A Novel Disguise - (A Lady Librarian Mystery) by Samantha Larsen (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

When Miss Tiffany Woodall assumes the identity of her half-brother after his death, she realizes she isn't the only one with a secret to hide in this historical series debut, perfect for fans of Deanna Raybourn and Sherry Thomas.

1784 London. Miss Tiffany Woodall didn't murder her half-brother, but she did bury him in the back garden so that she could keep her cottage. Now, the confirmed spinster has to pretend to be Uriah and fulfill his duties as the Duke of Beaufort's librarian while searching Astwell Palace for Uriah's missing diamond pin, the only thing of value they own. Her ruse is almost up when she is discovered by Mr. Samir Lathrop, the local bookseller, who tries to save her from drowning while she's actually just washing up in a lake after burying her brother.

Her plan is going by the book, until the rector proposes marriage and she starts to develop feelings for Mr. Lathrop. But when her childhood friend, Tess, comes to visit, Tiffany quickly realizes her secret isn't the only one hidden within these walls. The body of a servant is found, along with a collection of stolen items, and someone else grows mysteriously ill. Can Tiffany solve these mysteries without her own disguise being discovered? If not, she'll lose her cottage and possibly her life.

Review Quotes

Praise for A Novel Disguise
"Rich with detail about life in the 18th century . . . Wildly enjoyable."
--Publishers Weekly

"Class differences, prejudice, and the lack of women's rights drive this enjoyable mystery."
--Kirkus Reviews

"Historical romance fans will be charmed by Miss Woodall."
--Library Journal, audiobook review

"Memorable characters and deftly crafted (and surprising!) plot twists make 'A Novel Disguise' a riveting read from cover to cover"
--Midwest Book Reviews

"A clever play on Regency-style novels . . . [It] will interest fans of Bridgerton."
--Historical Novel Society

"A crazy fun read . . . Everything in this debut book will make you a fan."
--Cozy Mystery Book Reviews

"A perfect beach read."
--Red Carpet Crash

"Clever, mysterious, and utterly enjoyable. A Novel Disguise by Samantha Hastings is the first in this librarian focused series. Packed with deadly schemes, conniving characters, and rich historical detail, Hastings treats the reader not only to a twisty murder mystery within the walls of a palace, but a charming romance as well. Layered and suspenseful, a fun escape!"
--B.R. Myers, author of A Dreadful Splendor

"Tiffany Woodall, who leads a cast of unforgettable and diverse characters, is a captivating, enterprising, and relatable heroine anyone would cheer for. Samatha Larsen, who obviously did impeccable research, accomplished no small task by bringing Georgian England to life while creating a mystery that was as novel as Tiffany's disguise. I can't wait to see what happens next!"
--Clara McKenna, author of The Stella and Lyndy Mysteries

"A Novel Disguise is a delightful historical mystery with a daring heroine who has no choice but to embark upon a daring masquerade in order to keep her home. With mistaken identities, romantic rendezvous, and twists that keep the reader guessing, Samantha Larsen's debut is sure to entice mystery and romance readers alike."
--Manda Collins, author of A Spinster's Guide to Danger and Dukes

About the Author

Samantha Larsen has degrees from Brigham Young University, the University of Reading (Berkshire, England), and the University of North Texas. She met her husband in a turkey sandwich line. They live in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she spends most of her time reading, eating popcorn, drinking tea, and chasing her kids.