Great mystery! It was fast paced and really engaging! I enjoyed all the characters especially the eccentric scientist with all the experiments and specimens. Really ingenious way to commit a murder! I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series. I’m excited to find out what is next in store for Raven and Merula.

RATING: 3 STARS
2018; Crooked Lane Books

I enjoyed The Butterfly Conspiracy, but it was not as good as other novels in this genre (Victorian historical mystery). I liked that the main character, Merula Merriweather, is into Zoology and defying the roles that women were expected to have in that era. The story and characters reminded me a bit of Deanna Raybourn's Veronica Speedwell novels. I really enjoy those novels, and think that this one missed the mark a bit. I did not feel as connected to the characters, but think that they will grow with the series. I'm looking forward to the next book, and trying another one by Conroy.

***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***

This was the first book I have read of Vivian Conroy and it was such a fun and unique book, following Merula Merriweather, a zoologist in late Victorian times.

Merula is definitely a different kind of character to read about in a Historical novel, plus I love nature and a good female character that just defines society's rules. But let's not just focus on Merula, the author gave us so many other characters that were very interesting, and seeing how Merula (the main character) interacted with them was intriguing, funny at times.

This isn't a Historical romance novel with drama and hot scenes. This is a Historical mystery kind of novel. It has two amazing genres that I find fascinating: Historical, in particular the Victorian times; and the mystery/crime genre, that gave this novel just enough spice to kind things going and got my attention with each chapter.

Overall, I loved the plot, loved the characters and thought it had a good pace the created the thrilling and connection with the characters and the need to figure out the truth and what truly happened. And I can't wait to read more novels in this series.

Merula Merriweather is a brilliant zoologist, but she is not the face those see in the Royal Zoology Society see. But when the one who takes credit for her work is charged with murder, she will do what is needed so that he is cleared.

Murela’s uncle Rupert is the face that all those sees when it comes to her work. But now he has been charged with the murder of Lady Sophie, a high member of the society. She can’t fathom how one of her butterflies could possibly be the cause behind Lady Sophia’s death. So, she set out to prove just that with the help of Lord Raven Royston. It won’t be easy though. With so many suspects that have actual motives to want Lady Sophia dead, the story takes off, with little clues through out.

I have to say, Merual was one intriguing woman, independent and strong for a woman from this era. Now, I really enjoyed all the characters whether big or small parts in the story, like Galileo and Lambs to help with piecing the clues together. Especially Lord Royston, was certainly an interesting man and a mystery himself, even he was so determined to clear Merula’s uncle. Together they made a great pair of sleuth detectives.

As all the pieces fall into place, it just got better as I turned the pages, and the ending was what I enjoyed the most too. I did however have a little bit of an issue about Merula being alone with the men that were helping her. This is set in the Victorian Era, a time where woman weren’t supposed to be alone with a man. Merula was definitely a rule breaker when it came to that, maybe it was a rebellious stage for her. But I really believe she wanted to clear her uncles name at any cost and for that I certainly have to give her credit.

Overall, this was such a great read, from the murder mystery to the banter between Merula and Raven. I am looking forward to seeing what trouble these two might end up in next. Fans of historical murder mysteries will enjoy this one.

I wanted to love this one but there were a few things that just didn’t work for me. I did love the setting, the pace (it was a quick read) and I thought the end was well done. I didn’t really love the characters or the writing style though. I do think that most fans of historical cozy mysteries will like this one though and should give it a try!

The synopsis sounded intriguing. However, it took a while for the novel to get started. I like Royston. He was a fun character. Merriweather was very passive. There was little character development to her. However, the mystery aspect was exciting and I loved the reveal at the end! I look forward to more and hope there is better character development.

I have had this book on my “to be read” list for a little while. And I’m kicking myself for waiting so long! I thoroughly enjoyed the story, the writing, the characters, the mystery and the historical setting. That says it all.

The Butterfly Conspiracy is a very well-plotted mystery, inspired by The Speckled Band by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and takes place in Victorian England. There are a variety of characters, including a Lord, his valet, a “mad” scientist (I loved Galileo), street people and, last but not least, a young woman who enjoys science and investigating the world around her - something that is quite unacceptable in Victorian society.

What a great book! I found myself reading a little slower as I approached the end. That’s a sure sign that I didn’t want the tale to be over. This is the first book I have read by Vivian Conroy and it won’t be my last! I’m eagerly looking forward to the next book in the Merriweather and Royston Mystery series!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book for review.

I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This Victorian mystery was a great read. It had a mysterious murder, a hint of romance, friendship, class sturggles, and of course sexism as it was back in that period in England. Our main character is Miss Merriweather who is the brains behind her uncles zoological findings, specializing in plants and butterflies. She lets her uncle take all the credit since she wouldn't be taken seriously because she's a woman. This somewhat backfires on her when she brings her latest butterfly to a zoological society meeting where a woman mysteriously dies after the butterfly lands on her. Miss Merriweather and her uncle are instantly blamed. Luckily Merula escapes with the help of Raven Royston who is somewhat of a pariah in high society but is tolerated because of his wealth. Together they become unlikely allies and team up to solve the mystery.
This one kept me guessing until the very end as well. It was clever, I loved the characters and I can't wait for the next installment to come out!

This is the first book in the Merriweather and Royston Mystery series. I've read other books by Vivian Conroy and enjoyed them so I thought I'd try this new series. It was better than I expected. It's set in the late Victorian era and the characters play against type.

Merula Merriweather raises butterflies and studies science, not something a lady of her age should be doing. When one of her butterflies escapes and a woman dies, Merula must go into hiding. She's sheltered by a kindred soul named Lord Raven, and together they try to solve the murder and clear her name.

The plot and the characters were excellent and I look forward tot he next book in the series.

Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Absolutely brilliant book, and no the butler didn't do it ☺. I had a theory that I'd enjoy this book based on the ones I've recently read by Ms Conroy, and can say absolutely she blew me away.

This book has everything, mystery, adventure, a wicked foe, I defy you to figure out who did it before the characters do, I certainly guessed wrong, our hero and heroine are truly awesome and I truly can't wait to read the next

I have read other series by Vivian Conroy, and enjoyed them but I do feel this is something a bit special.. The mystery is so well revealed and cleverly plotted and the characters are wonderfully rich and have a great depth to them. The story is fast paced but manages to beautifully describe the characters, clothing, buildings and background without seeming to stop the flow of the high drama.
The historical setting adds a great feature to the story and creates such fun situations for the main female character - not a traditional young woman! I can't wait to read more as I'm certain these two won't be able to stay away from each other or from excitement.

The start of a new series, I quite enjoyed most of this book. It did take me a while to get into it but I did overall like this book and look forward to the next one.



Miss Merula Meriweather is not pining for marriage. She would rather be inducted into the butterfly "club" in society. But she's an unmarried woman so that's not really going to happen. But she can present her work as her uncle's. Too bad her first presentation ends in death. And her uncle accused of the murder. Luckily, Lord Raven Royston is willing to lend her a hand in her investigations.



Three stars

This book came out August 7

ARC kindly provided by NetGalley

This is the first book I've read by this author. I don't read many mystery books but this one really captured my attention. My daughter also collects and studies butterflies and I saw many similarities between the work Miss Merula Merriweather, the main character and my daughter do. Merula is an unconventional young lady for her Victorian time period. She is not the usual female at balls simpering behind her fan,batting her eyelashes at gentlemen, no she does fascinating stuff, like raise butterflies. The Royal Zoological Society will not accept that a female can be accomplished in this field so she has her uncle Rupert take credit for her work. When the guest of honor dies suddenly at a zoological lecture after one of Merula's butterflies lands on her arm, who is arrested but her uncle. Much action,adventure,suspense and excitement as Merula sets out to prove her uncle's innocence but at what cost to her own safety? With the police hot on their trail and around every corner will they be able to stay one step ahead of the law and still prove her uncle's innocence? There were a lot of characters introduced in the book but the author does it in a skillful way and seamlessly blends all the personalities into a smooth reading suspense. Enchanting start to a new series that I highly recommend.
Pub Date 07 Aug 2018
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Miss Merula Merriweather unlike other Victorian ladies has developed an interested in strange creatures. Thankfully her uncle and his family with which she lives protect her interest. Unfortunately at a zoological lecture, the guest of honour, Lady Sophia, dies and her uncle is arrested. Merula and very new friend Lord Royston seem determined to find the real culprit.
An enjoyable and good start to this new series, though I didn't always like Merula. An easy to read story which introduces the new characters well. There now seems to be an established team ready for the next mystery.

An okay beginning to a new historical fiction series. This is the third book I have read this year that a lady's quirky collection is butterflies. And that's really my strongest impression of this book.

Vivian Conroy has started a new cozy mystery series to add to the three series already to her credit. This one is set primarily in London in the late Victorian time period. ‘The Butterfly Conspiracy’ is the first book in the ‘Merriweather and Royston’ series. In it we find Merula Merriweather trying to follow her odd (for the time) passion for science, specifically for zoological science focusing on butterflies. In order for her discoveries to be accepted in Victorian society, her Uncle Rupert needs to be the front person of the venture, and the person for whom all discoveries will be credited.

The first of Merula’s huge ‘Attacus Atlas’ butterflies emerged from its cocoon on the day of the Royal Zoological Society’s meeting at Lord Havilock’s. Merula decides to take the butterfly, and her Uncle Rupert attends the meeting to introduce ‘his’ new discovery to the group. But things pretty much go wrong from the beginning. Lord Raven Royston taunts that the huge butterfly under the glass done cannot possibly be real. It must be made up of paper with hidden strings to make it move. Thus prompted to show that the butterfly is in fact real, Merula lifts the glass dome and allows the butterfly to fly away. Unfortunately for all concerned, especially the butterfly, it lands on Lady Sophia’s bare arm. After sitting there for a few seconds, Lady Sophia collapses and is soon pronounced dead.

The consensus in the room is that Uncle Rupert’s butterfly stung or poisoned Lady Sophia somehow, causing her death. During the hub-bub surrounding the aftermath of the death, Royston pulls Miss Merriweather out of the house and away from the fracas. He feels badly that his taunting caused her to release the butterfly. He vows to help her avoid capture by the police, and to clear her Uncle’s name.

Thereafter, Merula and Raven traipse across London, staying at an eccentric scientist’s home, and other locations throughout London and in the countryside. With the aid of Royston’s valet, Bowsprit; they start gathering clues and sorting out suspects while continuing to avoid the Bobbie’s in London and in the countryside surrounding London. The suspect list grows and shrinks, while clues are developed and discarded. Along the way, we learn more about the background of these two seemingly ill-fated detectives as the story progresses.

Eventually the mystery is solved, and all is right with the world again.

I was surprised by who the culprit was, and entertained by the description of science and scientific beliefs during that time. I was not convinced that the murder weapon would actually have worked the way it was described. I also doubt that the social mores of the time would have allowed Merula to stay overnight in a house with Royston; his scientist friend, Gallileo; and the manservant Bowsprit; without having another female in the house. She didn’t seem to have any qualms about ruining her reputation by that action. That seemed like an odd misstep for a Victorian era timeframe.

All in all I think it was a good first effort for this series. I’ll give the next book in the series a go when it is published.

‘Thank-You’ to NetGalley; Crooked Lane Books; and the author, Vivian Conroy; for providing a free ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I don’t as a norm read Victorian novels/mysteries but this one really surprised me and kept my attention all the way to the end. Funny thing happened in that one of my friends posted a picture of the butterfly in question which was great and you could actually see the “mirrors” on its wings. I can easily see how you can get caught in researching for this book as the author mentions. There are so many things that is unfamiliar but so exciting. I happily give this book 4 stars and will recommend it to all. Thanks to #NetGalley for letting me read this book in exchange for my unbiased review.

