This was a different tone from the first novel. I really wanted to love this, but I did not like the setting. I still like the characters and thought it had a good mystery. This is definitely a try for those that like cozy mysteries! I recommend this for fans of Veronica Speedwell, Andrea Penrose, and Cara Devlin!

I am not sure if I liked the first book less than I thought I did or this second book was just really different because it was set in an asylum and the main character seemed more harsher because of the setting. I was a bit disappointed in this one and just wasn't a huge fan of the MC, but it could have been the setting as I am not a fan of asylum settings.

Having chosen to go to a women’s institution rather than live under her brother’s oppressive thumb, Emmeline is second-guessing her decision. Her ulterior motive was to learn under what circumstances her sister died there six years ago, but the conditions are dismal, the treatment is harsh, and the women are restricted on all sides. When one of the women is murdered, Emmeline resolves to solve the crime despite the powerful owner’s hostile insistence that the death was a suicide. What a great start to what I hope will be a long series. I love historical mysteries and this author really knows her history. The attention to details of the time make a big difference. I was sorry when I got to the end of this book……I wanted it to keep going! Thank you NetGalley for the advanced readers copy for review.

I adore Victoria Hamilton's Lady Anne series and this newer series that follows Emmaline St. Germaine is fantastic as well. This time, following Emmaline to an asylum for women, the mystery is no less compelling while kept in one location for the majority of the book. I hope the author continues this series with another book or two, because for fans of historical mysteries with strong female leads, this is fantastic.

Emmeline is back for the second book and she ends up going to a women’s institution partially to avoid her brother’s plans for her, but mostly to determine what happened to her sister Maggie six years ago in that same institution. What she finds is harass treatment and severe restrictions and the powers that be determined to call Maggie’s death a suicide. Emmeline shows her strength in this book, dealing with abusive staff and learning who she can trust and who she can’t while honoring her sister’s memory.

I did end up liking this book more than the first one. I felt like some of Emmeline’s over the top personality was reigned in a bit so everything didn’t seem so convoluted. The overall plot of the first two books in this series certainly focuses on just how much men controlled women’s life during this time. I thought the plot had less holes than book one, and Emmeline’s character actually started to grow on me in this book. I’m looking forward to more books in this series now.

It’s been several years since the first book in this series was released, and I was beginning to fear it was a one-and-done series. I was excited to see this book in the NetGalley catalog, even though the book published more than two weeks ago, which meant bumping it up to the top of my to-read list.

I like Emmeline, the main character, and the characters from the first book who returned in this one. Because of the setting of this book, many of the characters I liked weren’t involved in this story. If the series continues, I hope we will see more of them. The setting here was disturbing, as were many of the “treatments” and other attitudes held by those in charge, but I know they’re historically accurate (which is even more disturbing!).

As promised in the series name, there is a murder in the book, although it doesn’t occur right away. I had a relatively short list of potential suspects, which changed as the story progressed, and I was ultimately able to figure out whodunnit, although the motive was surprising. I hope this series continues, as I would love to read more of Emmeline’s adventures.

Not sure about this one. A heroine who does not fit her society's norm of women being seen not heard, looking beautiful and producing children - fair enough. Her sister was sent to a house of correction to "help" her "recover" but dies there; Emmeline is subsequently sent there by her brother also to "recover" but she's really trying to discover what happened to her sister. Then another girl is strangled. Much of the story, however, deals with how these women were treated, physically and mentally and the horror of their lives, completely under the control of male relatives and dire physicians with few or no qualifications other than typically being male. The murders and dénouement almost seemed like a by-line at times. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Victoria Hamilton for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Some Touch of Madness. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Leaving off from where the first book ended, Emmeline has decided to go to a women’s institution instead of living under her brother’s oppression. But she is now wondering if she made the right decision. Her motive was to learn under what circumstances her sister died there six years ago, but the conditions are awful, the treatment is harsh, and the women are restricted. Then a woman named Maggie is murdered. Emmeline knows she must solve the crime despite the owner’s insistence that Maggie committed suicide. 

As she uncovers what little evidence there is to be found, Emmeline’s investigation is stopped at every turn by the severe restrictions on her movement. She finds out that the mistreated help belowstairs are more than willing to reveal the institute’s dark secrets. Determined to honor Maggie’s memory and follow the trail to the murderer wherever it goes, Emmeline will have to face guards and abusive staff. Will she be able to bring the killer to justice before another woman is in trouble? 

Overall I enjoyed this story. I don’t think I loved it as much as the first book, but I did really like it. I think my expectations were for it to be more like a Nelly Bly type of story. I didn’t feel the same fast paced Addison from the first book. I think a lot of it was investigating and the stakes didn’t seem as high for Emmeline. There also seemed to be less of Woodforde until the end. I love that she’s a strong character, but there seemed to be something different in this book. I would definitely read more books in the series though.

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys regency murder mysteries!

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

Second installment in a new Regency era mystery series involving strong female lead. This book details the horrors of being a second class citizen ina male dominated world. I look forward to more in this series

This was a very engaging read. Emmaline is one determinant lady, she needs to find out about her sister, Maria and also investigate someone’s daughter. She is brave and quite fearless when it comes to finding out things. Emmaline is very conscious of women’s rights or rather the lack of them at this time. I will say the murder had me guessing until the end, the were quite a few possible suspects. There is also the friendship between Emmaline and Dr. Giles Woodforde, he was one of the few men who Emmaline completely trusted. Would their friendship develop into something deeper? This is the second book in the series and although, to a certain extent it could be read as a stand-alone, I think it would help to read the first book. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Some Touch of Madness, the second book in the A Gentlewoman’s Guide to Murder series not only picks up where the last left off but the story’s pace as well.

