Aunt Violet and her niece Hannah have a bookshop to run. But after a customer comes in asking for a rare book, Hannah takes a visit to the reading room of the British Library – a glorious domed building in the middle of the British Museum courtyard – to find out more.

Hannah has barely finished making her request when a man at one of the hundreds of desks slumps over his work. Within moments, it becomes clear he is dead, stabbed in broad daylight, in the middle of the reading room surrounded by oblivious academics.

The reading room is an exclusive space where no one can enter or leave without detection. Yet the initial investigation yields no weapon, no witnesses, and no apparent motive.

But then Aunt Violet discovers the victim had been researching the unearthing of a lost piece of Italian sculpture. And Hannah – despite her new husband’s firm insistence that she let the police do their job – finds herself unable to resist the temptation of investigating just one more murder.

A totally gripping cozy crime novel, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Helena Dixon and Verity Bright.

‘I couldn’t put this book down, I just wanted to keep reading. The story kept me guessing all the time and the ending was unexpected. Can’t wait for the next book.’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A fabulous historical novel that entertained me from the start… Reminiscent of Miss Jane Marple… I loved the inclusion of Bartleby, the bookshop cat who was very much a character in his own right.’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Wonderful!! I had high hopes for this novel and it did not disappoint. Once I began I could hardly put it down. I am excited to read Ms. Davison’s next installment.’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘What a fabulous setting for a murder… If I could have read it in one sitting, I would have done. A brilliant plot with some clever twists! I think I've found a new favourite series. I can’t wait for the next instalment. Highly recommended!’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I loved this delightful new cozy mystery featuring a young society girl and her suffragette aunt… 5 stars. I look forward to more in this series.’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I loved this book. Hannah and Aunt Violet are wonderful characters and I liked them from the start. The surrounding characters are well imagined. The setting is interesting. I enjoyed the references to literature and the way books were a part of the story line… Very entertaining and I highly recommend it.’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Fascinating characters, scandals, espionage and murder… Kept me turning the pages wanting to know what would happen to Hannah and her delightful feline companion.’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