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Manners and Monsters #4

Vanity and Vampyres

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Being a reveller is such a drain…

Someone is supping upon young noblemen and it’s up to Hannah and Wycliff to investigate. If only they could agree on how the men are being drained of their life’s blood. Is it a vampyre, known for their impeccable fashion sense, nocturnal roaming, and dislike of rain, who lurks in the shadows of London? Or is some more earthly method at play, like an attack of leeches?

With her best friend’s wedding imminent, Hannah is determined that the event be untouched by murder or mayhem. To ensure a magical fairytale event they must catch the murderer before the big day. Wycliff must seek the assistance of a man who raises his hackles and Hannah struggles with her growing feelings toward her guarded husband.

This pursuit will unearth long buried secrets that could have fatal consequences for those dearest to Hannah.

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 11, 2020

157 people are currently reading
548 people want to read

About the author

Tilly Wallace

36 books603 followers
Tilly writes whimsical historical fantasy books, set in a bygone time where magic is real. With a quirky and loveable cast, her books combine vintage magic and gentle humour. Through fierce friendships her characters discover that in an uncertain world, the most loyal family is the one you create.

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5 stars
737 (37%)
4 stars
896 (45%)
3 stars
310 (15%)
2 stars
15 (<1%)
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4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
Profile Image for Anne.
4,739 reviews71.2k followers
August 17, 2023
Someone is taking out rich party boys.

description

So what's the problem, Anne?
Ok, in this one Hannah and Wycliffe investigate murders made to look like wasting illness.
Is it a vampire or something else?

description

Wycliff and Hannah are also slooooooowly realizing how much they care about each other but he still hasn't put the moves on her yet. Come ON, man!
Also, we get to know the characters from Tilly's other series. Team-up? I think so.
Another cute installment that introduces a few more of the 'monsters' that live in this alternate world.
Recommended for fans of cozy paranormal mysteries.
Profile Image for Choko.
1,497 reviews2,683 followers
February 6, 2023
*** 4 ***

The prevailing feeling for the series as a whole is very pleasant! Nothing mind-blowing, nothing extraordinary, but a very pleasant afternoon read and I plan on continuing with the series, because pleasant is a feeling that is not a prevalent feeling in the daily grind of reality, so I will take it however I could get it 🤓👍
Profile Image for Sarah.
553 reviews35 followers
February 28, 2021
'Being a reveller is such a drain…

Someone is supping upon young noblemen and it’s up to Hannah and Wycliff to investigate. If only they could agree on how the men are being drained of their life’s blood. Is it a vampyre, known for their impeccable fashion sense, nocturnal roaming, and dislike of rain, who lurks in the shadows of London? Or is some more earthly method at play, like an attack of leeches?

With her best friend’s wedding imminent, Hannah is determined that the event be untouched by murder or mayhem. To ensure a magical fairytale event they must catch the murderer before the big day. Wycliff must seek the assistance of a man who raises his hackles and Hannah struggles with her growing feelings toward her guarded husband.

This pursuit will unearth long buried secrets that could have fatal consequences for those dearest to Hannah.'
___________________________

3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.

Vanity and Vampyres is the fourth book in Tilly Wallace's Manners and Monsters series, which is a historical mystery series set in a London in which supernatural and magical beings co-exist within society.

This book includes one of my greatest weaknesses, a particular myth(I won't spoil which ancient civilization it hails from, but if you know me it'll be fairly obvious) incorperated into the human world and so for that right there, this book holds a special place in my heart. Why this felt like such a novelty to me when the whole series incorperates supernatural beings into the human world I couldn't say, but I was so happy to see it.

The mystery this time around was a bit odd, but it did make it so that it wasn't predictable. I was happy for that, it kept me guessing for a bit. But i will admit that it felt like the most far-fetched thus far because of a certain central aspect to it(but i will not elaborate because I do not want to give anything away.

Hannah often seems like she is stuck between two worlds, a supernatural one filled with zombies, mages, and werewolfs and which is much more her norm, but she also still holds onto a more ordinary lifestyle when she is with her best friend. This book really helps to meld those two worlds together for Hannah and I found that aspect of the story intruiging and I am now curious to see where this will take things as the series continues.

