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Early Book Review: Once Upon a Murder (Lady Librarian ) by Samantha Larsen

Once Upon a Murder by Samantha Larsen is the second book in the Lady Librarian series. I would recommend reading the books in order.

1784 England. Officially hired as the librarian for the Duchess of Beaufort, Miss Tiffany Woodall is through with masquerades and murders for good. That is, until she stumbles upon the frozen dead body of former footman Mr. Bernard Coram. The speed with which her peaceful new life is upended is one for the record books: the justice of the peace immediately declares her the primary suspect in the murder. As Tiffany hunts for the truth to clear her name, she learns that Bernard got into a fight over a woman at the local pub the night of his death–but he was also overheard blackmailing Samir. The justice of the peace arrests Samir, and Tiffany realizes that her life may have more in common with a tragic play than a light-hearted romance. With her love locked up in jail and her own reputation on the line, Tiffany must attempt to solve the murder before the book closes on her or Samir’s life.

Once Upon a Murder  is a splendid follow up to A Novel Disguise. Tiffany is settling in to her new life as librarian and fill in tutor when things stop being peaceful again. The death of Bernard is not one many mourn- but some are more interested in seeing someone pay for the crime than solving the mystery or seeing true justice done. I thought the mystery was woven well, and the variety of twists and turns surprised me more than once.  I thought the prejudices and assumptions of many of the characters were very accurate- and frankly a bit maddening. The treatment of women, suspicion of anyone other or vaguely different is very well depicted here, and might give readers both the peace in how far we come and a bit of anger for how much it all still remains.

I greatly enjoyed this read and look forward any more that might follow from the author. 

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