What I liked: I liked the original concept of the story and the idea that Jack the Ripper may have moved elsewhere and continued his killing spree. I liked the setting of a mining town in Montana because I am very familiar with that setting. Also I had GG grandparents that moved to Montana in search of gold in the late 1880s. They too learned there was no gold to be had and started working for the big mines and smelters in the area. It was fun to read about a town they might have encountered during that time period. I also liked the touch of romance, that part of the story worked for me.

What I didn’t like: I didn’t read the first book in this series so I was a little bit lost in the beginning. The first chapter seemed unnecessary and rushed. In fact it wasn’t very enjoyable to read and I almost quit during the first third of the book.
I also didn’t care for Felicity in that her life was perfect...she had all the money she needed, was smart, was an expert in all things. It just wasn’t plausible.
It also seemed like it was not very historically accurate in the way the characters spoke and acted. The Sheriff in Montana sounded more like he was riding the range in Texas than working as a Sheriff in Montana.

I am glad I stuck with this book in the end because it was very entertaining on a personal level.

This nice, light novel is perfect for a reader who enjoys clean romances. 3/5

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

An excellent addition to the tradition of strong, independent female detectives in historical settings, along the lines of Anne Perry and Jacqueline Winspear. The sometimes over the top attempts to erase or apologize for the wealth and privilege of Felicity Carroll are mostly outweighed by her keen and scientific mind. And the book is paced perfectly, as unable to stay still and whip smart as the detective.

I didn’t finish the book. It was well written, but there was way too much dumping of information, I didn’t mind when the author explained the case. I found that part fascinating, but when you tell me information about the characters? I want to figure out the relationship on my own. So I stopped reading it. Thank you for the opportunity to read your book and wish your book the best success.

4.5 stars. Very intriguing mystery! From the style of the cover, I assumed this was more of a cozy mystery, but it most definitely was not. It's about a very dark subject matter -- chasing Jack the Ripper in Victorian London, England and then to the Wild West of America in Montana. The writing is excellent -- descriptive, great narrative, and full of action. Despite the dark nature/heavy subject matter, with descriptions of the grisly murders of the prostitutes, this book is actually a clean read (no strong language or other violence), other than the descriptions of the killings and conditions of the bodies, as well as references to the prostitutes and scenes in the brothels. With the amount of Ripper details in this book, I suspect the author did extensive research to make this book as authentic to the Ripper crimes and investigations as possible (there is no afterword/acknowledgements in my copy, as I received a digital ARC from the publisher; maybe more afterword will be present in the final publication). It presents a theory as to the solution to the Ripper murders and the fictional scenario of the murderer fleeing to America and continuing the killings there. There are also references to the first book in the series, which I haven't read yet, so while this book stands very well on its own, there are some references to the previous book that might make the reader want to read them in order. I look forward now to reading the first book and to reading further books in this series. Excellent mystery/thriller with a unique female character ahead of her time.

Felicity Carrol and the Murderous Menace

This is a combination of history, mystery and Jack-the-Ripper horror – a recipe for a very good read. Felicity is a WonderWoman type set in the 1880’s, full of knowledge, moxie and a past to which many references are made. This is a second book in a series, and the first is not one I have read. . . .yet. Starting out in England, she meets up with an Inspector with who she has worked in the past. He encourages her to investigate his theory that Jack TR is not dead, just immigrated to the USofA. . . .a theory that many have rolled out. There’s a cowboy who is interested in romance – but not to a sticky degree, he's easily distracted by his Western Environment. Other story elements are Soiled Doves (metaphor), a Plethora of Sharp Objects (not a metaphor), and in the middle of Placer, Montana in the post-civil war west, there was apparently a herd of doctors, butchers and people who know their way around a corpse.

I enjoyed all the characters, Felicity the most – there were places in the tale where she was waaaay more 1980’s than 1880’s, but that was bearable. The story moved right along, and wrapped up at the end in a satisfactory way (unexpected twist!). I’m on board with finding the first in this series and following any future additions to Felicity’s career. There is something very Nancy Drew about her – she’s well-provided for and so is able to be able without any holdups, coming complete with a housekeeper who mothers her. Felicity goes out alone when she shouldn't, in lonely dark places where she shouldn't, breaking and entering with abandon, AND she loves mysteries, science in jars and has a few MacGyver moves. Who loses with that kind of story?

Not me. 4 stars!

A sincere thanks to Patricia Marcantonio, and NetGalley for providing me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Another excellent edition to a wonderful series! Full of twists and turns that leaves you wanting more and enjoying each moment until the end when the killer is caught!

I had so much fun reading this book. I recommend it without reservations to everyone who enjoys a good mystery, unexpected romance, historical fiction or who simply appreciates a great story. I read Patricia Marcantonio's novel courtesy of NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books, and I am glad I did. It is terrific and wildly entertaining.

Felicity Carrol is interested in everything—except being a proper young matron of Victorian society. Brilliant and resourceful, Felicity took refuge in science and education after her mother died and her father abandoned her to be raised by servants. Now that her father has passed away, not only is she wealthy, she is free to use the family fortune to do good. This is the second book in the series and, sadly, I have not read the first; a situation I plan to quickly rectify.

Someone is viciously murdering and dismembering prostitutes in London and Felicity's dear friend- a Scotland Yard detective, is committed to bringing the notorious murderer to justice. Before he can, however, he collapses in mental, emotional and physical exhaustion, leaving but one clue – the name of a small mining town in Montana. Felicity, hoping to help her gentleman friend recover, jumps into the fray and, with her long time servant by her side, follows the killer to America and the wild, wild west and discovers the murders are continuing there with a vengence.

What awaits the reader when she reaches Montana is a faced-paced, engrossing and altogether harrowing adventure to find the killer and bring him/her to justice. Felicity is a kick-in-the-pants heroine – feisty, smart, outspoken and fearless who befriends prostitutes, madams, cowboys, miners, a rugged, charismatic sheriff and assorted other characters in search of gold. Not to be outdone, her long time companion falls head-over-heels in love.

Marcantonio’s clever twist on the Jack the Ripper case is a delight to read.

This genre is one of my favourites. I just loved this book! So much research has gone into the details, so much so that you can really picture the story. I want to read another from Patricia Marcantonio, brilliant writer!

I would like to thank NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing this book in exchange for my honest review.

This was my first Felicity Carrol book and I found it enjoyable for a cozy mystery. I liked the Heroine (Felicity), and respect very much that she has both a medical and history degree. What I had some trouble with was that for a story set in Victorian England (1890s), Felicity has too much freedom (yes her father died) and acts and reasons as someone from this era. Back in the 1890s, daughters/women were still property and if her father married her off, then that was it.... fast forward to the book, Felicity is helping her friend from Scotland Yard track Jack the Ripper in the US (specifically Montana). I had to keep reminding myself that this is a cozy, 'cause again the way she behaves is too outlandish for the time it is written in.

Seeing Felicity hunt the killer and her reasoning was fun. I will most likely read book 1 and the next book in the series, just so that I can become better acquainted with the character.

It's an enjoyable read, didn't love it, but I did like it.

3.5☆
Felicity Carrol and the Murderous Menace is a historical murder mystery set just after 1888. After Jack the Ripper murders suddenly stopped in England it seems that he relocated to a town called Placer in the US,and so our main character, Felicity Carrol, travels there with her maid to investigate.
Overall I enjoyed this book. It's just that the little things here and there would annoy me a bit. For example, Felicity is supposed to be a very scientific minded person, yet the forensics itself barely played any part in the story. Also,for someone who is supposedly logical, at one point and for quite a portion of the book Felicity is convinced that she knows who the killer is. Yet there is no evidence of that person being guilty. That whole thing just contradicted her personality.
And also the ending was rushed. It took so long to get to the reveal but then the story quickly wrapped up.
Thank you to netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Jack the Ripper is one of England’s most famous criminals, but his true identity was never discovered. After a time his murders just stopped - but why? An article in a US newspapers describes the murder of a prostitute in Placer, Montana that fits the descriptions of the Ripper murders.

Felicity Carroll would rather spend her time in her lab or solving crimes than attending social events or teas. Her friend Inspector Jackson Davies was involved in the Ripper investigation. Unable to accept that the Ripper never faced justice, he has made himself ill over the case. When Davies shows Felicity the article, she decides to travel to Montana to investigate. With a degree in medicine and a well-equipped lab, she knows that she would never be accepted as an investigator, so she poses as a writer of crime fiction.

As the murders continue, Felicity uses logic and her knowledge of science to find the killer. Sheriff Tom Pike prides himself on his ability to read people and, while he appreciates Felicity’s assistance, he disagrees with her choice of suspect. She has always let science guide her life but now she finds herself developing feelings for Pike and realizing that there are answers that can not always be found in a lab.

The interaction between Felicity and Pike is entertaining and Felicity shows herself as a strong character who is not afraid to travel into the darker neighborhoods to find the killer. This is a new take on Jack the Ripper and Patricia Marcantonio mixes CSI with the old west to deliver an edge-of-your-seat conclusion. I would like to thank NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing this book in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you Netgalley for sending me this arc. I will be reviewing this book in the near future with an honest rating and review.

This book was received as an ARC from Crooked Lane Books in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book reminded me of the American Girl Series all grown up and all modernized but a little mischievous which made me love the book even more. Felicity was so ambitious and so determined and all that faded away when she found out that her mentor has been suddenly mysteriously murdered and all that she knew has turned her world upside down. Our teen book club as well as myself are big fans of mysteries especially this one since this is dated back in the Victorian Times and it has an American Girl vibe to it. I was also excited to see that this will be a mystery series because the ending does leave you hanging wanting to know more and what happens with Felicity and all her findings and will she ever achieve her dreams.

