Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A Silence in Belgrave Square by Jennifer Ashley Series: Kat Holloway Mysteries #8
Published by Berkley on August 12, 2025
Genres: Historical Mystery
Pages: 320
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm, Barnes & Noble, Apple
Kat Holloway knows that her beau and confidante Daniel McAdam has a talent for dangerous work as a Scotland Yard agent. At long last though, Daniel’s coldhearted boss has promised that after a final mission, his debt will be repaid, and he’ll finally be free. However, Daniel must risk his life one last time, masquerading as a secretary to an elderly viscount who could be the mastermind behind the recent plots against the Queen and her government.
Using her contacts throughout London, Kat discovers several of her friends and colleagues have been victims of vicious blackmail. They’ll do anything to protect their scandalous secrets, even conform to the blackmailer’s political agenda. If Kat and Daniel wish to save each other and the Crown, they must prove the blackmailer’s identity and evade those who will stop at nothing to eliminate them.
The Kat Holloway series is one of my favorites in the historical mystery genre. We’re well into the series now and I would read these books in order. Daniel is working for Mongahan on a new dangerous case which may be his most dangerous and hopefully, last one.
Kat, being a cook, means there are lots of food references which I love. There are her co-workers in the household. Her daughter, Grace is a teen now and she gets a visit just twice a week with her. It’s a difficult time in history for women with limited choices. Kat is starting to ponder these options for Grace.
She wants a life with Daniel and is frustrated with being unable to work with him on this case. He is posing as secretary to a man in a wheelchair who seems favorable to Irish Home Rule and possibly the Fenians. She has a friend of sorts who is a con artist who goes in to pose as a maid. Mr. Fielding has his “men” placed next door in the stables to watch out for him.
Lady Cynthia and her friends are concerned about blackmail letters. They seem to be all to women who have men they can pressure. The one that came to the house was for her sister though, who died 3 years ago. They ponder who would want to pressure officials and who would be privy to the various gossip but can’t come up with anyone or even one couple who would have both aspects.
Things get dire before they resolve and of course, Kat is right in the middle of it. Her views on Daniel, his work, and her own work seem to be updated at the end. I’ve thought that before though, and the next book seems back to the status quo.
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.
Friend or follow me at Goodreads.
- 🎧 Victorious by VE Schwab #VESchwab #JeremyArthur @macmillanaudio.bsky.social @MacmillanAudio #LoveAudiobooks #SpeccyFicChal - October 6, 2026
- Sunday Post –4 October 2026 @caffeinatedreviewer.com @readingreality.bsky.social @kimbacaffeinate @readingreality - October 4, 2026
- Dive Bar at the End of the Road by Kelley Armstrong @kelleyarmstrong.bsky.social @KelleyArmstrong #SpeccyFicChal - October 3, 2026
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 25-COYER
I’m looking for another historical mystery series and this sounds interesting. Great review, Anne💜
I definitely recommend this one. Even more, another I really like is the Wrexford & Sloane by Andrea Penrose. I’ve heard great things about the Deanna Raybourn series Veronica Speedwell but haven’t read it yet.
I’m glad you’re enjoying this series. How sad that she only gets to see her daughter twice a week!
yes, especially since it has been all the while her daughter is young. But she has to work. It’s the way of the times.
I was hoping for some movement with their relationship. I have this one on hold at my library.
I think there is movement in the relationship but I have thought that before and in the next book it is status quo.
I love this series. I’m waiting for the audiobook, which is out next week!
I hope you enjoy it. It felt like Kat was overly pushy into things and separated from Daniel while he was working. Also the relationship seems to have solidified but I have thought that before.
I have book 1 waiting for me. One day!!!
They are fun and I like all the food!
I’ve really enjoyed all the books in this series and am looking forward to reading this one!
Me too! The mystery and the food always keep me going.
Hmm, interesting how it seems like some things have changed by the end, but the start of the next book things seem to go back to the way they were. That could be frustrating. But it sounds like overall it was still a good read for you. Great review!
Thanks Lisa. The relationship seems to waver but the mysteries are good.