OK, I'm really late to reading this one.

BUT. . .

I am happy to report that it is just as good (if not better) than the first book in the series.

This is a story I'd love to hear in audiobook form. I could imagine just how the characters would sound as I read.

More cosy crime.

The mystery and twists that came with it made this a jolly good read.

I felt as though I was a detective trying to figure it all out.

I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series, so was excited to see where the next book takes the characters.. Marion Lane is back, as second year apprentice inquirer at Nancy Brickett’s secret detective agency, located underground in the vast tunnels hidden under London streets, during the Cold War.

You can read this as a stand alone novel, but I like to start from the beginning so I know the backstory of the characters. In this one there has been a murder in Harrogate, it’s 1959, the victim is 33 year old Eddie Hopper he has been branded with a rose but he us not the first to be branded and killed. Nancy Bricketts agency have been tasked in trying to find the killer known as The Florist. Their police liaison officer in the London Met is unable to help in this investigation, as there is a compromising witness. With an agency full of misfits and outsiders Marion included,.

Marion is now assistant mechanic to Professor Uday Bai, who is the head of gadgetry, invoked in al, the quirky gadgets.

The agency is governed by the high council, which includes Frank Stone, a mentor that Marion admires, and Delia Spragg. Marion has been asked by Frank to investigate this murder enquiry. Along with doing this Marion has a bit of a mystery herself she has received a note anonymously telling her that one if the three recruits taken on cannot be trusted. She now has to pay much closer attention to the three, Jerome Longmore, Thomas Proctor and Ambrosia Quinn.

There is some discontent among some of the agency people, with secret meetings. But it’s not long before the initial grumbling turn into something more sinister, the agency is becoming infested with fake news, false propaganda right, torture, murder, inquisitions, as fear and terror begins to take hold.

Having read book one I knew a bit about Marion Lane, her skills are beginning to develop and she is gaining more confidence in her skills and abilities. Although she is certainly out through a lot this time as her friends start to question who she is, as well as becoming suspicious of her as she tries to protect those who matter as well as following orders.

This was another engrossing read in this series I look forward to what comes in book 3.

Thank you to #netgalley and the publishers for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest, fair and unbiased review.

The second installment of Marion Lane was just as much fun as the first, Marion is still trying to figure out her life at Miss Brickett's in the midst of a lot of unease and tension from those working there, after a tip that a new recruit may be a spy set to destroy Miss Brickett's Marion must once again tasked with saving this secret detective agency.

I thought this was a great follow up to the first book, such an easy and fun series to get immersed in with plenty of mystery and twists and turns. Can't wait to see what happens in her third year.

In spite of this being the second instalment in the series, I didn't feel I had lost much in not having read the first before embarking on this read.

I loved the setting of this novel and Marion Lane really started to grow on me, in spite of her somewhat poor choices, either of inquiry leads or romantic interests!

I would certainly read another in this series.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publishers for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The second instalment in the Marion Lane mysteries series. This book had intrigue, suspense, drama, and a decent storyline! There were definitely some twists and turns , I definitely recommend reading this book! Its well worth reading! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

A body is discovered behind a pub in Yorkshire with a rose handily branded on it making it easily identifiable as the work of a dastardly but as yet unknown individual. It’s handy that these psychos helpfully label their corpses like that so that when staff of Miss Brikett’s come to investigate they have a handy clue. But all is not well at Miss Brikett’s as Marion receives an anonymous tip off that there is a spy in the new intake of recruits. She got her work cut out and can’t trust anyone.
I found this book slightly better than the first, I thought it was overall a bit tighter but it has to be said that the Miss Brikett’s is the most shoddily run underground, secret organisation going. It was absolutely no surprise that it got infiltrated by the Russians. Why do they put a second year apprentice on a murder case? Why do they undertake surveillance in a massive, showy American car with a massive show American in the drivers seat which is on the wrong side?! Where the hell are all the senior staff? Why don’t they know there is pseudo Nazi organisation terrorising their junior staff? It’s bizarre and I’m still not entirely sure what the Brikett’s mission statement is. But he biggest crime of all is Marion’s fascination with the showy American, (who is awful), when lovely Bill is standing right there being completely sensible and absolutely right all the time. If Bill turns out to be gay I will be thrilled.

i was entertained by marion lane and the midnight murder, in my opinion the most novel thing about it was the setting, though the entire whole of it reminded me a little too much of the first harry potter novel. this was better!

This is an excellent second book in this quirky detective series. All set underground in 1950's London, Miss Brickett's Inquirers navigate the labyrinths and tunnels of the secret detective agency, assisting Scotland Yard with the cases they can't solve. There are cetainly elements of fun to the story but there are also the brutal realities of dealing with Cold War spies and dangerous traitors. I love the gadgets, it brings a different and unusual dimension to a detective story, slightly James Bond-ish, slightly Harry Potter-ish, but for grownups. Definitely recommend reading the first book, it sets the scene and is a great story but you could read this as stand-alone. As Marion is now in her second year, she has more responsibility and new recruits to look after. The plot has great pace and with plenty of twists and turns, it's a cracking mystery and highly enjoyable!

