I love historical mysteries, but the ones I tend to pick up are dark and sinister. Murder in PostScript is a lighter, cozier addition to the genre. It introduces a down-to-earth protagonist who starts out as a mysterious advice columnist, Lady Agony, and ends up solving a murder.

Amelia Amesbury is just a regular country girl who married a rich, but sickly, member of the aristocracy, but just two short months later she finds herself both a widow and a Countess. Guardian to her late husband’s niece and wealthy thanks to her marriage, she’s content with her lot in life… but to stave off boredom she agrees to help her childhood friend, Grady Armstrong, editor of the local penny paper, by taking up her pen and doling out advice in her column.

Then she receives a letter addressed to Lady Agony asking for help, the sender claims to have witnessed a murder. This of course means that Amelia must search for this murderer and fulfill the request of her readers

I enjoyed this cozy historical mystery immensely. Amelia is a wonderful protagonist; witty, charming, honest, and sensible. Her backstory isn’t too complicated or angsty, and she doesn’t have enemies lurking around every corner waiting to bring her down. She loves her niece, as well as her staid, and somewhat cranky, aunt-in-law. She is helped out in her investigation by one of her late husband’s friends, Simon Bainbridge, the Marquis of Bainbridge. And honestly? Their chemistry is what makes this mystery so enticing.

There is the typical historical mystery investigation, with Amelia and Simon visiting suspects and piecing together clues, and slowly but surely these two grow closer, eager to be in each other’s company and beginning to care for the well-being of each other. I sense a romance in the future!

I won’t get too much into the plot, but suffice it to say there were plenty of twists and turns, and I remained engaged right up until the end. The secondary characters were delightful, and I look forward to seeing them more fleshed out in the future. I look forward to seeing what shenanigans Amelia and Simon get up to in the next book in the series.

This was delightful!!! I loved the mystery and Amelia is a wonderful character. Her life is so interesting. There is the whisper of possible romance, but it isn't the central plot. If you like the Lady Sherlock series, I think this is right up your alley!

I am VERY excited for more books in this series and hope they come soon!

After reading 40% of Murder in Postscript, the book still isn't clicking with me. It has a distinct Regency romance vibe that just isn't my cup of tea, plus I was never pulled in by the murder mystery. I would have liked a sassy, gritty maid as Amelia's crime solving partner instead. I did enjoy the clever "Lady Agony" columns at the beginning of chapters. Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book.

Murder in Postscript is a captivating Regency-style novel that will transport you to a world of romance and mystery. With a spunky agony aunt and an intriguing gentleman, this delightful romp will keep you on the edge of your seat. As you immerse yourself in the story, you'll find yourself drawn to the characters and their unique personalities. The author's attention to detail and vivid descriptions will transport you to the Regency era, where you'll experience the glamour and intrigue of high society.

My Review: I thought this was an excellent beginning to a new historical cozy mystery series! Amelia was a great main character, and I liked the other characters, too. The mystery was well written. And I love mysteries that take place in the past, it's always fun to read. Overall, I think this was a wonderful book, and I would definitely recommend to anyone who thinks it sounds interesting!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher and blog tour company.

4.5 stars

Absolutely adored this new historical cozy mystery by Mary Winters! When I saw the darling cover, I was immediately intrigued. The story is clever, witty, and fun with a hint of romance. The characters range from charming, and endearing to snooty and downright vicious. The mystery kept me guessing with a variety of suspects and red herrings. Perhaps the most charming aspect is the advice given in the Lady Agony column which the author explains in the afterword is based on actual Victorian agony columns.

After the death of her husband, Countess Amelia Amesbury decides to help out her friend who runs a Victorian London penny paper by secretly writing a lady’s advice column under the pen name of Lady Agony. What she doesn’t anticipate is a murder investigation when one of her readers asks for advice, believing her mistress was murdered. Determined to discover the truth when the maid ends up murdered too, Amelia enlists help from her deceased husband’s best friend, the handsome marquis, Simon Bainbridge. When she’s not doling out advice as Lady Agony, attending society functions, and searching for a killer, Amelia’s also trying to prepare for her adopted daughter Winifred’s first piano recital. Can she manage all her responsibilities and protect herself and her family when she becomes the target?

