What do you think?
Rate this book
Shadowing London #1
Once Upon a Page
The most dangerous thing a lady can possess is a profession.
Ten years ago, Penelope Paiget promised she’d wait for Samuel Black. But ten years ago, she was only a genteel impoverished paid companion, forced into service after her father’s death revealed his insurmountable debts. Now she’s a successful novelist, posing as secretary to the Earl of Wickshire to hide her identity.
The most dangerous thing a gentleman can possess is a past.
Ten years ago, Samuel Black chose to go his own path instead of upholding his family’s legacy as spies. But now having fought for the formation of the Metropolitan Police Force, echoes of his past and his true origins remind him just how unworthy he is to call himself detective inspector. Let alone Penelope Paiget’s husband.
But when a dead body appears in the Earl of Wickshire’s drawing room, they have no choice but to trust each other with their secrets if they are to find the killer before it’s too late.
The Shadowing London series begins at the conclusion of the Spy Series Short Stories.
Ten years ago, Penelope Paiget promised she’d wait for Samuel Black. But ten years ago, she was only a genteel impoverished paid companion, forced into service after her father’s death revealed his insurmountable debts. Now she’s a successful novelist, posing as secretary to the Earl of Wickshire to hide her identity.
The most dangerous thing a gentleman can possess is a past.
Ten years ago, Samuel Black chose to go his own path instead of upholding his family’s legacy as spies. But now having fought for the formation of the Metropolitan Police Force, echoes of his past and his true origins remind him just how unworthy he is to call himself detective inspector. Let alone Penelope Paiget’s husband.
But when a dead body appears in the Earl of Wickshire’s drawing room, they have no choice but to trust each other with their secrets if they are to find the killer before it’s too late.
The Shadowing London series begins at the conclusion of the Spy Series Short Stories.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2022
87 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Jessie Clever
44 books194 followersJessie decided to be a writer because there were too many lives she wanted to live to just pick one.
Taking her history degree dangerously, Jessie tells the stories of courageous heroines, the men who dared to love them, and the world that tried to defeat them.
Jessie lives in New Hampshire where if she’s not at her desk writing, she’s probably letting the dog out. Again.
Join Jessie's Readers Club for sneak peeks and the latest news: https://jessieclever.com/newsletter/
Taking her history degree dangerously, Jessie tells the stories of courageous heroines, the men who dared to love them, and the world that tried to defeat them.
Jessie lives in New Hampshire where if she’s not at her desk writing, she’s probably letting the dog out. Again.
Join Jessie's Readers Club for sneak peeks and the latest news: https://jessieclever.com/newsletter/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 8, 2020
This is not great. I should have cut my losses early. There are grammatical errors and sentences that don't make sense, and quite frankly I don't think the plot hangs together.
December 20, 2024
I'm not a huge fan of spy novels, but I am a huge fan of this author so I gave it a go. Overall it was good. I enjoyed the romance and characters. I was meh about finding out who killed the assistant and the implications of technology, but I think that's more about me than the book.
One thing that did bother me - I just needed her fingers to stop twitching! Lol
One thing that did bother me - I just needed her fingers to stop twitching! Lol
February 18, 2018
I haven’t read all of the books in the Black family series so there were time I wasn’t sure what was happening. But, as always with J Clever, the characters and action drove the book. A fun, exciting read!
September 9, 2019
I’ve loved all of Jessie’s books and the Black family have become very familiar to me. Samuel Black is far more complicated than he first appears. He is focused and dedicated, but he is haunted by the nature/nurture battle he seems to have blown out of all proportions. He also believes that he is the only one that can keep his family safe.
Penelope has waited ten years for Samuel to return to her. Things have changed for her during that time, she has grown and developed a secret identity. She’s worried for Samuel because of his sense of self and her secret.
This story travels the length of England and back to London. Two mysteries seemed to intertwine as things begin to unfold. This is definitely the beginning of a series, so some things are still to be revealed.
The next generation of Blacks are as quirky as the previous. I look forward to seeing what happens.
Penelope has waited ten years for Samuel to return to her. Things have changed for her during that time, she has grown and developed a secret identity. She’s worried for Samuel because of his sense of self and her secret.
This story travels the length of England and back to London. Two mysteries seemed to intertwine as things begin to unfold. This is definitely the beginning of a series, so some things are still to be revealed.
The next generation of Blacks are as quirky as the previous. I look forward to seeing what happens.
October 16, 2024
I enjoyed this book. It has romance and a mystery to solve as well as a strong female lead character. Penelope has had to fend for herself over the past few years so when Samuel turns up from her past, his cosseting takes some getting used to. He is an important policeman and she is a secretary and novelist which he struggles with initially. They go on an adventure together to try to solve a murder and find a missing professor. They get to know one another again along the way.
March 9, 2023
After a decade apart, detective inspector Samuel Black unexpectedly shows up at Penelope Paiget’s doorstep.
Penelope and Samuel travel together on a long carriage journey from London to Gretna Green to find a missing professor.
Penelope and Samuel travel together on a long carriage journey from London to Gretna Green to find a missing professor.
July 10, 2023
Excellent read!
Come along with an author of detective novels ( our heroine) and a Metropolitan police detective (our hero) as they discover a dead body, search for a missing person and during the search, fall in love ! I could not put it down!
Come along with an author of detective novels ( our heroine) and a Metropolitan police detective (our hero) as they discover a dead body, search for a missing person and during the search, fall in love ! I could not put it down!
December 14, 2024
Really liked FLC Penelope Paiget and how she dealt with what life handed her. Samuel Black was a good MLC but full of angst. The Black family was utterly delightful and I would read about if the author chooses to write their stories.
March 6, 2022
I enjoyed the story but was disappointed with the ending. Penelope and Samuel’s romance was mostly tied up but the mystery was left hanging — to be continued in the next book.
July 6, 2022
Good read
I could not put it down. Wonderful characters. Strong women and men who allow them to be so. I cannot wait to see who is culprit.
I could not put it down. Wonderful characters. Strong women and men who allow them to be so. I cannot wait to see who is culprit.
November 1, 2024
Love this story of Pen and Samuel, did not want to put it down! Keep writing Jessie Clever!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews