03/27/2023
Larsen (The Invention of Sophie Carter, under the pseudonym Samantha Hastings) launches a series with this delightful historical mystery headed by 40-year-old spinster Tiffany Woodhall. Tiffany is facing a grim future in 1784 London when she discovers her half-brother, Uriah, the duke of Beaufort’s librarian, dead and covered in foul-smelling fluids. Uriah’s death doesn’t distress Tiffany so much as her fate as a penniless woman soon to be cast out of the duke’s estate. After disposing of Uriah’s body, Tiffany dons his clothing and powdered wig and assumes her late half-brother’s position as palace librarian. An untimely visit from Tiffany’s childhood friend—now the duchess—and the murder of a palace maid soon complicate Tiffany’s double life. The maid’s death, identical to Uriah’s, drives Tiffany to investigate, which eventually threatens not only her Shakespearean gender swap but also her life. Rich with detail about life in the 18th century and starring a unique, well-drawn sleuth, this frothy whodunit is wildly enjoyable. Mystery fans should keep their eyes peeled for future Lady Librarian entries. Agent: Jen Nadol, Unter. (May)
Praise for A Novel Disguise:
“Rich with detail about life in the 18th century . . . Wildly enjoyable.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Class differences, prejudice, and the lack of women’s rights drive this enjoyable mystery.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Historical romance fans will be charmed by Miss Woodall.”
—Library Journal, audiobook review
“Memorable characters and deftly crafted (and surprising!) plot twists make ‘A Novel Disguise’ a riveting read from cover to cover”
—Midwest Book Reviews
“A clever play on Regency-style novels . . . [It] will interest fans of Bridgerton.”
—Historical Novel Society
“A crazy fun read . . . Everything in this debut book will make you a fan.”
—Cozy Mystery Book Reviews
“A perfect beach read.”
—Red Carpet Crash
“Clever, mysterious, and utterly enjoyable. A Novel Disguise by Samantha Hastings is the first in this librarian focused series. Packed with deadly schemes, conniving characters, and rich historical detail, Hastings treats the reader not only to a twisty murder mystery within the walls of a palace, but a charming romance as well. Layered and suspenseful, a fun escape!”
—B.R. Myers, author of A Dreadful Splendor
“Tiffany Woodall, who leads a cast of unforgettable and diverse characters, is a captivating, enterprising, and relatable heroine anyone would cheer for. Samatha Larsen, who obviously did impeccable research, accomplished no small task by bringing Georgian England to life while creating a mystery that was as novel as Tiffany's disguise. I can't wait to see what happens next!”
—Clara McKenna, author of The Stella and Lyndy Mysteries
“A Novel Disguise is a delightful historical mystery with a daring heroine who has no choice but to embark upon a daring masquerade in order to keep her home. With mistaken identities, romantic rendezvous, and twists that keep the reader guessing, Samantha Larsen's debut is sure to entice mystery and romance readers alike.”
—Manda Collins, author of A Spinster's Guide to Danger and Dukes
Narrator Marni Penning shows off her acting skills in this convoluted murder mystery set at Astwell Palace in 1784. When clever, curious 40-year-old Miss Tiffany Woodall discovers her half-brother Uriah's dead body, she dons his clothes, and identity as castle librarian to forestall the loss of her cottage. With a second, then a third poisoning, Tiffany and Constable Samir Lathrop team up to identify the killer. While the plot is a little confusing, Penning is always cognizant of who's speaking, smoothly shifting from Tiffany to Uriah and back. From dual identities to poisonings, from secret lovers to shifting loyalties, this historical mystery engages the listener as Penning's slightly growly, emotion-laden voice captures the intrigue and underlying humor woven throughout. M.B.K. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine
Narrator Marni Penning shows off her acting skills in this convoluted murder mystery set at Astwell Palace in 1784. When clever, curious 40-year-old Miss Tiffany Woodall discovers her half-brother Uriah's dead body, she dons his clothes, and identity as castle librarian to forestall the loss of her cottage. With a second, then a third poisoning, Tiffany and Constable Samir Lathrop team up to identify the killer. While the plot is a little confusing, Penning is always cognizant of who's speaking, smoothly shifting from Tiffany to Uriah and back. From dual identities to poisonings, from secret lovers to shifting loyalties, this historical mystery engages the listener as Penning's slightly growly, emotion-laden voice captures the intrigue and underlying humor woven throughout. M.B.K. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine
2023-03-28
In 1784 London, a woman attempts to salvage her life in a highly unusual way.
Tiffany Woodall, a 40-year-old spinster, lives with her half brother, Uriah, who treats her like a servant. After years of near poverty, Uriah has finally obtained a post as librarian for the Duke of Beaufort, a position that comes with a little cottage. When she finds her brother dead in bed, surrounded by vomit, Tiffany, with nowhere to go and desperate to avoid penury, comes up with a scheme to pretend to be Uriah, since they look enough alike for her to pass if she wears his clothes and makeup. After burying him in their yard, she cleans herself up in the lake, where she encounters Mr. Lathrop, a handsome bookseller who has the duke’s patronage. She soon begins to masquerade as Uriah while occasionally appearing as herself. If it weren’t for her precarious position, Tiffany might find it amusing to pose as Uriah, but she knows so little of his job that she’s always on the brink of discovery. The members of the duke's household, both upstairs and down, have secrets of their own, including illicit love affairs and thievery. A childhood playmate who snubbed Tiffany after marrying a duke arrives for a visit, but their friendship cannot overcome the class differences that have arisen between them. Although the minister, who already has 14 children, wants to marry Tiffany, she much prefers Mr. Lathrop and seeks to communicate her lack of interest to the minister as both her brother and herself. When the thieving maid dies just like Uriah and a footman becomes very ill, she realizes they were both poisoned and sets out to find the killer.
Class differences, prejudice, and the lack of women’s rights drive this enjoyable mystery.
