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Augusta Peel #3
The Bloomsbury Murder
A killer is prowling Bloomsbury’s squares.
Augusta Peel has just opened a secondhand bookshop and is far too busy to work on a new murder case. Or is she?
When Augusta receives a mysterious letter about a missing young woman, she can’t resist helping with the search. But tragedy strikes when an art student is found dead in a respectable Bloomsbury square.
Could the murder have something to do with Augusta’s investigation? The more questions she asks, the fewer answers she receives.
A second murder piles on the pressure. For as long as secrets remain buried, young women are in danger…
Augusta Peel has just opened a secondhand bookshop and is far too busy to work on a new murder case. Or is she?
When Augusta receives a mysterious letter about a missing young woman, she can’t resist helping with the search. But tragedy strikes when an art student is found dead in a respectable Bloomsbury square.
Could the murder have something to do with Augusta’s investigation? The more questions she asks, the fewer answers she receives.
A second murder piles on the pressure. For as long as secrets remain buried, young women are in danger…
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 27, 2022
374 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Emily Organ
72 books654 followersEmily 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
August 8, 2022
Love it
I've had another adventure with one of my favorite authors, Emily Organ. The main character, Augusta Peel, is a single, fortyish woman dwelling in London in the 1920's. She finds herself developing a reputation as a private investigator and from there funds herself in interesting situations. Likeable characters and a well developed view of London in this time period. Also included are historical highlights of the area of London involved in the story. Very well done!
I've had another adventure with one of my favorite authors, Emily Organ. The main character, Augusta Peel, is a single, fortyish woman dwelling in London in the 1920's. She finds herself developing a reputation as a private investigator and from there funds herself in interesting situations. Likeable characters and a well developed view of London in this time period. Also included are historical highlights of the area of London involved in the story. Very well done!
April 26, 2022
A great addition to the series, this was a very entertaining read and a good mystery. Although I must say that I was really suspicious of the character that ending being the guilty one from almost the beginning :P
I found the story itself really engaging, though. The mystery about the relationship between the victims was intriguing and, by the end, I truly felt sorry for them and the secret that plagued their lives.
The partnership between Augusta and DI Fisher gets more interesting as we get to know them better and I really liked the new character, Fred Plummer. He was a great help for Augusta, indeed :P
And, although this can certainly be read as a standalone, it would add to your enjoyment of the characters if you read the series in order. And you'll savour the books :D
I found the story itself really engaging, though. The mystery about the relationship between the victims was intriguing and, by the end, I truly felt sorry for them and the secret that plagued their lives.
The partnership between Augusta and DI Fisher gets more interesting as we get to know them better and I really liked the new character, Fred Plummer. He was a great help for Augusta, indeed :P
And, although this can certainly be read as a standalone, it would add to your enjoyment of the characters if you read the series in order. And you'll savour the books :D
May 8, 2022
Fine mystery
I like the setting of 1920s London. A good plot with lots of twists. Satisfying conclusion. Augusta Peel is an interesting not quite private detective.
I like the setting of 1920s London. A good plot with lots of twists. Satisfying conclusion. Augusta Peel is an interesting not quite private detective.
May 6, 2022
Well done , well written
I really am enjoying the Augusta Peel mysteries. The Characters are very realistic and the plots are captivating. I do recommend.
I really am enjoying the Augusta Peel mysteries. The Characters are very realistic and the plots are captivating. I do recommend.
May 7, 2022
One of the things I really like abt Emily Organ's stories is the chapters aren't overly long and each one flows very nicely into the next.
I like that Augusta was able to set up shop in a new place AND get an assistant!
As for the mysterious killer....I really did not figure out who it was until very close to the end, when he was meant to be revealed.
I like the writing, the characters, the premise, the mystery, and I highly recommend this book!
I received an ARC from the author.
I like that Augusta was able to set up shop in a new place AND get an assistant!
As for the mysterious killer....I really did not figure out who it was until very close to the end, when he was meant to be revealed.
I like the writing, the characters, the premise, the mystery, and I highly recommend this book!
I received an ARC from the author.
May 13, 2022
This is the sixth Emily Organ book I’ve read and have enjoyed them all. More of her books on my want to read list. If you haven’t read any of her books give her a try.
April 25, 2022
Augusta and Det. Fisher make for a perfect pair as they search for a murderer guilty of killing two young women before he can kill again. With more questions than answers, they are lead across London in a race against time, a race against death. Early 20th century sleuthing at its best.
Recommended.
Recommended.
July 31, 2022
Augusta's new book store and assistant sounds interesting. An lot happens because of coincidence that never seemed to be noticed for most of the first half of the book. Then there is a lot of 'I'm sorry', it's all my fault, and don't blame yourself to push the story along while going off to investigate something else. Lots of loose ends, but it is a series.
April 29, 2022
OK, I'm sure I already wrote a reveiw for this one, but now it's not here? Anyway . . . .
This is the third novel in the Augusta Peel series of mysteries and it's as delightful as the first two. The writing style, characters and story are all highly engaging and well rounded. Augusta is an intelligent, compassionate heroine whose desire for a quiet life is constantly interupted by murder and her own past is as much a mystery as the killings she encounters (which is exactly how she likes it). I'll admit I found the identity of the killer to be fairly obvious in this one quite early on in a "everyone else is too obvious, so clearly it has to be X" sort of way, but there were still plenty of secrets to be unravelled along the way to keep things interesting.
This is the third novel in the Augusta Peel series of mysteries and it's as delightful as the first two. The writing style, characters and story are all highly engaging and well rounded. Augusta is an intelligent, compassionate heroine whose desire for a quiet life is constantly interupted by murder and her own past is as much a mystery as the killings she encounters (which is exactly how she likes it). I'll admit I found the identity of the killer to be fairly obvious in this one quite early on in a "everyone else is too obvious, so clearly it has to be X" sort of way, but there were still plenty of secrets to be unravelled along the way to keep things interesting.
April 19, 2022
This is the third book in the Augusta Peel mystery series. Augusta (Mrs Peel) is an intelligent, likable character. She is a reluctant detective, called on by the Scotland Yard Chief Inspector with whom she shared undisclosed wartime intelligence activity. He is married and I appreciate there being no romantic interest between them, as appears to be the trend in these types of novels.
The mystery is intriguing and at times suspenseful. I did not guess the culprit.You will enjoy this book. I recommend reading the series in order so you don't miss the important narrative arc concerning Sparky, the canary, and of course her career progress as a book repairer/seller.
The mystery is intriguing and at times suspenseful. I did not guess the culprit.You will enjoy this book. I recommend reading the series in order so you don't miss the important narrative arc concerning Sparky, the canary, and of course her career progress as a book repairer/seller.
May 2, 2022
Mrs. Augusta Peel has just opened her bookshop when she receives an unsolicited job offer to find a missing person. Her recent success in the Airship Mystery brought Augusta to the attention of a lawyer looking for his client’s daughter. Mrs. Peel, feeling sorry for the girl’s family, agrees to help. She hires a clerk to help in her shop and becomes immersed in solving a string of murders left in the trail of her search. Of course, Mrs. Peel gets her friend, Detective Inspector Fisher, involved and the two work together to solve the case.
I’m looking forward to the next installment as we gradually learn more about the mysterious Mrs. Peel.
I’m looking forward to the next installment as we gradually learn more about the mysterious Mrs. Peel.
May 11, 2022
I like the characters, and the story was interesting. But there was almost no atmosphere or sense of the historical setting (1921, I think). Also, the murderer was pretty obvious early on, and the main characters somehow didn’t always manage to ask the right questions. Instead, they got locked into a particular idea and didn’t keep open minds. This says lazy plotting to me. The author was afraid to give away the solution, and therefore made her characters seem a bit thick rather than coming up with a more creative way to muddy the waters. Still, the book was well-written, with no awkward dialogue or malapropisms.
April 20, 2022
Emily Organ never falls to thrill and delight with her novels featuring the amateur old lady sleuth Agatha Peel.
The plot revolves around the murder by strangulation of three girls who were hiding a grave school secret.
This led to the danger to their lives. The plot has a lot of twists and turns ending in a photo finish.
The book is a treat for fans of the author.
The plot revolves around the murder by strangulation of three girls who were hiding a grave school secret.
This led to the danger to their lives. The plot has a lot of twists and turns ending in a photo finish.
The book is a treat for fans of the author.
