Lady of Ashes

Christine Trent

Mar 2012 · A Lady of Ashes Mystery Book 1 · Kensington Books

About this eBook

A female undertaker in Victorian London suspects death by unnatural causes in a mystery “rich with historical incidents and details” (Publishers Weekly).
 
Only a woman with an iron backbone could succeed as an undertaker in Victorian England, but Violet Morgan takes great pride in her trade. While her husband, Graham, is preoccupied with elevating their station in society, Violet is cultivating a sterling reputation for Morgan Undertaking. She is empathetic, well-versed in funeral fashions, and comfortable with death’s role in life—until its chilling rattle comes knocking on her own front door.

Violet’s peculiar but happy life soon begins to unravel as Graham becomes obsessed with his own demons and all but abandons her as he plans a vengeful scheme. And the solace she's always found in her work evaporates like a departing soul when she suspects that some of the deceased she's dressed have been murdered. When Graham disappears, Violet takes full control of the business and is commissioned for an undertaking of royal proportions. But she's certain there's a killer lurking in the London fog, and the next funeral may be her own.

With equal parts courage, compassion, and intrigue, Christine Trent tells an unrestrained tale of love and loss in the rigidly decorous world of Victorian society.

Praise for the novels of Christine Trent

“Genuinely engrossing.”—Publishers Weekly 

“Exuberant, sparkling, beguiling. . .brims with Dickensian gusto!”—Barbara Kyle, author of The Queen's Lady 

“Winningly original…glittering with atmospheric detail!”—Leslie Carroll, author of Royal Affairs

Ratings and reviews

I give credit where it is due, and this book has me giving a lot of credit. Masterfully written, intriguing characters, while containing historical events. I was pulled into the dirty cobblestone streets of London. A must for those who read Victorian Era London novels.

I purchased the book but only received a preview. Very disappointed.

I could not put it down, and what a shocker at the end!

About the author

Christine Trent lives in the Mid-Atlantic region with her husband, Jon, and five cats: Caesar, Claudia, Livia, Marcus, and Octavian. When she isn't writing, you can usually find her scrapbooking, planning a trip to England, or haunting bookstores. She is currently working on the next book in the Lady of Ashes historical mystery series. Please visit Christine at www.ChristineTrent.com.