I started out quite intrigued but this style and storyline is not for me. I did not finish.

I had noted it as a General Fiction (Adult) | Historical Fiction | Mystery & Thrillers but missed the line way down that elaborated that it was a darkly gothic historical novel. If I had picked that up I would not have asked for a copy to review.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

Words cannot describe what I felt for this work of art that this novel is. The Emerald Shawl is a brilliant Victorian Era mystery that has a female reporter who dabbles in detective work and has some of the mannerisms of the famous reporter Nellie Bly. I will admit I was on the edge of my seat many times because I was worried that someone else would end up getting killed or even our heroine herself would meet her end. Thankfully it never came to that situation and everything turned out okay in the end.
Our main character is Nelly Brooks who is the first female reporter for her town newspaper. Now Nellie has had a very difficult life what with her parents putting her an asylum as a teenager. Thankfully her aunt managed to get her out. One day she is approached by a woman who has information that the wife of an aristocrat was actually murdered and didn't die in childbirth.
However, shortly after this conversation the woman is found dead. Nelly wants to investigate some more but is discouraged to do so because they don't allow female reporters to investigate murders. Although she does manage to get some help from another reporter named Will to investigate.
Nelly also finds the opportunity to sneak into the manor house undetected. Although does come close to getting caught but manages to sneak out with some very important evidence. As they come across more details they start to wonder what truly happened and eventually the truth to everything does come to light.
I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.

A very atmospheric novel set in Bristol in 1864, Nelly Brooks, first female reporter at the 'Courier', is restricted to writing articles for women. She is frustrated that she is not expected to investigate any crimes. When she is approached by a seamstress who reports a murder, Nelly decides to investigate. With the help of crime reporter Will Delane, Nelly has to overcome powerful opposition to discover the truth.
I loved the Bristol setting and the descriptions of historical events such as the opening of the Clifton Suspension Bridge. This is a well-written story with realistic characters. Highly recommended.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an arc in exchange for an honest review.