Victoria Hamilton, AKA national bestselling author Donna Lea Simpson with her protagonist Emmeline St. Germaine hits her stride as our heroine voluntarily goes to the Coleman Institute for Women rather than live under the thumb of her bombastic brother, as well as furthering her mission to aid the helpless, abused and victimized.

Though Emmeline chose to enter the facility for “uncontrollable” women seeking to find out the circumstances of her sister’s death there six years earlier and at the bequest of a woman concerned for her daughter also committed to the institute, Emmeline finds her brother has committed her indefinitely.

Though the plot and setting emphasizes the hold men have held over women’s lives through the centuries, Emmeline’s strength and determination to overcome her constraints is strengthened when one of her roommates is murdered.

I recommend Some Touch of Madness for anyone who enjoys historical fiction mysteries.

I received a free egalley of Some Touch of Madness courtesy of Beyond the Page Publishing, through NetGalley. This review is fair and impartial.

Some Touch of Madness
A Gentlewoman’s Guide to Murder #2
by Victoria Hamilton
Earc:NetGalley
Publisher: Beyond the Page Publishing
Publication Date: 8 November 2022
Genre : Historical Fiction, Mystery and Thriller

I was fascinated from the beginning. The author draws me into the beginning of a story full of suspense, murder, and a heroine determined to find the truth, perhaps even at her own risk....The horrifying treatment of women during this period

As Emmeline investigates the 'patients' of the psychiatric hospital, the truth emerges, but the tangled cobwebs keep her alive. Take her on a journey and she won't soon forget!

Looking forward to reading more in this series and by this author!!

#NetGalley #bookstagram #bookreview #goodreads #historicalfiction #mysteryandthriller @beyondthepagepublishing @victoria Hamilton

1810
I was intrigued from the very beginning. as the author pull me straight into the beginning of a story of suspense, murder and a heroine who was determined to find the truth, possibly at her own peril....

The author twined historical fact with fiction to make the premise believable. The terrible treatment of women during this time period, often put in asylums, just to get rid of them by a spouse or family.

As Emmeline investigates as a "patient" in the asylum, truths come out but with a tangled web that will take her on a journey not soon forgotten!

Looking forward to reading more in this series and by this author!! Do not miss it if you love historical mysteries!

1810, England, family-drama, family-dynamics, misogynistic-era, social-injustice, class-consciousness, amateur-sleuth, secrets, lies, rescue, friendship, historical-novel, historical-places-events, historical-research, mystery, suspense, murder, murder-investigation*****

A hundred years before Nellie Bly women were treated like unruly chattel (at least in the monied class) and sent to mental health institutions for "corrections". Emmeline’s sister died in one of those places, and now a friend is threatened. Emmeline’s reaction to these things caused her elder brother to send her to that very institution. At first it suits her because it is a way to investigate. Until she finds it to be more of a prison complete with abuse and forced feedings. And then one of the younger girls was murdered by strangulation. Now things got really dangerous. A very good read.
I requested and received a free e-book copy from Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you

I enjoyed this one so much more than the first book. The main character came across as a much more likeable character who is a bit outspoken but genuinely wants to help people and get to the truth. Serious subjects were covered in this book too but in a much better way than the first can't wait for the next book in the series now. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Hamilton once again brings a light to feminine issues in her latest entry to her historical mystery series. Hamilton has not only created incredibly likeable characters in Emmeline and her maid Geillis but always delivers a mystery that balances the clues, red-herrings and suspects that will leave you guessing to the final reveal. This series and book does tackle serious topics so be sure to check all the CWs. This is book two in the A Gentlewoman's Guide to Murder series, and I would suggest picking up the first book, A Gentlewoman's Guide to Murder, so you don’t miss anything.

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

A book infused with gothic atmosphere was completely up my street. I loved it as much as the first book and I cannot wait to see what comes next

"Some Touch of Madness" was quite a literary ride! Lady Emmeline is once again on the case, this time in the asylum where her younger sister died. While there, the murder of one of the 'residents' occurs, and of course Emma refuses to leave before solving the crime. The murderer was certainly not who I expected, and the motive was just as surprising. But the book is not just a neat little mystery, but rather a referendum on women's rights. As you read the story, you will understand why I say this. Suffice to say, the writing was great as was the plot. You will not be bored,

Thanks to NetGalley for this advanced copy, which I voluntarily read and reviewed.

Another excellent mystery from Victorian Hamilton. I am so excited this series has continued and I look forward to more. I love the gothic touches to the tone and how it is exploring some serious issues in the context of historical/cozier (though not too cozy) mystery. If you like strong female protags, this is perfect. More, more, more!

Another great entry in the A Gentlewoman’s Guide to Murder series, it did what I was expecting from the previous book and really glad I was able to continue this series. The writing was what I was hoping for from Victoria Hamilton and was really glad I was able to come back to her stories. I hope there is more in this series and appreciated getting to read this.

“Why don’t you complain, Sarah?” Alex said with flashing eyes and a deceptively soft voice. “Tell the doctor. Or your precious reverend. Tell them how it distresses you to hear the truth about how some of us have been treated here. You can add in that you suffer too, for you have been forbidden to read novels. What torture!”