This is the first book in a new series by this talented mystery writing author. Set in late Victorian times, Miss Merula Merriweather is something of a blue stocking, much preferring to spend time investigating exotic insects to hunting for a husband. Although her gender would normally prevent her sharing her achievements, her uncle Robert encourages and supports her, even taking her to meetings of the Royal Zoological Society. However, at one such meeting, one of the butterflies which Merula has raised lands on Lady Sophia, the guest of honour, who immediately dies. Her uncle is arrested, accused of murdering the victim and so begins Merula’s determined efforts to prove his innocence – with the help of Lord Raven Royston. As the two try to evade the police’s attempts to find them both, they’ll face deadly danger in their attempts to discover the murderer and clear her Uncle of the charges.

This is a delightful start to a new cosy Victorian mystery series and I really can’t wait to read more adventures involving the brilliant Merula and Raven! Both characters have some of their backstory revealed in this story, with hints and clues I presume relating to aspects to be further explored in future stories in the series. I enjoyed how their relationship develops and I really hope it will continue to do so as the series progresses. The story is well paced, has laugh out loud moments and is a real page turner that had me enthralled from the start. There are some superb secondary characters, too, especially Galileo and Bowspirit as well as Lamb who assist the duo in their investigations. There are plenty of twists and turns as well as dead ends necessitating reevaluating the evidence and discarding the red herrings discovered along the way. The plot is intriguing, misleading and highly entertaining and I can’t wait to read more stories starring this duo in future!

I requested and was given a copy of this book, via NetGalley. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.

I had read other books by Vivian Conroy and enjoyed them so, when I saw she had a new series and that the setting was the Victorian era, well, I had to request it. May this series run a long, long time. Merula Merriiweather is the black sheep of her family, living with her Aunt, Uncle and cousin after being left with them as a baby. Not one to go husband hunting as most young women of her social station as doing, she is focused on raising butterflies. One slight problem, the Royal Zoological Society won't acknowledge any woman's research so she has her uncle act as a front for her work. One of her large butterflies has hatched and she takes it to be presented at the society. The butterfly is released from its cage and lands on the arm of Lady Sophia just before she dies. Merula's uncle is accused of her death and the police want to arrest Merula as a witness to the crime,. Then the mystery really gets rolling along. She goes on the run with Lord Raven Royston, his valet and a scientist friend.
This is my favorite kind of historical mystery and the characters were pitch perfect for the era. The mystery was very well crafted, full of twists, turns and red herrings. I will not hesitate to read every future entry in this series with great pleasure.

I am a big fan of Vivian Conroy's writing and the Butterfly Conspiracy certainly didn't disappoint. Here, yet again, we are introduced to a strong female character, Merula Merriweather, who is decades ahead of her time.

Merula's passion is for butterflies. She spends her time, hidden away secretly researching and hatching the species. Due to negative opinions about women gaining success in the Victorian era, Merula's achievements are put down to the expertise of her Uncle Rupert.

At a zoological event, a lady dies soon after one of Merula's rare and exotic butterflies lands on her arm. It is immediately assumed that the butterfly poisoned Lady Sophia and therefore Merula's uncle is suspected of murder.

Merula teams up with Lord Raven Royston to clear her uncle's name and a charismatic sleuthing duo is formed. Together the pair meticulously hunt through a web of secrets and lies to uncover the actual culprit. Royston has a strong protective side towards Merula, she is wanted by the police as a murder witness and he is determined to uncover the truth. I liked the slightest hint of romance between the two and wonder if a relationship will materialise in later books in this series.

A highly enjoyable, charming read with plenty of red herrings and food for
thought.
The Victorian era is well researched and the ending is tight and unpredictable.