A Poisoned Season

Lady Emily Ashton returns to London for another social season among Victorian high society, where she finds herself investigating claims regarding a potential heir to the French throne. As she attends parties and navigates drawing rooms, a string of thefts targeting aristocratic homes raises alarm within her social circle. A mysterious figure begins leaving poems and gifts for Lady Emily, even as her relationship with Colin Hargreaves grows more complex. The death of one of London's most prominent citizens transforms her inquiries from curiosity to urgency as she works to connect the seemingly separate threads of French royalty, stolen heirlooms, and murder. The novel pairs historical authenticity with classic detective elements, creating a window into both the glamour and constraints of Victorian upper-class life. Lady Emily's independence and scholarly interests set her apart from conventional society ladies while providing her with unique tools for investigation. This second installment in the Lady Emily series examines themes of identity and legitimacy - both in terms of bloodline claims to power and women's roles in society. The story raises questions about what truly determines a person's place in the world.

Readers found this Victorian mystery engaging but lighter than the first book in the series. Many noted the strong historical details and appreciated the evolution of Lady Emily's character as she navigates society while pursuing detective work. Liked: - Period-accurate descriptions of clothing, social customs, and settings - Romantic tension between characters - Fast-paced plot with multiple mysteries - Strong female protagonist who defies conventions Disliked: - Some found the mystery plot predictable - Romance elements overshadowed the detective story - Secondary characters needed more development - Several readers mentioned the overuse of French phrases Ratings: Goodreads: 3.96/5 (13,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (300+ ratings) Sample review: "The Victorian setting feels authentic without being stuffy. The mystery kept me interested but I guessed the culprit halfway through. Emily remains a compelling character even when the plot falters." - Goodreads reviewer

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🌟 "A Poisoned Season" is the second book in Tasha Alexander's Lady Emily series, which spans 16 novels as of 2023. 🌟 The novel takes place in Victorian London and features real historical figures alongside fictional characters, including references to Marie Antoinette's descendants. 🌟 Author Tasha Alexander studied English Literature and Medieval History at the University of Notre Dame, which helps inform the historical accuracy of her novels. 🌟 The book explores authentic Victorian customs and etiquette, particularly focusing on the London Season—a period when aristocratic families would spend several months in London attending balls, parties, and social events. 🌟 Before becoming a novelist, Alexander worked in corporate communications and had never visited many of the European locations she writes about in her books—she conducted extensive research to capture the historical details accurately.