Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Speculations in Sin by Jennifer Ashley Series: Kat Holloway Mysteries #7
Published by Berkley on March 5, 2024
Genres: Historical Mystery
Pages: 304
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
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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.
The Kat Holloway series is one of my favorites in the historical mystery genre. Kat, being a cook, and there being all the food references doesn’t hurt at all. It’s a difficult time in history for women with limited choices. Kat is starting to ponder these options for Grace.
Kat’s current post has the advantage of some good co-workers and Lady Cynthia but the disadvantage of being a servant with limited flexibility and Lady Cynthia’s horrible aunt and uncle in charge. Luckily, Kat has some good connections which can help her a bit with their perceptions.
Sam Milburn has worked at a small investment bank for many years. He worked himself up, studying hard, working diligently. Now he’s under suspicion of embezzlement which he didn’t do. Kat goes to work with her allies to get info on the bank and its employees.
Lady Cynthia takes her to the bank, pretending her interest in investing. Kat’s sharp eye notes several oddities. While they are there, a body is discovered, and Sam is arrested. Things look very dire but Kat is adamant in proving Sam’s innocence and getting him freed. Daniel helps her as she investigates, also with protection for those who don’t want her investigating. Miss Townsend procures top notch legal talent for Sam. Thanos gets to work on the books and discovers the method of the embezzlement.
Kat really goes all out to prove the truth and ends up in danger herself. Luckily, she is very talented and comes out on top of the criminals. I loved this mystery with dire consequences and an uplifting conclusion.
About Jennifer Ashley
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Jennifer Ashley has lived and traveled all over the world, and now lives in the Southwest. She writes historical, paranormal, and contemporary romance as Jennifer Ashley; mysteries as Ashley Gardner; and paranormal romance and urban fantasy as Allyson James.
Jennifer’s/Allyson’s/Ashley’s more than 100 novels and novellas have won RWA’s RITA award, RT Reviewer’s Choice awards, and the Prism award, among others. Jennifer’s novels have been also been translated into French, German, Spanish, Dutch, Japanese, Norwegian, Hungarian, Italian, Thai, Indonesian, and several other languages.
Jennifer enjoys writing and reading above all else, but her hobbies include cooking, hiking, playing flute and guitar, painting, and building miniature rooms and dollhouses.
Author photo credit to Berkley Prime Crime (TR) 2022
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 24-COYER
This sounds like an interesting series, especially because the main character is a woman. Wonderful review, Anne💜
Thanks Jonetta. This is one of those favored historical mysteries which I have discovered I like. I don’t usually like historical but the mysteries I do like.
I enjoy historical mysteries, especially when the bad guys get what they deserve! I’ll have to check the series out.
yes Rachel, no matter how bad things look these books have a HFN ending. I’d start at the beginning. We read one for COYER book club a couple years ago and I just binged up to date.
I love this series and share my review next week during release week 🙂
I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
I love this series. I can’t wait to read this one.
I love this series too. I’m sure you will enjoy it.
I can’t wait to read this one! It’s one of my favorite series. I am glad you enjoyed it.
yes, it’s a fun easy read because I enjoy them so much. Which doesn’t mean they don’t get emotional as well.
This is such a good series and definitely a reliable one! I’m glad to see you enjoyed it as well. I do wish the Kat/Daniel will they won’t they thing will make some progress. I have a low tolerance for that particular plot device!
yes I agree. At the end of the book one thinks they are committed and then the next book it’s the same old friendship with questions. In those days, did some household staff live out and come there each day? I suppose most could not afford separate lodgings so the rest of their family had to work for the same employer. But if the woman had children she probably wouldn’t be working until her children were grown and off to their own life. If a man wanted to marry he needed good income or family support I think.
I really enjoyed this one too. Loving this series.
yes! These are really fun and interesting to read.