Rating: Loved It!
Source: Publisher
Description: In return for a random act of kindness, scholar Li Bai Chang presents young cook Kat Holloway with a rare and precious gift—a box of tea. Kat thinks no more of her unusual visitor until two days later when the kitchen erupts with the news that Lady Cynthia's next-door neighbor has been murdered.
Known about London as an "Old China Hand," the victim claimed to be an expert in the language and customs of China, acting as intermediary for merchants and government officials. But Sir Jacob's dealings were not what they seemed, and when the authorities accuse Mr. Li of the crime, Kat and Daniel find themselves embroiled in a world of deadly secrets that reach from the gilded homes of Mayfair to the beautiful wonder of Kew Gardens
Genre: Mystery - Historical
Why I Picked This Book: The main reason is because I have loved the first two books in the series and couldn't wait to dive into this one but if that hadn't been the case I couldn't have resisted that cover!
My Impression: This series is the book version of a cozy blanket and a nice cup of tea. Things have been crazy in real life but the second I opened this book the world faded away and I was swept up into Kat's world both in the kitchen and out of it. I loved seeing Kat, Tess, Daniel, Cynthia, and Thanos again and thoroughly enjoyed the mystery.
I thought the Chinese angle was a little unusual and really fascinating. I can't think of the last time I've seen China discussed in a historical mystery so the information and the attitudes of the characters were both really interesting. It also made a good excuse to pull Mr. Thanos in and some other researchers. Thanos is one of my favorite characters and Thanos plus research is pretty much all of my favorite things in one. The mystery was a delight with a regular increase in information and an unraveling that kept me turning pages.
As always, I loved the below stairs part of the mystery and it was interesting seeing Kat with an adversary. The new housekeeper makes Mr. Davis look like Mr. Rogers. While this is the third in the series you could jump in right here without any problem though you really should go back and read the first two because they're fantastic!
Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Of course! I'm already counting the days until the next book comes out.
Would I Recommend this Book? Absolutely! Even if you aren't a regular mystery reader if you're interested in upstairs/downstairs stories or historical fiction in general I think you'll love this series!
* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *
I swear these stories get better and better! Hahaha...Mr. Rogers. She did!
ReplyDeleteI think I better start at the beginning but sounds like a great series. You oight to hook up at Joy's Book Blog for her British Isles Friday with this book!
ReplyDeleteLove this series! Really liked this one!
ReplyDeleteI am in line for it at the library and it certainly sounds well worth waiting for.
ReplyDeleteI have loved this series from the first book, MURDER BELOW STAIRS. I just finished listening to the DEATH IN KEW GARDENS. I suspect that Daniel works undercover for Scotland Yard.
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed the first two in this series and her Captain Lacey series written as Ashley Gardner!
ReplyDeleteThis series is so fun! I skimmed your review since I haven't read this latest book yet, but I'm definitely looking forward to it.
ReplyDeleteThis series sounds different which has caught my attention. You are one of my biggest enablers to plumpin up my TBR.
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