Loved Amelia and Simon! From lavish ballrooms to the seedy London docks, this story takes the reader on a wild ride as they search for clues. All their interactions were filled with delicious romantic tension. I can’t wait to see how their relationship progresses. The mystery is intriguing and kept me guessing. I enjoyed the complex backstories of both Amelia and Simon which add an interesting dimension to the story. It’s a delightful, fun read I thoroughly enjoyed. Looking forward to more A Lady of Letters Mysteries.

When I wasn’t able to read, I listened to the audiobook version of the book. It was fantastic! The narrator did a fabulous job distinguishing each of the characters. Her voice created the perfect tone for this book. She brought out the witty dialogue in such a way that I found myself grinning while listening.

Definitely recommend, especially to historical and cozy mystery fans. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley but also purchased the audiobook version. All opinions are my own and my review is completely voluntary.

I really enjoyed this historical mystery with a Victorian setting and an unconventional Countess turned sleuth. Lady Amelia Amesbury, a 25 year old widow and mother, is also the anonymous author behind the Lady Agony advice column for a penny weekly run by her childhood friend Grady. Her advice is honest, sincere, and wildly popular. When one of her readers writes in fear that her mistress was murdered, Amelia becomes determined to find the killer. She has help from an unlikely source—her late husband’s closest friend Lord Simon Bainbridge, recently returned from America with a scandalous history of his own. Simon, a former Navy Captain, feels responsible for Amelia’s situation and her safety. With more than one viable suspect, the mystery kept me guessing almost to the very end. There was a good deal of romantic tension, but no romance…yet. The ending was perfect, with a nice set up for another possible story. I would definitely read more of the Lady of Letters Mystery series. Recommend for fans of historical mysteries and cozy mysteries.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5 stars, rounded up

I received an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley. A positive review was not required and all opinions are my own.

Top Picks - 4.5 Stars

Lady Amelia Amesbury is still a young woman but has been a widow for two years. She lives with her aunt by marriage and raises her late husband’s niece. Amelia wasn’t born with a title and was bored with high society life until her childhood friend gave her a new purpose. Grady Armstrong is a newspaper editor and gave Amelia the job of responding to letters written to the paper’s advice column. Amelia loves helping others but must keep her identity as “Lady Agony” a secret because the people in her aunt’s social circles would not approve. Her secret becomes hard to keep when a woman writes a letter to the paper asking for help because she thinks her mistress has been murdered. Now Amelia has to find a way to solve the murder while keeping her own secrets.

This is the first book in a new series, and I really liked it! I like the character of Amelia as well as the relationship she has with her niece, Winifred, who is like a daughter to her. Even though Amelia feels obligated to follow certain societal conventions of the times, she doesn’t hesitate to speak her mind when it involves her niece or someone in need. While trying to help the woman who reached out to her through her advice column, she is spotted by a friend of her late husband’s family, the mysterious Lord Barinbridge. The two form an unlikely sleuthing team, and each has a reason to wonder about the sparks that fly when they’re together. I love the chemistry between the two and hope they act on it sooner than later.

Almost every chapter of the book begins with a letter written to Lady Agony along with Amelia’s reply. The topic of the letter often ties in with what’s going on in the story for that chapter. The letters are fun and give the reader a glimpse into both the customs of the times and Amelia’s witty personality. Amelia and her best friend Kitty Hamsted end up in danger themselves as they try to do some investigating without Lord Simon there to assist. There is so much to like about this well-written mystery. I like how everything comes together at the end of the murder investigation, and was pleased with the resolution. A development at the end hints at what I assume will be the plot of the next book, and I can’t wait! Fans of Anne Perry’s Thomas and Charlotte Pitt series or Victoria Thompson’s Gaslight mysteries will enjoy the debut of this new series.

