Lady Darling. Trouble is thy middle name!

Lady Darling Inquires After a Killer (Lady Darling Mysteries #1)                                   by Colleen Gleason        

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Delightful Victorian cozy mystery romp starring the eccentric and lively Lady Darling, Irene Colchester, Dowager Marchioness of Darling has reluctantly returned to society to sponsor a friend’s daughter for the season. It’s nine years after the death of her beloved husband Edward, 

The unusual Lady Darling feels that now she’s fifty others will make allowances for her idiosyncrasies. Mind you her French modiste Claude keeps designing her dresses with a low décolletage—the discussion about this is hilarious.

As Lady Darling is not in her dotage no-one believes her. She’s as sharp as she ever has been.

Lady Irene had an unusual childhood having been the daughter of a ship’s captain. This accounts for her straight thinking, and no nonsense approach to things, and a few other odd characteristics, like uncouth expressions.

Lady Darling’s re-entry to the social scene is noted by all. She had conveniently retired to the country after seeing that all her offspring had been married (for love). She’s reluctant to re-engage. But a close friend has asked Irene to sponsor her daughter’s come out into society. 

Her charge’s introduction will be at the Enfield Ball. It’s been four years since the event was held. Then shockingly, the death of the hostess’ husband occurred. 

There’s a host of delightful characters. I’m much taken by Barth, her new carriage driver who provides the least comfortable rides in the kingdom. Then there’s the mysterious “Wall of Man”, and so many others.

Within the space of a few days, two of the men she meets at a select dinner are murdered. One at the dinner and one at the theatre.

Lady Darling decides to take up detecting, like Sherlock Holmes. After all she is a friend of Conon Doyle’s. The games afoot!

A witty and amusing read!

An Oliver Herber Books ARC via NetGalley.                                              

Many thanks to the author and publisher.