Speculations in Sin by Jennifer Ashley is the seventh novel in the Below the Stairs Mystery series featuring amateur sleuth and cook Kat Holloway. Kat and her pose of friends, search for answers when Samuel Millburn, husband of the woman who looks after her daughter, is arrested. A fantastic tale with plenty of twists and orange sorbet.

Speculations in Sin
by Jennifer Ashley
Series: Below Stairs Mystery #7
Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate

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To save an innocent man’s life, amateur sleuth and cook Kat Holloway must expose a financial scam that could ruin the most powerful aristocrats in Victorian-era London, from the New York Times bestselling author of The Secret of Bow Lane.

Kat Holloway is distressed to learn that Samuel Millburn, husband of the woman who looks after her daughter, has been accused of embezzling funds from the bank where he works as a clerk. The accusation is absurd, and Samuel’s wife fears that her husband will not only lose his post but be imprisoned. Kat vows to uncover the truth.

When she discovers the bank is involved in shockingly murky business dealings, Kat realizes she’s treading in dangerous waters. She turns to her confidante and handsome suitor, Daniel McAdam, for help. To exonerate Samuel, Kat and Daniel may have to expose the unseemly financial dealings of prominent aristocrats and government officials, and even those working to bring down the royal family. Kat will risk everything to protect the man who has sacrificed so much for her daughter, even if it means endangering herself and the friends she has come to love.

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Kat Holloway is a cook below stairs in a Mayfair home. She has a daughter who lives with her best friend, a married woman with children. Kat’s story is complicated and just one of the many reasons I recommend reading the series in order. Each book contains a single mystery, so while you can jump in, the overall, slow-burning romance, alliances, friends and more will be enhanced by starting from the beginning.

When Kat visits her daughter on her day out, her friend reveals that her husband Samuel is suspected of embezzling funds from the bank he works for. Kat vows to investigate. She enlists the help of Lady Cynthia. The two visit the bank and while there a murder is discovered. Sam is arrested and accused of the crime.

The tale that unfolds has Kat relying on the aid of Daniel, the clergy, a beat cop and Lady Cynthia’s friends. It was a clever case with a twist that kept me engaged. Along the way we learned about sorbet, and enjoyed food talk that will set your mouth to watering.

I love Kat’s determination even in the face of villains. Slowly, the group piece things together as the tension built. The case has Kat equally stressed with worry over her daughter. If Sam isn’t cleared, where and how will she support Grace, her daughter? Kat longs for a life where she can tuck her in each night.

We see a little development in the romance as promises, but I enjoyed moments with her friends, Grace, and, of course, Daniel. Kat is a strong character and while the mystery was intense, the ending proved satisfactory and left me feeling uplifted.

Fans of mystery, historical fiction, friendship and a slow-burning sweet romance will want to grab a slice of pie and dive into Speculations in Sin and the entire Below the Stairs Mysteries.

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