December 19, 2022
Set in 1885, this witty series launch from Hastings (a pseudonym of Connie Laux, author of the League of Literary Ladies series) introduces Violet Manville, who has been living for a year in the London home of her aunt Adelia. Violet’s life is upended when her relative admits to being Miss Hermione, the author of the British Empire’s most popular agony aunt column. Adelia adds that she’s leaving immediately on a journey of undetermined duration with her lover and insists that Violet take over Miss Hermione during her absence, despite Violet’s lack of experience. That new role becomes even more unsettling when Violet reads the letter Adelia wants her to address first, from Ivy, a new bride who sought guidance earlier. Ivy’s second missive states that she suspects someone will murder her—and is accompanied by pictures of two men Ivy apparently suspects. Violet traces Ivy, but only after she has died in an apparent accident. Given the letter’s contents, Violet resolves to get justice for Ivy by turning detective. Hastings imbues her endearing lead with sufficient depth to make the plot plausible. Allison Montclair readers will be eager for the sequel. Agent: Gail Fortune, Gail Fortune Agency.
June 10, 2024
Mia Hutchinson-Shaw expertly narrates Hastings's (author of Murder of a Mail-Order Bride under the name Mimi Granger) first installment in the "Dear Miss Hermione Mystery" series, set in mid-1880s England. When she takes over her Aunt Adelia's secret position as the popular advice columnist Miss Hermione, the last thing Violet expects is to be embroiled in a murder case. The author of her first letter previously wrote to Miss Hermione asking how to best settle into her new position as a wife. The latest letter suggests that someone is trying to murder her. Using clues sent in the letter, Violet sets off in search of its author, only to find that she is too late. Investigating the circumstances of the death is made more difficult by secrets and lies, but Violet's unconventional and inquisitive nature convinces her to solve the crime. With her expressive delivery, Hutchinson-Shaw provides a lively, entertaining experience. She is skilled at differentiating each character and capturing their personality, as viewed through Violet's first-person perspective. VERDICT It's no mystery that this production will be an excellent addition to any library collection, leaving listeners eager for Violet's next adventure.--Amanda L. S. Murphy
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