'The Body in the Garden' by Katharine Schellman was absolutely spectacular! It had everything I could love in a book - a Regency setting, incredible tension and intrigue wrapped up in expert mystery, relationship growth and a little humor. I am hoping that this first in the series is one of many more. I know I will be richly rewarded.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

I received this ARC via Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books, in return for an honest review. I LOVED this book! Lily, Lady Adler, returns to London, still in mourning for the death of her husband of two years. Her best friend insists that she attend a ball to start back into society. During the ball, she overhears a quarrel and later discovers a body. Added by her husband’s best friend, Jack, and a unique debutant, Miss Oswald, Lily sets out to solve the mystery after she discovers the local magistrate decides not to allow the Bow Street constables to investigate. The heroine is a strong woman who deals with her new life by seeking purpose beyond finding a new husband. All of the characters in this book are well written and true to their characters. The author navigates the Regency norms to allow the characters to act within the time period. If you like mysteries and the Regency era, I highly recommend this one.

The Body in the Garden is a fun and interesting read.
While firmly grounded in the society of the day, it doesn't labour points, as some authors might do, but rather absorbs everything as part of the space the characters are occupying.
I'm currently watching the TV adaptation of Sanditon and The Body in the Garden easily feels as though it follows many of the conventions well known from a Jane Austen book. If there is too much emphasis on the purchase of gloves and hats, then that was only what well-bred ladies would have been worried about!
The mystery is well put together, and there are any number of potential suspects along the way, which makes the story move along at a fine old pace, and not without some peril for the main character.
A thoroughly enjoyable read. I hope there are more mysteries for Lady Adler, and her 'roguish' captain to solve.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my review copy.

The Body in the Garden was an interesting read. #NetGalley-thanks for the advanced copy. #TheBodyInTheGarden was an interesting murder mystery.

Set in 1815 London, the sometimes comical, sometimes flirtatious banter between the characters, the secrets, scandals, and gossip in this book that is full of murder, bribes and blackmail .gave a very Jane Austen meets Sherlock Holmes feeling. We quickly learn that the main character, Lily Adler, is very clever and her actions are more modern than most of the ladies and gentlemen of the time appreciate.

Lily witnesses a murder in a garden and is appalled to discover that the police close the investigation without finding the murderer. She employs the help of her friend Jack and acquaintance Miss Oswald to bring justice for the victim. The many twists and turns in this story, along with the witty chatter between the characters make this book difficult to put down!

I enjoyed every minute of this story! The cover is lovely and would definitely draw my attention from a shelf.

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest 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 is what I call a vintage murder scene. The body in the garden focused on Lily Adler and independent, self-sufficient woman that tries to make it on her own even when society frowns unmarried women. Determined to make it without a husband, she is very close with her friend Lady Walter who stays up to date on the town gossip and little to their dismay, they find a dead body in Lady Walter's garden. Both of them are more than willing to leave the job to the authorities until Lily overhears Lord Walter attempt to bribe the officers to drop the case and now Lily has the key to solve this murder. Lily is more determined than ever with the help of a Navy Officer and his wife to solve this murder before she becomes the next victim and find out what this blackmail scandal is all about. This book reminded me why I am a mystery lover and how they are so exhilarating and thrilling.

We will consider adding this title to our Historical Fiction/Mystery collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.