Good book. I liked the characters and the dialogue. The story kept me interested, so it was a quick read. A good read

Lily, as independant as ever, is asked to assist in investigating while they are all snowed in. Her sleuthing skills are tested as so many people are hiding secrets.

Captain Jack (Hartley) is back from sea (Wahoo!) and his usual easy going nature is stretched thin by his sister immediately being the murder suspect. Matthew Spencer, the romantic interest, tries to spend as much time with Lily as possible... until the murder pulls her away. John Adler, Lily's brother-in-law and the magistrate, is in over his head and relies on Lily to direct the investigation and cover his missteps.

The snowstorm is well done and the growing tensions of the stranded group are drawn very well. The plot has many twists and all the secrets produce some curveballs. The writing style makes this an easy and enjoyable read that I hated to put down.

The climax had a tense and suspenseful killer confrontation, my favorite. All-in-all, another wonderfully done entry in this top notch historical mystery series.

Rating: Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list

This is very much a Clue (everyone trapped in a house together) situation and that made this murder mystery so much fun! Plot twists and just a hint of a love triangle keep it moving! Highly recommend!

If Agatha Christie and Jane Austen did a collab, it would turn out like this.
This is a long read, but worth it. The mystery is interesting, the characters engaging, the setting fun. If you're looking for a locked-room-style mystery with classic-literature-vibes, look no further.

Content: Mentions of affairs, mild cursing, off-screen violence.

I'm just enthralled by Lily Adler. She's so spunky. I'll read any of her exploits and whodunits. Historical mysteries, usually with a big twist. I promise these will change your mind about lady investigators if you aren't in love already!

A ball quickly turns into a house part held hostage after a murder happens. I really loved the protagonist in this story. I didn't realize when I requested it that it was an ongoing series. However I didn't feel confused. The author did a great job at making it new reader friendly.. I loved the holiday spirit and the mystery.

Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for access to an e-ARC in exchange for this honest review!

3.25 stars

For full transparency, even though this is the fourth book in the Lily Adler mystery series, it was my first time following the regency widow as she solves crimes and brings about justice in her own way.

Crooked Lane Books has become my #1 publisher for historical mysteries as of late, from the Lady Librarian series to Viviana Valentine. It is unsurprising that I would be drawn to yet another historical mystery from Crooked Lane, especially one set during a Christmas ball with murderer and guests snowbound together.

I thoroughly enjoyed the setting and atmosphere of this Christmas mystery. Lily, our amateur sleuth, is thoughtful and patient in her investigation, reminiscent of Rosalind Thorne (A Useful Woman) and Caroline Morton (Miss Morton mysteries). The mystery was well-plotted, and the number of suspicious characters kept me wondering how everything would end. I also appreciated the inclusion of what I would describe as a prototypical demisexual character. My rating stands, however, because I did find the pacing of the mystery slower than I typically like. I wanted to feel more invested in characters' struggles than I did, and some of the character arcs felt underdeveloped or in need of more explanation, especially those involving blackmail.

I wouldn't be opposed to trying this series again, as Christmas mysteries in my opinion tend to not be great representations of series as a whole!

This is the kind of book in a series which can also be read as a standalone because of the number of new characters in the story and the amount of background information given for all the people previously encountered.
Lily Adler is in a sort of relationship now. She is invited to a select dinner party where she knows quite a number of the other guests, if not as friends, by their reputation. I will skip ahead to the reveal just to mention that although I guessed the culprit, I was also wrong about some of the more salient facts. There was also the fact that the investigation threw some light on things that made me question my guess multiple times (like any good murder mystery should).
I was a little startled by the way Lily handled her relationship, but given the timing of someone else's timely arrival, I can see where the story is going to go. I may not have read all the books in this series, but I managed to maintain an understanding of the emotional changes in the various visits. I will not go into the mystery here solely because it is one with a closed guest list, with almost everyone being new to the scene, and that adds to the drama and forms a bulk of the narrative.
I would recommend this series to fans of the historical mystery genre. I also would like to check out the next in the series if I get the chance because there might finally be a happily-ever-after in sight to wrap things up.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

This is the fourth book in the Lily Adler Mystery series, but the first one I’ve read. Now, I definitely want to go back and read the first three books, and there’s a fifth one coming out in August 2024!

My main takeaways:

1. While there is clearly an overarching story through this series, I definitely didn’t feel alienated my jumping in at the middle. There’s enough exposition and character background woven in for new readers to enjoy this wintry, cozy murder mystery.

2. Lily Adler is such a lovable heroine and astute amateur detective. Her wit is sharp, and I found myself cheering for her and applauding her choices—of word and action.

3. The diverse cast of characters that Katharine Schellman assembles is impressive. While this story is set in regency England, the way it is told is far more progressive, as it should be in 2023. This story features empathetic representation of several marginalized groups and acknowledges the predominant misogyny, racism, classism, and homophobia of the time.

Full review posted on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5348154594

I like the way the author wrote this story. The characters were interesting and I enjoyed reading how the mystery would unfold. This is a good cozy read for the winter months.

I have not read the other books in this series and felt this book read well as a standalone. I will be going back to read the first three.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

An enjoyable holiday mystery. If you enjoy a cozy Christmas caper, this is the book for you.

Regency widow Lily Adler is looking forward to a quiet Christmastide away from the schemes and secrets she witnessed daily in London. Not only will she be visiting the family of her late husband; she will be reunited with Captain Jack Hartley, her friend and confidante, finally returned after a long voyage at sea.

But secrets aren’t only found in London. Jack’s younger sister, Amelia, is the center of neighborhood scandal and gossip. She refuses to tell anyone what really happened, even when an unexpected snowstorm strands the neighborhood families together after a Christmas ball. Stuck until the snow stops, the Adlers, Hartleys, and their neighbors settle in for the night, only to be awakened in the morning by the scream of a maid who has just discovered a dead body.

The victim was the well-to-do son of a local gentleman—the same man whose name has become so scandalously linked to Amelia’s.

With the snow still falling and no way to come or go, it’s clear that someone in the house was responsible for the young man’s death. When suspicion instantly falls on Jack’s sister, he and Lily must unmask the true culprit before Amelia is convicted of a crime she didn’t commit.

Thank you the publisher and Netgalley for the arc. All opinions expressed are my own.

I will tell you time and time again that cozies aren't my thing, and yet I greatly enjoyed this one. Goes to show you it isn't the genre, but the delivery. And the delivery was solid. I may yet pick up more of Lily's series.

I love historical fiction, even when people that look like me aren't often represented in them. I wonder why that is. Why I like them, not why East and Southeast Asians are often missing from British fiction. In any case, this one is slightly more diverse in its cast with some Anglo-Indian and LGBTQIA+ representation. Hear, hear.

This is a closed room mystery in which Lily Adler, a widow, is tasked with solving a murder and a theft. Are they related? Is there another scandal? No, and possibly yes. I don't want to give too much away. Even though I guessed the identity of the murderer, I still greatly enjoyed myself.

Murder at Midnight is the fourth Lily Adler historical cozy mystery by Katharine Schellman. Released 19th Sept 2023 by Crooked Lane, it's 320 pages and available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback format due out in third quarter 2024 from the same publisher. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

This is a nice historical mystery set in the Regency era and featuring a well rounded cast of characters, including young widow Lily Adler, up from London in Hertfordshire for the holiday season, and still in semi-mourning for her late husband. The mystery is written around a framework of real history which gives it some verisimilitude. The background research was inserted seamlessly and the whole is quite polished and engaging.

This is a limited suspect pool isolated "country house" setting, and does a more-than-creditable job of following the pattern with fair play clues, multiple twists, and red herrings in the classic style.

The writing is articulate, the narrative arc and tension are well engineered, and with a satisfying denouement. The dialogue isn't ever clunky or cringe-worthy (and for modern Regency fiction, that's saying something). There are some minor developments between the main characters which will be spoiled by having been read out of order, but nothing major. The mystery is nicely crafted and the motives for the crimes are believable (for fiction).
Four stars. Highly recommended, especially to fans of the genre. This would be a good fit for fans of C.S. Harris, Stephanie Barron, and Anne Perry.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

My favourite tropes, an isolated-locale, with a closed circle of suspects, during a snow storm no less.

This Regency period cozy mystery finds the guests at a Christmas ball on a country estate stranded by an unexpected snow storm. Their hostess puts everyone up for the night, but in the morning, one guest is found murdered.

Murder at Midnight is the 4th book in the Lily Adler Mystery series, but it can most definitely be read as a stand-alone. Lily Adler is our amateur sleuth, and when her friends sister is implicated in the death, and then her friend confesses to save his sister, Lily must figure out who was truly responsible for the death.

This book was full of intrigue and scandal. These proper Regency characters putting themselves in compromising positions just about everyone has something to hide. Which makes for an interesting who dunnit. I really did not figure out who the killer was and why until the very end.

I enjoyed the writing style, the setting, and the cast of characters in this cozy. I definitely recommend for cozy mystery fans who also like to read about the Regency era.

Book Review: A Captivating Holiday Mystery: Murder at Midnight by Katharine Schellman

⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 5 stars

I must admit, the cover of Murder at Midnight, the fourth installment in Katharine Schellman's Regency mystery series, is simply captivating. With its intricate design and alluring color palette, it immediately caught my attention. But does the book live up to its enchanting cover? In short, absolutely.

Set against the backdrop of a charming English countryside during the holiday season, Murder at Midnight introduces us to Lily Adler, a Regency widow eager to escape the scandals and secrets of London and spend a peaceful Christmastide with her late husband's family in Hertfordshire. However, as Lily soon discovers, tranquility does not always accompany the festive spirit.

At a neighborhood ball, Lily reconnects with Peter Coleridge, a friend of her late husband's who manages Irish investments and oversees a fund that many locals participate in. The gossip surrounding Jack Hartley's sister, Amelia, also piques Lily's curiosity. Amidst this web of intrigue, a snowstorm traps Lily, the Adlers, the Hartleys, and other guests overnight. When morning breaks, tragedy strikes – a guest is found shot to death in the poultry yard, and Lily suspects a scandalous connection between him and Amelia.

Schellman's writing is simply enchanting. Her storytelling flows effortlessly, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the wintry landscape and the lives of the intriguing characters. The pacing is spot-on, keeping readers engaged and eager for the next twist in the plot.

The mystery itself is cleverly plotted. Schellman expertly weaves together clues, red herrings, and unexpected revelations to keep readers guessing until the final pages. Just like Lily herself, we become entangled in the investigation, driven by our desire to uncover the truth alongside our courageous protagonist.

Speaking of Lily Adler, she is a delightfully well-developed character. As a widow navigating Regency society, she possesses a strength and intelligence that make her both relatable and admirable. Her determination to uncover the truth, even when faced with danger, is commendable. Additionally, the supporting cast is equally well-crafted, each contributing their own unique charm and depth to the story.

In Murder at Midnight, Schellman masterfully combines an intriguing mystery with a vividly portrayed historical setting. The book effortlessly transports readers to another time and place, enveloping them in a world of elegance and intrigue. This fourth installment in the series is undoubtedly a solid addition and further cements Schellman as a talented author within the genre.

In conclusion, Murder at Midnight delivers everything one could hope for in a Regency mystery – a compelling plot, well-developed characters, and an enchanting setting. Whether you are a fan of historical fiction or simply enjoy a good mystery, this book is sure to captivate you from start to finish. With its delightful blend of suspense and holiday cheer, Murder at Midnight is an outstanding addition to an already remarkable series.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Publication date: September 19, 2023

Murder at Midnight is a book I was approved for a NetGalley arc. I missed downloading it before the deadline which I rarely do. I ended up purchasing the audio version once it released and am able to give a full review although it’s a bit late!

Murder at Midnight is the 4th instalment of Katherine Schellman’s Lily Adler mystery series. It’s my first book in the series (and but this author) but I was easily able to catch up to the back story and feel these can be done stand alone!

The Lily Adler mystery series is a little Downton Abby and Sherlock Holmes mixed together with a strong female leading the way.

Lily is a recent widow in England in the early 1800’s. A time where women belong to either their parents or their husbands and should be quiet and demure. After losing her husband unexpectedly Lily is a young widow with both means and money with a strong voice within her social circle.

Lily is attending a winter ball with many others in her social circle when a snow storm forces everyone to stay with the hostess after the weather makes it impossible to leave.

The next morning a body is found in the garden and the victim was shot to death. With no one being allowed to come and go because of the storm, the friends and neighbours know that one among them is a murderer.

Lily having shown a knack for solving mysteries is pulled into the investigation by her brother in law, the county magistrate. As tempers flare the next couple of days while the group is forced to stay together, Lily desperately wants to find the killer before someone else falls victim.

I enjoyed this story and really liked the narration of the audiobook. This would be a great series for those that enjoy cozy mysteries and historical fiction. This was a 3.5 star for me!

#NetGalley #katherineschellman #murderatmidnight

Lily Adler attends a get together with the family of her late husband. Captain Jack Hartley and his family will be attending also, as well as Lily's lover Matthew Spencer, who lets Lily know that he wants to take their relationship into more serious territory.

Lily quickly learns that Amelia, Jack's younger sister, is the subject of increasingly unpleasant gossip. Amelia's refusal to enlighten her elder brother as to the specifics, beyond some sort of involvement with a local young man, who, coincidentally, is also attending, along with his younger brother, frustrates Jack immensely.

Adding to the party are a number of other guests, including an acquaintance of her dead husband. All seems well, till the young man whose name is currently tied to Amelia's in the neighbourhood gossip is found shot to death in the yard.

Lily's brother-in-law, a magistrate, asks for her assistance in determining who among the guests is the murderer, and the two proceed to interrogate everyone, as well as search guests' possessions, and generally behave in not gentle fashion, to her brother-in-law's discomfort.

I'm not surprised that Lily figured out who did it, as well as dug up all sorts of sordid details about a number of the guests. Her interactions with Jack and now Amelia, were particularly entertaining, and I love her level-headed, cool assessments of all sorts of disturbing truths about her neighbours. Lily is a great character, and I love her independence as well as willingness to persist on her investigations, despite others' unwillingness to cooperate, shock, dismay, and sometimes violence.

This is such an enjoyable series, which fleshes out the Regency period with believable diversity, while also giving us a protagonist who I'm happy to join on her investigations for years.

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

Murder At Midnight byKatharine Sdchellman

When a body is found shot to death during an unexpected snowstorm, Lily Adler quickly realizes that some people will stop at nothing to bury their secrets.

A good mystery. Can you imagine being trapped in a mansion, with many other people and a dead body. Police aren’t able to come because of snowstorm. Murderer must be among them. Snow was so deep, no one could travel. Manny twists and turns. So many characters it was hard to keep track of them.

I enjoy this series I like the characters and the mystery kept me guessing.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

“Murder at Midnight” by Katharine Schellman is the fourth book in the Lily Adler Mystery series, offering an enthralling blend of historical mystery and regency drama. With a well-constructed plot and engaging characters, it’s a compelling addition to the series. Lily Adler, a young regency widow with a penchant for solving crimes, finds herself in Hertfordshire for the Christmas season, seeking a respite from the intrigues and mysteries of London. Her late husband’s family, along with her dear friend Captain Jack Hartley, provides a comforting backdrop to the holiday season. However, the festivities take an unexpected turn when Amelia, Jack’s sister, becomes the subject of neighborhood gossip due to her secretive behavior with a man named Gregory Edison.

A snowstorm traps the party guests overnight, and when morning comes, the discovery of Gregory’s lifeless body in the snow sends shockwaves through the household. Suspicion falls on Amelia, and Lily’s investigative instincts kick into high gear. She teams up with her brother-in-law, Sir John, a magistrate, to unravel the truth and prove Amelia’s innocence. Katharine Schellman crafts a gripping locked-room mystery that keeps readers on their toes with twists, turns, and red herrings. The characters are well-defined, with their distinct personalities and motives. Lily Adler, a fearless and intelligent sleuth, is the driving force behind the investigation, and her chemistry with Captain Jack Hartley adds depth to the narrative.

The story is brimming with secrets, blackmail, and complex relationships. The author skillfully navigates the regency period’s societal norms, etiquette, and hierarchies, creating an authentic historical setting that immerses the reader in the era. “Murder at Midnight” is a fast-paced, entertaining read with a satisfying blend of mystery, romance, and family dynamics. It successfully captures the essence of regency England while delivering a thrilling murder investigation. Katharine Schellman continues to impress with her Lily Adler Mystery series, and fans of historical mysteries will undoubtedly find this installment a delightful addition to the series. With a nail-biting climax and an ending that sets the stage for future developments, it leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Lily Adler’s adventures.