Caffeinated Reviewer

I absolutely love the Kat Holloway Mysteries and couldn’t wait to begin The Secret of Bow Lane by Jennifer Ashley. This is the sixth novel and one of my favorites. Ashley delivered from an exciting mystery to a look into Kat’s life before she became a cook. Suspense, romantic developments and a mystery await you….

A stranger who appears on Kat's doorstep turns out to be one Charlotte Bristow, legal wife of Joe Bristow, the man Kat once believed herself married to—who she thought died at sea twelve years ago. Kat is jolted by Charlotte’s claims that not only was Joe murdered, but he had amassed a small fortune before he died. Charlotte makes the cook an offer she cannot refuse—if Kat can discover the identity of Joe's murderer, Charlotte will give her a share of the fortune Joe left behind.

With the help of Daniel McAdam, her attractive and charismatic confidante, Kat plunges into her own past to investigate. When it becomes apparent that the case of Joe’s death goes far deeper than simple, opportunistic theft, Kat and Daniel's relationship is put to the test, and Kat herself comes under scrutiny as her connection to Joe is uncovered. She must race to catch the real killer before she loses her job and possibly her life.

While each of the books in the series offers a mystery and could stand on their own, I highly recommend you start from the beginning. The character relationships and overall series arc deserve your full attention.

When Charlotte Bristow, the legal wife of Joe Bristow, shows up on Kat’s doorstep with a curious tale about money and murder, Kat cannot help but wonder. As much as the past pains her, she investigates. The case takes her back to her marriage, and time spent on Bow Lane.

Holloway shared an intriguing case that cleverly allowed her to shed light on Kat’s past and what led her to her current employment as a cook. We also learned about Daniel’s past and saw movement in the developing romance. Eep!

The story was tightly told and the unfolding of details and feelings were perfectly woven into the current story. I think perhaps this was my favorite of the series to date. I, of course, continue to love all the attention to detail, from clothing to menus prepared in the kitchen. The author makes you feel as if you are sitting in the kitchen below stairs in 1882 London.

This book is for you if …..

• You love a good murder-mystery
• Strong characters
• A slow-burning romance
• A man of mystery
• An inquisitive and observant sleuth who also happens to be a cook in 1880s London

As always, I was left looking forward to more adventures with Kat, Daniel, and the gang. I highly recommend the series and would love to hear your thoughts.

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About Jennifer Ashley

NY Times Bestselling author Jennifer Ashley writes historical, contemporary, and paranormal romance, historical mysteries, and urban fantasy as Jennifer Ashley, Allyson James, and Ashley Gardner. Jennifer's novels have won RWA's RITA and RT Reviewer's Choice awards, have been translated into many different languages and earned starred reviews from Booklist and Publisher's Weekly.

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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. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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