Otherwise Engaged

Miss Amity Doncaster finds herself thrust into a dangerous investigation after surviving an attack by a notorious serial killer known as the Bridegroom. Upon her return to London society, she forms an alliance with Benedict Stanbridge, a globe-trotting aristocrat who harbors his own secrets. The pair navigate through Victorian London's social circles while pursuing leads about the killer's identity. Their search takes them through drawing rooms and dark alleys alike, forcing them to maintain appearances in society while conducting their covert investigation. The story combines elements of historical romance and suspense against the backdrop of 1800s London. Mysterious notes, coded messages, and mounting danger push Amity and Benedict to rely on each other as both partners and potential romantic interests. The novel explores themes of trust, social expectations, and the tension between public personas and private truths in Victorian society. It questions how well anyone can truly know another person, especially in an era defined by strict social protocols and carefully maintained appearances.

Readers call this a light, entertaining mystery-romance that follows Quick's familiar formula. The Victorian setting, witty dialogue between leads, and murder mystery plot keep pages turning. Liked: - Fast-paced storyline - Chemistry between main characters - Balance of romance and suspense - Historical details about Victorian photography - Quick wrap-up of all plot threads Disliked: - Predictable story beats - Similar to author's other books - Some found the ending rushed - Secondary characters lack depth - Romance develops too quickly As one Goodreads reviewer noted: "Same plot as her other books - independent woman, mysterious man, danger and romance. But it works." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (9,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (580+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.2/5 (120+ ratings) Most readers describe it as an enjoyable, if formulaic, addition to Quick's bibliography that delivers exactly what fans expect from her work.

Death Below Stairs by Jennifer Ashley A Victorian-era cook investigates murders while navigating romance with a mysterious nobleman who aids her quest for justice.

The Anatomist's Wife by Anna Lee Huber A widowed artist in 1830s Scotland teams with a nobleman to solve murders while their relationship turns from suspicion to passion.

Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn A Victorian widow partners with a private investigator to solve her husband's murder as romance blooms amid dark family secrets.

The Surrender of Miss Fairbourne by Madeline Hunter A woman runs her deceased father's auction house while battling and falling for an earl who wants to shut it down in Regency London.

Someone to Watch Over Me by Lisa Kleypas A Bow Street Runner protects and falls for an amnesia-stricken beauty while investigating attempts on her life in Victorian London.

🔍 "Otherwise Engaged" was published in 2014 under Amanda Quick, one of the pen names used by Jayne Ann Krentz, who also writes as Jayne Castle. 💍 The story features a unique murder weapon - a garrote disguised as a lady's necklace, blending Victorian fashion with deadly intent. 📚 The book is part of the Ladies of Lantern Street series, which follows women who work as private investigators in Victorian London while posing as paid companions. 🗝️ The protagonist, Amity Doncaster, was inspired by real Victorian women travelers who defied social conventions to explore the world independently. 🎭 Amanda Quick's novels, including this one, consistently feature elements of both romance and mystery - a combination that became popular in the Victorian era with sensation novels like Wilkie Collins' "The Woman in White."