I love historical mystery novels so this one sounded just right for me, especially with the line “most joyful book” in the description. Sadly, this one just wasn't for me. I found the writing stilted, the pacing slow, and the actions of the leading lady a tad implausible for the era. There is a decidedly modern voice echoing through which may not bother other readers but which I found jarring.

The mystery is there but not in the usual focused way of a cosy mystery. where it is central and unfurling, this is more a growth path and reflection through discovery.

The romance alluded to is there but barely, not a negative for me but worth clarifying if you think this is going to be that kind of book.

It is a debut and I always think that writing and publishing a book is an immense achievement, Hannah Dolby is to be congratulated. I think a clearer back cover description would help readers who will enjoy this one find it easier!

Completely loved this historical mystery and read it in one sitting! I loved the feistiness of Violet who strives against the conventions of her time (1896), and yet is hugely vulnerable due to the mystery of her mother's disappearance ten years previously. Violet's innocence of the 'real' world, along with the necessary social conventions, creates some hugely funny scenes which had me truly chuckling to myself. I loved the dual detective aspect of the novel and how all the threads came together at the end. Loved the book, loved Violet and would definitely want to read more if Dolby decided to write a sequel!

**Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read an advanced e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own **

Delightful romp with a wee bit of romance destined to charm fans of Miss Scarlet and the Duke and Deanna Raybourn. Violet is deciduously irrepressible and this will make for a fab series!

1896 was not a good time for a lady and certainly not for Violet Hamilton.
28 years old, a spinster, outspoken but still hemmed in by antiquated rules
of decorum and blighted in the eyes of local society because her mother the beautiful
flirty woman that shewas has just disappeared.

Nearing the tenth anniversary of her disappearance Violet is determined to get to
the bottom of the mystery. There is a lot of pressure on the hapless Violet. Her
father has started bringing a series of ineffectual and vapid young men as suitors,
hoping one of them will take Violet offhis hands, his hope is that he himself
wants to get married.

After a disastrous interlude with the detective in town, whom Violet instinctively
distrusts (but cant get out of his clutches) she appeals to the honest Mr Blackthorne
for help. He is dragged into it much against his will but the entire story ends
well for all.

The hypocricy of the age, with its well delegated rules and roles for each gender
heavily in favor of the males does not make for pleasant reading. It is however what
it was. To have to navigate that and come out victorious one had to choose one's battles.
That is what Violet strove to do. A bit slow at times, this was Victorian romance and
life well written about

I loved this seaside tale of a would-be detective! This was the perfect, light-hearted, period read. Violet is a larger than life but very likeable character and I loved the way she put off her suitors and the charities she said she volunteered for, they genuinely made me laugh. I really enjoyed this, more for Violet and her relationships than the actual mystery at the heart of it. I would definitely read further adventures of Violet, lady detective. Highly recommend.

This is a charming story of a woman looking for answers about her mother's disappearance, and maybe finding love in the process.

In 1886, Lily Hamilton disappeared without a trace.
Is she dead?
Was she kidnapped?
Or did she simply choose to walk away from her husband and daughter, Violet?
After 10 years, Violet is determined to find out the truth, no matter how hard the news might be.

Violet was an interesting heroine. She doesn't follow the expectations of other women during that time period, something her father believes has kept her single. Her determination to do things her way, screw the norms, is what made her intriguing. While she is a bit odd with her interactions with men, it is interesting how things played out along the way.

The case about Lily's disappearance didn’t seem very dire, but how the detective, Frank Knight, handled the case was very suspect. Raising warnings for Violet, she seeks out her own answers and comes to learn she has a knack for detective work. And her persistence ultimately gets her the answers about her mom she'd been looking for so long. That revelation about her mom was surprising, not just in the details of what happened, but how Violet handled it. A little underwhelming, imo.

This isn't a genre I normally read, historical romance, but Violet’s awkwardness and independence made the storyline an entertaining one.

No Life for a Lady is a cute historical fiction mystery book that I was completely wrapped up in. I absolutely loved our main character Violet as she navigates being an independent ‘spinster’ and her determination to complete all the tasks thrown her way and unravel the mystery of her mother’s disappearance 10 years ago. This is an easy read which I found to be very heartwarming and enjoyable. Perfect for fans of cozy reads!

The cover of this book drew me in, so gorgeous! A historical fiction mystery with romance as a sub plot, it was an enjoyable read. The settings were beautiful, and although I guessed the mystery early on and found the ending predictable, I still enjoyed the read.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in return for my honest review.

Romance and mystery. Two elements I love which were pulled together nicely in this book. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book.

This sounded like a book I'd love, but it was a bit of a slog, sadly. It took a long time for me to get pulled in, and then it was a challenge to stay there, as some plot points seemed to drag. The mystery was interesting, but the romance angle felt forced. I think the story could've benefitted from removing that. I did enjoy the time period, as well as the fact that the lead is a female detective. I liked that it was atypical for a woman of that time.

This was one I enjoyed reading and loved the characters! I felt it was well written too. Thank you for the advanced copy.

