Scandal Above Stairs by Jennifer Ashley

Scandal Above Stairs (Below Stairs Mystery, #2)

by Jennifer Ashley

From the New York Times bestselling author of Death Below Stairs.

A mystery of stolen antiquities has Kat Holloway setting aside her apron once again for the intrigues of the upper echelons of Victorian London.

Priceless artwork has gone missing from the home of a wealthy baronet, and his wife stands to take the blame. When Kat's employer asks for help in clearing her friend's name, Kat trades her kitchen for the homes of Mayfair's wealthiest families. Soon antiques are disappearing not only from the extravagant households of connoisseurs and collectors, but from the illustrious British Museum.

As the thefts increase in frequency, Kat calls upon her friend Daniel McAdam, who has already set himself up in a pawnshop on the Strand as a seedy receiver of stolen goods. When a man is murdered in the shop, Kat must use all of her wits to see that the thieves are caught and justice is done.

Reviewed by Stephanie on

4 of 5 stars

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This review was originally posted on Once Upon a Chapter



I really enjoyed the first book in this series, Death Below Stairs, and wanted to continue with the series. Scandal Above Stairs by Jennifer Ashley is one of the few books I had pre-ordered this year.

Once again we are given a great cast of characters. There are a few who make repeat appearances and several new ones. Mrs. H continues to be amazing. She is steadfast and logical but Ashley continues to show us that she is a woman too. Daniel remains a mystery even though we are given a bit more about what shaped him as a person. I really can't wait to see where his story goes.

Ashley evokes a great setting. I feel like I'm right there with Mrs. H. I've never been to England and I feel like I would recognize some of the places mentioned in the books, particularly the kitchens of the wealthy. I think I'd be much more comfortable (and exhausted) below stairs than above.

The who-dun-it in Scandal Above Stairs is pretty tightly woven. Once again I didn't figure it out until it was all laid out for me. Generally I'll have some aspect of a mystery figured out before the end of the book. Ashley continues to outsmart me and I love it! With a mystery most of my enjoyment comes from the complexity of the mystery.

I really enjoyed Scandal Above Stairs and am looking forward to the third book in this series. In fact, I already have it pre-ordered and it won't be out until June!

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 28 July, 2018: Finished reading
  • 28 July, 2018: Reviewed
  • Started reading
  • 28 July, 2018: Finished reading
  • 28 July, 2018: Reviewed