From the New York Times bestselling author of Scandal Above Stairs
Kat Holloway steps out from beneath the stairs and into international intrigue, where murder and stolen treasure lurk among the upper echelons of Victorian London.
In return for a random act of kindness, scholar Li Bai Chang presents young cook Kat Holloway with a rare and precious gift—a box of tea. Kat thinks no more of her unusual visitor until two days later when the kitchen erupts with the news that Lady Cynthia's next-door neighbor has been murdered.
Known about London as an "Old China Hand," the victim claimed to be an expert in the language and customs of China, acting as intermediary for merchants and government officials. But Sir Jacob's dealings were not what they seemed, and when the authorities accuse Mr. Li of the crime, Kat and Daniel find themselves embroiled in a world of deadly secrets that reach from the gilded homes of Mayfair to the beautiful wonder of Kew Gardens.
Kat Holloway is out with Emma doing her daily shopping for the kitchen when she accidentally knocks down scholar, Li Bai Chang. Kat apologizes and later he shows up at the Victorian home in which she works. He presents her with a gift for her kindness. When the neighbor is murdered in his sleep, and they accuse Mister Li, Kat along with Daniel, her mysterious friend and love interest investigate. The staff in both houses and Lady Cynthia and her gang become involved too. .
I absolutely adore this series and the characters. Kat is as clever at solving crimes as she is at cooking for the Mayfair household. It seems Sir Jacob’s had some secrets and may have been in possession of misappropriated items of considerable value. And the mystery is afoot. Did he have it? Who knew and who would kill to possess it? What of the ladies swarming around the grieving widow? Are they helping a friend or plotting their own nefarious plans? Ashley pulled me in, in my quest for answers.
The storyline was clever and laced with interesting tidbits on cultures and the missing treasure. There are side threads as one would expect in a large household. A new housekeeper causes trouble, Kat’s secret could have her caste out and Daniel is still a puzzle. Kat’s assistant is an absolutely hoot, and the butler impressed me. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Reading updates
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Started reading
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4 May, 2019:
Finished reading
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4 May, 2019:
Reviewed