Once Upon a Murder - (A Lady Librarian Mystery) by Samantha Larsen (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Miss Tiffany Woodall must sleuth the slaying of a footman to clear her beloved's name in the second Lady Librarian mystery, in the vein of Deanna Raybourn and perfect for fans of Bridgerton.

1784 England. Officially hired as the librarian for the Duchess of Beaufort, Miss Tiffany Woodall is through with masquerades and murders for good. That is, until she stumbles upon the frozen dead body of former footman Mr. Bernard Coram. The speed with which her peaceful new life is upended is one for the record books: the justice of the peace immediately declares her the primary suspect in the murder.

As Tiffany hunts for the truth to clear her name, she learns that Bernard got into a fight over a woman at the local pub the night of his death-but he was also overheard blackmailing Samir. The justice of the peace arrests Samir, and Tiffany realizes that her life may have more in common with a tragic play than a light-hearted romance.

With her love locked up in jail and her own reputation on the line, Tiffany must attempt to solve the murder before the book closes on her or Samir's life.

Review Quotes

Praise for Once Upon a Murder
"Larsen's characters enchant. Mystery fans who prefer their whodunits with a dash of romance will savor this."
--Publishers Weekly

"An admirable cross between a thorny mystery and a love story, with plenty of historical tidbits adding interest."
--Kirkus Reviews

"Will appeal to readers who want to be comforted by a tale in which the heroes are sure to get their happily-ever-after and the bad guys their comeuppance."
--Booklist

"Entertaining . . .The plot moves quickly with very well-developed suspense."
--Historical Novels Review

Praise for A Novel Disguise
"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

"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

"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

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.