or even gets a spinoff series of her own. As for the mystery…there is very little to like about the victim. Mrs. Melbourne was a horrible woman, and the many suspects all had credible motive for murdering her. The farther Emma and Penny dig into the lives of the victim and the suspects, the more secrets they expose. The killer’s identity really came as a surprise, and I feel the need to reread MURDER IN THE SOHO GRAVEYARD to look for the clues that I missed during my first read. I can’t wait to see what Emma and Penny get up to next.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[Noemi Proietti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though Murder in the Soho Graveyard is the third novel in the Emma Langley Victorian Mystery series, this is my first book, both in the series and by this author, and I can tell you that not only it can be easily read as a stand-alone, but that it made me want to read the previous book in the series. The writing is immersive, the atmosphere is evocative, and the mystery is intriguing.

It’s 1890 in London and it all starts when the body of a widow is found in an abandoned graveyard. Emma Langley, a music teacher, and her friend Penny Green, a former journalist, decide to investigate to prove the innocence of the woman who found the body, Clara Clifton, whose job is to visit neglected graveyards for the Metropolitan Public Gardens Committee. As Emma and Penny investigate, they discover that the victim, a respected philanthropist who everyone initially seems to commend, was actually hated by many and the list of suspects keeps growing.

I do love historical mysteries and Murder in the Soho Graveyard kept me engrossed. The protagonists are two strong, intelligent, and inquisitive women who are determined to find out the truth, even after they receive threatening letters. The author perfectly mixes historical facts with the narrative and adds a gothic atmosphere that fits perfectly with the mystery. I am always looking for more historical mysteries and I am delighted to have discovered Emily Organ. I can’t wait to read more of her books!

[Sam-TRN · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Storm Publishing for the ARC.
I am a big fan of this series. I liked how Penny continued to refuse feeling guilty over being a working mother, and not succumbed to criticism over choosing to continue being an investigator while parenting her 2 children. I also like how her husband, James, stopped injecting his small comments on the matter and became more supportive.
Emma Langley is a wonderful character; I am enjoying seeing her character development as a woman and an amateur sleuth. I also hope she finds love after her terrible experience in book 1.
The addition of Clara Clifton was also a cool move (don't miss the historical note at the end of the book).
The mystery was appropriate for the Victorian times; slowly and meticulously solved by our MCs and their friends.
I liked how Lydia and Christopher finally got their happy closure.

What I didn't enjoy:
1- the continued weird ✨vibes✨ between Penny and Francis. I really hope we move on from that.
2- The mastery plot; I didn't like how the entire case was a big misdirection; and the culprit was not expected and had hardly any clues pointing towards him beside some papers the MCs accidentally came across. I hoped for a different ending or more clues from the "victim's" recent life.

All in all, I still liked it and will continue reading the series. The short chapters are a godsend. I find even more enjoyable on audio.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a kind word leads to a murder investigation! We have Emma Langley who encounters a down trodden and dispirited Mrs Clara Clifton. When Emma offers a kind word the story unfolds as Clara’s work took her into a Soho graveyard where she has found a woman murdered!
It was a wealthy widow Mrs Melbourne out of Belgravia found murdered on a Soho graveyard! Emma is curious and so is Penny and they began their own investigation to also clear Clara as she fears she will be charged!
The clues take them in several directions and all suspects held a grudge against Mrs. Melbourne some lasting for decades!
She was a very manipulative and grumpy woman who collected secrets and used them against people to get them to do her biding!
Emma and Penny begin to receive threatening letters the closer than get to solving the puzzle! When one of the suspects is also killed in the same manner they must see it through!
I love how the newspaper reporter is definitely attracted to Emma and hopefully we will see a little more action to that romance!
But the killer has been hiding in plain sight for decades and will not easily admit to anything! It is a page turner to find out the identity! But this one won’t go down without a fight! Bravo well done and a new friend is added to growing group of investigators!
I received an ARC copy for my unbiased review!

[Rachael Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fantastic installment in the Emma Langley series! Though I have only read Emily Organ's Emma Langley series, I have added her Penny Green series to my TBR list as well. We see Emma and Penny joining forces in these books to solve crimes in their area or that are linked to people they know.

In this third book, Emma is approached by Clara who discovered the body of Ms. Melbourne. The police are looking int the matter, but Clara is worried she is being targeted by the police as a potential suspect. To help alleviate her fears, Emma and Penny start their own investigation to see if the police are missing pieces and are doing their job. Turns out, they really aren't as Emma and Penny interview individuals linked to Ms. Melbourne and discover she was not as likeable a person as what was originally suspected.

