Time for another historical mystery review! At this point, I’m really only up-to-date with this series and Sherry Thomas’s “Charlotte Holmes” series. There’s just not enough time in the day to get to all of the books I want, and, unfortunately when push comes to shove, I’ll often prioritize SFF over historical fiction and mysteries. But I do seem to be able to manage to keep up with these two series. I was particularly interested in this latest Lily Adler book due to the fact that while I had enjoyed all of the books up to that point, I had real problems with the latest one. So in my mind, the quality of this latest book would be really telling for my continued enjoyment of the series! And I’m happy to report that while we may not have recaptured the highs of the first book or two, this one is a solid entry in the series and enough of a return to form to ensure my continued reading of these books.

There was a lot to like in this new Lily Adler book. For one thing, I really love this style of mystery, where a large group of suspects (and victims!) are trapped in a location together and must solve a murder. The format allows for a large cast of characters, tons of red herrings that are believable, and much emphasis placed on interpersonal relationships, something that I always focus on in my reading. I also enjoyed the exploration of the group dynamic, which we see done expertly here. As Lily and her companions go longer and longer trapped together in this house, we see the breakdown of conventions and norms, the reduction of individuals to their more basic instincts, and the tendency for people to circle the wagons and “other” anyone who doesn’t fit within strict definitions of right and wrong. For her part, Lily Adler sweeps through these tensions with grace and a practical eye for how these dynamics can relate to guilt and innocence, misplaced fear or rightfully felt concern to hide one’s involvement in a crime. I also really enjoyed the fact that while I was able to piece together some clues to the mystery, there were many other twists and turns that I didn’t spot coming!

I also really enjoyed the continued interpersonal and romantic dynamics. In the previous book, a new love interest was introduced, and while I didn’t have any issues with this character on his own, I was already firmly in the corner of Lily and Jack. So of course I was beyond pleased when Jack himself returned in this book and played a fairly central role. But I also was surprised by how much I enjoyed the continued exploration of Lily’s relationship with this other suitor. The relationship took a few surprising turns, and I was impressed by the way the author used this relationship to highlight the true choices that women faced in this time, even when partnered to a good man by every definition.

I also really enjoyed meeting some new characters, notably Jack’s younger sister Amelia who plays a central role in this story. We also get some POV chapters from her, which I very much enjoyed. Fans of the series are sure to enjoy this one!

Rating 8: All in all, this was an excellent entry in the series. I was glad to see the return of fan favorite characters, and was pleased to see an improvement in the mystery itself.

(Link will go live Sept 8)

An intriguing, mystery in the style of a locked room mystery. Lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing (although I did work it out before the reveal) it was still very entertaining as was the romance element where Lily nearly chose the wrong man. A great addition to the series and I can't wait for the next. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Lily Adler has been a widow for some time but has decided to return to Hertfordshire to spend time with her in-laws. At a neighborhood ball, she learns that her good friend, Captain Jack Hartley has made the decision to resign his commission with Her Majesty’s Navy. She also discovers that there has been some scandalous gossip has been spread about Jack’s younger sister, Amelia, and a man named Gregory Edison. However, Amelia refuses to tell anyone what is going on.

Unfortunately for some of the guests, a severe snowstorm forces many of the guests, Lily, the Hartleys, and Edison included, to hunker down overnight. In the morning, Edison’s body is found outside in the poultry yard, having been shot.

Lily agrees to assist the investigation, mostly to assist her friends, but also to prevent the chances of another murder.

Murder at Midnight is number four in Katharine Schellman’s Lily Adler Mystery series. It is not necessary to read the previous books (I had only read number three) as the author provides enough background without other spoilers. Whether you have read them or not doesn’t matter, as the reader is gripped immediately within the pages. The investigation, motives, suspects, and red herrings all give the novel a fast but steady pace.

Overall, I rate this novel 5 out of 5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books, for the free digital book in exchange for a review.


Murder at Midnight is an enthralling narrative centered around a gathering where a group of individuals find themselves trapped due to heavy snowfall. The author adeptly introduces various diversions and false leads, posing challenges in unraveling the culprit's identity.

The inclusion of a ticking clock heightens the suspense and accelerates the pace as the characters race against time to solve the perplexing murder mystery.

Lily Adler, the protagonist, possesses an extraordinary gift for keen observation that surpasses others' perceptions. Despite facing societal constraints as a woman, she exhibits astuteness and empathy in her relentless pursuit of answers.

One aspect that particularly captivated me about this book is its incorporation of a historical timeline, which adds layers to the narrative. Moreover, intricate interrelationships among characters serve as an engaging backdrop. Above all else, Lily's unwavering determination to preserve her autonomy—even if it means forsaking conventional family life—imbues an intriguing dimension to this mystery.

"Perfect for fans of Deanna Raybourn and Ashley Weaver, when a body is found shot to death after an unexpected snowstorm, Lily Adler quickly realizes that some people will stop at nothing to bury their secrets.

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."

Does anyone else horde Christmas books like a festive dragon for their holiday reading? Because if not, you should. You should also put this book on your list.

I really enjoy this Regency-era series about a widow, Lily Adler, solving murders. She’s a great heroine and I like how the men in her life all respect her abilities and yield to her to investigate the mystery.

This one had a little of an Agatha Christie feel to it as characters are trapped by a snowstorm in a country house where a murder has taken place. So we know that the murderer has to be one of the characters at the party. Add in that Lily’s friends are the chief suspects for the murder. And there is a bit of a subdued romantic plot underlying the story. It was a very fun read that I highly recommend.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

A really enjoyable and well written murder mystery. I have not read the other books in this series but was still able to get into the story and get a good feel for the characters.

The actual detective part of this story was very well done. I partly figured out who had done it a chapter or so before Lily but was suprised by the little plot twist added in.

Really recommend it and will definitely read the other books asap!

Fourth in the Lily Adler historical mystery series, this book finds young widow Lily visiting her late husband’s family in the country for a Christmas holiday party. She is reunited with her friends Captain Jack Hartley (a friend of her late husband’s and a recent sleuthing partner) and Matthew Spencer (a widower with children who has recently been involved in a romantic liaison with Lily). As the weather deteriorates and forces a snowstorm stranding, the body of a guest who was rumored to be scandalously involved with Jack’s younger, unmarried sister Amelia is found and signs point to her as the murderer. Jack and Lily team up to exonerate her and bring the killer to justice, but things grow increasingly tense as secrets are kept and motives are discovered.

This was a wonderful addition to the series. I love that Lily’s character is a strong, intelligent young woman and that we are watching her grow and come into her own with each installment. I especially liked this book as it moves a romantic arc along to a bit of a surprise conclusion.

Entertaining, smartly plotted and compelling characters make this a new favorite mystery series for me.

My sincere thanks to the author, NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing the early arc of Murder at Midnight for review. The opinions are strictly my own.

The mystery stands alone, but you’ll be more invested in the characters if you’ve read the series. For those upset by his absence in the last book—Jack is back! Matthew is fine, but there’s a formula we expect when a potential love interest is introduced in book one.

Lily Adler is looking forward to a quiet Christmas away from the schemes and secrets she’s seen in London as she visits her late husband’s family. They’re snowed in and, of course, murder and intrigue will follow her.

I was distracted by the frequent POV shifts to Amelia, Jack’s sister and murder suspect. I thought it was a little lazy to give us info from her pov when she hasn’t been a main character. Lily’s our narrator for a reason. Seeing her solve things is lost if we get half the backstory from a new minor character. That really put me off for what was otherwise a good addition to the series.

Let’s hope Captain Jack Hartley stays in the picture this time.

I love Deanna Raybourn books and Katharine Schellman's books have a similar flavor: time period, strong female protagonist bucking traditions, murder mystery. All a recipe for a delightful read, and I was not disapopinted at all. The characters Schellman created in this mystery were all incredibly unique with motivations that made them apt suspects. I love the heroine and her relationship with the men in her life, which is as unconventional as she likes it to be. I didn't figure out the mystery too soon, which I also appreciated: a well-hidden answer that pops up at just the right time. I look forward to more of Shellman's books in this series.

Murder at Midnight is book four in Katharine Schellman's Lily Adler Mystery series, but is easily read as a standalone.

Set in rural England in 1816, Lily is drawn into the mystery surrounding the death of a fellow attendee at a ball where many of the attendees were stranded after a sudden snow storm. The investigation is complicated by the fact that the accused is someone Lily is close to, so she is determined to prove their innocence.

I was not familiar with this series prior to reading Murder at Midnight, but it easily read as a standalone even though many of the characters had been introduced in previous books. In addition to the mystery, there is a bit of a romantic subplot that appears to be threading through the entire series but it's not the main focus of the story.

Being a big fan of historical romance, and especially those set during the regency period the setting really appealed to me. There was a nice range of characters in the story, it was interesting seeing how they all interacted. Identifying the perpetrator was not an easy task, but if the reader pays close attention there are clues along the way and you may be like me and make a good guess, although I still was not sure until very near the end.

I don't come across many mysteries set in this period, and I really enjoyed this one. I'll be looking for the previous books and watching for new entries in this series. I recommend Murder at Midnight if you enjoy mysteries, or historical romance with a bit of suspense.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.
2023 addition to the Lily Adler Regency mystery series. Christmas themed.
I do like this series, as Lily is an interesting character, and as an independent widow seems to lead a more interesting life than a lot of Regency protagonists. Her relationships with family and friends are realistic, and made a good base to whatever mystery she gets caught up in.
She's visiting the family of her late husband over Christmas with an assortment of friends and neighbours, and the local rake turns up dead in the stableyard - Lily undertakes to try and solve the mystery while everyone is trapped by a major snow storm.
(I am not a fan of lockdown mysteries as I think Agatha Christie pretty well covered them.)
There's some character revelations, and we'll have to wait for the next book to see how it turns out.
Would recommend to fans of Stephanie Barron, or non-romance Regency buffs.

Murder at Midnight by Katharine Schellman is a festive murderous Regency period novel chock full of secrets, scandal, romance and various relationships. Set in London, Lily Adler who has lost her beloved Freddy visits Freddy's family and special friend Captain Jack Hartley. Lily's presence draws murders like bees to honey so it shouldn't be any great surprise when a body is found during a snowstorm. Jack's sister Amelia is in the wrong place at the wrong time and some grow suspicious of her and others. While trying to find the killer, red herrings pop up and the past enters the scene. The snippets of romance add interest and balance.

The author writes with wit, vim and energy and the pacing of the book is lively...er...deadly. A few of the characters are likeable, others not, and I like the balance. Isolation mysteries appeal to me and I appreciate clever plotting bits.

If you're in the mood for an uplifting winter or Christmas whodunit set in the Regency period, this may be for you.

My sincere thank you Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this charmer.

Murder at Midnight by Katherine Schellman
Publisher Crooked Lane Books
Release Date September 19, 2023


Characters: 5/5
Plot: 4/5
Pace: 4/5
Suspense: 5/5
Overall Enjoyment: 4/5

It is 1816 and Lily Adler is truly seeking a quite Christmas with her late husbands family at their exquisitely lavish country home. And with her is her friend Captain Jack Hartley, who was Lily’s late husband Freddy’s best friend. Yet things usually do not always go as planned for Lily. There is already a scandal of some sort with Jack’s sister Amelia, but she is not talking just yet There is a snowstorm and then a murder. The body is of the man who is involved in all of the gossip surrounding Amelia so all eyes befall on her immediately. With tensions high, the guests believe it must be one of them that committed the murder because it may not have been her. No one can leave and luckily for them there is a magistrate there who works on finding clues. Lily is asked to help figure out who the killer was but everyone there has a secret. Illicit affairs or trying to swindle someone out of something. CanLily help find the killer before the snow let’s up?
This being the fourth in the series, I do think it can be read as a stand alone. The author does a great job with the historical facts and descriptions. The characters are developed and really make the book more interesting. I did feel that there were times the pace was slow and at others rushed.

4 stars for this one

Thank you to NetGalley as well as the author and publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my unbiased and honest review

A wonderful winter escape with Lily! I loved my time with this story and characters. Well plotted, atmospheric, and engaging read.

A twisting, sinister addition to the Lily Adler Mystery series. And Jack is back! Huzzah and hooray! Lily’s sleuthing just isn’t the same without him. I love a house party whodunnit, and this book is an excellent example of the genre.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

Murder at Midnight is book 4 of the Lily Adler mystery series. I must say I requested it because I absolutely loved the festive cover and the time when the story is taking place. The Regency ambiance and the very elegant writing style instantly made me think of Jane Austen. The plot is interesting, but the pace was a bit slow-moving. I think the major drawback with starting the series at book 4 is you have more trouble telling all the characters from one another. I think I would have a much better appreciation of this intricate, but beautiful narrative tapestry if I start from book 1 and work my way back to this one.

This is an exciting addition to the Lily Adler series. I liked the dynamic of an accidental house party. As with many such gatherings, secrets and intrigue are aplenty, but the unexpected circumstances and uncertainty of its duration ratchet the tension way up. Throw in an unsolved murder and the whole thing is a social powder keg ready to explode.

I loved seeing Lily interacting with some of her in-laws. Even after Freddy’s death, it’s very clear that they still consider Lily to be one of their own and are invested in her happiness and well-being. Lady Adler is a total Boss. It was fun to see her take charge of the other guests and her attempts to play matchmaker for Lily. Sir John can be a little blustering and even naive sometimes, but I found him very endearing.

As with the rest of the series, this book features dual limited third person narrators. Just like the earlier books, the story is mostly told from Lily Adler’s POV, but this time around the other narrator is Amelia Hartley, Jack’s younger sister. Although I like Amelia a lot as a character, I wish someone else had been the other POV person for this book. As one of the prime suspects, Amelia’s involvement with the investigation is extremely limited. I feel like Sir John or Lady Adler would have added a lot more to this particular story. Also, it’s implied that Amelia will stick around for later books in the series. Since (so far) none of the secondary characters have had a repeat POV book, this means we probably won’t get another peek into her mind. This is a shame because Amelia is just beginning to explore herself and her personal identity. I suspect she will grow a lot in future books. To be clear, I still enjoyed the book a lot, I just didn’t agree with this particular creative decision.

I like the cover and the basics of the plot were interesting to me. I enjoy reading Regency novels and books set at Christmas.

Murder at Midnight by Katharine Schellman is an enthralling mystery novel set in Regency England, boasting an intricate plot, well-developed characters, and an atmospheric backdrop. The story follows Lily Adler, a widow seeking a tranquil Christmas at her late husband's family home with her confidante, Captain Jack Hartley. However, scandal follows them, and a shocking murder occurs during a snowstorm-trapped Christmas ball. Racing against time, Lily and Jack must unravel the truth to save Jack's sister, Amelia, from false accusations. The book's strengths lie in its pacing, masterfully crafted mystery, and skillful character development. While some readers might find it difficult to keep track of numerous characters, the historical detail and engaging narrative make it a captivating read for fans of the genre.

In addition to the gripping mystery, Murder at Midnight delicately weaves in a sweet romance that enhances the characters without overshadowing the plot's suspense. Schellman's attention to historical accuracy shines through, immersing readers in the upper-class Regency setting and manners. Although some deviations in language and sentence structures from the era might distract historical purists, the overall enjoyment of the story remains intact. As part of a series, the book can be enjoyed as a standalone, as the author artfully includes references to past events, making it accessible to new readers. All in all, Murder at Midnight is a compelling and well-crafted mystery that will captivate enthusiasts of the genre, delivering an engrossing tale with rich historical detail and a thrilling, convoluted puzzle to solve.

My in-depth review will be posted online closer to release date