4.0

In my opinion, this is a great improvement from the previous book. It wasn’t my favorite, as I was reminded after rereading my review. This one was a joy and a fun, quick read.

No, it’s not perfect. For one, Amelia‘s younger sister arrives suddenly and is to stay for the season. That’s not an issue. She is pretty much a tomboy and very opinionated and it seems pretty unreasonable that she would be able to be the poised, articulate belle of the season having only grown up in a working-class family in a small countryside town. It has been hard enough for Amelia to be accepted, even as a more even-tempered person, now with a title and wealth. I can’t imagine the ton letting this happen (though not all do). That said, beauties, especially witty ones with angelic voices, do tend to get away with a lot more.

There are a couple of other things that are incongruous or just annoying but it was a good story. There are two mysteries going on and between aunt Tabitha, Amelia‘s sister Madge, Young Winifred, and the swoon-worthy Simon, there are a lot of different elements making up Amelia’s family. At first it seems like the Simon movement is slowing down from last time, but hold fast, dear reader. The end misses some things, but I left with a great feeling and wishing I wouldn’t have to wait so long for the next installment. In my book that’s the sign of a good story.

Thank you to Mary Winters, NetGalley, and Severn House for providing me with a free advanced copy of this book for my unbiased review.

I first wanted to say thank you for the opportunity to read the ARC. As someone who loves historical fiction, I was more than excited to give the book a try. Anything set in the Regency or Victorian eras would be immediately interesting to me.

Murder in Season would be a good fit for Bridgerton fans who are looking for romance with a whodunit plot. Even though I hadn't read the previous books in the series, it didn't present a blocker for me to dig into this book and catch up with what the characters are up to. The book makes sure to bring you up to speed pretty quickly.

I appreciated the fashion descriptions and the general aesthetic described in the scenes. All characters (almost) wear the most beautiful clothes and live in glorious, scenic houses. It's easy to find yourself imagining the spaces as you read.

Unfortunately, despite enjoying the aesthetic, I found myself really not enjoying the characters. I thought I'd be rooting for Amelia and her love interest. I thought I'd enjoy the side characters, but sadly that didn't happen. The characters often felt flat, and at times very obnoxious.

It's understandable of course with some of the side characters that are clearly meant to be disliked, but that unfortunately extended to Amelia and her sister, Madge. It isn't that I dislike characters with flaws, it's that the book seems treats them as if they can do no wrong.

The other problem I personally had was with historical inaccuracies. I don't necessarily expect everything to be perfect. I've enjoyed many books that had the occasional historical misstep. The problem here is I found myself feeling that the book often forgot the Regency setting until it was beneficial for the vibes.

Characters often enough acted in modern ways that really wouldn't make sense in the setting. Or at times, makes the story less powerful. I love strong, outspoken female leads. Especially in historical fiction. But for that to work, there needs to be consequences to acting against the norms. That's what makes them impressive, that despite facing great consequences they still did what they needed to do. In most cases in this story, the consequences were very vague and/or subdued. Someone may get their feelings hurt perhaps. A glare. That's it.

There are other glaring issues. Ignoring the fact that Amelia was the daughter of an inn keeper and married a titled gentleman (I am a romantic at heart so I appreciate the appeal and the fantasy every now and then), the book started pushing it even further by making Amelia's mother ask and expect for Madge, Amelia's daughter, to attend the season. That wouldn't happen. Amelia would barely be tolerated by society at that point. Especially when her husband is dead, even more so when they were married for a very short time.

Assuming that her husband's family were so enamoured by her, and were even progressive enough to accept her, the rest of the ton would not. Not even with all that wealth. I find it hard to believe they would then attend a ball thrown in her sister's honour. And even more so, that wealthy bachelors would show interest in her so quickly. So much so that someone would comment on how half the bachelors are after her? Everyone is gushing about Madge. Only ones that don't clearly have ulterior motives or are just plainly villainous.

The writing style itself was fine at times. Other times, I found myself skimming entire paragraphs, or pages, because it felt they were repeating things we've already read before. Sometimes they restated the same things the characters just said a few sentences ago with little to no additions.

While the characters and the historical inaccuracies were enough for me to find the read tedious, I still can see some readers enjoying this.

Read it for the fashion and aesthetic.

