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Heloise Chancey Mysteries #3
The Death of Me
Clues to an elaborate assassination plot are intercepted in Paris and the authorities believe the assassin’s lair lies in Soho, London. Heloise Chancey, courtesan and professional detective, must go undercover to spy upon the nest of suspects and end their murderous conspiracy Meanwhile, her Chinese maid, Amah Li Leen finds herself trapped in a deadly nightmare of deceit and madness. Will she be able to escape before time runs out? Danger keeps Heloise close company as she hunts evil down to its devilish source.
288 pages, Paperback
Published March 1, 2020
About the author
M.J. Tjia
4 books27 followersTjia has a PhD in Creative Writing and Literary Studies. Her novella The Fish Girl won Seizure’s Viva la Novella, 2017.
She has been shortlisted for the Josephine Ulrick Short Story Prize, Overland’s Neilma Sidney Short Story Prize, Fish Short Story Prize, and the Luke Bitmead Bursary and longlisted for CWA dagger awards. Her work has appeared in Review of Australian Fiction, Rex, Peril and Shibboleth and Other Stories.
She Be Damned is M.J. Tjia’s debut novel, and is the first instalment in her Heloise Chancey historical crime series.
M.J. lives in Brisbane, Australia, with her family, and as of January 2018 is now the Prose Editor of Peril Magazine.
She has been shortlisted for the Josephine Ulrick Short Story Prize, Overland’s Neilma Sidney Short Story Prize, Fish Short Story Prize, and the Luke Bitmead Bursary and longlisted for CWA dagger awards. Her work has appeared in Review of Australian Fiction, Rex, Peril and Shibboleth and Other Stories.
She Be Damned is M.J. Tjia’s debut novel, and is the first instalment in her Heloise Chancey historical crime series.
M.J. lives in Brisbane, Australia, with her family, and as of January 2018 is now the Prose Editor of Peril Magazine.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 6, 2019
I really enjoyed the first two books in this series but this one was a little slow for me. Heloise is a courtesan who does some investigating on the side. She is a bit shallow and selfish but still likable. In this book she gets drawn into an investigation by the home office while vacationing in Paris with her lover. While there she meets a brash American who keeps turning up throughout the story. Also Amah is being blackmailed and goes back to Liverpool where we learn more about her past.
I feel the way the chapters alternated between Heloise and Amah really slowed things down. I also wish Heloise had a real love interest, not just her married lover Hatterleigh.
It was still a good book, just not as good as the first two. I look forward to the next one.
I feel the way the chapters alternated between Heloise and Amah really slowed things down. I also wish Heloise had a real love interest, not just her married lover Hatterleigh.
It was still a good book, just not as good as the first two. I look forward to the next one.
June 21, 2020
The third book in the Heloise Chancey Mystery series, called The Death of Me (Legend Press 2019), follows She Be Damned and A Necessary Murder, all written by crime writer M.J. Tjia. This novel, somewhat slimmer than its predecessors but just as tightly crafted, is a stand-alone story but nevertheless resolves many of the ongoing mysteries of the first two books, particularly those surrounding Heloise’s Chinese maid, Amah Li Leen. In fact, in this book every second chapter is devoted to Amah’s perspective, as her past catches up with her as she goes on her own adventure.
Set again in the mid 1800’s (1864), courtesan and private amateur detective Heloise Chancey is required to go undercover to spy on various suspects surrounding an elaborate assassination plot. As she travels between London and Paris, Heloise must use all her powers of perception – and her feminine wiles – to uncover the truth about deadly bomb attacks and political conspiracies.
In a departure from the previous books, Amah has her own completely separate storyline. While Heloise assumes Amah is waiting patiently at home, brooding over their postponed trip to Venice, Amah is actually drawn into a dangerous kidnapping and blackmail plot that threatens her life and reveals many secrets from her past.
M.J. Tjia writes historical crime fiction with a feminist agenda and a sharply attuned ear to racial discrimination and stereotypes. Her protagonists are strong women who wield their power with poise and grace under pressure; women who have survived difficult and traumatic pasts and who now determine their own fates. The Death of Me is written in lyrical and descriptive language with dialogue true to the time. The characters and their circumstances feel authentic. This whole series would make a perfect Sherlock Holmes type mini-series, with a similar immersion into the costumes, food, transport, living conditions, manners, hypocrisies, deprivations and excesses of the time. Tense, witty and sharply observed.
Set again in the mid 1800’s (1864), courtesan and private amateur detective Heloise Chancey is required to go undercover to spy on various suspects surrounding an elaborate assassination plot. As she travels between London and Paris, Heloise must use all her powers of perception – and her feminine wiles – to uncover the truth about deadly bomb attacks and political conspiracies.
In a departure from the previous books, Amah has her own completely separate storyline. While Heloise assumes Amah is waiting patiently at home, brooding over their postponed trip to Venice, Amah is actually drawn into a dangerous kidnapping and blackmail plot that threatens her life and reveals many secrets from her past.