~ Christine

Thank you to Berkley for the advanced reader copy and to PRH Audio for the complimentary audiobook. These opinions are my own.

This was such a fun mystery and the start of a brand new series. Amelia is a young widow, married for only a short time and newly made a lady. She isn't accustomed to being idle, so she agrees to be an opinion columnist for her friend's penny paper. She responds to the Dear Lady Agony column, and no one knows her true identity.

A letter she receives leads her into a search for a killer. She is joined by a Marquess who had been her husband's best friend and by her own best friend. The characters were so nuanced, and I enjoyed following all of her escapades.

And I really liked the Dear Lady Agony letters and Amelia's responses that began each chapter. The author's note included information on the history of these agony columns in Victorian times, and I found it fascinating.

The mystery kept me guessing throughout. I don't think I was ever ahead of Amelia in solving it. I really enjoyed the book and look forward to many more.

Ella Lynch narrated beautifully. Her tone brought me further into the story.

Murder in Postscript is a historical mystery set in 1860 London. Countess Amelia Amesbury is a young widow and guardian to her 10 year old niece, Winifred. She is just finishing a two year mourning period when she meets her husband's friend, Simon Bainbridge, a marquis. Amelia has a secret that no one but her best friend, Kitty, and friend/editor, Grady know -- she writes a Lady Agony column for the newspaper. When she receives a letter from a reader that is not a request for advice but a plea for help, she becomes involved in a mystery which includes several murders and many adventures through London and the countryside. She is assisted in detecting by her friend Kitty and her new friend Simon.

I wanted to read this novel because I love historical fiction and also love cozy mysteries. This mystery combines both genres!

Murder in Postscript is such a strong start to a new series. It is fast paced and the mystery is compelling. There are several possible suspects, and Amelia does a wonderful job of detecting as a new amateur sleuth.

I enjoyed Amelia's friendship with Kitty and with Grady, and especially her new friendship with possible romantic interest Simon. He is so charming, handsome, and swoon-worthy -- especially as they banter back and forth throughout the book.

The writing is strong, with fascinating historical details. I had heard of agony columns before but this book gives a new, very interesting, insight into them through Amelia's writing work.

I am delighted that Murder in Postscript is the start of a new series. This series is sure to be one of my favorites, as it combines so much that I enjoy in historical mysteries. I cannot recommend this mystery highly enough for fans of cozy mysteries, historical fiction, Victorian settings, and lively storytelling. Five enthusiastic stars!

If you’re missing Bridgerton – or if you wish the series had more of a mystery than just “how are these two people who seem to hate each other going to end up together” – the first book in Mary Winters’s new Lady of Letters mystery series may help fill the hole. Murder in Postscript stars Victorian countess Amelia Amesbury, a respectable young widow who is raising her late husband’s ten-year-old niece. But, like Penelope Danbury, Amelia also has a publishing secret: she’s answering letters in a London penny newspaper as Lady Agony, the 19th century version of Dear Abby. When she gets a letter from a housemaid claiming that she knows a secret about her mistress’s seemingly accidental death, Amelia goes to meet the woman—and finds her body. Feeling responsible for the girl’s murder—she wouldn’t have died if Amelia hadn’t been late!—Amelia vows to find the killer.

For the complete review, click on the link below.

When I see books with any mention of “Bridgerton-like’ in the summary or taglines, I am at once skeptical and yet can’t pass up on said book based on hope of finding another wonderful series that is indeed like Bridgerton! I often get asked what books would I recommend for Bridgerton fans, and that is such a hard question because there are so many historical romances out there that have a Bridgerton feel but aren’t necessaitly Bridgerton like if that makes sense. So sometimes when I see this statement on books, I become skeptical because there is nothing like Bridgerton but yet like so many others I can’t resist finding then next Bridgerton like book to fall in love with.