This is a new series and author for me. I had thought this was the first in the series, but it was the third. This did not impact my enjoyment of the book and was caught up quite easily. Our heroine is a young widow, Lady Amelia Amesbury has her late husband's niece to raise as well as his aunt, the formidable Tabitha to add to her household. Because she has a lot of energy and interest in the world, as well as a friend from home that is an editor of a penny weekly, she also writes a Lady Agony column. When her mother drops her youngest sister Margaret on her for the Season, she knows she will have her hands full. As out spoken and willful as she is herself, Madge has been sent away because she broke the arm of a young man at home who got a little too forward. The sisters will indeed find their Season full when a young Lord dies at Madge's coming out party, then there are the missing jewels and the possibility of broken hearts. It is an entertaining Victorian romp with mysteries, beautiful clothes, jewelry theives, wonderful characters, and murder. I believe I will go back for books one and two! Thanks to #Netgally, #SevernBooks, and the author for a chance to read. #MurderinSeason #ALadyofLettersMystery #MaryWinters #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was another fun entry in the period piece mystery series. It could definitely be read on its own, but would be more enjoyable if you read the first two. I’m a sucker for a good period piece mystery, so these are right up my alley.

This one actually had 2 mysteries going on - a theft and a murder, which made it more interesting. The mystery doesn’t always have to be a murder, after all! There was some more development with Simon and Amelia’s relationship as well. If you liked the first 2, or period piece mysteries in general, I think you’ll enjoy this one too!

As a lady of the ton and the secret author of a popular advice column, Amelia Amesbury is used to juggling multiple things at once. But when her younger sister Margaret unexpectedly turns up for the London season, Amelia finds herself in a tizzy. It seems Margaret has caused quite a scandal in their hometown and hopes to make a fresh start for herself. However, when a young suitor dies after an incident with Margaret at a ball, society is quick to blame the hot-headed newcomer. As if murder wasn't enough, there is also a burglar prowling the streets of Mayfair, stealing precious jewels from well-to-do families. Amelia is sure these two events are connected, so she must again don her investigator hat to clear her sister's name and bring the real criminal to justice.

I loved the first two books in this series. They had everything I love in a historical mystery, including a plucky heroine you can't help but root for. Amelia is such a fun character to follow. She's whip-smart, witty, and determined when she sets her mind on something. I love following along while she ferrets out clues and pieces together mysteries. I also love her dynamic with Simon and how he's always willing to help with whatever scheme Amelia concocts. The tension between them is what keeps me coming back for more. As for the mystery aspect, it was okay. I was a little bored, but I still liked how everything wrapped up. While I don't think it's the best installment, it's still one of my favorite historical mystery series.

3.5

I want to thank netgalley and the publishers at Severn House for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review

I haven't read the previous books in this series, yet that didn't stop me from being able to understand what was happening, and to see the characters thrive and develop. Even without having read the rest of the series I was able to immerse myself in the story and it didn't feel like I was missing much at all.
The mysteries at the centre of the plot were simple yet intriguing. However the stakes felt a inconsequential, yes they were there, but it didn't feel like they amounted to much. Although I think that's because there was so much content in such a short book.
The writing style was not my favourite finding it a little disjointed at times, with the pacing of certain events spanning over multiple chapters and others being over in just a matter of pages.

Overall I enjoyed the book and it works well if you want a quick and fun read.

Entertaining story of a Lady whose sister is coming out this season. The Lady also writes an advice column. She throws a ball for her sister, where a gentleman with many enemies is poisoned. The Lady tries to figure out whodunit.

"Join Countess turned advice columnist Amelia Amesbury as she tries to juggle a new Season and a new murder in this charmingly deadly historical mystery.

"A beautiful debutante, a wealthy widow, and a dead would-be baron. What could be more exciting?"

Countess by day, secret advice columnist by night, Amelia Amesbury has life happily balanced on a quill's edge...until her sister Margaret shows up in London under a blanket of scandal and Amelia is catapulted out of mourning and into the ton's unforgiving Season.

However Madge's Season debut is marred by a rather inconvenient death at the dining table as the infamous Mr. Radcliffe takes ill and is later confirmed dead by poisoning. With Madge being the last person to have cross words with the soon-to-be baron, the ton's gossip mill - and the police - are looking to pin the murder on her.

Adding to the ton's troubles is a jewellery thief targeting the most lavish of Society's houses. Is the murderer and the thief one in the same? It falls to Amelia once again to uncover the secrets buried deep within the pages before her sister goes down for the crimes.

Perfect for fans of witty historical mystery and Regency romances with a similar feel to Verity Bright and T.E. Kinsey."

Ah, but a jewel thief is so much classier than a lowly murderer. Yes, in my mind there's even class systems in the underworld.

In vibrant 1860s London, the ton are gathered and eager for the Season in Winters’ third Lady of Letters mystery—a whodunnit featuring Agony Aunt turned amateur investigator Lady Amelia Amesbury, and introducing her rambunctious younger sister, Madge (Margaret), who arrives unexpectedly just before Amelia’s first hosted ball. Married into gentry and sadly widowed two months later, Amelia is tired of years of mourning black and delighted to have her bright, bull-headed sister with her for the season, even if it means some surreptitious chaperoning. A murder at the ball, for which Madge finds herself in a vindictive detective’s sights, and some thefts of priceless heirloom jewellery are the conundrums Amelia must unravel, whilst clearing her sister’s good name.