They turn up a disgraced doctor, a fired governess, and others who all have reason for wanting Ms. Melbourne out of the picture. Soon Emma and Penny find themselves targeted by someone who wants them to stop investigating. I like who the characters are strong and resilient and yet retain much of their "expected decorum" for the time period. We are also presented with a great, twisty, mystery with quite a few potential suspects. It may be a cozy mystery, but it's engaging enough to keep you turning pages until the end.

[Peter Baran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jumping back into a series a fair few books on from the one I read previously is a good way to see how books like these handle continuity. Not least because Emily Organ's Emma Langley books are themselves a spin-off of her Penny Green novels which makes this the fifteenth book in continuity. Penny has retired from the crime beat at the Victorian newspaper she worked for but still has the skills, Emma started the series being widowed, but in reality this is a joint mystery for the both of them, and I guess fifteen books in Organ barely bothers with anyone being surprised or irritated that they are investigating a murder (the previously irritating and irritated Inspector Paget just rolls over for them here). Beyond that, the pleasures here are mainly in the construction of a mystery within the morality of the late Victorian period, and trying to spot the murderer from the list of plausible suspects. That is often noticing a character who pops up regularly in the background, and I did guess this one, though I enjoyed the way it was teased out, and the always solid atmosphere Organ builds. That said, as someone who knows Soho and Fitzrovia well, the book treats them as being considerably further apart than they are, though socially in the 1890's that could easily be the case. A decent comfort read.

[H.R.H. Carpathia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emma and Penny are back again, and better for it too. When the body of wealthy Mrs. Melbourne is found in an old graveyard a mystery breaks loose. Who killed her, and why? What was she doing there in the first place? Emma and Penny investigate. They soon meet the very shaken Clara who catalogs old cemeteries in hope of restoring the land into a park. From there we meet a cast of characters that make the book feel populated which is also a good thing. Each person had either their own dealings with Mrs. Melbourne who was not the person she presented herself as, but quite the opposite. Any one of them had reason to hate her, but the question is who would go as far as murder?

This book kept my interest well. I like that each character had his or her own story which makes them feel alive. Very well done. I did not read any of the Penny books or the first one on Emma, but I found out here that Jame's, Penny's husband, was engaged to another and broke it off for Penney. I found it strange that an employed woman as independent as her, and with plenty of other admirers should feel the need to go after a promised man. I cared for them a bit less after that, because it just seems wrong. Over all the book is a good entertaining mystery, Thank you Netgalley for the advanced read.

[Ruth McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a a great mystery. Emily Organ has written another A+++ mystery.
I really enjoyed the interactions between characters and the way each person seemed to fit the category of the perpetrator. It was very difficult to discern which one might be the guilty party.
Emma and Penny discover that a woman is found dead in a long-disused cemetery. But this is not the kind of woman who would go about into graveyards late at night. They decide to begin an investigation into the death, as the police don't seem to be making any headway.
They discover that she was a widely disliked person and that many people who knew her weren't at all sad to see see her dead.
Emma and Penny begin to receive disturbing letters, warning them to stop looking into the murders.
Then a doctor turns up dead as well, and the two women can't understand how he fit into the murder scheme.
Thru many twists and turns (and there were a lot!), the two women, along with the help of Penny's detective husband, lots of leads begin to emerge and things begin to fall into place.
However, I had no idea who the killer was until they were revealed. I couldn't put this book down.
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving my voluntary review. Thank you to Netgalley for the advance reader copy.

[Acantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another entertaining mystery for Emma and Penny to solve.

There is a lot to like about this one - our victim is a two faced character, who acts good but is actually a nasty piece of work. It's always more enjoyable when the victim is a bad 'un, and I also liked that this was a female victim, just to shake things up a little.

I also really like how Emma isn't your typical main character in this. She's been dragged into this world of investigating crime by chance, and as time has gone on, her sense of duty, her morals, have compelled her to carry on, and she's discovered she's good at it. But she's also not brave enough to wander around derelict graveyards in the fog with only other women for company. She's much more rounded than most characters.

The mystery was pretty good as well, although the eventual motive not the strongest I've seen.

This has been my favourite of the series so far, as it goes from strength to strength. I hope the introduction of a third person to their little 'agency' becomes a permeant addition, I think she'll be a good counterweight to the two of them. I ate this book up in a couple of hours and cannot wait for the next one.

