"This feisty lady detective novel set in 1897 is wonderfully quirky and has been created with a beautifully light touch."
This feisty lady detective novel set in 1897 is wonderfully quirky and has been created with a beautifully light touch. Violet Hamilton has galloped outside of the social norm to become a detective. She works alongside Benjamin Blackthorn to whom she became engaged in Hannah Dolby’s first novel No Life for a Lady which introduced the irrepressible Violet.
This was my first walk out with the couple who are absolutely delightful, though the spotlight really does shine on Violet. I easily fell into step, which is the sign of a good series, though of course now want to catch up on what has gone before. All of the characters feel as though they are about to leap off the page, they are vividly colourful, and even a walk-on-part shines.
A death is investigated, prejudice challenged, and corruption countered so this isn’t all afternoon tea and filling dance cards at balls. I know Hastings and thought the sense of place was wonderfully complete and atmospheric. There is a gentle charm on offer, along with a dancing humour, and the inclusion of scandalous bicycles, daring rescues, and baby goats adds to the ambience.
How to Solve Murders Like a Lady is an engaging, amusing, absolute romp of a mystery, I thoroughly enjoyed this outing, and look forward to more.

| Primary Genre | Historical Fiction |
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Closing date: 31/10/2026
Violet Hamilton is no ordinary lady… She is a Lady Detective, who spends her time solving mysteries and unveiling scandals in the bustling seaside town of Hastings and St Leonards, a popular spot for the Victorian middle classes. But when the body of a local woman is found on the beach, Violet's efforts to investigate are blocked at every turn.
How to Solve Murders Like a Lady features in the following genres: Historical Fiction, Recommendations, Crime and Mystery, Feel-Good Fiction, Romance / Relationship Stories, Historical romance, Crime and mystery: cosy mystery, Fiction, Historical crime and mysteries, Crime and mystery: women sleuths, Narrative theme: Social issues, Narrative theme: Love and relationships, Narrative theme: Death, grief, loss, Fiction: narrative themes, Books of the Month
Paperback. £8.99, down from the £9.99 cover price. In Stock.
How to Solve Murders Like a Lady was written by Hannah Dolby and published by Aria an imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
How to Solve Murders Like a Lady has 304 pages
£8.99, reduced from £9.99. In Stock.