Of Manners and Murder

Dear Miss Hermione, Book 1

1885, London, England. When Violet's Aunt Adelia decides to abscond with her newest paramour, she leaves behind her role as the most popular Agony Aunt in London, Miss Hermione, in Violet's hands. And of course, the first letter Violet receives is full, not of prissy pondering, but of portent: Ivy Armstrong is in need of help and fears for her life. But when Violet visits the village from which the letter was posted, she finds Ivy dead. Soon Violet discovers that when you represent the best-loved Agony Aunt in Britain, both marauding husbands and murder are par for the course.

©2023 Anastasia Hastings (P)2023 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Absolutely delightful

Enjoyed the plot and the relationship between the characters. Looking forward to more of these

Victorian Lady if Letters and Murder

An entertaining premise introduces an independent and intelligent Victorian Miss Violet who unexpectedly inherits a popular Agony Aunt advice column. Additionally she is responsible for keeping track of her 16 year old egocentric half sister, Sephora.
Violet is immediately concerned by the the Dear Hermione letter from a young bride named Ivy Armstrong who believes someone is trying to kill her. The story is reasonably fast paced, well plotted and includes several intriguing characters.
Violet's determined pursuit of the killer inadvertently ties with the secret paramour courting the self absorbed Sephora. The characterization of her half sister was so effective I found myself grinding my teeth with irritation.
Overall a descent introduction to a new Victorian mystery series. Historical detail featuring a strong female investigator, murder and the possibility of romance Lay's the premise that will hopefully be developed more strongly as the series progresses.

Charming!

The characters are so lovable and the mystery itself is engaging. I truly enjoyed this book and look forward to the next in the series.

Great story and Performance!

Good story, excellent narration, and CLEAN! Strong female character, but not rabid feminism. Well done, Ms. Hastings! I can’t wait to hear the sequel!

So sorry Beatrice!

My husband and is enjoyed this mystery equally. It spelled the miles, stunningly told by the very articulate voice of the narrator. We stepped back into a different time where sleuthing unfolds at a pace that mirrors an era and social setting. Bravo! Our heroine rises above the expectations of her class and breeding- she has an inquisitive mind and is not afraid to use it. Wonderful listen. Dietre Mc