A Measure of Menace by Jennifer Ashley is the newest novella in the Kat Halloway Mysteries series. It was the perfect fix as we await the next full-length novel. The Mayfair house is empty while the family resides in the country, but the unexpected arrival of Lord Clifford, Lady Cynthia’s father, brings trouble.
by Jennifer Ashley
Series: A Below Stairs Mystery #7.5
Genres: Historical, Mystery
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
October 1883
When cook Kat Holloway and the kitchen staff maintain the empty Mayfair house while the family resides in the country, Lord Clifford, Lady Cynthia’s confidence-trickster father, arrives in London and asks Kat and Daniel McAdam for help. Lord Clifford might be accused of murder but won't go to the police because his involvement with the victim will implicate him in another crime.
Kat and Daniel must pool their resources and unravel this tricky situation before Lord Clifford is arrested. Kat will do anything to spare her friend Lady Cynthia disgrace and ruin, even when the investigation leads her into grave peril.
Lady Cynthia’s father has gotten into trouble before, but this time he suspects he’ll be accused of murder. Not wanting to summon, Lady Cynthia, Kat looks to Daniel McAdam for help. Solving this case, might just get them killed.
Lord Clifford was given his title, and is always looking to make a buck or swindle it from someone. Ah, well you cannot choose your relatives, and Kat is determined to protect her friend.
The case was a rather clever one, and indeed, on the surface, Lord Clifford looked guilty. It didn’t help that he was being vague about his whereabouts. We had plenty of possible suspects, and the hunt for clues kept me engaged. Daniel and Kat continue their courtship in this slow-burning romance.
Ashley is a masterful storyteller, and despite the length of this novella, she provided a rewarding tale. It was fun following Kat as she puzzled out the mystery and got herself into danger. If you haven’t yet started this series, I highly recommend them. The next full-length novel, A Silence in Belgrave Square, releases in August 2025. I for one, cannot wait!
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
Mary Kirkland
I’ve read her paranormal books but not any of the other ones.
Anne - Books of My Heart
I want to read this one so I barely skimmed your review. I waited and finally the library has it and I’m on the wait list!