A Kiss from the Devil (A Lizzie Hardwicke Mystery Book 4)
A Kiss from the Devil tells the story of Lizzie Hardwicke, an 18th-century society harlot who occasionally helps the local magistrate to investigate crime.
In this fourth instalment of the series, Lizzie’s past catches up with her, as her estranged brother is suspected of the murder of young streetwalkers. Fortunately, her old friend and admirer, William Davenport, is on hand to help her in a desperate race against time—not only to prevent more young women from being killed, but to confront a threat that Lizzie herself only recognises when it’s almost too late.
This is a well-crafted murder mystery packed full of period detail and atmosphere. Lizzie is a strong and engaging female protagonist; perhaps not entirely realistic for the period, but this is fiction after all, and the result is an excellent and compelling read. The underlying romance between Lizzie and Davenport adds a welcome lightness to the story, and readers can’t help but root for them as they navigate a relationship that would make Victorian society shudder: a harlot and a gentleman of good repute.
Clarke has written a fast-paced, gripping tale which draws you in from the first page, and she clearly knows her history. The tension builds beautifully as Lizzie discovers that the danger is closer than she ever imagined. This can be read as a standalone, because Lizzie’s backstory is cleverly woven into the narrative without being too obviously signposted. But once you read this one you will definitely want to read the other books in the Lizzie Hardwicke series!