M.J. Tjia writes historical crime fiction with a feminist agenda and a sharply attuned ear to racial discrimination and stereotypes. Her protagonists are strong women who wield their power with poise and grace under pressure; women who have survived difficult and traumatic pasts and who now determine their own fates. The Death of Me is written in lyrical and descriptive language with dialogue true to the time. The characters and their circumstances feel authentic. This whole series would make a perfect Sherlock Holmes type mini-series, with a similar immersion into the costumes, food, transport, living conditions, manners, hypocrisies, deprivations and excesses of the time. Tense, witty and sharply observed.
October 31, 2019
Another Heloise Chancey novel, another chance to sink into a world of gorgeous Victorian dresses and the fashionable life of a highly intelligent and extremely well off courtesan. Heloise is more than a wealthy lady of fashion and the well organised woman who has her pick of society’s gentleman; she enjoys adventures which can, and do, draw on all her resources to investigate the suspicious and the missing. Within moments of this third volume of adventures which reintroduces her sparky attitude to life she is determined to solve the mysterious if risky spy world of Paris. Not that all is well in London where her faithful maid Amah must deal with her own challenges as the past seems once more to be threatening her present.
A terrific adventure in which the smells, sounds and sights of Victorian cities jostle with the enthralling Heloise as she takes risks in a fast moving and brilliantly researched setting where people and plot come truly to life.
While this is the third book in the series, I am confident that it can be enjoyed as a standalone novel, which just might get you hooked on Heloise’s adventures. The small details of life, clothes and settings which are part of these novels shows a huge amount of not only research but also real visualisation and understanding of life in Victorian London. Heloise narrates her story, remembering her feelings of trepidation and excitement as she puts on her disguises which she feels are necessary to her work, even when it means dressing as a young man. Amah meanwhile is observed as she finds that her past has real implications for her present. Dangerous times for both women make this an exciting read, especially as Heloise becomes stuck in an impossible situation.
This book covers some excellent characters, including Mrs. White, Heloise’s friends and the servants that keep the houses going. While one story ends a little abruptly, the story that relates to the Prologue, of explosions and murderous fantasies, develops into an intriguing and surprising story. This is a book which does not disguise the reality of death and desperation, though never in a gratuitous way. There are hints of romance past and present, and Heloise’s relationships are always practical and reasonable. The details of beautiful clothes, expensive furnishings and special jewelry contrasts as ever with some of the less salubrious areas in which Heloise frequently finds herself. London and Paris are not just wonderful middle and upper class areas, but also places where poverty and survival are faithfully described.
I always enjoy these wonderful mysteries which maintain a fine pace and momentum, which means that they are never easy to put down. I have raced through this one, and would be eager to read any future adventures. Despite being quite slim books, they pack a lot of adventure in. Heloise is a marvelous creation, and her character develops well throughout the book. I recommend this book to all fans of historical crime and mystery, and Heloise Chancey is a character to watch for.
A terrific adventure in which the smells, sounds and sights of Victorian cities jostle with the enthralling Heloise as she takes risks in a fast moving and brilliantly researched setting where people and plot come truly to life.
While this is the third book in the series, I am confident that it can be enjoyed as a standalone novel, which just might get you hooked on Heloise’s adventures. The small details of life, clothes and settings which are part of these novels shows a huge amount of not only research but also real visualisation and understanding of life in Victorian London. Heloise narrates her story, remembering her feelings of trepidation and excitement as she puts on her disguises which she feels are necessary to her work, even when it means dressing as a young man. Amah meanwhile is observed as she finds that her past has real implications for her present. Dangerous times for both women make this an exciting read, especially as Heloise becomes stuck in an impossible situation.
This book covers some excellent characters, including Mrs. White, Heloise’s friends and the servants that keep the houses going. While one story ends a little abruptly, the story that relates to the Prologue, of explosions and murderous fantasies, develops into an intriguing and surprising story. This is a book which does not disguise the reality of death and desperation, though never in a gratuitous way. There are hints of romance past and present, and Heloise’s relationships are always practical and reasonable. The details of beautiful clothes, expensive furnishings and special jewelry contrasts as ever with some of the less salubrious areas in which Heloise frequently finds herself. London and Paris are not just wonderful middle and upper class areas, but also places where poverty and survival are faithfully described.
I always enjoy these wonderful mysteries which maintain a fine pace and momentum, which means that they are never easy to put down. I have raced through this one, and would be eager to read any future adventures. Despite being quite slim books, they pack a lot of adventure in. Heloise is a marvelous creation, and her character develops well throughout the book. I recommend this book to all fans of historical crime and mystery, and Heloise Chancey is a character to watch for.
October 26, 2019
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The Death of Me by M.J Tjia published by @legendpress .
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This book is not my usual genre of choice however when I read the blurb I knew I had to read it. In doing so I also discover an author who’s writing style I liked.
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Here is a book that’s part mystery,part detective, with elements of darkness behind it all. Which works well.