We will consider adding this title to our Mystery and Thrillers collection at the library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

This is really not the style of book I am able to enjoy. I was granted advanced reader copy and thought it certainly sounded like it had potential. It features a proudly independent wizard of a woman, perfect in all her decisions, choices and actions and benevolent to anyone and everyone deserving. I did not read the first book in this series but references to not being loved, spoken to or appreciated by her father were liberally sprinkled throughout this second book. Wealthy father dies, Felicity is given free reign for all her good deeds.
Here she goes to visit her friend, an inspector from Scotland Yard, who is suffering from exhaustion and a lung complaint from not being able to solve the Jack the Ripper case. He tells her about murders going on in Montana similar to the Ripper murders and she announces her immediate plans to go across and solve that case and all shall be well.
I will say this in its favor - the book is fast paced. And it does have a new twist on Jack the Ripper.

This book will be available in February 2020

I received an advance copy of this title through NetGalley, many thanks.

I really enjoyed this book. Whist I hadn't read the first Felicty Carrol novel, I don't think that detracted significantly from my enjoyment of this book. Felicity is decisive and interesting and the mystery is one from the ages. I really appreciated the setting - not one I have read very often an provided significant interest.

If you're after a mystery in the vein of Deanna Raybourn's Lady Julia Grey series, I would totally recommend this book.

I really enjoyed this book! Not only was the plot clever and intriguing, but I felt that the characters were ones you could empathise with and fully comprehend their emotional depth! I will absolutely be buying a physical copy and recommending this to everyone!

Other than Jack the Ripper reference, the entire book could have been written in the modern times! Historical books are difficult to write, and when written, they require a lot of research. Unfortunately, this book clearly showed a lack of research.

Not only the setting seemed historically wonky, but so was the society and people (especially the heroine) that seemed to have time travelled from future into the past. From the very beginning, I never felt that I was reading a book that was set in the past, except for very few references.

The other annoying part was the heroine herself. The way she behaved, acted and thought was the way that a woman might think today. A person today thinks and acts the way the do, does so because of influence of their parents, family, religion, society, community, social media, books, movies and news. It is just inconceivable that the heroine is like what she is being bought up in the Victorian era.

On top of that, she is a Mary Sue. She is beautiful, intelligent, wealthy, a teacher (teaches her staff), a scientist, a detective, an academic (with a couple of degrees), a humanitarian, an actress, a doctor, a mechanic (amateur, mind you), an archer, a marks-woman who has photographic memory and speaks four language. Her resume would have impressed Mahatma Gandhi!

If the author had given up the whole historical part, and made the story a little modern (maybe 20th century) with a villain that is Jack the Ripper's copycat, this book would have been far more easier to swallow!

Overall, I would give it 2 stars.

I became interested in Felicity Carrol because it looked similar to another series I enjoy (Veronica Speedwell series). Both are set in Victorian England with lead females that solve mysteries. My husband jokingly refers to them as my "Herlock Holmes" books. Other than that though, the two series are very different and have their own pros and cons.

I really enjoyed the first Felicity Carrol book- maybe because book one in every series really lays down the foundation of a story as something you'll either love or dislike. Felicity Carrol is smart, interesting, honest, and fun to follow. I hate being nit-picky, but there were a few things I just couldn't get past in book two.

A) Felicity is chasing after Jack the Ripper. Since this is based on a real-life mystery that was never officially solved, I felt the project was too ambitious. I never REALLY think of Felicity as a real person- she is too perfect, too smart, and too much. Putting her against a real killer in a time piece felt jarring and even more unbelievable. Sorry Felicity, I just don't think that you're up for solving this case.
B) Felicity is perfect, a bit too perfect. She knows EVERYTHING. Photographic memory helps as an excuse to make her remember everything, but we are constantly reminded of it and it can be a bit exasperating. 
C) Using dollar amounts to exemplify Felicity's riches is not enjoyable to read. In fact, every time Felicity would bribe or give people money (which happened MANY times), I would google it to see its worth. Felicity went to a dinner for coffee and paid 2 dollars. That's over $50 today. People get paid $20 here and there, $50 at other times. I guess part of it can be attributed to a rich woman not knowing the high value of her money, but every time money was mentioned in specific increments, it made more pause more to consider whether it was plausible.

All that being said, I thought this second book of the series was quite good and I still recommend it. I like the relationships that Felicity builds as she travels through America. She learns some cheesy American idioms that I don't really think much about, but were always quickly pointed out (both a pro and a con). Entertaining at times, but not as good as the first book. I would definitely still continue on with this series. 3 stars because I liked it, but didn't love it!

Thank you to Netgalley and Crooked Lane books for the advanced reader's copy of this book. I look forward to seeing where Felicity Carrol goes next!

I wanted to like this book so much. I’ve read others about Victorian women solving crimes. But everything about Felicity Carroll is just a little bit too fantastical and too convenient to make her an enjoyable character. She’s rich, she has two university degrees, she can fix a dishwasher, and she puts the police to shame (which they seem to have no problem with). She’s always at the right place at the right time. It’s just too neat. I thank you for the opportunity to read this book, but it’s not the book for me. I hope that some of the author’s other fans are able to enjoy it more, and will write glowing reviews. I think I must move on. Thank you again.

Felicity is a woman ahead of her time - intelligent, curious and not content to be defined by stuffy Victorian conventions.

Well crafted mystery and characters you'd like to have a genteel tea with.