I'm glad I started the series when I did because now I only have to wait a few months until the next book is out. Waiting for books is not exactly my strong suit and I'm really looking forward reading the next in the series, Sixpence and Selkies.
Profile Image for Mari.
1,529 reviews10 followers
October 20, 2022
4 ***

Hoopla.

I love the slow burn between Hannah and Wycliff. The mysteries are interesting and the secondary characters are fun.
Profile Image for Anna.
299 reviews130 followers
February 27, 2023
Young revelling gentlemen are being exsanguinated in London. Could it be vampires or leech shifters?

“I am open to any and all suggestions as to another method, or creature, that kills its victims by draining them of blood and leaving two deep puncture wounds.”

The victims have a pattern: they start the evening gambling at Fletches, then go on to watch a puppet show held by Baron Medwin, and end the night at La Perfumeria. Hannah and Wycliff investigate.
Profile Image for Julia Sarene.
1,683 reviews202 followers
April 27, 2024
Vanity and Vampyres by Tilly Wallace is yet another cute and fun entry in the series.

I really enjoy the strong friendships, family bonds and relationships in here so much! It might have brain eating zombies, other monsters and murder, it's still a cosy and comfy read.

If you like Gail Carriger, I highly recommend trying this as well! I like it even better as the romance is even more glacial and more a side aspect of the characters than a main plot point.
Profile Image for Jess.
2,335 reviews78 followers
February 25, 2021
I'm finding this series really satisfying in a way that I can't explain other than to say that I just finished book 4 and pre-ordered book 5.
Profile Image for Katharyn Baker.
232 reviews10 followers
April 10, 2025
A beguiling mystery complete with wicked royals and charming unnaturals.
Profile Image for Ashley (Tiny Navajo Reads).
678 reviews17 followers
December 11, 2020
*I received an ARC from the author. This in no way affects my opinions or the review of this book.*

This is such a great book and I was glad to see that this book was coming out this month after I binged the first three books in the series in the beginning months of the pandemic. It's a wonderful book in a world where the supernatural and the Regency combine to give wonderful scenarios and situations where how you would react would differ depending on what type of creature you're talking to. And I loved reading more about Hannah and Wycliff as their affections grow for each other!
Profile Image for Heatherinblack .
739 reviews9 followers
February 23, 2021
too easy

and too much relationship. in the climactic scene, all goes far too well, far too easily. things need to be more of a challenge. i do greatly enjoy hannah’s intelligence and ability to put things together.
Profile Image for Courtney K.
1,805 reviews25 followers
May 11, 2022
Delightful series. The overarching mystery is parsed out just right, yet we get the satisfaction of a solved case at the end of each book.
Profile Image for Chrisjen.
120 reviews
October 15, 2023
I think the author did a better job setting things up with this one than the preceding stories. It still isn't a romance. I do not understand why people keep shelving it as such.
123 reviews
September 4, 2024
Excellent audio book. The characters continue to grow. More secrets continue to pile up. Love the spiderweb of connections amping the characters
Profile Image for Kathryn  Riddle.
81 reviews
January 19, 2025
Love this series. Clever, fun and well written. Enjoyable and fun with dark themes.
Profile Image for Kim.
553 reviews2 followers
December 5, 2020
Hannah and Wycliff have come back from a trip that had them in the country solving a mystery. Recently married for convenience sake. They return home to get embroiled in a couple of murders that just maybe vampire related. Their personal relationship also looks to be changing. As they try to figure out who is killing aristocrats, they’ll have to figure out how to turn their marriage of convenience into the real thing. Will Hannah and Wycliff figure out who’s behind the murders? Can they survive the secrets that have been revealed? They have to work through the VANITY AND VAMPIRES to stop a murderer and find the beginning of love.