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It is based in the mid 1800 Paris. A lot goes on within the book- you have 3 deaths, 2 bomb attacks also a assassination plot that’s been discovered plus and person Amah finds herself in a very dark and sinister situation and she is desperately needs and wants to get out of.
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Helosie Chauncey is a detective who is left to go incognito to find out who is behind this assassination plot but also who is behind all this.
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The writing style for me works well and there is enough going on within the book that keeps you hungry and wanting more. The book although seems short is packed with so much and it also links together well.
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Characters are written well and in detail.
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This book delivers on all fronts. But the question is how will it all end????
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Well you will need to read to find out???
October 17, 2019
I loved the simplicity of this book, which is set in London and Paris in the mid 1800s. On the face of it, it’s an easy-to-read historical crime novel, but there’s an underlying sophistication in the writing which kept me fascinated by the details and engrossed in the plot. I’ve read M J Tjia’s previous novel She be Damned, and wasn’t totally convinced, either by the Victorian setting or by the characters. The Death of Me is way better, and the author has enriched the character of Heloise Chancey, the courtesan turned detective, into a much more believable protagonist with an interesting past. She has a flair for disguise and can’t resist when she’s persuaded to take on a commission to prevent a murder – there's a clever and (for me) totally unexpected denouement. I love being taken by surprise! It's a quick read, but sometimes that's just what you want. Thanks to Legend Press for sending me an e-copy to review.
October 3, 2019
The Death of Me by M. J. Tjia is a quick read. It is the third book of a series but it is not necessary to read the previous two books in order to enjoy this one.
I don't know what the title, The Death of Me, is referencing. Perhaps it has something to do with the past struggles of one of more of the characters.
The chapters alternate between two characters, Heloise a courtesan and her lady's maid, Amah. I found myself a little more interested in what Amah was doing. I think Heloise missed important clues that were just right there in her face and it could be a little frustrating.
I don't know what the title, The Death of Me, is referencing. Perhaps it has something to do with the past struggles of one of more of the characters.
The chapters alternate between two characters, Heloise a courtesan and her lady's maid, Amah. I found myself a little more interested in what Amah was doing. I think Heloise missed important clues that were just right there in her face and it could be a little frustrating.
January 24, 2023
The idea was great, the revelation was good (for one cherry arc) but the book didn't grab me. Maybe it's her style of writing but it was too wordy for me personally and there were chapters where nothing seemed to happen. The story follows 2 different character's arcs, one of which seems completely superfluous, maybe if they linked it would've been better or it should've been 2 different books
August 12, 2023
Another intelligent, entertaining thriller-mystery featuring courtesan Heloise Chancey, with the adventures of Amah alternating in chapters. It feels a little like all the concepts work better than the central story does - I'd love to see Tjia bring some of the heft of her literary work to these characters and world - but it is a fun read.
October 25, 2019
The best Heloise Chancey novel yet. This time there’s more than a crime to solve; there’s espionage, bombing plans to foil, and cross-dressing in Paris! I hope I get to follow Heloise to the Wild West one day.
February 12, 2024
A very pleasant surprise
I have to say I was not expecting such a good book. The author kept the story going & the reader engrossed. I didn’t know this author before but I will definitely keep a lookout for more of her books. Very enjoyable.
I have to say I was not expecting such a good book. The author kept the story going & the reader engrossed. I didn’t know this author before but I will definitely keep a lookout for more of her books. Very enjoyable.
October 28, 2019
I love these evocative historical mysteries featuring two unique protagonists. In this installation Heloise and Amah each had her own distinct mystery. Very well done, highly recommended.
October 2, 2019
1860s, France and England, detective work, a little bit of cross-dressing, political plots, and no-nonsense ladies. What is there not to like? The Death of Me was a quick read and it wasn't too heavy (which is my big gripe with many detective-type novels!). I quickly fell in love with Heloise and her mother, the curiosity and energy they exude is contagious.
The Death of Me is the 3rd book in a series but this book read perfectly as a stand alone, but I think I will be adding the first two in the series to my list to read as well because I enjoyed this one and I would love to know more of the back story.
The Death of Me is the 3rd book in a series but this book read perfectly as a stand alone, but I think I will be adding the first two in the series to my list to read as well because I enjoyed this one and I would love to know more of the back story.
October 13, 2019
I love this series immensely & really wish the books were longer! Heloise & Amah are two of my favourite literary characters, & the mysteries of the series just get more & more intense with each instalment. I genuinely can’t believe that Heloise isn’t on screen. The third book in the series left all the answers to the end, but both Heloise’s plot & Amah’s thoroughly entertained me. I really fell in love with Amah this time around & I can’t wait for more adventures with these two wonderful women!
⚠️ This book contains violence, domestic violence & sexual references ⚠️
I was sent this book by Legend Press in return for an honest review.
⚠️ This book contains violence, domestic violence & sexual references ⚠️
I was sent this book by Legend Press in return for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews