Death Below Stairs

Starred review from October 30, 2017
Set in 1881, this exceptional series launch from Ashley (the Shifters Unbound series) introduces Kat Holloway, a brilliant cook employed in the lavish London home of Lord Rankin. The cast of distinctive, well-drawn characters includes Lady Cynthia, Lord Rankin’s cross-dressing sister, who embodies the plight of Victorian women forced into lives that don’t fit them; Daniel McAdam, a charming, secretive delivery man who helped Kat in a time of great need before she joined Lord Rankin’s household; and James, Daniel’s sweet, fiercely independent 15-year-old son. Kat and Daniel, aided by James and Lady Cynthia, investigate the murder of a young servant, battle Fenians, and race to thwart an act of terrorism. Meanwhile, Kat, a single mother, must deal with the possible loss of her 10-year-old daughter, who lives with a couple who now propose to adopt the girl. Kat’s displays of her knowledge of food and preparation techniques add to the story’s appeal. Readers will look forward to this fascinating lead’s further adventures. Agent: Bob Mecoy, Bob Mecoy Literary Agency.

November 1, 2017
Kat Holloway knows accepting a new position always means making adjustments. A good cook must not only adapt to a new kitchen and new coworkers but she must also discern the culinary likes and dislikes of the household. Although Kate is perfectly willing to cater to the tastes of her new employer, Lord Charles Rankin, she does draw the line at dealing with a murder in her kitchen. So when she stumbles across the body of her assistant, Sinead, in the larder, she decides something must be done. With some help from her old friend Daniel McAdam, Kat sets out to see that justice is served so that she can get back to preparing dinner! Best-selling Ashley, known primarily as a versatile romance writer, first introduced Kat Holloway in a novella, A Soupcon of Poison (2015). Now Kat is back to launch a top-notch new series that deftly demonstrates Ashley's mastery of historical mysteries by delivering an impeccably researched setting, a fascinating protagonist with an intriguing past, and lively writing seasoned with just the right measure of dry wit.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)