Tilly Wallace continues her Monsters and Manners series with the next installment of the lives of Hannah and Wycliff with the book VANITY AND VAMPIRES the fourth book in the series. A marriage of convenience just may start to become real. They must work through their budding relationship and the danger of a case. The characters intelligence shines through as they follow the clues to find a murderer. This historical story isn’t your average one. There are lords and ladies but with a paranormal twist. Tilly Wallace brings together her past series Highland Wolves with an appearance in this story. She keeps you wondering about the relationship of the two main characters and whether their relationship will evolve. What will happen to the Unnaturals? What will be their next and final case? I’ve very much enjoyed getting to know these unique and interesting characters and hate to think that the stories will come to an end. I’m looking forward to the next book in the Monsters and Manners series Sixpence and Selkies and any new character and stories Tilly Wallace come to write. VANITY AND VAMPIRES a wonderfully unique and engaging read with wonderful twists.
Profile Image for Sandra.
556 reviews9 followers
February 25, 2022
This series continues to entertain & fascinate!
The subtle intimacy and heated connection between Wycliff and Hannah, I'm delighted to say, continues along the same scrumptious vein in Vanity and Vampyres as in its predecessor, Gossip and Gorgons. Their feelings thrum with quiet yearning as the pair had me on tender hooks with anticipation just waiting for each flame to catch and smoulder. While the plotline developed with a greater degree of richness as it built to a surprising twist at the end.
I love the depiction of deep attraction, affection and admiration Wallace interweaves. Fueled by nervous, heated, tension, the conflict between longing and the fear of rejection, as love and desire rose to the surface and blossomed between the formidable, brooding, Wycliff and the intellectual enigma that is Hannah.
Balanced simultaneously with the exposing of dark secrets, the puzzle of mysterious murders to solve,the stigma wrapped up in a marriage of convenience and Wycliff's desire to woo his wife and truly make her his own - held be transfixed - as the pair carved a place even deeper into my heart and morphed this tale into another winning addition to the series. To the point I'm 'chomping at the bit' eager for the next instalment.
A well written, engaging, tale that can be enjoyed for the murder mystery element alone. Or, if like me you have indulged in this fabulous series from the very beginning, it will have you enthralled in more supernatural and mythological wonderfulness that is so delightfully enriched by the character dynamics, dry wit, slowly revealing secrets and the bubbling attraction simmering beneath the surface and throughout each book, that it will keep you keenly thirsting for and coming back for more!
Profile Image for Deb.
247 reviews3 followers
October 30, 2020
I received this book thru the author and I can't thank her enough for the continued adventures of Hannah and Wycliff. This book shows more of Wycliff and answers how he became a hellhound and his struggles to find love with Hannah. In many ways he is punishing himself for having become a hellhound and doesn't feel he deserves Hannah. But Hannah wants a closer relationship with him and each struggles on how to tell the other.
The good thing is that mayhem is always the center of their current lives and this time it is possible vampirism. Could vampires exist and be killing off some young nobles? There is a seedy underground where these young nobles travel and secrets that come out. There are magical marionettes and mysterious people, each holding a secret and some involve those closest to Hannah and her mother. Wycliff also comes to know Ethan Shaw, the lycanthrope who has the ears of many people in high places and who may help him navigate the world of being a hellhound and show him that love is possible.
Ill be honest I really hope something happens between Hannah and Wycliff, all of this angst is killing me. But I am thoroughly enjoying this series and am looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Emma.
87 reviews1 follower
November 13, 2025
As usual, I LOVE reading the development of Hannah and Wycliff's relationship, and the 4th novel provided no less enjoyment. However, I found it a little odd for the series to begin to foray into the bedroom with this novel (so to speak) and the 5th seems like it will develop that aspect much further - the other novels were much more modest in comparison (which I quite enjoyed) so I didn't expect it to be introduced in detail in this series. I loved hearing about Ewan Shaw in this novel (so much so I actually started reading Wallace's other series which centers around the Highland Wolves - the content of that is much more ... explicit, which explains the direction this series seems to be heading) and the introduction of the fae was SO interesting, I wish there would've been a bit more time spent on that. However, it keeps with the tone of the rest of the series, and is overall a fun read. 4 stars
Profile Image for Rea.
726 reviews42 followers
April 17, 2021
This fourth instalment finds Hannah and Wycliff back in London, investigating a death where the body was drained of blood. Again, Hannah and Wycliff work together to unravel the mystery and find the perpetrator.

