A Gentlewoman's Guide to Murder

Victoria Hamilton

Apr 2019 · Gentlewoman's Guide to Murder Book 1 · Tantor Media Inc · Narrated by Heather Wilds

About this audiobook

Scandal and slayings among Regency London's elite. The shocking murder of Sir Henry Claybourne leaves Regency London shaken and horror-struck. But for genteel spinster Miss Emmeline St. Germaine, the crime slices far too close to home. Just hours before the knight's death she held a dagger to him, threatening him to stay silent as she rescued a scullery maid he had procured for his pleasure. Did the man-or woman-who murdered the knight know of her visit? Her secret identity at risk, her reputation and life in jeopardy, Emmeline must solve the crime or face scandalous exposure and ruination, or worse-the hangman's noose-for a crime she did not commit.

Ratings and reviews

AudioBook Review: Stars: Overall 3 Narration 1 Story 3 Initially the buzz on this audio production was positive, even with a series of rather mixed reviews on the narrator. But, with a new to me narrator I like to judge for myself because often I’ve found that my impressions contrast dramatically with others. And, that quality will hold true for this title in audio, but there are more that potential listeners or readers should consider. I love Hamilton’s Vintage Kitchen series, and the clever twists and bits of ‘history’ that are mixed into a contemporary setting are lovely. So, in terms of history and accuracy, the book is spot on. The problem comes to the forefront with reader/listener trigger elements – and with this book being a clear accounting of the power imbalances between upper and lower class, men and women, and master and servant. And the main character one who fights for those subject to a series of abuses that range from minor and everyday up to drastic and dramatic. And, this provides an interesting juxtaposition as Emmaline is quite clearly a vengeful and raging champion, with good reason that comes to light, but difficult to empathize with, particularly when she’s in ‘full on’ mode. But the murder of Sir Henry opens the doors and curtains into a world that, according to Emmaline, is destined only to prey on women and those without power – and EVERY single person she encounters is met with a certain level of hostility and suspicion. But, once all of Emmaline’s reasons are laid out – and her justifiable anger is explained (if a bit over the top) it becomes easier (although never simple) to understand the character. And the twists, turns and reveals are marvelous – if one can get past the preachiness and venom that is underlying every act and moment from Emmaline. It’s worth a read though for the twists, turns and the actions that unfortunately are accurate historically and feel plausible in terms of reactions. Narration for this story is provided by Heather Wilds, and this was my first encounter with her work. There was a distinct lack of pauses: scene breaks, sentences, moving on to a subsequent thought – all felt rushed and not given proper time to absorb the events or meaning. Character voices were solid – but again the oddly paced delivery meant that I was often needing to ‘go back’ and listen frequently. When combined with the emotionally testing story line and Emmaline’s rather strident responses, this was a book that would, for me, be better served in reading where pacing and time to complete is self-directed. On reflection, I doubt if I will be jumping forward for this narrator again, although if a ‘light and fluffy’ tale comes up that she has narrated, I might give it a try. I received an AudioBook copy of the title from Tantor Audio for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

This is the first non-cozy mystery that I’ve read by this author, and I was not disappointed. I love her cozy mysteries; this is written with the same care and fine eye for details that Victoria Hamilton’s other novels share. It took a few minutes to become accustomed to the narrator, and there were times I wasn’t sure who the speaker was. Overall, however, it was clear and easily. Emmeline is one of a group of ladies who work together to rescue young girls who are working in homes where the man of the house makes unreasonable demands. We get to watch her rescue a girl from Sir Henry Claybourne’s home and catches him a breath away from harming the girl. Emmeline then delivered the girl to where she would have a better, safer position, then went home. The next morning brought the news that some crazed woman entered the Claybourne home, grabbed the young girl, then disappeared with her and the silver. It is also thought that the woman is responsible for the bloody death of Sir Henry later that night. Emmeline and her friends are horrified at the murder, and she is equally horrified that she could be discovered as the woman who made the first trip but didn’t steal the silver. Nor did she return and murder Sir Henry. She began to investigate on her own to protect herself and learned just how heinous the current conditions for working-class women were. I was stunned when I realized – and it was confirmed – who one of the bad guys was and how deeply rooted the effects and betrayal were and just how he minimized his behavior. The end was stunning, and even though I rarely like cliffhangers, it leads skillfully into the next novel. The author deals with very sensitive subjects in a manner giving dignity to those effected by the crimes. I highly recommend this novel to those who enjoy Regency-era mysteries set in England. From a thankful heart: I won an audiobook of this novel from the author; a review was not required.

About the author

As Victoria Hamilton, Donna Lea Simpson is the nationally bestselling author of the Vintage Kitchen Mysteries, the Merry Muffin Mysteries, and the Lady Anne Addison Mysteries. Visit her at victoriahamiltonmysteries.com.

Heather Wilds has appeared in numerous plays on the London stage to great critical acclaim. She has also performed in award-winning films, appeared on TV and in commercials, and works as an audiobook narrator and voice actress.