Katharine Schellman

The Last Note of Warning is the third installment in the Nightingale Mysteries series by Katharine Schellman and it was easily a 5 star read.

Let me start by saying that I haven't read the first two books in this historical cozy mystery series. I did feel like I had missed out on a little bit of backstory with Vivian's relationships, but it didn't interfere with my understanding of the story. However, I would recommend starting at the beginning, not only for all the backstory, but because show more this was a great read, and I'm sure the others are as well!

I would put this squarely in the cozy mystery genre, as there isn't any gore, etc., surrounding the murder, and of course our main female protagonist is suspect number one and has to try to solve the crime herself. These books are a mix of genres, being set in Manhattan's Jazz Age during prohibition and the time of speakeasies, which isn't something you see a lot in cozies, but they blend together well.

Vivian is a strong, queer protagonist who isn't afraid to go where she isn't wanted to get what she wants. She's currently in a relationship with Leo, nephew to the Police Commissioner trying to arrest her for murder, but it seems she had been in a relationship with her boss and friend, Honor Huxley, who runs the speakeasy she works at. The historical aspects seemed to be very well-researched to someone who doesn't know a whole lot about the time period. (Definitely read the Author's Note at the end, as it will be very educational.) Vivian has a strong support group, with many people willing to help her in her time of need, even putting themselves in harm's way for her.

The mystery itself was interesting and the story wasn't drawn out too long. Viv only has a week to clear her name, so the plot moves at a good pace while leaving small little bread crumbs for you to follow. I wouldn't say this was a twisty suspense novel, but the pieces are there if you can find them with maybe a surprise or two thrown in.

All in all, this was a wonderful story of found family and queer history with a mystery thrown in. If you enjoy historical fiction, cozy mysteries, or a quick read with a great ending, then definitely give this series a try!

Thank you to @Minotaur_Books and @NetGalley for a digital copy for review consideration. All opinions are honest and my own. show less

An unexpected snowstorm strands Lily Adler and others after a Christmas Ball. Among the stranded is a murderer and Lily's friend Jack's youngest sister Amelia is the prime suspect. Amelia is the focus of a local scandal which also concerned the victim. She won't share her secrets which makes it hard to clear her name.

Lily and her brother-in-law John who is the local magistrate need to solve the crime before the weather clears and the houseguests depart for their own homes. Amelia's are not show more the only secrets and Lily and John and Matthew Spencer, the man who wants to marry Lily, need to uncover them all if they are to find the killer.

It doesn't help that Jack "confesses" to the murder in order to clear his sister's name. Nor does it help that there is a second victim whose death is supposed to look like a suicide. Missing jewels, a cunning financial scam, and Lily's own indecision about whether or not to accept Matthew's offer add layers to this story which was engaging and entertaining.

This was an excellent addition to an entertaining series. show less

Enterprising widow Lily Adler is visiting her aunt Eliza in Hampshire with her friends Edward and Ofelia Carraway. The group learns of a resident ghost haunting a nearby house, and decide on a lark to go up and hear the tale. The Wright family is apparently only too happy to share their hauntings, as it were. The group goes to Belleford Manor the next morning to hear about the ghostly gray lady, but instead stumble upon a murder.

The house is crumbling, the remaining family is in hysterics, show more and what few servants remain are mum, at least within hearing of their betters. When it appears the local magistrate is willing to accept the idea of a ghost committing the crime, Lily and Ofelia take it upon themselves to solve the mystery.

Its rather obvious that this is more cozy mystery than historical mystery, so those who are looking for period accuracy will find it lacking. Unfortunately, the author has also decided to try her hand at a gothic romance, and the result is clumsy at best.

Lily is supposed to be a very observant character, but not only can she not see the rather obvious feelings of one of her potential suitors, but she also can't see the very obvious fact that her maiden aunt - who has set up a household with another woman, has a connecting door to said woman's bedroom, and who has willed her estate to said woman - is a lesbian. In fact, being confronted with - and dumbfounded by - this very notion gives Lily a breakdown in the middle of the story. She is so upset with herself for missing all the signs that she throws off the idea of trying to trace the Wright murderer. Luckily for her, Ofelia isn't quite so easily dissuaded, and Lady Carraway takes up the investigation while Lily is wallowing in self-pity.

After this little episode, I found it hard to believe that Lily was as observant/witty/clever as everyone made her out to be. Her other paramour spends the last chapter of the novel talking about how much he admires her for her brain, and I just had to roll my eyes. Lily didn't really solve the Wright murder - she bumbled into the solution but was gracious enough to admit as much.

The whodunit was extremely silly (albeit bloody) and again, wouldn't happen in the auspices of actual gothic novels or historical mystery. Its right out of the cozy playbook, though, so if that's your thing, you'll likely enjoy this more than I did. show less

I picked this up on a whim because it sounded like a solid mystery without the modern day thriller drama I'm getting a little sour on. This certainly delivered, with a lovable heroine and fun side characters. It's calling on Sherlock in many areas, from the name Adler to a few quick shows of intellect to using street boys as lookouts. I think I'll continue this series.