That’s how this book came to be on my review radar. It was described as “… the first novel in a new historical mystery series perfect anyone who loves the secret identity intrigue and swoon-worthy romance of Bridgerton“. So naturally I couldn’t resist even though I was skeptical. The idea of a new murder mystery series with a hot romance even if it didn’t quite live up to the Bridgerton claim, intrigued me enough that there was no way that I would pass on this!

I am a huge fan of historical mysteries and romances and any time that the two cross over is a win-win for me. I am always on the look out for new lady detectives and sleuth series to dive into. There are so many good ones out there—-Veronica Speedwell, Lady Darby, Lady Sherlock—and new female detectives are hitting shelves everyday so when I saw this was a debut and a new series, I knew it must be worth checking out if it had already been acknowledged as an upcoming series rather than just a standalone.

Summary
When one of her readers asks for advice following a suspected murder, Victorian countess Amelia Amesbury, who secretly pens the popular Lady Agony column, has no choice but to investigate in this first book in a charming new historical mystery series.

Amelia Amesbury–widow, mother, and countess–has a secret. Amelia writes for a London penny paper, doling out advice on fashion, relationships, and manners under the pen name Lady Agony. But when a lady’s maid writes Amelia to ask for advice when she believes her mistress has been murdered–and then ends up a victim herself–Amelia is determined to solve the case.

With the help of her best friend and a handsome marquis, Amelia begins to piece together the puzzle, but as each new thread of inquiry ends with a different suspect, the investigation grows ever more daunting. From London’s docks and ballrooms to grand country houses, Amelia tracks a killer, putting her reputation–and her life–on the line. (Summary from Goodreads)

Review
Right off the bat, I have to say that while I was worried that this book was going to piggy back on the success of Bridgerton, it did hold true to the billing by providing a swoon worthy Bridgerton-esque romance. The romance in this book was delightful to read and I loved that Amelia was a widow who was essentially now a single parent. While she was still young and only married for a short period of time, she didn’t come across as this virginal debutant that is so often the case in historical romances (and mysteries with a romantic element). She felt more womanly and in my opinion more interesting. The chemistry between Amelia and Simon was indeed worthy for fans of Bridgerton who are hoping to capture that same heat, attraction, tension, and chemistry that the series is known for. While this book is ultimately a murder mystery, I thought it did a nice job adding in the element of romance and gave readers a couple they could cheer on and invest in.

I also really liked how the book was structured with the self help advice feature in the paper. It felt different and I loved reading the column at the beginning of the chapters. I thought this was a nice way to break up the story and keep readers engaged and invested, plus mindful of there the story began and where it was going. It also really gave the modern reader a glimpse into the Victorian era and all the restrictions of class and gender that was a hallmark of the age. For history fans, I think they will enjoy this unexpected aspect of the story. I know I certainly enjoyed it more than I was anticipating. And I thought it was a cleaver way to introduce the murder mystery to readers. Overall this book felt very balanced in the areas of romance, history, and mystery. I didn’t feel like it leaned harder in any direction and I feel like there is plenty of room within the upcoming series for things to grow and mature all around.

So have I indeed found a new ‘lady detective’ series to enjoy? Indeed I have. I think this series shows promise and a lot of room for growth. I think the author, though new, has a talent for writing strong characters with interesting back stories and a delightful mystery, plus the romance didn’t eclipse the mystery but left enough interest to keep readers invested in the budding romance. The author has written a strong independent woman in Amelia and I think that readers will enjoy her and be eager for more in this series, I know I certainly am! I will say I do hope the heat in the romance it turned up a bit in future books though!

Book Info and Rating
Format 320 pages, Paperback

Expected publication March 28, 2023 by Berkley Books

ISBN 9780593548769 (ISBN10: 0593548760)

Free review copy provided by publisher, Berkley Books, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and in no way influenced.

Rating: 4 stars

Genre: historical mystery

This was a refreshing swap from the typical dark thrillers I read. Cozy historical murder mystery? Yes please! I wasn’t aware going in that this would be the first in a new series, but I’m glad to have the chance to continue on with Victorian countess Amelia Amesbury, AKA Lady Agony. With characters you want to root for and a mystery that surprised me in its outcome, if you’re a lover of charming historical fiction you’ll want to put this one on your TBR.

