The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder (Herringford and Watts Series #1)

by Rachel McMillan

Overview

In 1910 Toronto, while other bachelor girls perfect their domestic skills and find husbands, two friends perfect their sleuthing skills and find a murderer.

Inspired by their fascination with all things Sherlock Holmes, best friends and flatmates Merinda and Jem launch a consulting detective business. The deaths of young Irish women lead Merinda and Jem deeper into the mire of the city's underbelly, where the high hopes of those dreaming to make a new life in Canada are met with prejudice and squalor.

While searching for answers, donning disguises, and sneaking around where no proper ladies would ever go, they pair with Jasper Forth, a police constable, and Ray DeLuca, a reporter in whom Jem takes a more than professional interest. Merinda could well be Toronto's premiere consulting detective, and Jem may just find a way to put her bachelor girlhood behind her forever—if they can stay alive long enough to do so.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780736966405
Publisher:	Harvest House Publishers
Publication date:	04/01/2016
Series:	Herringford and Watts Series , #1
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	5.20(w) x 7.90(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Rachel McMillan is the author of The Herringford and Watts mysteries, The Van Buren and DeLuca mysteries and The Three Quarter Time series of contemporary Viennese romances. Her next work of historical fiction, The London Restoration, releases in Summer 2020 and takes readers deep into the heart of London's most beautiful churches. Dream, Plan, and Go is her first work of nonfiction.  Rachel lives in Toronto, Canada and is always planning her next adventure.
 
 

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"With the witty wordplay and inventive plot twists of a classic Sherlock Holmes mystery, McMillan spins a detective tale sure to delight and fascinate those who love entertaining novels full of clues and sleuths and lively characters that live long after the story ends."
—Virginia Smith, author of the Tales from the Goose Creek B&B series

"In her fabulous debut, Rachel McMillan brings 1910 Toronto to rich and wonderful life. The intrepid Jem and Merinda make a winning detective team. Full of romance and derring-do, The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder will keep you turning pages."
—Nancy Herriman, author of No Comfort for the Lost

"Smart, sassy, and chic. The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder is all that and more. A fabulous historical. Encore, Rachel McMillan!"
—Laura Frantz, author of The Mistress of Tall Acre

"A wonderful romp! McMillan's delightful debut introduces us to a beguiling and intrepid crime-solving duo. The two lovely ladies defy expectations and social norms as they lead us across early twentieth-century Toronto and into the heart of a compelling mystery...with a dash of romance on the side. Can't wait for more of these two and the adventure they'll lead us on next!"
—Katherine Reay, author of The Bronte Plot

"A savvy and street-smart read. Rachel McMillan's The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder is a wickedly clever debut, with the wit and intelligence of a classic Agatha Christie whodunit. It's a vintage-inspired ride with a dash of mystery, romance, and just enough suspense to keep the reader guessing. I was drawn in and held captive with the turn of each page!"
—Kristy Cambron, author of The Ringmaster's Wife and the Hidden Masterpiece series

"One does not merely read The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder. Rather, one enters the story, allows the author to take her on a wild ride through early twentieth century Toronto, and remains unable to do anything but turn the pages until the final scene has ended. McMillan has created characters whose exploits will live on well beyond this story. Well done! Now hurry and write the next one!"
—Kathleen Y'Barbo, bestselling author of Firefly Summer and Sadie's Secret

"In her stunning debut, Rachel McMillan achieves a perfect balance of wit and warmth and invites readers into an entirely new world. More than intrepid detectives, Bachelor Girls Jem and Merinda are fully fleshed women, grappling with mysteries of the heart as well as those of the gritty streets of historic Toronto. A cast of supporting characters brings life and dimension, as well as the promise of more stories to come. McMillan's homage to the spirit of Sherlock and Watson stands solid on its own, whether in pick heels or brogans."
—Allison Pittman, author of On Shifting Sand

"Come for the gorgeous cover and promise of mystery; stay for the lilting romance and tingling wit. Rachel McMillan's debut is the perfect mix of engaging characters and a fresh, enticing voice. Simply put, I'm hooked!"
—Melissa Tagg, author of From the Start and Like Never Before

"There's nothing more delicious than discovering an author whose novel is as fabulous as the cover art suggests. Debut author Rachel McMillan is a refreshing new talent in the inspirational market, penning an enchanting tale of murder, mayhem, and Sherlockesque shenanigans. Jem and Merinda will captivate readers' hearts as their adventurous spirits cause them to buck social norms for ladies of their day, resulting in humorous and dangerous consequences in equal measure. Toss in a charming Italian journalist with a penchant for verse and a dedicated member of the Canadian constabulary with a weakness for a certain woman, and sparks...and bullets...are bound to fly. Unique, witty, and invigorating, McMillan's prose is smooth, her historical detail excellent, and her bachelor girls appealing in every way. Sherlock Holmes and Phryne Fisher may need to step aside as Herringford & Watts, Lady Detectives, are on the case!"
—Rel Mollet, Relz Reviewz

"Possessing light-hearted, witty humor, and clever Sherlockian style sleuthing — The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder by Rachel McMillan is a FUN and entertaining read!"
—Amanda Geaney of ChristianShelfEsteem.wordpress.com

Editorial Reviews

02/22/2016
In 1910, friends Merinda Herringford and Jemima Watts share a home in Toronto and an interest in detective work, to the consternation of Jem’s very proper parents, who would rather their daughter pursue a husband than a mystery. Canadian novelist McMillan loses no time in presenting her Holmes and Watson–esque duo at a murder scene at a theater to kick off this cozy. Police constable Jasper Forth gives them access to the scene and is a romantic interest; enterprising reporter and Italian immigrant Ray DeLuca rounds off the set of principals. The action is slow to get going as plot points and characters are introduced. Jem and Ray are deeply characterized and fetching, Jasper and Merinda less so. McMillan knows her history and takes imaginative license with it, producing period details that are accurate but still fictional; the handbooks for ladies liberally quoted from are convincing and amusing. The romance is squeaky clean. Fans of inspirational cozies will rejoice. Agent: Ruth Samsel, William K. Jensen Literary Agency. (Apr.)