I enjoyed the mystery in this one, as there were a number of red herrings that meant the resolution was not immediately obvious. I could have put two and two together earlier on in the story if I'd tried, but I was enjoying the ride of keeping myself somewhat more oblivious.

As in previous novels, the society is expanded upon here as we encounter more supernatural entities. Wycliff's own role is also opened up some more, with hints as to what will come in the future with regards to his "master". The action being back in London, the overarching plot is once again moves forward; I'm intrigued to see where all of this is leading.

One of the main parts of the plot here, though, is Hannah and Wycliff finding level ground and working out how to act in the other's presence. Both enjoyed the intimacy of their sojourn in the country; being back in the city they find they do not know what is expected of them next, nor how the other would react to them being forward in their intentions. This leads to both agonizing over what should be their next step and how to communicate their real feelings to the other.

The end of this book marked the point where I had caught up with all published books in the series. Cue an impatient wait for the next book.
416 reviews3 followers
August 29, 2021
Another Interesting Read

The fourth book in this series that I have revisited and again I have enjoyed the read, and the story has become clearer. The plot is thrilling, and again a deep sadness runs through at the injustice of life brought about by the spite of others. The central characters of the Miles family and Lord Wycliff loom large in more ways than one with Hannah's and Wycliff's relationship developing all be it slowly. In this story a Baron by the name of Medwin seeks vengeance on those responsible for his father's untimely and unjust death, and so a tale of the fae (fairy) and human world evolves, which involves Ladies Lohburn, and Elizabeth and her soon to be husband, the Duke of Harden. Although I enjoy these stories very much I find it very difficult to like Lady Elizabeth, Hannah's best friend as I feel her to be shallow and self centred and totally different to Hannah, as we see in the first book with Elizabeth encouraging Hannah to be her companion when she is married to the Duke, and so it goes on to my mind through the series with her looking down on her so called best friend, but that being said I would thoroughly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Rebecca Hale.
95 reviews
December 6, 2020
This is another strong installment from Tilly Wallace in this series!

This book starts not long after Gossip and Gorgons, where Hannah and Wycliffe have just returned from the house party and are still getting used to their deepening relationship. One of my favourite things about the writing in this book is that the relationship feels so real! There's some awkward parts between the couple which just makes their whole relationship more endearing!

Even though Wycliffe's and Hannah's relationship grows, it's not at the expense of other relationships which makes this such a strong series. All the characters are so different and all have their own developments.

The mystery in this book also keeps you guessing. Tilly Wallace must be the Queen of plot twists because I have never said "Oh my gosh!" out loud so many times whilst reading a book! I love a book where I think I know what's going to happen but then it blow me away!

Can not wait for the next one!!
Profile Image for colleen the convivial curmudgeon.
1,370 reviews308 followers
November 18, 2024
3.5

I've let my reviews fall behind, so apologies if this is a bit scattered.

So, funny thing about this story - I had thought, at the time, with the previous book that So, well done to thwarting that particular issue.

Relationship wise, my main complaint of this book (and the next one, tbh), is that a slow burn is all well and good, but don't do the stupid manufactured drama to keep your couple apart, especially not after they start to get close. This one step forward, two steps back is tiring.

Anyway - after Hannah and Wycliffe return to London and are living again with Hannah's parents, their forced proximity is taken away, and Wycliffe starts being all weird and withdrawn again, and they go back to wondering what is in store for them, and how their relationship will be.

The mystery aspect of this story was really good, though. As we went through the various suspects, I did find the

It was nice to see Wycliffe's edges get a little softer, and him taking that into his investigations and how he approaches people. Wycliffe is finally learning you can gather more flies by honey...
Profile Image for Quinn.
1,381 reviews18 followers
December 17, 2022
[Note: Read in August, review written in December]

I'm not sure why but I was tickled pink with the addition of Higgs, the Strigi (were-owl?), as Wycliff's secretary .

Another intriguing case!

Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews

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