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You are here: Home / Books / Once Upon a Murder (A Lady Librarian Mystery) by Samantha Larsen | Book Review

February 20, 2024 · 1 Comment

Once Upon a Murder (A Lady Librarian Mystery) by Samantha Larsen | Book Review

Book Reviews· Books· Cozy Mystery

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Welcome to my stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour for Once Upon a Murder (A Lady Librarian Mystery) by Samantha Larsen. Stop by each blog on the tour for interviews, guest posts, spotlights, reviews and more!

Once Upon a Murder (A Lady Librarian Mystery)

by Samantha Larsen

Once Upon a Murder (A Lady Librarian Mystery) by Samantha Larsen

Publication Date: February 20, 2024
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books 
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 304 pages

Book Synopsis

Miss Tiffany Woodall must sleuth the slaying of a footman to clear her beloved’s name in the second Lady Librarian mystery, in the vein of Deanna Raybourn and perfect for fans of Bridgerton.

1784 England. Officially hired as the librarian for the Duchess of Beaufort, Miss Tiffany Woodall is through with masquerades and murders for good. That is, until she stumbles upon the frozen dead body of former footman Mr. Bernard Coram. The speed with which her peaceful new life is upended is one for the record books: the justice of the peace immediately declares her the primary suspect in the murder.

As Tiffany hunts for the truth to clear her name, she learns that Bernard got into a fight over a woman at the local pub the night of his death–but he was also overheard blackmailing Samir. The justice of the peace arrests Samir, and Tiffany realizes that her life may have more in common with a tragic play than a light-hearted romance.

With her love locked up in jail and her own reputation on the line, Tiffany must attempt to solve the murder before the book closes on her or Samir’s life.

My review of Once Upon a Murder

Once Upon a Murder by Samantha Larsen is the second book in the Lady Librarian mystery series. I found the first, A Novel Disguise, completely delightful, and this book is just as wonderful. I highly recommend that you read these in order. I know I’d be confused if I read this by itself without knowing the background of the characters, plus, I know you’ll love the first book!

Miss Tiffany Woodall is now the official head librarian for the Duchess of Beaufort. She’s also temporarily teaching the Duchess’s young son until a suitable governess is found. The way Tiffany teaches is completely the way young children should be taught! She brings literature to life for him all the while incorporating math and science and making it fun! 

Tiffany is still crazy about the bookseller, Samir, and she believes he is about her too. No spoilers, so I’ll just say lots of stuff happens that might potentially keep them apart including Tiffany being a suspect, and Samir’s arrest for murder! All of that “stuff” is really exciting and brings about change. 

As with the first novel, the characters come to life under the pen of Larsen. She also paints us a picture of the small 1700s village in which the story is set. As you can imagine, life at the palace differs greatly from village life. I enjoyed “visiting” a few different locations in this novel and getting to know new characters.

The murder mystery is well-plotted with Tiffany and her cohorts gathering useful clues throughout the investigation. Thankfully, Samir is cleared, but will Tiffany get the happily ever after she dreams of? 

To get the most enjoyment out of this novel, be sure to read A Novel Disguise first! I highly recommend Once Upon a Murder for its well-written characters, carefully plotted mystery, descriptive scenes, and for the romance. 

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

About Samantha Larsen

Samantha Larsen met her husband in a turkey sandwich line. They live in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she spends most of her time reading, eating popcorn, having tea parties, and chasing her four kids. She has degrees from Brigham Young University, the University of North Texas, and the University of Reading (UK). She also writes historical romances under Samantha Hastings. Learn more at www.SamanthaHastings.com

Author Links

Website www.SamanthaHastings.com

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/samanthahastingsauthor/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SamanthaHastingsAuthor

Twitter/X https://twitter.com/HastingSamantha

Purchase Links
Amazon – B&N – Books A Million – Powells Books – Bookshop.org – Target – Walmart 

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Once Upon a Murder TOUR PARTICIPANTS

February 15 – Mystery, Thrillers, and Suspense – CHARACTER GUEST POST

February 15 – The Mystery of Writing – AUTHOR GUEST POST

February 16 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW

February 17 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

February 17 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

February 18 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

February 19 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT

February 20 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

February 20 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW

February 21 – Novels Alive – REVIEW

February 22 – Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books – REVIEW

February 22 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

February 23 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee – SPOTLIGHT

February 24 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT

February 24 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

February 25 – The Book Diva’s Reads – AUTHOR GUEST POST 

February 25 – Bigreadersite – REVIEW

February 26 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

February 27 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

February 28 – Literary Gold – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

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Comments

  1. Rita Wray says

    February 20, 2024 at 10:39 am

    Sounds like a great book.

    Reply

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