No Life for a Lady by Hannah Dolby tells the story of Violet, whose mother went missing ten years before the book begins. To mark the anniversary, Violet engages a detective in an effort to find out what happened to her mother. It is set in Hastings in 1896 and promised much. However, I found the writing stolid and was not able to engage with Violet. There will inevitably be others who disagree, but this book was not for me.

No Life for a Lady by Hannah Dolly

This is a delightful book which engages you more and more as you get into the story. It’s 1886 in England, so customs rule what young, single ladies are allowed to do. Violet, now 28 years old, does not want to marry, but wants to be a Lady Detective.

Curious about her mother’s disappearance without a trace, Violet hires a detective to help her find her mother. It’s been ten years, but Violet is sure she’s alive.

Violet’s growth throughout the story is heartwarming. It’s interesting to see the changes society and women have gone through since these times until now. Luckily for us, Hannah Dolly has written the story in modern language.

A solid four star novel for anyone liking a fun detective romp with many twists and turns, I thank #BloomsburyPublishingPlc and #NetGalley for this ARC for my review.

Only the worst curmudgeon would fail to be totally enchanted by Violet Hamilton!

It's 1896. Violet, 28, lives with her father and is busy resisting his attempts to marry her off. Violet is underwhelmed by any of the candidates and has determined she will not marry. As the novel progresses, she realises that there are far more interesting things she could be doing. Like becoming a Lady Detective.

Her main goal is to find out more about her mother, who disappeared 10 years ago. But as a detective-in-training, there's plenty of demand for her skills and opportunties to hone them.

This is a wonderful, wonderfully-written novel. It's lighthearted but clever. Set in 1896 but with a sassy heroine with a modern style. It feels neither old-fashioned nor anachronistic. There's something of the Zuleika Dobson about Violet, but the real charm of this novel is in the story, plot, pacing and dialogue. It's funny and deceptively light.

I really hope this is just the first of many novels about Violet Hamilton!

An absolutely brilliant book, I loved this story which had me laughing out loud at times. Cannot recommend this highly enough, just so good!
Violet wants to find out what happened to her mother who disappeared 10 years ago. She appoints a detective and then decides to do some detecting of her own. Violet is hilarious, and as the story unfolds the reader learns more about her and her family.
This is an engaging read ,with a mystery at its heart. The characters are well written and you find yourself really hoping that things work out for them. Violet is so funny, her little quips and the insights the reader gains into her thoughts are laugh out loud hilarious. A brilliant read I thoroughly enjoyed this story.

4 stars / This review will be posted on goodreads.com today.


In 1896 a young woman is expected to marry young, behave like a lady, and pursue interests such as charitable work. An unmarried woman of 28 is considered a spinster, unlikely to ever marry, and certainly not expected to work. Especially as a detective. But Violet is not your average Victorian woman.

Violet’s mother went missing ten years earlier. Her father has avoided most any talk of her mother, and Violet has missed her terribly. While she knew her parents fought, she did not think that her mother would simply abandon her. Most suspect that she is dead. Violet is sure that she’s not. So she hires a local detective to look for her mother. Only he’s a smarmy man that treats her as though she’s brainless. Not what Violet expected.

When Violet finds another detective’s ad in an old newspaper, she chooses to approach him about taking over the investigation for her mother. Only he’s not so keen to do it, and in the meantime, Violet finds something else to fixate on - typing. Will Violet find her mother without jeopardizing her relationship with her father? And will she ever be taken seriously as a woman with ambition?

Along the lines of other books about quirky females, this one is a gem. It’s so hard to imagine in today’s world how restrictive life was for a woman in the 19th century. Women like Violet were not the norm - or at least not outwardly. This novel approaches subjects that would have been utterly taboo back then. It’s a fun novel, especially seeing how Violet has to carefully navigate her male-dominated existence. I really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it.

Hastings 1896 and Violet is determined to resist her fathers attempts to marry her off. Instead of a husband Violet is looking for her mother who disappeared ten years previously.

Oh this was such a fun read! A refreshing and original take on the cosy crime novel.

What a great character Violet is. Not easy to be something other than what society expects today let alone as a lady of class in 19th century England, but Violet manages it. I loved how strong willed she was and not afraid to express an opinion even when it was getting her into trouble.

Though the book touches on serious topics it is shot through with humour and wry observations.

The writing is great, creating a really good sense of what life would have been like for a Victorian woman of Violets class.

Come along with Violet as she hunts for the truth about her mothers disappearance and makes her way in a man's world- it's a journey you won’t want to miss!

Thanks to Aria and Netgalley for the chance to read an early copy

Definitely the next Dear Mrs Bird! It is a wonderfully joyful book. Like a big hug. Already been recommending it to my friends and family.

This is an historical fiction read which is set in 1869 where a young woman has the strength and courage not known to women in these times. Not wanting to marry is not heard of and wanting to find her mother who disappeared long ago is the only thing on her mind.

This is a book that drew me in from the start and I really enjoyed the great writing, the quirkiness of the story, the humour and the ease at which I read it. It is entertaining, has great characters, is a refreshing read but also has the intrigue and story of a wonderful book.

I really enjoyed it and would highly recommend as it is a book the will draw you in and and make you glad that you read it.

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher/author for this ARC for an exchange for an honest review.

Really a great read, enjoyed it