Settings, clothing, décor, social mores and faux pas of the ton are intricately presented, as are Petticoat Lane’s dark and dangerous nighttime environs, where thieves and fences abound. Red herrings and multiple suspects drive the plot through a series of twists with details that are enlightening without ever being didactic. Amelia and fellow sleuth, Simon Bainbridge, negotiate carefully around their growing attachment (heaven forfend the formidable matriarch, Aunt Tabitha Amesbury should catch them unawares!), whilst Madge might find love of her own. The murder scene is enacted at the start of the novel, allowing the storyline to work through nefarious motives and the victim’s possible culpability for his own demise. The names Madge and Margaret are used interchangeably, a narrative device which keeps Madge’s child-like naughtiness and her role as a countess’s respectable sister evenly balanced, but some readers may find this mildly annoying. Readers will, however, get a kick out of the chapter heading ‘Agony Aunt’ letters culled from history, including a cure for concussion should a physician be unavailable! Keep a sharp eye out for this first-rate cosy series.

This series continues to be delightful. This time around we get introduced to more of Amelia's family, her very headstrong sister Margaret who comes to town for the season after having an unfortunate incident happen at home. Immediately, a murder occurs and Margaret is suspect number 1 to the Yard so Amelia heads out to prove her sister's innocence while also figuring out who the thief of Mayfair is AND attempts to figure out what the frustrating Simon Bainbridge actually feels about her and their relationship. I continue to love the use of agony aunt letters to start each chapter - you get a sense of the social world that Amelia is moving through and also trying to influence.

*I received an e-ARC from Netgalley to provide this review.

Another twisty tale by Mary Winters! If you love historical cozy mysteries then this one is for you. The main character is intelligent and bold yet elegant and refined. She knows how to get results in her professional life and also personal life when murder comes knocking at her door. I loved the setting and time period and can't wait to read more in this series.

In public, Amelia Amesbury is the proper English Lady of 1860 England. She has a secret, however. Well, perhaps more than one. The biggest secret is her identity as columnist Lady Agony. As such, she offers some frequently not-so-discreet advice to those who write in for advice. You know, hardly the thing a Lady of that time would think, let alone vocalize. She could use some advice herself this go-round, however. First, advice on how to handle her beautiful, unpredictable sister who arrives unannounced to be sponsored for the season. Seems Madge has run into a few problems back home, one of which involved leaving a not-so gentlemanly wannabe suitor with a broken arm. I'd say Madge is not to be trifled with. For that matter, Amelia could use some sage advice on her own romantic yearnings. Seems she just can't quite budge Simon from the friend zone into suitor material. Then there's the little matter of a male guest that becomes ill at the ball given for Madge and later dies. Toss in a jewel thief absconding with some valuable family jewels from various residences and Amelia's amateur sleuth persona is about to be very busy. And, oh, did I mention that the man that died had words with Madge just before coming ill? That only adds to the problems Amelia is trying to juggle.

I won't detail the plot further other than to say there are other, actually far more viable suspects than Madge. But, well, seems to Detective in charge has it in for the Amesbury family. Toss in what we'd consider quaint standards of behavior, what society members find proper and improper, and family pressures and Amelia can't seem to catch a break. Those used to somethings happening every second plot speed may find this one quite slow but it's actually quite nice to relax into the pace of the 1860s. I liked the characters, even stern, rigid Aunt Tabitha, who is a force to be reckoned with when she assumes her mantle as Lady Tabitha, that's for sure. Simon is solid, albeit could be the poster boy for slow burn romances. Madge, oh, boy, she is personality plus. Outgoing, far more physically able than the typical female of that era, and can't always seem to rein in her impetuous mouth. There are more, actually lots more, which does always seem to take me a bit to sort through them given the use of both titles and names. What can I say, I felt like I needed a cast of characters at times.

Bottom line, an enjoyable if slow read. The setting was well done and I felt like I was strolling the park with characters more than once, and the descriptions of both the clothing and physical appearances were well done. And, oh, some of the clothing. I'm the sort that doesn't much like dressing up but it'd sure be fun to see, wouldn't it? As to whodunit, I didn't really sort it out until the reveal for sure, so it kept me guessing. And, oh, do be sure to read the epilogue. Thanks #SevernHouse for letting me take an early time-travel trip back to 1860 London. It was fun and I found myself enjoying the characters and their lives/adventures, both of which gave me an idea of the difference between the haves and have not groups. The traces of humanity from all were well done and heartwarming at times.

I have followed Mary Winters’ Lady of Letters Mysteries since its debut two years ago, drawn to the unique premise of a countess-turned-agony-aunt secretly solving crimes. Murder in Season continues to deliver with its blend of historical mystery and a strong, independent heroine.

