Murder at Midnight

Fourth instalment to the Lily Adler books and I enjoyed this was immensely. The plot was interesting, the characters with their own distinctions and the interactions between them all well-thought-out. I was kept guessing until the end for the culprit, with a lot of different thoughts until they all added up.

I did miss our friend Ofelia after her big presence in the previous book, however Jack was back as it was evened out. I don't believe we'll see our dear Matthew as much any more, however, I still have hopes for a Jack x Lily romance.

Book Review: A Captivating Holiday Mystery: Murder at Midnight by Katharine Schellman

⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 5 stars

I must admit, the cover of Murder at Midnight, the fourth installment in Katharine Schellman's Regency mystery series, is simply captivating. With its intricate design and alluring color palette, it immediately caught my attention. But does the book live up to its enchanting cover? In short, absolutely.

Set against the backdrop of a charming English countryside during the holiday season, Murder at Midnight introduces us to Lily Adler, a Regency widow eager to escape the scandals and secrets of London and spend a peaceful Christmastide with her late husband's family in Hertfordshire. However, as Lily soon discovers, tranquility does not always accompany the festive spirit.

At a neighborhood ball, Lily reconnects with Peter Coleridge, a friend of her late husband's who manages Irish investments and oversees a fund that many locals participate in. The gossip surrounding Jack Hartley's sister, Amelia, also piques Lily's curiosity. Amidst this web of intrigue, a snowstorm traps Lily, the Adlers, the Hartleys, and other guests overnight. When morning breaks, tragedy strikes – a guest is found shot to death in the poultry yard, and Lily suspects a scandalous connection between him and Amelia.

Schellman's writing is simply enchanting. Her storytelling flows effortlessly, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the wintry landscape and the lives of the intriguing characters. The pacing is spot-on, keeping readers engaged and eager for the next twist in the plot.

The mystery itself is cleverly plotted. Schellman expertly weaves together clues, red herrings, and unexpected revelations to keep readers guessing until the final pages. Just like Lily herself, we become entangled in the investigation, driven by our desire to uncover the truth alongside our courageous protagonist.

Speaking of Lily Adler, she is a delightfully well-developed character. As a widow navigating Regency society, she possesses a strength and intelligence that make her both relatable and admirable. Her determination to uncover the truth, even when faced with danger, is commendable. Additionally, the supporting cast is equally well-crafted, each contributing their own unique charm and depth to the story.

In Murder at Midnight, Schellman masterfully combines an intriguing mystery with a vividly portrayed historical setting. The book effortlessly transports readers to another time and place, enveloping them in a world of elegance and intrigue. This fourth installment in the series is undoubtedly a solid addition and further cements Schellman as a talented author within the genre.

In conclusion, Murder at Midnight delivers everything one could hope for in a Regency mystery – a compelling plot, well-developed characters, and an enchanting setting. Whether you are a fan of historical fiction or simply enjoy a good mystery, this book is sure to captivate you from start to finish. With its delightful blend of suspense and holiday cheer, Murder at Midnight is an outstanding addition to an already remarkable series.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

This was first time reading something from this series, and I enjoyed this so much I plan to go back and listen to the others. I was pleasantly surprised to find this historical cozy mystery to have a lot of character depth and a fairly complex and twisty plot line. Not something I typically see in the genre.

Lily Adler is a great MC and I look forward to diving into the backlist and seeing where she started. Also, I loved seeing all the unexpected LGBTQ+ rep.

If you are a fan of Jane Austen and Agatha Christie, I think you'll have fun with this.

***Thank you to Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an unbiased review.