by Jennifer Ashley
Series: Kat Holloway Mysteries #3
Genres: Historical, Mystery
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Kat Holloway steps out from beneath the stairs and into international intrigue, where murder and stolen treasure lurk among the upper echelons of Victorian London.
In return for a random act of kindness, scholar Li Bai Chang presents young cook Kat Holloway with a rare and precious gift—a box of tea. Kat thinks no more of her unusual visitor until two days later when the kitchen erupts with the news that Lady Cynthia's next-door neighbor has been murdered.
Known about London as an "Old China Hand," the victim claimed to be an expert in the language and customs of China, acting as intermediary for merchants and government officials. But Sir Jacob's dealings were not what they seemed, and when the authorities accuse Mr. Li of the crime, Kat and Daniel find themselves embroiled in a world of deadly secrets that reach from the gilded homes of Mayfair to the beautiful wonder of Kew Gardens.
Murder, suspense, and tea await you in Death in Kew Gardens by Jennifer Ashley. I love this series and its colorful cast of characters. Now I am left longing for the next installment.
Each book works as a standalone mystery but the characters, their friendships and more will have you wanting to devour them from the beginning!
Kat Holloway is out with Emma doing her daily shopping for the kitchen when she accidentally knocks down scholar, Li Bai Chang. Kat apologizes and later he shows up at the Victorian home in which she works. He presents her with a gift for her kindness. When the neighbor is murdered in his sleep, and they accuse Mister Li, Kat along with Daniel, her mysterious friend and love interest investigate. The staff in both houses and Lady Cynthia and her gang become involved too. .
I absolutely adore this series and the characters. Kat is as clever at solving crimes as she is at cooking for the Mayfair household. It seems Sir Jacob’s had some secrets and may have been in possession of misappropriated items of considerable value. And the mystery is afoot. Did he have it? Who knew and who would kill to possess it? What of the ladies swarming around the grieving widow? Are they helping a friend or plotting their own nefarious plans? Ashley pulled me in, in my quest for answers.
The storyline was clever and laced with interesting tidbits on cultures and the missing treasure. There are side threads as one would expect in a large household. A new housekeeper causes trouble, Kat’s secret could have her caste out and Daniel is still a puzzle. Kat’s assistant is an absolutely hoot, and the butler impressed me.
The mystery wrapped up as is the case with each of the installments. I was sad to come to the final page of Death in Kew Gardens but Jennifer Ashley delivered leaving me smiling and patiently waiting for the next installment.
Murder, #suspense, and tea await you in Death in Kew Gardens by Jennifer Ashley. #HistoricalFiction #Mystery #NewRelease #MustRead Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Mary @StackingMyBookShelves!
I have seen some really great reviews for this author. I will totally have to check her out. I love when an author can get me to smile and wait for then next in the series. I also like that it is a standalone!
Mary
Lindy@ A Bookish Escape
I can tell how much you love a good mystery, and I’m so glad that you are enjoying this series Kim. Wonderful Review!
Carla
A new author for me. This series sounds good. Nice review Kimberly.
Melanie Simmons
I love Jennifer Ashley’s Shifters Unbound series. I need to try some of her other works and this sounds great. Thanks for sharing.
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra
Kat sounds like a great character and I love the Victorian London setting. Looks like I’ll be adding yet another series to my TBR, lol. Great review!
Nicci @ Sunny Buzzy Books
This is a new to me series but that cover is gorgeous and just begs me to check it out! Your review is also a strong nudge in that direction, lol. 😉
Anne - Books of My Heart
I love this author’s stormwalker UF series with Native americans and dragons and Harleys but I haven’t managed to get to her other series which look good. I’ll have to fit it in someday.
Debbie Haupt
Oh I so want to read this series especially every time i read one of your reviews Kim. Kat sounds so interesting
Nadene
You make me want to read this series., sounds so good.
Mary Kirkland
I’ve read her Paranormal Romance but nothing else. This sounds pretty good though.
sjhigbee
You have a knack for finding enjoyable murder mysteries – and I love Kew Gardens, which is such a fabulous place… Thank you for a great review:))
Tyler H. Jolley
I didn’t realize each one of these could be read as a stand alone. Is it okay to read them out of order too?
Kimberly
For the mysteries yes, the relationships of the characters..not so much. My guess is, Is that if you start with this one you could go forward or perhaps you will be tempted to go back and grab book one as well 🙂
Katherine @ I Wish I Lived in a Library
I’m starting this next and am so excited. I love this series and this sounds like a good read.
sherry fundin
very pretty cover
kindlemom1
This definitely sounds like my kind of series. I’m going to see if my library has these. 😉
Melliane
It’s nice to have a series like that. It’s always an intriguing mix!
Jen
I’ve been eyeing this series for a while now. Your review and my new found love of historical mysteries has me going to get the first book. Thanks!
Kimberly
This is a nice blend of historical and cozy mystery..so I think you’d love them. Start at the beginning. There is a prequel too. I mention it in my review of book one. Soup something..lol
Sophia Rose
I had a good time with this one, too. It was neat learning about the Chinese culture in London and back in China and about tea.
Nick
That cover is to die for. I love historical mysteries so I think I might try this one. I’ve wanted to try JA’s books for the longest, but this sounds like my cup of tea. Glad this was a great read for you, Kim!