~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~

[thebookcounsel · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the third book in the series, Emma and Penny return to solve the horrific murder in the graveyard.
Another wonderful read, I am enjoying the historical aspects of this series. Set in the 1800's, Emma, now a piano teacher, and Penny former journalist, team up again to solve the mystery.
I recommend reading the previous two novels, as I started with this one and went back and read the first two. They don't need to be read in order, but I do recommend it, so you understand the significance of how Emma came to investigate such murders and how her friendship with Emma began.
Mrs Melbourne is found murdered in the graveyard, a woman who at first glance seems to have had such a high standing in the community. A woman of both wealth and power. Why would she have been murdered and in a graveyard in the middle of the night?
I, unfortunately, speculated incorrectly from the beginning and did not even have the culprit on my radar and was very surprised at the ending.
Another wonderfully written mystery, which I would categorise as a light read in 4 or so hours.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the advanced copy.

[Zoé · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say, reading an Emma Langley Mystery now feels like catching up with old friends! After two books together, I know it won't take them long to come across a crime. I appreciated Penny's newly found confidence in throwing herself into adventures. Although in previous books, she did enjoy a good murder to solve, her motherhood seemed to refrain her much more. She's now thinking more about herself, and I like that!

This installment has a wonderful Cluedo vibe: everyone has a motive and seems to be lying. What I also enjoyed, as always, were the historical notes at the end, and I loved learning about the history behind London’s church graveyards and the grim institutions for “fallen women”.

That said, this one felt a bit longer than the previous two, but I can't really understand why. The pace was a little slower (and the book perhaps actually longer?). Still, it’s an enjoyable read, and I’ll happily follow Penny and Emma into their next adventure.

Thank you very much to Storm Publishing, NetGalley and author Emily Organ for the advance reader copy. This is my honest opinion of the book.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly enthralling, fast paced who dun nit murder mystery set in the graveyard of Soho with two detectives Emma and Penny who are tasked with investigating the brutal murder of the wealthy Mrs. Melbourne having to go through a slew of suspects along the way.
This story was so intriguing in the mystery aspect with the eerie and suspenseful setting adding extra depth to the story- it kept me guessing right up until the big reveal at the crux of the story- which had my jaw dropping to the floor in shock and utter disbelief.
A very cleverly written story with all the characters being of a unique personality and adding their own perspective on Mrs. Melbourne and the various ways in which she impacted their lives prior to her untimely death. I also liked how the killer began to unravel throughout the investigation leading him to murder a second victim in cold blood so as to protect his secret- a fantastic twist.
I look forward to reading more of these detective mysteries in the future.
A huge thankyou to Net galley and Storm Publishing for an arc of this wonderfully entertaining book!.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series "Emma Langley Victorian Mysteries" involving dual sleuths Penny (Green) Blakely and Mrs Emma Langley. This historical mystery series is set in 1880s London and author Emily Organ has written another thoroughly enjoyable and intriguing mystery.

A rich, important woman's body is found in a disused graveyard amid the swirling fog of Victorian London. Shades of the moldering burying grounds in Dickens' "Bleak House". So many suspects and secrets, but Emma and Penny (with a little help from their friends, old and new) travel around London to track down the killer in spite of threatening letters telling them to stop.

This book is so well written and I didn't guess the murderer until the end! No need to read the previous books to enjoy this one, but I would encourage it. You will find it hard to put them down!

I really like all of Emily's series because they contain interesting facts about London at that time woven into the plot. She does exceptional historical research for each book. They are all Highly Recommended!

[Paloma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clara Clifton discovers the body at St. Anne's Churchyard, while she is doing her job of cataloging abandoned burial grounds. It is discovered that the body belongs to Mrs. Melbourne. And as Emily Langley and Penny Blakely begin to investigate the murder they begin to receive threats. Someone wants them to stop looking into the murder. As Emily and Penny continue to search for the killer, it becomes apparent that Mrs. Melbourne was not liked. When one of the suspects also dies, Emily and Penny must hurry and find out who the killer is before they strike again.

I love these types of Victorian murder mysteries. My favorite part about this book is that there are several suspects, and they all seem guilty. And then a suspect or more gets killer, and you have to start all over again. Also, reading about these smart tough women who had it rough during those times when women had no rights or that working women were frowned upon gives me so much joy.

Thank you, Netgalley and Storm Publishing, for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.