This wasn't my type of story. I didn't really get into the character development and struggled with the story line.

Set in 1784, I immediately googled the heroine's name--Tiffany. The rabbit hole of what is known as the Tiffany obstacle is fascinating, many authors shy away from using it. Tiffany was the English version of Theophania, generally given to children born around Epiphany. Tiffany and her brother Uriah live in a cottage on the grounds of the Duke of Beaufort's estate, where Uriah serves as librarian. As a spinster, Tiffany cares for the house for her brother. One morning, she finds Uriah dead in his bed. She rather quickly decides to bury him in the back and take his place at the estate. The time period works well for her masquerade--face powder and wigs help disguise her. When another at the estate is found dead in a similar manner, Tiffany begins to put things together with the help of local bookseller and magistrate Samir Lathrop. The big question is how long she can keep up the charade. I was invested in all parts of the story and hope to read more about Astwell Palace.

I had a lot of fun in reading this series: witty, fast paced and entertaining.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

A Novel Disguise is the first in A Lady Librarian Mystery series by Samantha Larsen!

We follow Miss Tiffany Woodall who has just buried her half brother in the yard. She didn’t kill him! But she can’t let anyone know he’s dead because what would become of her life? So what was she to do other than to assume Uriah’s identity and work as the Duke of Beaufort’s librarian. While Tiffany is at Astwell Palace, a maid ends up dying in what seems to be the same way Uriah does. It’s up to Tiffany to figure out if it is murder! And who in the world would’ve murdered Uriah? And what are they thinking seeing “him” alive!?

This was such a fun story and I CANNOT wait for the next installment! I was lucky enough to read an early eARC of this story.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me an early ARC of this story! As always, all opinions are my own!

Miss Tiffany Woodall lives with her half-brother Uriah, a controlling, humourless man in a small cottage on the Duke of Beaufort's property. Uriah works as the Duke's librarian; Uriah had taken Tiffany in many years earlier when her fiancé died, though Uriah not particularly well off himself. He, however, did her no more favours. She kept house for him, but he constantly controlled her life, restricting her circle of acquaintances, her wardrobe, stifled her spirit, and ensured she had no money of her own.

When Tiffany finds her brother dead one morning, after having vomited himself to death, she's not sad. Her first impulse is to tell no one; his death would mean she would be turned out of the cottage, so she buries him. While cleaning off the copious mud, Tiffany meets the local bookseller (and constable) Samir Lathrop.

Tiffany decides that she needs everyone to believe Uriah is still alive, so she disguises herself as him, and heads to the Duke's palace and library. No one is the wiser, and she begins her new job, enthralled by all the books, and soon finds herself getting to know Samir better when she must fulfill the Duchess' requests for novels, which the Duke's library lacks.

Tiffany also soon sees that not all is well at the Duke's. There have been a series of small thefts of jewellery, candlesticks and the like, and Tiffany begins to suspect a chambermaid, who soon turns up dead. And before too long, a young, Black footman whom the Duke's wife has a fondness for is arrested for the murder.

Tiffany decides to investigate, and gradually uncovers infidelity, jealousy and other things behind the façade of wealth, while also having to find off the odious advances of a local rector, and friend of Uriah, while also dealing with her attraction for Samir.


I wasn't sure what to expect when I read the summary for this book, and did not expect to love Tiffany so much. She's very frustrated with her circumstances, and when presented with the opportunity, jumps in to save herself. Tiffany must not only pretend to be her brother for her own safety, but she even becomes a quick change artist, going from portraying herself, to her brother, to herself, all during at a dinner party.

The book is funny, but also doesn't shy away from the grim financial prospects for an unmarried gentlewoman with no way to legitimately support herself. I loved how the author also added in lots of historical details, and a bibliography for the naysayers who insist that only white people lived in England, when the truth is a quite different and interesting.

Tiffany begins to forge a new life for herself by the end of this book, and there are relationships she's just starting to build by the last page. This makes me hope dearly that we get more of Tiffany Woodhall reading novels and solving mysteries.

Than you to Netgalley and to Crooked Lane Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.

The premise of this book was amazing! Forty year old spinster Tiffany Woodall is wholly dependent on her half-brother Uriah. When she discovers his dead body, she immediately panics. After all, it’s his job as librarian to a prestigious duke that provides for them and allows them a cottage to live in. What’s a woman to do?

After burying him in the backyard, realizing she looks enough like Uriah to pass for him with a little powder and a wig, she decides to assume his identity, and that’s when the fun begins. There’s also a mystery to solve which suggests Uriah’s death may not have been from natural causes. As she and her new found friend Samir, the local bookseller investigate, she must assume her brother’s library position, discourage an overeager rector, keep her identity secret from Samir, avoid her visiting childhood friend, and find a murderer.