Publishers Weekly

"Fresh and beguiling, the Bachelor Girls are an engaging new addition to the mystery scene. They tackle criminals with a combination of unique moxie and an irrepressible sense of adventure. I want to be friends with the Bachelor Girls!"
—Deanna Raybourn, New York Times bestselling author of the Lady Julia Grey Mysteries

"In her fabulous debut, Rachel McMillan brings 1910 Toronto to rich and wonderful life. The intrepid Jem and Merinda make a winning detective team. Full of romance and derring-do, The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder will keep you turning pages."
—Nancy Herriman, author of No Comfort for the Lost

"Smart, sassy, and chic. The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder is all that and more. A fabulous historical. Encore, Rachel McMillan!"
—Laura Frantz, author of The Mistress of Tall Acre

"A wonderful romp! McMillan's delightful debut introduces us to a beguiling and intrepid crime-solving duo. The two lovely ladies defy expectations and social norms as they lead us across early twentieth-century Toronto and into the heart of a compelling mystery...with a dash of romance on the side. Can't wait for more of these two and the adventure they'll lead us on next!"
—Katherine Reay, author of The Bronte Plot

"A savvy and street-smart read. Rachel McMillan's The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder is a wickedly clever debut, with the wit and intelligence of a classic Agatha Christie whodunit. It's a vintage-inspired ride with a dash of mystery, romance, and just enough suspense to keep the reader guessing. I was drawn in and held captive with the turn of each page!"
—Kristy Cambron, author of The Ringmaster's Wife and the Hidden Masterpiece series

"One does not merely read The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder. Rather, one enters the story, allows the author to take her on a wild ride through early twentieth century Toronto, and remains unable to do anything but turn the pages until the final scene has ended. McMillan has created characters whose exploits will live on well beyond this story. Well done! Now hurry and write the next one!"
—Kathleen Y'Barbo, bestselling author of Firefly Summer and Sadie's Secret

"In her stunning debut, Rachel McMillan achieves a perfect balance of wit and warmth and invites readers into an entirely new world. More than intrepid detectives, Bachelor Girls Jem and Merinda are fully fleshed women, grappling with mysteries of the heart as well as those of the gritty streets of historic Toronto. A cast of supporting characters brings life and dimension, as well as the promise of more stories to come. McMillan's homage to the spirit of Sherlock and Watson stands solid on its own, whether in pick heels or brogans."
—Allison Pittman, author of On Shifting Sand

"Come for the gorgeous cover and promise of mystery; stay for the lilting romance and tingling wit. Rachel McMillan's debut is the perfect mix of engaging characters and a fresh, enticing voice. Simply put, I'm hooked!"
—Melissa Tagg, author of From the Start and Like Never Before

From the Publisher

★ 04/01/2016
In 1910 Toronto, the murders of two Irish girls from the Corktown section have the city in an uproar. Socialites Merinda Herringford and Jemima "Jem" Watts decide to investigate after visiting the crime scene with their friend constable friend Jasper Forth. The two sleuths soon launch a detective business, and to keep their fledgling agency afloat, take on other cases from missing pets to lost children. Also aiding their Corktown investigation is reporter Ray DeLuca who has more than a passing interest in Jem. Their persistence catches the attention of the killer, who puts the duo in his sights. VERDICT Canadian author McMillan makes a terrific debut with this Edwardian mystery, mixing Sherlockian deduction with humor and a side order of romance. Her protagonists—the mischievous Merinda and the more level-headed Jem—are sure to delight readers who will also enjoy the snappy dialog and plot twists. Historical fiction fans will be intrigued by the fascinating details on Toronto's early 20th-century theater scene. A solid choice for devotees of Rhys Bowen's mysteries.

Library Journal

2016-01-21
Two women form a detective agency and try to solve a murder in 1910 Toronto. Oh my! Constable Jasper Forth knows he's getting himself in trouble when he's talked into showing a friend a murder scene, but when the friend is as persistent as Merinda Herringford, it's hard to say no. Merinda, who's always felt she has a bit of Sherlock Holmes in her, is keen to conduct her own inquiry into the murder, and she calls on her Watson, Jem Watts, to assist. Two women trying to solve crimes is a bit much for Toronto in 1910, and there's an uproar when Merinda cajoles Jem into starting their own detective business. Luckily for the pair, some of the uproar is good. There are a surprising number of female clients who prefer a delicate touch in establishing whose husband has done what and investigating other private affairs. Though there's precious little money in the agency, Merinda's delighted with their work, and Jem's happy enough to go along. Merinda remains fixated on roping Jasper into finding out more about the murder that encouraged her to start the business in the first place; Jem's more interested in an informal and personal investigation of local writer Ray DeLuca, who hasn't befriended the women nearly enough for Jem's liking . Despite the leads' enjoyable banter and the engaging premise, McMillan (A Singular and Whimsical Problem, 2015, etc.) tries to shoehorn so many different kinds of material into a single adventure that some of her most promising ideas end up insufficiently or imperfectly realized.

Kirkus Reviews