She Be Damned: A Heloise Chancey Mystery

I would like to thank Netgalley and Legend Press for an advance copy of She Be Damned, the first novel to feature courtesan Heloise Chancey in 1863 London.

Heloise has earned enough money to live a financially comfortable life and is able to indulge her hobbies - stage acting and some detection work for private investigator Sir Thomas Avery. She is interested when Sir Thomas asks her to look for Eleanor Carter a young lady in an interesting condition who has run away from home and may have become the victim of a serial killer who is butchering pregnant prostitutes.

I enjoyed She Be Damned as it has a very readable style which draws the reader in to Heloise's lifestyle, although I'm less sure about said lifestyle. The plot involves Heloise gathering information by visiting various seedy haunts, most of which remind her of her past and how far she has come. It is well put together and does not pull its punches in either the dreadful poverty or hypocrisy of the Victorian age.

It is interesting that Ms Tjia chooses to make her protagonist a courtesan as it gives her a lot of scope in covering the many facets of Victorian society. She is able to portray the condemnation society heaps on Heloise for her profession and lack of morality and yet, thanks to her wealthy protectors, she is able to move among them. At the same time her past allows her to visit brothels and whorehouses with impunity and converse with the poor. Personally I did not find Heloise overly convincing as I found her far too modern for the times, both in her thinking and attitudes. And she smokes before cigarettes were commercially available.

She Be Damned is as much about Victorian morals as it is about crime. It is not a cozy novel with its frequent references to sex and abortion, the descriptions of the victims' mutilation and ripe language. I would be interested to read more about Heloise in a different setting.

This is an interesting novel with an easy, readable style about it so I have no hesitation in recommending it as a good read.

This ticked a lot of boxes for me - a Victorian (tick) murder mystery (tick) featuring a strong female protagonist (tick) and an exploration of the seedier side of 1860s London (tick).

The plot follows Heloise Chancey (a courtesan) who is well-placed to investigate the murder of prostitutes in Waterloo, London; she can move in both 'high' and 'low' society and is streetwise and tough enough to survive the unpleasant surroundings thanks to her rather chequered past (which we get hints at throughout the novel). Although Heloise is independently wealthy and living in Mayfair, she has no trouble mixing with the prostitutes, beggars and domestic servants of Waterloo. She's an interesting character, although I'd like to see her given more emotional depth in future if this is the start of a series.

I found this book so hard to put down, although some of it is quite distasteful; the murders are reminiscent of Jack the Ripper's crimes in that the women are mutilated, which is a bit stomach-churning. However, it moved at a good pace and there were plenty of twists and turns to keep a reader interested until the end. I thought there were some very clever touches and enough menace to keep me turning pages way into the night to check that everything would be fine!

This is an engaging and lively historical crime novel; I really hope that Heloise will appear in more books in future as I think there is plenty of potential here.

This was an enjoyable romance. I was able to read it in one day. The characters were so engaging & I found myself getting caught up in their stories. This book left off on a bit of a cliff-hanger and I'm looking forward to continuing with this series. I need to know what happens next.

I hope this is the first of many in this series! I really liked it! This story takes place in 1863, in the Waterloo area of London. Someone is murdering prostitutes and mutilating their sexual organs. Who is committing these horrible crimes? Along comes Heloise Chance, a Courtesan and Professional Detective. She takes the reader into the seedy world of prostitution as she solves these crimes. Even though Heloise is a Courtesan, she is a very likable character. This book is very well written, with very vivid descriptions of old London. It made me think of Jack the Ripper. Can't wait for the next installment!

Fast-paced and mysterious, She Be Damned was an interesting and often fun through Victoria London.

Heloise Chancey is approached by a Sir Thomas to assist in a case involving a young, missing pregnant woman. Fearing the worst because there's been a rash of ladies of the night being murdered and mutilated, Heloise agrees, but on her terms. Sir Thomas wants her to go back to her former life and masquerade as a prostitute, she would rather not because of reasons of her own. Heloise has come a long way in the skin trade, working her way up to courtesan. Complete with the riches that come along with it, and she's rather not give that up for a case that may or may not pan out. Sir Thomas eventually relents, and the mystery unfolds from there.

Naturally, a story about prostitutes being murdered is bound to be dark and gory, which it often was, but there was plenty of humor throughout to balance out the dark. And while there wasn't anything particular new and interesting in Tija's London, the characters were dynamic enough to overshadow the often bland world-building. Amah Li Leen and Heloise were the perfect pairing, the perfect companions, and while they don't often get along, there's an underlying bond between them that's as unbreakable as they come. There were also a few surprises thrown in concerning the both of them, and I certainly didn't see them coming.

My only complaint is that the characters are introduced immediately, and Heloise's past as an actress is referenced quite early on, and I wanted to know more. I felt like Tija could've provided a little backstory, a little history, to Heloise, but hopefully that'll be explored in subsequent books (provided this is to become a series.) Although there is a major revelation pretty late in the novel regarding her past, so I'm just guessing that everything wasn't explored fully because it would've taken some of the excitement out of that reveal. At the end of the day, my complaint is a fairly minor one that I'm sure will be redeemed in the future, again providing that this is to become a series.