This story had everything: a cozy murder mystery, laugh out loud humor, a little romance, and enough suspense to keep me up late reading. Tiffany’s intelligence and wit made this such a fun read. I loved her budding romance with Samir and friendship with Tom, a former slave. Switching her identity back and forth between herself and her brother made for some humorous situations especially when she’s required to be two places at once! I also loved the classic gothic romances and literature references.

The mystery was well done with several suspects and motives. It kept me guessing until the end with a few red herrings thrown in. I enjoyed the way Tiffany, Samir, and Tom all worked together to discover who the murderer was. It’s a clever story cozy mystery fans will definitely enjoy.

I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are completely my own and voluntarily given.

A Novel Disguise by Samantha Larsen is a the first book in a new historical mystery series. 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.

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.

A Novel Disguise is an engaging read with a well balanced mixture of historical, romance, and mystery elements. I really liked how the romance aspects did not take over the whole story, and instead the character development and mystery aspects were the highlights of the story. Tiffany is a pragmatic and intelligent character, well aware of the dangers and possible paths her life could take if things went wrong. I liked that few characters were all good or bad, they were realistically human with good and bad aspects of their personalities and the decisions to match. I also liked the mystery created here- and even when I guessed a connection before the point was made in the book, I enjoyed watching the characters get there as well. I also liked that the author did the research, and shared what they learned about the time and place that they wrote about with the readers that take the time to read the endmatter. I look forward to following this series.

A Novel Disguise is a charming start to a new series, and I look forward to seeing where the story goes from here.

Well that started very gruesomely, with a messy death and backyard burial, setting the tone for whatever mess Tiffany was going to find herself in with the rest of the book!
I have read all the author's YA historical fiction novels and adore them completely so I was very excited to read her new adult historical fiction. I will say that I was expecting more mystery and less focus on romance when I started the story, but the two blended nicely to create a well rounded story.

Overall I found this to be a solid historical mystery with the characters as the stars of the book themselves. I was a little miffed with how the book ended since I was hoping for more (cough cough, a certain romance I was rooting for!), but I learned that this was a first in a series so that gives me hope that I can see what more will play out for this cast of characters in the future.

I adored this cozy historical mystery! Definitely keeps you wondering Who done it?! Can't wait to see what happens next!

I received an ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.

Update: There will be a sequel!

🥳🥳🥳

So since my only complaint about this book was the lack of closure, I’m bumping it up to five stars and hoping to get the arc of Once Upon a Murder!!

——

I absolutely did not expect to like it so much!

Tiffany is forty years old and she runs her brother’s house. When Uriah unexpectedly dies she realizes that she is about to lose her income and her home, so she decides to take her fate in her own hands. Since she and her brother looked very much alike, she dresses up as him and takes over his job as a librarian.

I enjoyed this book immensely, and I adored Tiffany. She had her hands full being a librarian and still running a household, while making sure nobody discovered her ruse. In the meantime she was struggling to escape the advances of the local rector while falling for the handsome bookseller/constable.

This book is a brilliant comedy with well written characters and a murder mystery. There is even a touch of romance, and isn’t it refreshing to see a forty year old heroine? Gimme more!!

I was pleasantly surprised by how well researched this story is. There’s an author’s note explaining parts that you might doubt are historically accurate, and there is even a bibliography. You don’t see it often in fiction!

The ending did not tie all loose ends and I was a teeny-tiny bit disappointed, but otherwise it was a very entertaining read. Highly recommended to all historical fiction lovers!

4.5 stars!

Thank you Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Review posted on Goodreads on the 21.03.2023.

4.5 stars

“Of all the ridiculous predicaments to find herself in.”

What a fun & original historical cozy! It’s unlike any cozy I’ve read to date, and the author’s charming writing voice immediately drew me into the story world and its characters. Murder, secrets, and books abound, and the English village setting is perfect for the drama that plays out on its pages.

We meet Tiffany right away, a spinster celebrating her 40th birthday in a most unique way – by burying her odious and recently-deceased half brother in the back yard of their cottage and concocting a desperate plan to keep him alive. Because if Uriah doesn’t appear to be dead, then Tiffany can stay in the home she loves and not be left to the community’s mercy – with the added bonus of being out from under his oppressive control. Luckily, she could pass as his twin, in appearance and mannerisms, so it’s merely a matter of dressing in his clothes & wig and showing up for his job as the Duke’s librarian – the dream job for someone who loves books as much as Tiffany does! Sounds simple enough, right? Yeah… well… “what a tangled web” and all that. Cue some comedic tight spots for our intrepid heroine, but also be prepared for your heart to swell as Tiffany tastes freedom for the first time in years.

I loved the layered exploration of prejudice and injustice, not only toward women in that time period but also by race and by class. It doesn’t bog down the story or turn it into a treatise on rights. Rather, it lends authenticity to the plot, lightly turns the mirror toward society then and now, and provides a framework for the main narrative – namely, that of murder and mystery. You see, it’s not long before Tiffany is both falling in love with the local bookseller and entangled in a murder mystery – either of which could unravel her dual identity with dire rapidity. I enjoyed watching her navigate these obstacles, juggle being two people at once, and solve at least one murder just as much as I loved the spark of a possible romance between Samir and Tiffany for future books (what did he want to say there at the end? I must know!).

Bottom Line: A Novel Disguise by Samantha Larsen thoroughly entertained me from beginning to end, and I wasn’t yet ready for it to be over when I turned the final page. In fact, I hope that it’s the first of many books to come in this series. While the murder mystery and a couple of other subplots are neatly tied up by the end, the author has also done a fabulous job of setting the stage for Tiffany’s life from this point forward and I’m dying (bad pun) to see where she takes it. There are also a couple of ramifications from the way things ended here that make me curious to see how they affect her further down the road. The mystery itself is cleverly presented, and I didn’t start to put the actual pieces together until about the same time that Tiffany did. Most of all, I loved watching her breathe in her newfound freedom even despite her need for subterfuge, and I really loved that she continued to think of others in the process.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

I absolutely buzzed through this read. I read it in 2-3 hours and in one setting because I could not put it down! Tiffany was a great character. Not many women would make the choices she did and she was so brave! The supporting cast of characters added the perfect mix to the story especially Sam and Emily. The mystery was done really well and I liked the humorous elements that were also woven in. I hope we get more adventures with Tiffany!

I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

A NOVEL DISGUISE by Samantha Larson
The First Lady Librarian Mystery

Tiffany Woodall doesn't have much in her life. At 40 years of age, she's dependent on her half-brother, a stingy, pompous man who acts above his station and tells her in so uncertain terms what she can and cannot do. Still, she lives in a lovely cottage, a perk of her half brother's employment as librarian to the Duke of Beaufort. Her world comes crashing down when she finds Uriah dead. With no money and nowhere to go she'll lose everything. Unwilling to give up her cottage, she decides that she will dispose of his body and take his place as librarian. Able to do whatever she likes for the first time in her life, Tiffany is finally free. Life, however, is still not easy! Witness to some of the unseemly behavior of some of the staff at Astwell Palace, still Tiffany is surprised when a brazen maid is found dead...poisoned. Juggling identities, bantering with the handsome bookseller, avoiding the lecherous pastor, and finding time to finally read for her own pleasure, Tiffany will also search for a killer.

What a fun trip back in time! I really enjoyed this unique mystery, and it is truly unique, from the time period and the relationships to the switching of identities. I love historicals and in A NOVEL DISGUISE readers are treated to a period in history that doesn't pop up much in mystery novels.

We're introduced to a variety of people in the first Lady Librarian mystery, most of whom have secrets and few are what they seem. People hide behind titles, be they aristocratic or by virtue of their job. Set in 1784 A NOVEL DISGUISE deals with issues relevant to society today. While progress has been made in some areas, it's a bit distressing to see many of the problems still exist. White men of privilege hold all the cards. Prejudice towards people of color and women remain. At least, as spinster myself, I can own my own home, read what I like, and don't need to be overly concerned about weevils in my flour!
Rich in historical detail (don't eat when you start reading) A NOVEL DISGUISE delivers an intricately plotted mystery with multidimensional characters. I found it a thoroughly enjoyable read, entertaining, enlightening, and thought provoking, and I can't wait to see what happens next!

A Novel Disguise by Samantha Larsen is the first book in A Lady Librarian Mystery series.

It is set in late 1700's when our MC is unmarried lady of certain who finds herself a cunundrum where she has to decide about the rest of her life and they story progresses from there. It is a blend of mystery and just a little fint of possible romance.
There are moments when I needed to suspend my belief about certain things, but the story was quite interesting and absorbing.
It is steady paced, with well portrayed characters, the dialogue was entertainentertaining and the story was well paced.
It painted a very accurate picture of society and its classes especially women's position, rules and customs of that period of history.
I liked the MC, she has sass, courage, generosity and kindness and is very likeable.
I am looking forward to reading the next installment.

Samantha Larsen (Hastings) is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine. I thoroughly enjoyed A Novel Disguise. I really loved how Tiffany was an older main character and how genuine and kind she was, as she navigated taking over in disguise as her late brother and solving the mysterious deaths around her.

The Georgian time period, in my opinion, is a little unpleasant with the wigs (and the wig bugs, yuck!), face paint, and the treatment of women and people of color. But the author does an excellent job portraying this time.

I loved the mystery part of the story and there was even some very funny parts. One part in particular (involving wig powder) had me laughing out loud. Samir was also a wonderful character and Thomas, Emily, Mrs. Wheatley; a superb cast of characters.

I truly am hoping for more books with these characters!

I received a copy from Netgalley. All views and opinions expressed are my own.

A Novel Disguise is the first in a new series by Samantha Larsen. Tiffany comes across her half-brother dead and decides to pose as him in order to keep a roof over her head. But how is one supposed to find a killer, when you are posing as the the killer’s victim? Will an innocent man be hanged for murder before Tiffany and Samir can figure out who the culprit really is and can prove it? Read A Novel Disguise to find out.
I really enjoyed reading this historical mystery, even though it didn’t grab from the very beginning. I loved both Tiffany and Samir’s characters and absolutely loved them together. I highly recommend this historical mystery to anyone who loves that type of book with a very strong female character.

I struggled with this one. The writing is choppy and could have used some editing for flow. It feels like this is a new writer, even though I know she's an established author. The pacing felt off, and although I appreciate the idea of a woman disguising herself to take her future in her own hands, this was clunky and seemed totally implausible. Even the mystery was a little half-baked, and I wasn't invested in it at all.

I did like the romantic elements here, and I was definitely rooting for Tiffany (and Mr. Lathrop), but unfortunately those weren't enough to overcome the other issues I had with this book.

I received a copy of this title from the publisher; all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. A Novel Disguise is the first entry in what appears to be a new historical mystery series. Unlike many other titles, this one is set in the 1700s and features Miss Tiffany Woodall, a 40-year-old who has spent much of her adult life acting as housekeeper for her brother Uriah. When the story opens, she discovers that he is dead when he doesn't come down to breakfast. Facing a grim future with no income, she impulsively decides to bury her brother and assume his identity. Although this part of the story is a little bonkers, the author makes the masquerade work. Uriah was the librarian at the nearby house of the Duke of Beaufort's home. Tiffany is walking a tight rope impersonating her brother while also appearing as herself and fending off the unwanted attentions of the local vicar. When a lady's maid at the duke's home dies, Tiffany finds herself determined to find justice despite learning that the young lady was not pleasant in life. Teaming up with the local bookseller, Samir who is part Indian, Tiffany works to clear one of the duke's footman when he is accused of the murder.

Overall, this was a fun read with a truly likable heroine in Tiffany. The mystery was nicely done although I was able to solve it prior to the final reveal. There is a potential romance between Tiffany and Sam that I am looking forward to watching develop in future titles. I will definitely look for the second book when it comes out and definitely appreciate the unique time period that the author has selected.

A Novel Disguise is a delightful new cozy mystery by Samantha Larsen. It’s the first of A Lady Librarian Mystery series, and if the rest are as good as this was, the series is bound to be a hit and a new favorite of mine! It’s especially fitting for those of us who enjoy historical cozy mystery books set in Great Britain.

I could tell from the description that this would be a book filled with both humor and mysterious happenings and a curious female protagonist:

“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. “

Even if I were desperate, I’m not sure I could bury someone in the back garden! I mean, maybe I would try, but Tiffany’s plan took a lot of courage! She knew that if she didn’t disguise herself as her half brother and take his place as librarian, she’d be homeless and penniless. The only thing of value that her brother owned was a diamond pin that went missing while he worked as the librarian at Astwell Palace. If she can get away with replacing him, she can casually search for the pin.

I love how easy it was for Tiffany to replace her half-brother, Uriah. It goes to show how much attention the others at the castle give to each other! Of course, maybe they knew and chose to ignore it, or they were just clueless. Her attempt to be both Uriah and herself is quite comical at times. I really love the attention to detail the author gives to how the men and women of the times dressed depending on their station in life. All of the characters were very well-written and I’m looking forward to getting to know them better as the books progress.

A Novel Disguise’s mystery is puzzling unless you pay very close attention to the little details. I enjoyed it very much, including how and why the suspect was arrested. The author definitely did her research for the characters and how each is treated according to their station and heritage. As I said, I loved the details about the clothing. I’m so glad we don’t have to wear corsets now…

I highly recommend A Novel Disguise for its quirky, well-written characters, humor, attention to detail, and its bewildering mystery. If you’re a fan of historical cozy mystery books, I think you’ll enjoy A Novel Disguise as much as I did!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

I enjoyed this very much it was georgian rather than my preferred regency but this didn't really matter as the wigs and face powder made it much easier for the disguise to work. The mystery was very interesting and quirky I felt this should have been more of a comedy than it was though. It made me smile where it could have gone much further and could have made me laugh out loud through out. It did have it' serious parts though with lots of societal injustice. However it was a fun quirky story with the love interest still to be resolved so I am hoping for more. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.