Death at Brighton Pavilion

In 1818 London, Captain Lacey investigates a murder at the Brighton Pavilion, where the Prince Regent's architect is found dead. The case draws Lacey into the complex world of the royal court and Brighton's seaside society. Captain Lacey works alongside his friend Grenville and his wife, Lady Donata, to untangle a web of secrets and rivalries. His investigation reveals connections between London's criminal underworld and the Prince Regent's inner circle. The story combines Regency period details with elements of mystery and criminal investigation. Themes of class dynamics, loyalty, and justice emerge as Lacey navigates both high society and London's darker corners.

Most readers found this historical mystery engaging, with many appreciating its atmospheric portrayal of Brighton and the Royal Pavilion. Multiple reviewers noted the chemistry between Captain Lacey and protagonist Kat Holloway. Readers liked: - Period-accurate culinary details - Complex mystery that kept them guessing - Character development and relationships - Historical authenticity of Brighton setting Readers disliked: - Some found the pacing slow in the middle sections - A few mentioned the subplot involving Kat's daughter felt underdeveloped - Several noted they missed seeing more of the downstairs staff Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (521 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (167 reviews) Sample review: "The way Ashley weaves historical details about the pavilion and Brighton's social scene adds depth without slowing the story. The mystery kept me engaged, though I wanted more scenes with the kitchen staff." - Goodreads reviewer

A Beautiful Blue Death by Charles Finch A nobleman-turned-detective investigates murders in Victorian London with help from his childhood friend while navigating high society's social rules and secrets.

The Anatomist's Wife by Anna Lee Huber A widow uses her knowledge of anatomy to solve murders in 1830s Scotland while dealing with her complex relationship with an inquiry agent.

Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn Following her husband's death, Lady Julia Grey teams with a private detective to uncover murderous plots within London's aristocratic circles.

A Useful Woman by Darcie Wilde A genteel but impoverished woman serves as a social intermediary in Regency London while investigating crimes among the ton.

The Stranger Diaries by Elly Griffiths An English teacher researching a Victorian author becomes entangled in modern-day murders that mirror the gothic stories she studies.

🏰 The Royal Pavilion in Brighton, where the story takes place, was built as a seaside retreat for George IV and features striking Indo-Saracenic architecture that combines Indian, Chinese, and Gothic elements. 📚 The book is part of the Below Stairs Mystery series, which follows the adventures of Kat Holloway, a Victorian-era cook who solves murders while managing a bustling upper-class household kitchen. ✍️ Jennifer Ashley, writing also under the names Allyson James and Ashley Gardner, has penned over 100 published novels across multiple genres including historical romance, paranormal, and mystery. 🍳 The protagonist's occupation as a cook allows readers authentic glimpses into Victorian cooking methods, recipes, and kitchen hierarchy during the 1880s. 👑 Brighton became a fashionable resort town after the Prince Regent (later George IV) made his first visit there in 1783, transforming it from a small fishing village into an elegant seaside destination for the British aristocracy.