All in all, I quite enjoyed She Be Damned, and I do hope that we will see more of Heloise, Amah, and Bill in the future. Here's hoping we do, because there's still so much to be explored with all 3 of them.


*eARC received via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I received this book for free from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. This is a historical mystery that takes on strong elements of the Jack the Ripper Murders. The main protagonist is a female courtesan, who is pulled in to detective work to find a missing girl. The story was written well and portrays Victorian times very well. The book had a slow start and was a bit rushed at the end. It was almost like the author was trying to put in more story, but ran out of time. They mystery keep me gessing to the end. The way this story was told it looks like we can see this turning into a series. Overall, the book was engaging, but the reader should be aware that it is not a cozy mystery and contains descriptive content. I am interested in reading a future works from this author.

I thoroughly enjoyed this debut from M.J.Tjia. Heloise Chauncey, a courtesan with a long and varied career on the stage and in the brothels, leads a wealthy life from a generous patron. As a diversion, she also does private investigations for a lawyer to the well placed. A little far fetched, but I go with it. Asked to locate a missing girl, Heloise is treading the fine line between her current life and her past.....along with a murderer who is murdering prostitutes in a most grisly manner. Heloise finds that girl, but....,makes for compelling reading, full of twists and turns. We are introduces to Heloise's household staff with a story of their own. We meet many possible suspects, and its hard to point a finger at whodunit. This book is a little more sexually explicit than most historic mysteries. The pacing was good, and the book is well done. I recommend it for lovers of historic mystery.

She be Damned is a gritty Victorian Gothic novel that compels you to keep reading every page, because the research put into this book shines through. The historical and cultural aspects of 1863 London, pulled me and kept me entranced. As Heloise Chancey takes up the case of the missing young Eleanor, I felt myself flinching as Heloise pulled the curtain away from prostitution life in the 19th century. She be Damned doesn’t shy away from abortion, STD’s, rape, and other issues that these women faced.

Heloise is engaging, quit witted, and a bullheaded, while her maid, Amah is the calmer and more rational of the two. I’d even argue that Amah is a role model for Heloise, even though Heloise seems to always dismiss Amah’s opinions. These two women, are what make She be Damned unique. You get to see this crisis of women being brutally murder from two completely different perspectives, Amah a Chinese immigrant, and Heloise a courtesan.

I admit the dark nature of this novel wasn’t always easy to read, but the fact remains that no matter your position in life, no voice deserves to be brushed aside, and that’s where Heloise excels. She gives voice to the voiceless.

I enjoyed this historical fiction mystery. It read like a cozy mystery with just enough suspense to keep the pages turning. Tjia does a great job of keeping you guessing who the murderer is and I can honestly say I didn't guess right.

It was also a unique spin to have a courtesan moonlight as a amateur detective. Heloise uses her true profession to gain access to Waterloo's prostitution world and also to charm others into giving her information. She has been hired to find the daughter of a rich man who ran away after becoming pregnant. There are also a string of prostitute murders around the same area the girl was last seen and Heloise, with the help of/despite the police, tries to find the girl as well as solve who is killing these women.

I found the secondary characters to be well written and great companions to Heloise. Of course not all are likable, but they all added to the story. I will say that I didn't care much for Amah Li Leen's POV being sporadically put in. I can see why Tjia thought it may enhance the story, but I found it unnecessary and distracting to the overall plot.

She Be Damned could very well be the first novel in a series as I can see Heloise using her skills and charm to solve more crime in the future.

The blurb on the cover states She Be Damned is "compulsive reading" and truer words were never spoke. The notion of a courtesan as detective was certainly a fine twist. Definitely a single sitting read, so be sure to clear your calendar first. Much enjoyed.

What a book!! But i now need to read book 2 straight away!
I hope it doesn't take to long to be published.
This book is full of all sorts of situations and deals with quite a controversial subject, abortions, be it through choice or by force so it probably won't be a book that is for everyone.
But putting that aside the setting in victorian London is brilliant portrayed and is fully believable.
Our protagonist Heloise Chancey is a courtesan and professional detective and she starts delving into the spate of murders in Waterloo, prostitutes that have all had their sexual organs mutilated and removed.
There is fear on the streets as the ladies of the night wait for the killer to strike again.
Heloise needs to find a young pregnant woman as she is feared to be the potential next victim.
This book covers the victorian lifestyle and morals as well as gruesome murders.
I read this in one go as i couldn't find a place to leave it, i had to keep going to find out what happened!
Great book, can't wait for the next one

I’ll be perfectly frank with a little tangent. When I first started reading the book I was drawn in by the writing style but put the book down for awhile because of the first two chapters. Gorey and gritty stories don’t attract me as a rule. True Crime interests me, I read horror and I don’t shy away from gore or grit but in mysteries my preference is for stories that explore inner motives and don’t place the focus on the obvious horror and fear. This is personal preference and it played a role in my putting the book down for so long despite being drawn in by the synopsis and the writing style generally.