Murder in Postscript is a fantastic start to a series. Amelia married her husband knowing he didn't have long and that he was doing so to have someone raise his niece with care. She writes a Lady Agony column and becomes enmeshed in a mystery when a maid writes to her with concern about her employer's death. But the maid is also murdered, and Amelia is on the case. She's assisted by Grady, her oldest friend and a newspaper editor, and Simon Bainbridge, a friend of her late husband.
I liked that Amelia had the independence of being a widow and took her role as Winifred's mother so seriously. She is conscious of how lucky she is to have it. She is careful with her Lady Agony advice and with getting information as she looks into the women who died.
The mystery unfolded nicely and I enjoyed how they worked it all out. I look forward to seeing where Amelia will wind up in future adventures, and interested in more of her backstory - such as why she isn't really keeping in touch with the family she was so close to.

I AM HERE for historical mystery + romance books featuring clever, independent, forward-thinking women, and that is exactly what this book includes. I was hooked from the start and thankfully I started reading it while my students were working on projects because I did NOT want to put it down!

Amelia--a former innkeeper's daughter who is now a widow, countess, and mother to her late husband's niece--is secretly Lady Agony--the writer of an advice column, and I love how much she loves this job and her honesty with her readers. She is also so determined to see justice served and that is admirable, even when at times she takes too many risks (but don't they all?). Add in her best friend Kitty, and Simon--a handsome marquis and friend of her late husband--and we have a story. While it seems weird to say, I liked the fact that she was a young widow primarily because as a widow with a title and control over her husband's fortune, Amelia has more freedom in Victorian England than she would have as an unmarried woman. I think this was a good choice to make because it takes away *some* obstacles she may have faced.

As far as romance goes, I would say this story is romance-adjacent lol...the set up is definitely there, lusty feelings abound, but moves have not been made yet. Normally I don't want to wait for the romance, but in this case, I am happy to wait! Simon and Amelia seem like they would be amazing together and I'm looking forward to them figuring that out.

I'll be eagerly awaiting the next book in this series!

I grabbed this one on a whim and am so glad I did! It had engaging characters and wonderful story - I'm tempted to send my question into Lady Agony!

Thanks for the chance to read early!

Mary Winters sets her newest novel, Murder in Postscript, in Victorian England. Amelia Amesbury, the lovely widow, mother, and countess, is the main character in the first of the Lady Agony Mystery Series. Amelia, pen name Lady Agony, writes secretly for a London penny paper dishing out advice on topics from fashion to social faux pas. She waits anxiously for the post each day so she can retreat to the two-story library in the home she shared with her late husband Edgar and his young niece, Winifred, now like a daughter. The day Lady Agony receives a letter from a lady’s maid pleading, “I think my mistress was murdered,” is the day Lady Agony turns to solving a murder instead of giving advice.
Mary Winters’ characters are either likeable or unlikeable. Readers meet Amelia’s Aunt Tabitha, who is mostly unlikeable due to her overbearing attitudes regarding widowhood and constant comments to behave; reminding Amelia she has married into gentry and must meet certain expectations. Nagging and disapproving looks are her specialty. In contrast to Tabitha is the extremely likeable Lord Simon Bainbridge. He’s easy going, well mannered, and has a surprising, even unnerving sense of humor. As Winters “who done it” plot unfolds, she cleverly weaves an intricate trail for Amelia and Simon to follow as they attend costume balls, traipse to the London docks, and visit a crazy aunt in her English garden. While tracking down clues the Simon/Amelia relationship continues to ebb and flow while visiting chocolate shops and in carriage rides, keeping readers hopeful as they share empathy for each other’s past.
Each charming chapter opens with a letter to Lady Agony and the pearls of wisdom she so forthrightly imparts. With Winnifred’s recital to host and a killer still on the loose, Lady Agony’s last bit of advice is “do less and enjoy more!” So, mind your manners and read Murder in Postscript, the first in The Lady Agony Mystery Series.
“Trust me.”
Yours in Secret,
Lady Agony

Murder in Postscript by Mary Winters completely captivated me. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. This first book in the Lady of Letters mystery series is utterly entertaining and is ideal for those of us who love historical cozy mystery books. It takes place during the Victorian era which is one of my favorite time periods for historical cozies. If you’ve read and enjoyed any of the Mrs. Jeffries books, you will be delighted by Murder in Postscript.

