“Nobody see’s. This is precisely the difficulty”…

The Lady Sees a Ghost (The Lady Sees…Mysteries #1) by Valentine Foster

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️          

…the words of the Dowager Viscountess Duchess Carrow to Lady Cordelia about her son’s death.

Lady Cordelia Vane is in her third season. The younger daughter of the impoverished Earl of Pendle, Cordelia endures the seasons activities by disappearing into the background. She always stands against a column from where she can silently observe the room, and to all intents and purposes be invisible.

Which is why when the wealthy Felix Carrow dies from apparent apoplexy Cordelia is nearby—and she wonders. Cordelia observes Felix in death. His vanity, the enamel box he always carries on the floor, spilling it’s contents. Cordelia hears and sees things that will later on be incorporated into the scaffolding of her investigations.

When Felix’s ghost appears to her she is both shocked and fascinated.

Felix’s mother wants Cordelia to solve the cause of his death. Was it Felix’s cash strapped Viscount brother, the wealthy young  pharmacist in love with Felix’s nearly fiancé, or someone else. Only Cordelia and Felix’s dog, Mr. Beazley can see Felix, and Mr. Beazley can’t talk! The reflection on how far a ghost can move is another interesting observation.

I love the idea of solving the puzzle of Felix’s demise by seeing the conundrum as an architect of ideas.

Cordelia’s discussions around this idea are fascinating.

Who is the killer? Why and how?

Then there’s the Bow Street officer, Mr. Gabriel Merrick who sees come to really Cordelia and acknowledge her ability to understand problems. (I look forward to seeing where their relationship might go)

A strong start to an interesting new series with some thought provoking touches.

An ARC via Booksirens                                              

Many thanks to the author and publisher.