In Murder in Season, Amelia finds herself in the middle of not only the murder investigation but also an intriguing side plot involving a jewel thief who’s been targeting Mayfair. And to add complexity to her personal life, there’s Simon - her late husband’s friend - who is becoming an unexpected romantic interest.

Overall, I enjoyed the story, though I felt the emphasis leaned more toward the jewel thief subplot than the murder itself. While Amelia is dedicated to uncovering details about the victim and those connected to him, the split focus between the two mysteries slightly diluted the murder’s intrigue for me.

That said, Mary Winters’ exceptional storytelling and character depth shine through, and the surprising turn in Aunt Tabitha’s behavior left me eager to see what’s next. The pacing felt a touch slower compared to earlier installments, but this didn’t detract from my enjoyment.

I can tell that Ms. Winters was conscientious about Victorian material culture; however, the anachronisms in other areas were very distracting. This would have been a better book if she just made it U.S. Millennial/Gen-Zers cosplaying as people from the Victorian era, because honestly that's what's already happening here.

I found Murder in Season to be a fun, quick read. This is the first book I’ve read from this author and I’d keep a look out for their future work. This is the third book in the series, but I didn’t find it a challenge to situate myself in the story.
Amelia, a widowed Countess, lives with her deceased husband’s Aunt and niece. Amelia’s sister-Madge-comes to visit for the season.
After rising tensions at a ball Madge becomes a suspect of a murder investigation. It’s up to Amelia and possible love interest Simon to clear things up!

Not my cup of tea.

The characters are flat. Their emotions are written but not with any degree of feeling if that makes sense.

Not historically accurate. An Inn Keepers daughter would not be accepted in society, even if she did marry above her station. Especially if she did. The class system was very insular during that period. She may have been tolerated but only to a minimal degree. And, once her husband passed, any acceptance she gained would have vanished.

Madge would not be presented for a season. Not ever. Tabitha would never have allowed her presentation either. Rhe risk of embarrassment and scandal was way too high. These people would literally kill their own relatives to maintain their good reputation.

Someone like Madge, boisterous and violent with no self control, wouldn't have been tolerated. Not even by the lower class.

I couldn't get past the flat writing or the inaccuracy. DNF at 40%.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Mary Winters for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Murder in Season coming out December 3, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I need to read the other two books in the series. I really love regency mysteries so this book was perfect! I think it’s really fun that Amelia is a Countess and also writes. There was definitely a lot of drama going on with Madge, but I really enjoyed the writing. The plot was a lot of fun. I would definitely read more books by this author.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys regency era mysteries!

A light easy read set in Victorian London. Amelia is a country inn keepers daughter suddenly thrust into London society when she married a guest of the inn. Edger kept his wealth and title secret from her until after the wedding. Book Three finds her widowed and settling in to hold her own with poise and confidence. To stave off boredom she has two hobbies: she writes an advice column as "Lady Agony" and she solves crimes, including murders. In this one, Madge, her plain spoken younger sister comes to visit for her debut "season" and is promptly accused of murdering a guest at her coming out ball. Amelia knows she's innocent, even though her sister was seen arguing angrily with the victim a few hours earlier. Even though Madge did break another mans arm last week. Fun!

Hello! Many thanks, indeed, to Netgalley for having provided me with an ARC of Murder in Season. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I also quite enjoy Mary Winters's writing. It is fun and offers a delightful take on a combination of an historical, Regency romance/mystery. Amelia Amesbury, (a.k.a. Lady Agony in her advice column'), is a perfect complement and alter-ego to Amelia in 'everyday life,' as she fluctuates amongst romance and crime-solving and navigates the culture and social mores of the times. Amelia's and Simon's romance adds an extra dash of spice and chemistry to this sleuthing romp. I definitely recommend Murder in Season and can certainly see all of these books in this series turned into a mini-series! :)

It's always nice to return to Amelia Amssbury's London! The format for these books is wonderful - each chapter starts with a letter to Lady Agony and Amelia's response. Her secret job helps her childhood friend who runs a paper and gives her something to do now that she's a widow with a title and fortune. This installment in the series introduces some family members, with Amelia's sister being a wonderful addition to the cast. We know about Amelia's childhood at the family inn in Somerset, but we haven't met any family members up until now.

This story's murder happens at a ball Amelia throws to introduce her sister to society. All of the regular characters attend, but there's a long list of guests who serve as suspects in the crime. At the same time, there's a jewel thief targeting homes in Mayfair and Amelia's house is one of the ones hit. Amelia and her sister do most of the sleuthing in this one with the Simon Bainbridge, the potential love interest, falling back to secondary character status. Amelia and Simon have some nice moments together, but Amelia is frustrated by his reluctance to move forward. A second love interest was introduced and that made things interesting for a bit!

These books are wonderfully cozy despite the body count! Amelia is a heroine you can root for!