April 28, 2022
The Bloomsbury Murder is Emily Organ's 3rd Augusta Peel Mystery, and a thoroughly enjoyable cozy! A quick read, this story finds Augusta established in her new bookshop, and taking on a missing person's case on the side. When her search leads to a deadly secret held by former school chums, Augusta must use her wits to try an stay one step ahead of a killer! A+++
May 3, 2022
Outstanding the best Augusta Peel to date
After reading the beginning of the Augusta Peel series, I believe this one to be some of Emily Organ's best work. Absolutely a page turner. So pleased I pre-ordered.
After reading the beginning of the Augusta Peel series, I believe this one to be some of Emily Organ's best work. Absolutely a page turner. So pleased I pre-ordered.
May 2, 2022
3 1/2 stars. Decent mystery and likeable characters. Although the characters themselves all are somewhat mysterious.
May 4, 2022
Review of The Bloomsbury Murder
I loved it! Such a twisted tale. I had the "whodunit" completely wrong. I seriously look forward to the next in this series. Love the author.
I loved it! Such a twisted tale. I had the "whodunit" completely wrong. I seriously look forward to the next in this series. Love the author.
June 9, 2022
An addictive read
Couldn’t put it down once I’d started it! Really enjoyed it, like Augusta’s character but all the other characters reel you in too
Couldn’t put it down once I’d started it! Really enjoyed it, like Augusta’s character but all the other characters reel you in too
February 9, 2024
Great mystery. Loved the characters, especially Augusta Peal.
October 25, 2025
An interesting and believable mystery. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was excellent.
June 22, 2022
Easy read…
The story was enjoyable but some things were hard to accept. The story with Fred and his character stretches the reader’s acceptance. Someone walks into the bookshop and Augusta gives him a job without checking his references and leaves him alone for a week to mind the shop. A Miss Marple or Miss Silver she is not.
Not sure if I will continue with the series. Augusta does not appear to grow and develop from past mistakes. Very frustrating.
The story was enjoyable but some things were hard to accept. The story with Fred and his character stretches the reader’s acceptance. Someone walks into the bookshop and Augusta gives him a job without checking his references and leaves him alone for a week to mind the shop. A Miss Marple or Miss Silver she is not.
Not sure if I will continue with the series. Augusta does not appear to grow and develop from past mistakes. Very frustrating.
June 9, 2022
Excellent Mystery - Can't Wait To Read the Previous Books
This is my first read in the Augusta Peel mystery series. It was excellent and now I want to do a little back tracking and read the first two books. Cozies are my favorite mysteries and I want a bit of a challenge in figuring out who the murderer is, sometimes its so obvious, its annoying. This book was perfect, a clean interesting story with (for me) an unexpected but satisfying ending.
This is my first read in the Augusta Peel mystery series. It was excellent and now I want to do a little back tracking and read the first two books. Cozies are my favorite mysteries and I want a bit of a challenge in figuring out who the murderer is, sometimes its so obvious, its annoying. This book was perfect, a clean interesting story with (for me) an unexpected but satisfying ending.
May 17, 2022
This is the third in the Augusta Peel series of books, and for me the best so far. Yes, I did figure out the murderer but it didn’t detract in any way of my enjoyment of the book. It centres around a missing girl, a few schoolfriends and a secret they all share. The murders then start to happen…
May 16, 2022
Augusta is great
Augusta opens a book shop, and, with the help of friends also gets involved tracking down a missing young woman. Lots of plot twists in this book. Peel is the best of Organ's series. Highly recommended.
Augusta opens a book shop, and, with the help of friends also gets involved tracking down a missing young woman. Lots of plot twists in this book. Peel is the best of Organ's series. Highly recommended.
May 17, 2022
Slow going
Mrs. Peel is an unlicensed detective with a friend at Scotland Yard. I didn't find the story or the characters engaging. The book is very talky. I have read other series by this author and enjoyed them. This one didn't grab me.
Mrs. Peel is an unlicensed detective with a friend at Scotland Yard. I didn't find the story or the characters engaging. The book is very talky. I have read other series by this author and enjoyed them. This one didn't grab me.
June 17, 2022
Comfortable read with a cuppa!
Took a bit to get into it but then the pace picked up....I figured it out as to who done it but that's ok. Clean language and no gore helped to make this a good story in my opinion anyway.
Took a bit to get into it but then the pace picked up....I figured it out as to who done it but that's ok. Clean language and no gore helped to make this a good story in my opinion anyway.
