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No Life For a Lady (Victoria Hamilton Mystery #1) by Hannah Dolby: A Book Review

 

No Life For a Lady (Victoria Hamilton Mystery #1)

Author: Hannah Dolby

Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery & Suspense, Romance 

Publisher: Aria

Release Date: 2023

Pages: 328

Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis: Violet Hamilton is a woman who knows her own mind. Which, in Victorian Hastings, can make things a little complicated...


     At 28, Violet's father is beginning to worry she will never find a husband. But every suitor he presents, Violet finds a new and inventive means of rebuffing.


     Because Violet does not want to marry. She wants to work, and make her own way in the world. But more than anything, she wants to find her mother Lily, who disappeared from Hastings Pier 10 years earlier.


     Finding the missing is no job for a lady, but when Violet hires a seaside detective to help, she sets off a chain of events that will put more than just her reputation at risk.


     Can Violet solve the mystery of Lily Hamilton's vanishing before it's too late?


     A delightfully joyful, funny and gripping historical novel, perfect for fans of The Lady's Guide to Fortune Hunting and The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels.

     

     My Review: At the age of 28, Violet is an unmarried woman. Her father hopes that she will eventually marry by allowing young men to court her. However, Violet rebuffs each of the suitors. Instead, she wants to find out about her mother who went missing ten years ago. Could Violet find out what happened to her mother while trying to avoid her suitors?


     I found Violet to be a very likable protagonist. She was very charming and witty. I also liked how strong-willed she was in maintaining her independence. There were times that I thought that Violet was very reckless. Still, I found her to be a very compelling protagonist. I also thought that she made a great amateur sleuth in trying to uncover her mother’s disappearance. Thus, she was very engaging. I could not help but be invested in how she grew over the course of the novel.


     Overall, this novel is about love, independence, and family. I loved all of the characters, especially the love interest. The mystery itself seemed very disappointing because it was very predictable. There were also scenes that seemed drawn out. Nevertheless, this story was filled with romance, humor, and mystery! I also thought that the story was very well-written and that the author helped make Victorian Britain come alive! No Life for a Lady was a nice breezy read for a lazy Sunday afternoon! I am looking forward to reading the sequel, How to Solve Murders Like a Lady! I can’t wait to see what is next in Violet’s adventure! I recommend this for fans of Deanna Raybourne, Rhys Bowen, and Tasha Alexander!


Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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