5 stars!! I absolutely loved this second installment of the Beatrice Steele series and can’t wait for more! Sequels can sometimes be disappointing, but I definitely didn’t feel that way about A Terribly Nasty Business. While we don’t get as much insight into all of the same characters from the first book (does anyone else want more Mary? AND WHAT IS WITH THE WEREWOLF REFERENCES??? I MUST KNOW!), we got more of Beatrice, Drake, and Miss Bolton as well as some wonderful new friends in London. The mystery itself was satisfying, and the ending seems to perfectly set up a third installment. The writing, the story, and the characters all shine here, and I will be checking NetGalley frantically to request the ARC for the next one when it’s available!

This series makes me so happy. I loved the first book and this second one did not disappoint. I love some humor in my cozy mystery and this series integrates its absurdity in a way that fits right into the storylines and mysteries. I love Beatrice’s desire to be a respected investigator and to find romance with someone who doesn’t just see her in a traditional female role, despite her mother’s letters to send money to fix the family estate. I’m going to need a book that focuses more on her sister Mary because I see another whole series/spin-off just waiting to be written. Every character in this book is fascinating and leaves me wanting to know more about them. The mystery had its own twists and turns and was not as clear-cut as you might expect. I hope I can look forward to this series putting out a new installment each year, squirrels or not squirrels, I will be waiting eagerly.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.

Another fun adventure with Steele and Drake. They are now in London and are partners in the new detective agency they start up. Beatrice also has to go through The Season with her chaperone, Miss Bolton. When she gets a new murder case, she’s excited & now the Season has just got better. Eccentric characters, mystery, flying squirrels, & some (possible) love, this book was charming. With that cliffhanger, I can’t wait for next book.

This sequel to the humorous first book by Julia Seales in this series which I read in 2023, is right on par. Same satirical humor, light-hearted writing with a bit of romance thrown in to the plot this time. There are some fun references to modern day (2 fast, 2 furious, anyone?! Haha!) while maintaining the time period shes set it in. I don’t quite know how something so ridiculous works so well! But a fun read once again, I’ll be looking for the next one for sure!

A sequel that doesn’t disappoint!

Such a fun read! Think Jane Austen meets Agatha Christie. Satirical, romantic, comedy, murder mystery.

I love the dry sense of humour.

I hope to see more of Beatrice and Drake!

This grand sequel to the author's famed histfic mystery debut set my heart aglow! I adore the quirky Beatrice Steele, growing in her role as an inspector in London, teamed up again with the handsome Detective Drake. The story will charm and engage you with suspense, romance, and a mystery that truly keeps you guessing. Brava, Julia, and may we see many more wacky Beatrice/Drake tales!

A Terribly Nasty Business by Julia Seales is the second installment in a murder mystery series set in 1800's London. It is about lady detective Beatrice Steele who investigates the murders of 3 men with her handsome business partner and fellow detective, Inspector Drake.

I was worried that this sequel wouldn't be as good as the first, but I was wrong! A Terrible Nasty Business has a little bit of everything from mystery, adventure, comedy, even romance. The mystery was expertly written and I was even left guessing until the very end of the book! It was just complex enough to keep your attention but still very manageable to read. I also love that it sets itself up well for more books in the series. It reminds me a lot of the show Miss Scarlet and the Duke which is one of my favorites. Above all, it was a very clean book. Adults and teens alike can feel comfortable reading it without being worried about the content. Thank you Julia Seales for another amazing installment. I can't wait to read more about Beatrice Steele!

This sequel was a fantastic follow-up that truly did not disappoint! Once again, the author delivered the fun and lighthearted tone that made the first installment so enjoyable, while adding more depth to the plot. Watching Beatrice navigate life in London, her evolving relationship with Drake, and the twists and turns in Sweetbriar was both engaging and satisfying. I particularly enjoyed seeing Beatrice grow into her role as an inspector, and Seales left just the right amount of intrigue at the end to make me eager for the next book. An absolute delight!

Another great mystery from Seales. With Beatrice now firmly in London, what she thought would be her way out of the oppressive world of Swampshire turns out to be more of the same. Thankfully, she's got murder to keep her mind sharp and Seales' excellent blend of satirical comedy to keep me invested. Also, Mary's still a werewolf. Love that.