Stevie‘s review of Scandal Above Stairs (Below Stairs, Book 2) by Jennifer Ashley
Historical Mystery published by Berkley 03 Jul 18
I utterly adored the first book in this charming late-Victorian detective series and was keen to find out what crimes in need of investigation cook Kat Holloway and man-of-mystery Daniel McAdam would stumble upon next. Kat is still working in the same household, although her employers are somewhat different; the former man of the house has retired to his country estate, leaving his eccentric sister-in-law behind with her aunt – as chaperone – and uncle – as man of the house – in residence. Lady Cynthia still spends much of her time dressed in gentleman’s clothing, much to the disapproval of her relatives, but now she has a protector in the shape of Kat, who ensues there’s always a route by which she can sneak back into the house after escapades with her cross-dressing chums. And it’s Cynthia – who else? – that drags Kat into yet more intrigue.
One of Cynthia’s friends has been accused of art theft by her ostensibly wealthy husband and turns to Cynthia and Kat for help in clearing her name. Kat suspects the crime is not an isolated incident or incidents – several paintings have gone missing from the house at infrequent intervals – but is connected to whatever crimes have led to Daniel posing as a pawnbroker and possible dealer in stolen antiquities. As Kat and her companions investigate, it becomes clear that at least one of the criminals is prepared to kill in order to conceal their misdeeds and that both Daniel and Kat are in danger of becoming the murderer’s next victims.
This book was every bit as wonderful as the previous one. We get to see far more of Kat’s daughter and to follow the pair of them as they enjoy the museums and tea shops of London on Kat’s days off. We also see something of Daniel’s home life, along with his son and good friends, and there’s also the possibility of romance for Lady Cynthia, who – unlike some of her set – is attracted to men as well as being envious of their clothing and other freedoms. Some of the overarching mysteries of the series remain: who is Daniel really? What is his connection to the police? And just how does he know so many different tradesmen and also possess the skills to imitate a great variety of them?
Kat’s descriptions of her day-to-day tasks continue to enthrall, and her new helper in the kitchen provides a perfect opportunity for her to explain what she does, along with how, why and when, as well as to provide introductions to the staff of other households. This book would work well as a standalone, but is even better as part of a series. I’m greatly looking forward to the continuation of the stories and all the adventures that will bring for Kat and Daniel as well as for their families and friends.
Grade: A
Summary:
A mystery of stolen antiquities has Kat Holloway setting aside her apron once again for the intrigues of the upper echelons of Victorian London
Priceless artwork has gone missing from the home of a wealthy baronet, and his wife stands to take the blame. When Kat’s employer asks for help in clearing her friend’s name, Kat trades her kitchen for the homes of Mayfair’s wealthiest families. Soon antiques are disappearing not only from the extravagant households of connoisseurs and collectors, but from the illustrious British Museum.
As the thefts increase in frequency, Kat calls upon her friend Daniel McAdam, who has already set himself up in a pawnshop on the Strand as a seedy receiver of stolen goods. When a man is murdered in the shop, Kat must use all of her wits to see that the thieves are caught and justice is done.
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