Now for my review. The prologue is meant to draw you right into the action but depending on your expectations this is where you’ll probably put the book down. I made it to chapter two before I did. Both chapters introduce you to the world Heloise inhabits, the tone of the story and the way that other characters will view her. But I put it down because I just couldn’t connect. After about a month I decided to try it again and decide if I would just shelve it indefinitely. And to be honest, starting with chapter two I was hooked. The writing shines without the prologue and the first chapter. Although I understood why the first two chapters existed I didn’t need them in order to find my place in the book. Once I started reading again I stayed up all night and could not put the book down until I finished. I had to know what happened next.

Heloise is shades of Phryne Fisher but with a little more edge. Where Phryne is empowered by her own money, title and respected to some degree—Heloise is not. She’s a bit scrappy and I think that “She Be Damned” is meant to set the tone for a series. When I read the first two chapters it reminded me vaguely of Cocaine Blues because aspects of the plot have similarities and allow the author to introduce the audience to the struggles of women in a historic moment in time by showing us women who are left behind to fend for themselves. M.J. Tija does a fair job of presenting a simple mystery which gives us a glimpse into Heloise’s world (past and present). If you aren’t squeamish about a grittier story but also prefer a mystery with less gore I recommend skipping to the second chapter and starting from there.

The resolution of the story is—I would argue typical for many mysteries. It fit. I wasn’t wowed but I would read another because I liked Tija’s background characters. It’s a world I could see returning to. I don’t think it needs to lose the grit but it doesn’t need to try to fixate on it or sensationalize it. I thought there were plenty of more subtle scenes that captured a type of horror and discomfort better than the prologue. I gave the book four stars because once it did finally hook me I couldn’t put it down.

She Be Damned is a difficult book to read, not because of the writing which is excellent, but the troubling topics it addresses.  Prostitutes are being killed, but more than that their sexual organs are mutilated and removed.  The victims are pregnant young women and their victimization is horrifying.  Mrs. Heloise Chancey is similar to the girls in that as a courtesan, she too is dependent upon the goodwill of men, but differs in her status and treatment.  She is also an accomplished actress, and has acted as a detective on previous occasions.  This case is different, both because she is blackmailed into it and because it hits close to home. Heloise is to find a young pregnant who may have become a victim since she was banished from her home. It’s a difficult case both because it forces Heloise to visit places and people from her past, and puts her at deadly risk.  

Issues of rape and the degradation of women dependent upon the whims of men are central, as is the reminder that women once (and often now) are considered objects of sexual satisfaction rather than individuals.  Even today women bear the responsibility for pregnancy out of wedlock, even in cases of rape and incest.  The hideous procedures women wishing to end pregnancy had to undergo remind the reader of what will take place if abortion is outlawed.  While being a historical mystery, many of the issues raised are of current concern.

She Be Damned is a very good, but not altogether comfortable read.  It isn’t for everyone, but I think those who do read it, knowing the content will find it an excellent historical mystery.

4 / 5

I received a copy of She Be Damned from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

--Crittermom

Really unusual and vivid historical of an independent woman in times when a woman needs to be married or a widow, or sister to be respected - Heloise is a courtesan with a loyal and demanding servant who is more than she seems to be. Her supporter as friend is a Sir Thomas who involves her in detecting wrongdoing, going where only a woman with her skills may go - in this case to a brothel where Sir Thomas and an appalling friend hire her to find the wayward daughter of a Mr Carter. - Carter has thrown his daughter out when she becomes pregnant - Heloise Chauncey does find her but it is in the midst of a series of crimes going on in the area - prostitutes are being murdered. What is most intriguing about the novel is the voice of Heloise and the real anger at the difficult position women occupy in 19th century London, even women with a bit of well-earned money. The denouement is a shocker and twists and turns (even when she is in physical danger) right up untilthe end - entertaining and skilful.

Don’t quit this book once you realise it is yet another version of Jack The Ripper. It is much more than that.

She Be Damned is a story of strong woman, too strong for her times and men around her. It is a murder-mystery, lost girl, an almost love story all wrapped into one big bundle with ribbons and ostrich feathers. It is written with such a gusto, you can almost taste the watery coffee and hot potato from the street vendors of London and can see all the dreary settings of the horrible deeds and wicked thoughts.

It is a story within a story on a story. It is like the women’s skirts of those times: crinolines, underskirts, bones, and wire with expensive fabric on the top layer. Some of those skirts get dirty pretty quickly, and not necessary the cheapest…

How can I describe this book without letting any spoilers out of the hat? Well, as the title of this blog says, Sasha Torte has found a best friend: both women are beautiful, reckless, stubborn, powerful and resourceful. And both of them are very vulnerable and defenseless even when it comes to men and society.

I know Heloise started thinking of quitting… the society at the end of the book. But I actually think, she can do more. She can do more detecting and more ‘put in your place’ to people who truly deserve it.

Call me wicked and vengeful… take a dare, read the book