Marion Lane and the Deadly Rose
by T.A. Willberg @ta_willberg @miss_bricketts
@parkrowbooks

Marion Lane and the Deadly Rose by T.A. Willberg is the second instalment in the Marion Lane mysteries series.

I really enjoyed reading the first book in the series and the Deadly Rose was just as good as the first adventurous entry. Set in the alternate world of London, in the late 1950’s. The book involves the snarky Marion, Kenny, Bill, and the rest of the cast from Miss Brickett’s, and a new side character that drew my attention, Ambrosia Quinn ♡

Several mysteries are afoot, Marion will need to keep her wits about her if she going to catch a killer who is haunting the streets of London nicknamed the Florist. Who is known for leaving a signature behind. Also a message containing a warning about a new recruit, who is not all together straight forward, and should not be trusted. This is the Cold War time frame so we all what that means.. Russian involvement. Then there are the incredible magical gadgets. I loved ♥️everything about the setting the characters, the witty banter, the mysterious underground goings on! The twists and excitement kept me throughly engaged.
A great book and I hope the author keeps the books coming!

#marionlaneandthedeadlyrose #missbricketts #tawilberg #parkrowbooks #booknerd #proofbooks #mysterybooks #bookreviews #marionlaneandthemidnightmurder #tawillberg #spyfiction #murdermystery #clue #bookclue #fantasyfiction
#magicalrealism #marionlane #steampunk

This book had me hooked! Although I started with this book and not the first in the series, the reader didn’t get left behind, instead any pertinent points from past books were mentioned but they didn’t really need to be dealt with. There were several mysteries in this book that kept me guessing until the end, when normally I’ve already guessed correctly before the halfway mark, and I loved the action of it all, without it being filled with graphic violence and expletives. All in all a perfect mystery/action book, and one I’ll be looking out for the next in the series with (that’s a hint for you our dear author, please write another)

‘Marion Lane And The Deadly Rose’ is the second in this series by T.A. Willberg. The year is 1959, and as the Cold War heats up, Scotland Yard is baffled by the discovery of murder victims with roses branded on their bodies. They turn to Miss Brickett’s agency for help. Marion is once again tasked with helping solve to solve the mystery, and working on one of her own. One of the new first year recruits should not be trusted. But which of them is up to no good?

I enjoyed being back with Marion and her fellow Inquirers, working within the tunnels and underground passageways beneath London. This is a well-imagined series, full of intrigue and mystery. There is danger and darkness, but also camaraderie and hope. Marion had more confidence and a sense of purpose. She could see that her talents were appreciated and this made her push on in pursuit of justice.

I enjoyed the group dynamic, as her friends and colleagues played a part in the case. The interactions between them were important and bode well for the future of the series. An enjoyable story.

I was given this ARC for review.

This is book 2 in the series and it is 1959. Marion is now in her second year at Miss Brickett’s underground detective agency, working in the Gadgetry department, something she is especially skilled with.

In this story, Marion helps investigate a murder that may have links to Russia and the Cold War. On top of this she is asked to keep an eye on three new apprentices, and receives a note saying one of them is not to be trusted.

I really enjoyed the first book, this second book I think is even better! I do think though to fully understand the world Marion lives in, you really need to read the first book. Marion is a great character, supported by wonderful quirky friends.

I would very much like to thank the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my review. I enjoyed this so much I will be purchasing my own copy 😊

We have a mystery that Willberg manages to twist until the end. There's still chemistry between Marion Lane and her co-Inquirers. There's a mole in Mrs Brikett's underground chambers.

Unfortunately, it could not hold my attention and I forced myself to read it. Furthermore, I was annoyed by very avoidable mistakes right from the first page on.

A really different mystery novel. I wish I had read the first in the series to gain some further background to Marion’s previous exploits, but nevertheless it made for a fast paced different read that I enjoyed. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me access to an early copy.,

I just absolutely love this series: Marion Lane. "Marion Lane and the Deadly Rose" by T A WIllberg is just as good as the first book, and long may the series continue. It's like Harry Potter meets James Bond. Just love it!

Marion Lane and the Deadly rose is the second in the series and what a fabulous book this is.
It is February 1959, nine months later, and Marion is now a 2nd year apprentice inquirer at the Miss Bricketts Secret detective agency. Working in the Gadgetry department.
Whilst in Harrogate, a 33-year-old man has been murdered by the murderer called ‘The Florist’ and then flees to London. Marion is given the task to hunt down the killer.
Marion is also asked to keep an eye on the new recruits that have just arrived. She is suspicious of some of them. Something is not quite right about them. So, when she starts getting letters from a secret informer not to trust them. At first, she thinks it’s a prank but when other a fellow inquirer is murdered, and everyone is on suspicion of murder. She is determined to find out who the informant is and make everyone safe.
Thank you, Orion, for a copy of Marion Lane and Deadly Rose. This is another intriguing, suspenseful thriller involving Marion Lane. I did enjoy this finding out more about Marion and how her confidence grows in everything she does. 4 stars from me.

