"The Secrets of Wishtide," is the first book in the Laetitia Rodd Mystery series by Kate Saunders. From the very beginning, I was drawn in by the unique and engaging Laetitia Rodd, who is a middle-aged, widowed detective with a sharp mind and a strong sense of justice. The mystery at the heart of the story is well-crafted and kept me guessing until the very end. The historical setting of the book, early Victorian England, is vividly brought to life through Saunders' richly detailed writing which adds an extra layer of depth to the story. I enjoyed "The Secrets of Wishtide" and look forward to the next in the series.

I read this a while ago, but didn't provide a review on Netgalley (I did on Goodreads), as I was on hiatus. I love Laetitia Rodd, she has a sensible head on her shoulders and it's not much of a surprise that she solves a mystery because she puts in the work. I also like the side characters, her barrister brother and her companion. I've read book #2 as well, and I hope to read more from this series.

I did read this one. I liked it so much I purchased a copy for myself. I hope she writes another one featuring this character.

"Mrs. Laetitia Rodd, aged fifty-two, is the widow of an archdeacon. Living in Hampstead with her confidante and landlady, Mrs. Bentley, who once let rooms to John Keats, Laetitia makes her living as a highly discreet private investigator.

Her brother, Frederick Tyson, is a criminal barrister living in the neighboring village of Highgate with his wife and ten children. Frederick finds the cases, and Laetitia solves them using her arch intelligence, her iron discretion, and her immaculate cover as an unsuspecting widow. When Frederick brings to her attention a case involving the son of the well-respected, highly connected Sir James Calderstone, Laetitia sets off for Lincolnshire to take up a position as the family's new governess--quickly making herself indispensable.But the seemingly simple case--looking into young Charles Calderstone's “inappropriate” love interest--soon takes a rather unpleasant turn. And as the family's secrets begin to unfold, Laetitia discovers the Calderstones have more to hide than most.

Dickensian in its scope and characters, The Secrets of Wishtide brings nineteenth century society vividly to life and illuminates the effect of Victorian morality on women's lives. Introducing an irresistible new detective, the first book in the Laetitia Rodd Mystery series will enthrall and delight."

Oh, a new series of cozy yet period mysteries? Yes please!

Diverting enough for a Victorian Mystery, yet I felt strangely like I was reading the Swiss Family Robinson, and I cannot figure out why.

I was enjoying this 'cozy,' until suddenly it turned very dark. I was not expecting that! It is a pretty quick read, though. I just did not enjoy the foray into depravity along with the sanctimonious.tone.

I love a good cozy mystery and this one delivers! It's also historical which is a good thing. The flow of this book was good and the characters were different and quite likeable,. Laetitia Rodd is delightful and her interactions with the police detective are both endearing and fun. She's a very creditable sleuth and, while she may lock horns with the detective, her methods are really good. I would highly recommend this book to lovers of cozy mysteries!

This book was very hard to get through. Lots of twists and turns but, when normally this would add excitement, I found myself confused as to how all of the details connected to the mystery. I did enjoy the main character Mrs. Rodd.

I would like to thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for my advanced copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

I love me a good English mystery. And this held what it promised. Yes, it was Agatha-Christie-ish. Yes, it reminded me at times of Sherlock Holmes. And yes, I devoured this book because the characters were lovely, and interesting, and kooky; and the story was light but yet gripping - exactly what I remember from Agatha Christie.

Letty and her friend Mary were my favorites - yay for girl power. Her brother, Fred, is special too as he never questions Letty's capabilities. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about strong female characters. I also loved the Victorian setting - it elevated how independent and strong-minded Letty is.

The mystery itself was perfect - the interplay between mundanity, juicy gossip, and murderous suspense was pure entertainment. I flew through this book and I cannot wait to read the sequel. Heads up to Kate Saunders who tackled a genre that is filled with iconic authors and held her own.