How To Solve Murders Like A Lady by Hannah Dolby Review

Title: How To Solve Murders Like A Lady

Author: Hannah Dolby

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Head of Zeus

Pages: 304

Release Date: 6 June 2024

Goodreads | Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells | B&N 

Hello fellow booklovers! Today I’m sharing my review of How To Solve Murders Like A Lady by Hannah Dolby. The wonderfully quirky and surprisingly energetic sequel to the historical mystery romance, No Life For A Lady.

Synopsis

 Violet Hamilton is no ordinary lady…

She is a Lady Detective, who spends her time solving mysteries and unveiling scandals in the bustling seaside town of Hastings and St Leonards, a popular spot for the Victorian middle classes.

But when the body of a local woman is found on the beach, Violet's efforts to investigate are blocked at every turn.

Is that because, as a woman, she can't possibly be allowed to think or act for herself? Or is it because someone sinister has Violet in their sights?

Review

Having loved No Life For A Lady I practically leapt at the chance to read it’s sequel, How To Solve Murders Like A Lady and I’m glad I did as it’s just as charming and unputdownable as the first!

I adored seeing the bold and endearingly inquisitive Violet again, and (like a proud parent) loved how much more confident she’s started to become. There’s still a sense of naivety to her that manages to charm the many people she encounters (including us readers) but it’s her fearlessness and justice-fuelled determination that had me soo invested.

Once again tackling themes of misogyny and double standards, Hannah Dolby’s vivid prose delves even deeper into women’s issues of the era by exploring the ways women’s roles, identities and reputations were not only judged but weaponised.

One such method: The experimental (and sometimes brutal) medical treatments designed to “alleviate” non conformist behaviours in women are briefly explored and just as horrific as I’d imagined they’d be.

I know this sounds like pretty heavy material but Dolby navigates it with an exceptional air of aplomb that, when paired with Violet’s spirited (no holds barred) demeanour, added a good dose humour that had me worried for anyone who tried to stand against her.

The developing romance between Benjamin and Violet was really well done too and I enjoyed watching the pair slowly grow closer and become true, crime fighting partners. Benjamin’s patience, trust and support of Violet (in caring without being forceful or controlling) was wonderful and I really liked that Violet had full control of their relationship’s pacing. A stark contrast to her parent’s relationship and that of many women of the time.

It was also lovely to see Hildebrand, Miss Turton and Mrs. Monk again and explore their developing friendships with Violet who, (due to the scandal surrounding her mother’s disappearance) hasn’t had the opportunity for very many female friendships.

Overall, an endearingly engaging and whimsical read that would make an incredible TV series! I cannot wait for the next instalment.

Also, a huge thank you to Head of Zeus for the proof.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5

About The Author 

Hannah Dolby' s first job was in the circus and she has aimed to keep life as interesting since. She trained as a journalist in Hastings and has worked in PR for many years, promoting museums, galleries, palaces, gardens and even Dolly the sheep.

She completed the Curtis Brown selective three-month novel writing course, and she won runner-up in the Comedy Women in Print Awards for this novel with the prize of a place on an MA in Comedy Writing at the University of Falmouth.

She currently lives in London. Her first book, No Life for a Lady (also starring Violet Hamilton) was published in 2022.

Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads