The Secret of Bow Lane (A Below Stairs Mystery)
In this sixth installment of the Below Stairs Mysteries, set in Victorian-era London, cook Kat Holloway is confronted by Charlotte Bristow, legal wife of a bigamist, Joe Bristow, who Kat once thought was her husband. Kat believed that Joe had died at sea, but Charlotte claims that he was murdered and had left behind a fortune. Charlotte offers Kat a share of the money if she finds out who killed Joe. As Kat begins investigating with the help of her friend Daniel McAdam, she must face questions herself as her connection to Joe comes to light. In addition to investigating Joe’s death, Kat decides to try and look more into Daniel’s background as well, for their relationship is beginning to escalate.
As always, the upstairs/downstairs setting of this series is fascinating. Due to strict proprieties of the time, Kat is forced to keep many secrets in order to keep her job. She has to hide the fact that she has a daughter and that she was married, or thought she was married, before. Her employers and their friends seem to find it quite their business to discuss her private life. Her job as a cook in a grand house is fascinating, but can be stressful, especially when the mistress of the house is making outrageous menus for her to prepare. The mystery is riveting and full of twists and turns. Kat finds herself actually investigating her own past, as well as Daniel’s, and more of both their backstories are revealed. The logistics of running a Victorian-era household and the complexities of society at that time are well portrayed. The touches of romance are the perfect complement to the story. This is a compelling and complex cozy mystery that will keep you guessing and turning the pages.