Thank you to netgalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to have access to an eARC for this book in return for an honest review.

I liked the pacing of this book it was precise and everything was meticulous and very well paced with attention to details. overall this was good and I enjoyed this although I don't really read in this genre very often.

Another rip-roaring tale from the files of Miss Brickett's detective agency.

If, like me, you were thoroughly entertained by the first Marion Lane book, then you're in for a treat, because "Marion Lane and the Deadly Rose" is more of the same. Detective thriller, steampunk adventure and more, it's a glorious voyage into a world like, but unlike, our own.

It's February 1959, some nine months after the events of "The Midnight Murder". Marion is now a second-year apprentice, and working hard, training to be the best agent she can. When a new intake of apprentices are brought on board, she is asked to keep an eye of them, and soon begins to harbour suspicions about them. At the same time, a murder has taken place in Harrogate, and the murderer, known only as The Florist, is thought to have made his way to London. Marion, along with Hugo, is assigned to the case.

When a mysterious informer, who seems to know what will happen, before it happens, passes information to Marion, and clues point to someone inside Miss Brickett's being involved, she soon finds herself deep in a mystery, the outcome of which could determine the future of the agency.

This is another fine tale of intrigue, suspense, mystery and gadgets. The plot unfolds at a fair old pace, and we learn a little more about Marion and her friends Bill, Maud, and Kenny Hugo. Their relationships change as the story develops and there's perhaps more to learn in books to come. The underground lair of the agency, the gadgets, they're back, against a background of cold-war shenanigans and cloak-and-dagger games. There's some red herrings, some sadness, and some recriminations as friendships are tested and boundaries pushed. The story actually plays out like a classic, black and white 1950s noir thriller - and I loved it.

I was delighted to receive a Netgalley ARC to review, but rest assured, I can't wait to get my hands of a proper copy to devour once again. Definitely recommended for fans of the series, and those of Genevie Cogman and Ben Aaronvitch.

I immediately felt right at home with Marion again,who holds a charm and warmth that you can't help but like.
The detective agency gave me ideas of boarding school this time around,but never in a bad way.

No matter what the author threw in here,this was just basically fun. Not something you say often about murder.
I almost feel like it's famous five for grown up WITH GADGETS.
Such good gadgets.
I mean that in a highly complimentary way.

Basically,it was just a jolly good fun read.

This is the second in the historical mystery series, with fantastical elements, featuring Marion Lane, a second year apprentice inquirer at Miss (Nancy) Brickett's secret detective agency, located underground in the myriad of tunnels to be found in London, set during the cold war. This is my first read of the series, but it works reasonably well as a standalone. It is 1959 and there has been a murder in Harrogate, the victim 33 year old Eddie Hopper, branded with a rose, but he is not the only person branded and killed. The killer is known as The Florist, and the agency has been tasked with finding him, their police liasion in the London Met is Constable Redding, but this time he is unable to help, there is a compromising witness. The agency employs the misfits and outsiders, of which Marion is one, with its distinct training programme, she is now assistant mechanic to Professor Uday Bal, the Head of Gadgetry, involved in the development of the quirky gadgets.

The agency is governed by the High Council, that includes Frank Stone, a mentor admired by Marion, and Delia Spragg. Frank has asked to Marion to work on the dangerous murder inquiry which she is happy to do, although she has a intriguing mystery of her own that preoccupies her mind, she has received an anonymous letter that warns her that one of the three recruits taken on is not to be trusted. This has her trying to pay close attention to Jerome Longmore, Thomas Proctor and Ambrosia Quinn, a woman with a penchant for taking detailed notes, wondering who is the culprit. Some agency people are showing signs of discontent, with secret meetings, organising under the umbrella of the Employee Rights and Protection Society. Before long the grumblings turn into something far more sinister, with the agency becoming infested with false propaganda, fake news, inquisitions, torture and murder as a reign of fear and terror takes hold.

I have to admit it took me a little while to get immersed in the story, but it grew on me, as did the central protagonist, Marion, a woman who slowly develops into a far more confident inquirer, starting to trust her skills and capabilities. She is tested to her very limits here, put in the unwanted position where her close circle of friends begin to question who she is and become suspicious of her as she walks the tightrope of following orders and trying to protect those that matter to her. This is a dark historical mystery, atmospheric and engaging, bringing alive the tensions of the Cold War years, and where the author draws the various threads together skilfully. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.