August 14, 2024
Augusta Peel owns a book shop and she also repairs and binds damaged books. She leads a quiet life. She likes it that way. Except every now and then, she becomes an investigator for Scotland Yard.
An attorney contacts Augusta and requests a meeting. He needs her to searcxh on his behalf and find a young woman. Her parents are desperately looking for her. They know she should be in London, but they have not heard from her in six months.
At first, Augusta refuses. But, the longer she considers that fact that there are parents who are seeking their daughter, the more she wavers. She finally agrees to look into things for the attorney.
Augusta shares a history with an inspector for Scotland Yard. They both worked secretly for Britain during the War. Phillip has asked her to help him every now and then. They make a good team. This time it is Augusta who requests help from Phillip.
This story is quick moving. As Augusta finds out more information about the missing girl, she finds other girls. And none of them want to provide any informtion or any help.
As the story moves along, there is a murder. And Augusta feels responsible. She just spoke to the girl who was murdered, and now she’s dead.
Ms Organ is a master story teller. This is part of a series which draws me in to every story. But, just as the other books have done, this works as a stand alone read. The past events and personal relaitonships are explained fully. The reader never has a feeling of being lost.
I recommend the story because it is well done. The characters are complete. The action is never slow. I like this series and I enjoy Ms Organ’s writing.
And Augusta is a very smart woman. You would not want to miss her.
An attorney contacts Augusta and requests a meeting. He needs her to searcxh on his behalf and find a young woman. Her parents are desperately looking for her. They know she should be in London, but they have not heard from her in six months.
At first, Augusta refuses. But, the longer she considers that fact that there are parents who are seeking their daughter, the more she wavers. She finally agrees to look into things for the attorney.
Augusta shares a history with an inspector for Scotland Yard. They both worked secretly for Britain during the War. Phillip has asked her to help him every now and then. They make a good team. This time it is Augusta who requests help from Phillip.
This story is quick moving. As Augusta finds out more information about the missing girl, she finds other girls. And none of them want to provide any informtion or any help.
As the story moves along, there is a murder. And Augusta feels responsible. She just spoke to the girl who was murdered, and now she’s dead.
Ms Organ is a master story teller. This is part of a series which draws me in to every story. But, just as the other books have done, this works as a stand alone read. The past events and personal relaitonships are explained fully. The reader never has a feeling of being lost.
I recommend the story because it is well done. The characters are complete. The action is never slow. I like this series and I enjoy Ms Organ’s writing.
And Augusta is a very smart woman. You would not want to miss her.
March 20, 2023
Augusta Peel is trying to get her used book store up and running when she is requested to find a missing person. Suddenly she finds she has a helper in the store so she can do her searching where ever it may take her.
As her search expands she meets several ladies who knew the missing young woman and they all seem to have something to hide. And, then they begin to die of un-natural causes. Augusta must find out what they were hiding then perhaps she can find out what is going on. Her own life will be in danger though if she keeps pursuing the angle that she is following.
Excellent, edge of your seat mystery.
As her search expands she meets several ladies who knew the missing young woman and they all seem to have something to hide. And, then they begin to die of un-natural causes. Augusta must find out what they were hiding then perhaps she can find out what is going on. Her own life will be in danger though if she keeps pursuing the angle that she is following.
Excellent, edge of your seat mystery.
January 14, 2025
This case started as a Missing Person. Augusta was hired to locate one Catherine Frankland~Russell, eldest daughter of a peer. Augusta was told that Lady Catherine have been missing for several months yet why were her parents now looking for her? While Augusta was searching for Lady Catherine, 2 more women were murdered, both were once upon a time school mates of Catherine. It would appear that in looking for Catherine, Augusta led the killer to these women. When all would be inevitably revealed, Augusta had cause to be so deeply mortified for possessing problem~solving skills that could either be a Blessing or a Curse. But such is Life, we take the Good with the Bad.
July 22, 2025
Augusta Peel has opened her bookstore in its new location. She received a letter from an attorney to find a missing woman as her family is worried that they haven’t heard from her for six months. Augusta hires an assistant to help with the store while she investigates. After one murder occurs due to her questioning a former friend of the missing woman, then another murder occurs, Scotland Yard enters the investigation. Secrets and infidelities are revealed as the investigation unfolds. The main characters are likeable and the writing is great. Also like the historical notes at end. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews