The Secret Staircase

Victorian Village Mystery Series, Book 3

By: Sheila Connolly

Narrated by: Emily Durante

Kate Hamilton is feeling good about her plans to recreate Asheboro, Maryland, as the Victorian town it once was. Even two recent murders aren't enough to discourage her: After she helped to solve them, she put them behind her.

Now comes the time to make real plans, and her first goal is to renovate the Barton Mansion on the outskirts of town. Luckily, it's been maintained in good condition in the century since the wealthy Henry Barton lived and died there. But when the contractor gets started, he discovers a staircase that had been walled in years earlier. And of course, given the way Kate's luck has been going, there's a body on the stairs.

After the first shock, Kate is relieved when the autopsy reveals that the man had died around 1880. Unfortunately, it also reveals that he had not died a natural death - he had been murdered.

So Kate and Carroll Peterson, who Kate had drafted to sort through Henry Barton's papers, start a hunt to identify the man and why he died at the Barton Mansion. But when a second body is found - this time from the present day - Kate realizes that someone may not be so keen on her digging up the past....

©2021 Sheila Connolly (P)2021 Tantor

series ended too soon

even though I found it a little more difficult to get into this one than the previous 2 books I still felt a sense of loss when I realised it doesn't continue past this point.
I had been finding the historical details very interesting and the present day plots adequately engaging.
Also, the writing is of a good level even if the narration is a little bland (more sleep story level, which doesn't really do the story justice imo)

Nice way to teach about Victoriana

It was a good listen and a nice way to teach about Victorian times. The mystery themes are an added bonus.

Loved it!!

I’m really enjoying this series. It has mystery and a bit of comedy and an intriguing maybe love story? I’m glad Ms Connolly didn’t got to the routine “lost love reunited”. He descriptions easily put transport me to the many locations in the story. I’d definitely recommend this series!!

Great love story

I loved this book and couldn’t put it down. This was the best story out of the series.

Wonderful Cozy Series

I have really enjoyed listening to this series. The mysteries keep me engaged, and the characters are relatable. The narrator does a great job, too.

Good read!

Very interesting. Held my attention throughout. The reader was great!. I look forward to her next novel!

Second listening

I got about 20% in and realized I had already listened before but was enjoying the telling so listened again.

Good story

I’ve listen to the other 2 books and enjoyed them. This book did not disappoint. I’m glad I listened to them in order(like a continuing saga). I look forward to more books from this author .

The end??

I like the history and old homes. So I can follow story of house. Too bad it's the last of series. Would like to see more of the series. Time to move on. What's next???

Bad

I don't like writing bad reviews, but this is the worst series I've ever listened to.
The story had great potential, but it never happened. I bought book 1, then book 3 hoping to advance the story enough to be interesting. I just wish I could return Both Books.
The narrator was a boring reader, but to be fair, you can only work with what is written.
I recommend Not wasting a credit on this series.