When Amelia Amesbury met Edgar, her husband-to-be, she was working at her family’s inn, the Feathered Nest, in Somerset. It was only after his proposal that he revealed that he was an earl from one of the wealthiest families in London. Sadly, he also had a degenerative disease that took him much too quickly – just two months after their marriage. Now, it has been two years since Edgar’s passing, and Amelia has a secret life as Lady Agony. Lady Agony answers letters sent to the penny weekly of which Amelia’s childhood friend was editor. Most of the letters are questions about love, etiquette, and other easily answered queries. However, Lady Agony gets a letter signed with the postscript “I think my mistress was murdered.” And with that, this cozy mystery begins.

I absolutely loved the characters in Murder in Postscript. They’re very well-written and include a wide variety of personalities, from delightful to deplorable! Amelia embodies everything I love in a cozy mystery protagonist. She’s smart, kind, spunky, and knows her own mind. Simon Bainbridge is a swoon-worthy marquess who was friends with Edgar. He finds himself as Amelia’s fellow sleuth when he follows Amelia when she goes out to meet the letter writer. The banter between these two is just so much fun! I can’t wait to see how this budding relationship takes off in further books. And the supporting characters make the book even more enjoyable.

I just can’t say enough good things about Murder in Postscript! The mystery is well-plotted, I love the time period, and the characters are wonderful. Obviously, I highly recommend this delightful, charming cozy mystery book!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

3.5 rounded to 4

This is a fun, sprightly mystery set in a quasi Victorian setting; I think of this particular subgenre as the Bridgertons subgenre: basically modern people set in the vaguely sketched past, speaking and thinking like modern people, but getting to wear gorgeous clothes and ride around in carriages, etc.

Amelia is a countess, who, to fill her time, answers dilemmas as an Agony Aunt. (The book has a note explaining the concept at the back). She has the charge of a child, possesses the estate of her dead husband with no male heir in sight, and decides to solve crimes when one of the people writing to her for advice begs to meet her in secret, and turns up dead.

The plot is slow to develop, but once it gets going, it's a real page turner. I really liked Amelia and her made-family. I suspect that this is the setup for a series, for there was a hint of romance toward the end. I think it could be very successful for the readers who want modern people in Victorian clothes, unfettered by the many customs and restraints of that era. Including legal ones.

Four and a Half Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭒
Murder in Postscript by Mary Winters is the first book in a new historical cozy mystery series. The series follows Amelia, the main character as she solves crimes in an era where women are not allowed to do such dirty work.

Story Recap:
Amelia Amesbury is a mother, a widow, and a countess, and she has a secret. She writes an advice column for a London paper where she gives advice to anyone who writes to Lady Agony.

When a ladies' maid writes to Lady Agony that her mistress is dead and then the maid becomes a victim, Amelia starts to investigate. She enlists the help of her best friend, Kitty, as well as a handsome Marquis, Simon Bainbridge, to help solve the murders.

My Thoughts:
I have been enjoying mysteries more and more lately, especially those set in Victorian England, and this new series is another one to add to my list. I enjoyed the main character, Amelia very much. She’s honest and forthright in her investigation and she is a woman that I could easily root for.

As happens often in the first book of a series, I found the beginning a bit slow as we were introduced to the characters and the setting, but not so slow that I ever wanted to give up. And once the mystery got going, the pace picked up considerably and I couldn’t wait to get to the ending.

I enjoyed this book very much and I am already anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.

Recommendation:
I highly recommend Murder in Postscript to anyone who enjoys historical mysteries. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.