Speculations in Sin by Jennifer Ashley is the seventh novel in the Below the Stairs Mystery series featuring amateur sleuth and cook Kat Holloway. Kat and her pose of friends, search for answers when Samuel Millburn, husband of the woman who looks after her daughter, is arrested. A fantastic tale with plenty of twists and orange sorbet.
by Jennifer Ashley
Series: Below Stairs Mystery #7
Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
To save an innocent man’s life, amateur sleuth and cook Kat Holloway must expose a financial scam that could ruin the most powerful aristocrats in Victorian-era London, from the New York Times bestselling author of The Secret of Bow Lane.
Kat Holloway is distressed to learn that Samuel Millburn, husband of the woman who looks after her daughter, has been accused of embezzling funds from the bank where he works as a clerk. The accusation is absurd, and Samuel’s wife fears that her husband will not only lose his post but be imprisoned. Kat vows to uncover the truth.
When she discovers the bank is involved in shockingly murky business dealings, Kat realizes she’s treading in dangerous waters. She turns to her confidante and handsome suitor, Daniel McAdam, for help. To exonerate Samuel, Kat and Daniel may have to expose the unseemly financial dealings of prominent aristocrats and government officials, and even those working to bring down the royal family. Kat will risk everything to protect the man who has sacrificed so much for her daughter, even if it means endangering herself and the friends she has come to love.
Kat Holloway is a cook below stairs in a Mayfair home. She has a daughter who lives with her best friend, a married woman with children. Kat’s story is complicated and just one of the many reasons I recommend reading the series in order. Each book contains a single mystery, so while you can jump in, the overall, slow-burning romance, alliances, friends and more will be enhanced by starting from the beginning.
When Kat visits her daughter on her day out, her friend reveals that her husband Samuel is suspected of embezzling funds from the bank he works for. Kat vows to investigate. She enlists the help of Lady Cynthia. The two visit the bank and while there a murder is discovered. Sam is arrested and accused of the crime.
The tale that unfolds has Kat relying on the aid of Daniel, the clergy, a beat cop and Lady Cynthia’s friends. It was a clever case with a twist that kept me engaged. Along the way we learned about sorbet, and enjoyed food talk that will set your mouth to watering.
I love Kat’s determination even in the face of villains. Slowly, the group piece things together as the tension built. The case has Kat equally stressed with worry over her daughter. If Sam isn’t cleared, where and how will she support Grace, her daughter? Kat longs for a life where she can tuck her in each night.
We see a little development in the romance as promises, but I enjoyed moments with her friends, Grace, and, of course, Daniel. Kat is a strong character and while the mystery was intense, the ending proved satisfactory and left me feeling uplifted.
Fans of mystery, historical fiction, friendship and a slow-burning sweet romance will want to grab a slice of pie and dive into Speculations in Sin and the entire Below the Stairs Mysteries.
Amazon | Audible
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
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature)
The name of the series makes me think of Downton Abbey. Great review!
Katherine
I really enjoyed this one and it was so nice to get more time with Grace.
Jen Twimom
It’s killing me that the audiobook isn’t out yet! I’m stalking audible daily.
Rachel @Waves of Fiction
Good to know I should start at the beginning. I was offered this book just last week and wondered if I could start with this one. Happy to see you’re loving the series 7 books in.
Melliane
It’s great that it’s still that good after 7 books
Laurel-Rain Snow
UPDATES
Mary Kirkland
I’ve read this author’s paranormal romance but not this genre. I have enjoyed her other books though and this sounds good.
Rolé @ Hooked By That Book
I’ve been loving this series and enjoyed this latest book as well. My review will be coming soon. I love Kat.
Carla
I still have this series on my wishlist at Amazon. Too many books and not enough time, but this series ticks all the boxes for me. Wonderful review, Kimberly.
Sophia Rose
I love this series and have a bookdate with this latest.
Anne - Books of My Heart
I really enjoy this series. Great review!