AN ESTHER HARDY VICTORIAN MYSTERY (BOOK 1)
When murder comes calling, a spinster gets a life.
Victorian England, 1861. Marry or become a governess. These are the choices for Esther Hardy—and neither option appeals. So when a dying woman turns up on her doorstep, Esther plunges into a life of danger and potential romance.
The tragic victim was long suspected of killing her aristocratic lover. Now, eleven years later, she herself has been murdered in a brutal attack. To unmask the killer, Esther must battle both underworld villains and secretive elites. How is the enigmatic gentleman she keeps encountering connected to the dead woman? Is he trying to help or hinder the inquiry? And why is Esther strangely drawn to him?
Unfortunately, no one can ever be safe in a treacherous city where the lies people tell create as much murk as the London fogs. If Esther’s skill and luck hold, she will protect her family and emerge as a powerful woman detective. Or die trying.
From the author of the John Chase/Penelope Wolfe Regency mysteries comes the first installment in a compelling amateur sleuth series.
“A smart, independent heroine supported by her tightly-knit family, a principled hero with a painful past, and a murderous trail through Victorian London’s fog-shrouded streets… underpinned by a vivid sense of history. This is a novel to savor! More adventures for Esther Hardy, please!”
—Stephanie Barron, author of the Jane Austen Mysteries
“Rizzolo whisked me away from reality and dropped me into Victorian-era England. The vivid depictions breathed life into the scenes, making me feel like I was right next to the cast, watching the scenes unfold… I was hurled into a world of deceit, betrayal, sacrifices, greed, blackmail, cold-blooded murders, family drama, and so much more.”
—Keith Mbuya, Readers’ Favorite
“In Victorian England, a young woman who would rather solve crimes than do as society wishes is my kind of everyday heroine. Rizzolo’s amateur sleuth, Esther Hardy, is original, captivating, and intelligent, making the start to her next series entertaining and full of promise. Safe in Death is filled with crime, secrets, and their meticulous undoing, but as well with a little romance and so much heart. Highly recommended for any book clubs or one’s own winter hibernation mystery reading marathons!”
—Erin Al-Mehairi, author, editor, and owner at Hook of a Book
“Esther’s relationships power a story that remains vividly compelling throughout…Safe in Death features far more depth and detail than most, while maintaining a lively countenance that will attract and hold the interest of leisure readers.”
—D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
“Esther Hardy is a formidable heroine who will, no doubt, have a future as a strong female detective.”
—Suzanne Epstein, Thursdays are Murder Club
“What an outstanding plot with wonderfully rich historical details. The mystery is layered and fast paced. There are twists and turns throughout that kept me turning the pages… The characters are well developed, and I immediately liked independent, intelligent and brave Esther. She is just the kind of sleuth I love to root for, especially living in a time in history where many women were meant to be seen and not heard.”
—Sarah Erwin, Kings River Life Magazine