Speculations in Sin - (Below Stairs Mystery) by Jennifer Ashley (Paperback)

About the Book

"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"--

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

"This is one of my favorite new series. Ashley writes exquisite historical romance and equally marvelous mysteries."
--The Washington Post

Praise for the Below Stairs Mystery series

"Well-drawn supporting characters and logistical details of running a prosperous household complement the intricate plot. Downton Abbey fans will be delighted."
--Publishers Weekly

"Jennifer Ashley's ability to bring the food, events, and attitudes of the Victorian era to a compelling mystery will leave you spellbound and literally hungry for more."
--Historical Novel Society

"Fans will enjoy the continuing exploits of the clever cook, who gets to solve two complex mysteries."
--Kirkus

"The Kat Holloway Mysteries are extraordinarily well-written and enjoyable visits to Victorian England, full of detail of lives both "Upstairs" and "Down." The characters are vivid with all the virtues and defects of human beings in any age. I highly recommend the series and am looking forward to the next one."
--Mystery & Suspense Magazine

"[A]s always, Jennifer Ashley writes a well-written and page-turning novel."
--Fresh Fiction

"The style is pitch-perfect, with varying and authentically voiced dialog combined with well-balanced description and consistent perspective. Ashley's fans will be pleased, but it's also highly recommended to new readers fond of Victorian settings and multilayered mystery."
--Historical Novel Review

"Jennifer Ashley definitely has a fan in me and I can't wait to read more in this series."
--Robin Loves Reading

"This was an exciting, unputdownable read and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. You certainly cannot go wrong when you have such engaging characters solving such intriguing mysteries."
--Flippin' Pages

"Murder in the East End is another winning entrée in an enthralling historical mystery series."
--Criminal Element

"This series remains excellent: emotional and nuanced, with layers upon layers of resonance in how the characters care for one another."
--Smart Bitches Trashy Books

"[F]ull of endearing characters and wonderful atmospheric Victorian England setting."
--Open Book Society

"Murder in the East End has a beautiful mix of suspense and romance that leaves a mark long after the story ends."
--Feathered Quill Book Review

"A top-notch new series that deftly demonstrates Ashley's mastery of historical mysteries by delivering an impeccably researched setting, a fascinating protagonist with an intriguing past, and lively writing seasoned with just the right measure of dry wit."
--Booklist

"An exceptional series launch...Readers will look forward to this fascinating lead's future endeavors."
--Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"A smart and suspenseful read, Death Below Stairs is a fun series launch that will leave you wanting more."
--Bustle

About the Author

Jennifer Ashley is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Below Stairs Mysteries, the Shifters Unbound paranormal romances, and the Mackenzies historical romances. She also writes as USA Today bestselling mystery author Ashley Gardner.