Scandal Above Stairs (Kat Holloway, #2) by Jennifer Ashley
Berkley, 2018
Crime Fiction (Historical/Cozy); 320 pgs
Source: First Reads Program
Kat Holloway takes great pride in her work as head cook for a respected family. She also has a nose for getting to the source of a problem, even if it is the theft of priceless artwork or, God forbid murder. When asked by Miss Cynthia, one of her employers to look into the theft of artwork in one of Cynthia’s friend’s wealthy friends, Kat cannot say no. Could the theft be tied to the recent disappearance of antiques from not only private collections in homes but also the British Museum as well? Searching out her good friend, the mysterious Daniel McAdam, Kat finds him playing pawnbroker out to catch a thief of his own. Only, a murder with Daniel as the lead suspect raises the stakes.
There is a new character thrown into the mix in Scandal Above Stairs, a woman McAdam has sent Kat’s way who seems to be in need of some good polishing and help. Tess is street smart and not always the most eloquent, but a quick learner and Kat decides to give her a chance, despite her reservations—and suspicions that Tess is keeping secrets.
I have so much love for this series. I enjoyed this book just as much, if not more, than the first. We get a little more of a glimpse into who Daniel McAdam is—although he is still a mystery. McAdam is quite devoted to our clever and level-headed cook, even if f she is reluctant to admit it. It was also good to join up with some of my other favorite characters from the series, including the eccentric Miss Cynthia and Mr. Thanos, and Daniel McAdam’s son James. I love how Kat has taken James under her wing and is so protective of him. She can relate somewhat to his situation given her own with her daughter Grace.
The mystery in Scandal Above Stairs kept me guessing, taking the reader from the high end homes of the wealthy to the seedy underbelly of London. Seeing Kat in action is always a pleasure, and I most enjoy getting to know and spending time with the various characters in Jennifer Ashley’s series.
There is a new character thrown into the mix in Scandal Above Stairs, a woman McAdam has sent Kat’s way who seems to be in need of some good polishing and help. Tess is street smart and not always the most eloquent, but a quick learner and Kat decides to give her a chance, despite her reservations—and suspicions that Tess is keeping secrets.
I have so much love for this series. I enjoyed this book just as much, if not more, than the first. We get a little more of a glimpse into who Daniel McAdam is—although he is still a mystery. McAdam is quite devoted to our clever and level-headed cook, even if f she is reluctant to admit it. It was also good to join up with some of my other favorite characters from the series, including the eccentric Miss Cynthia and Mr. Thanos, and Daniel McAdam’s son James. I love how Kat has taken James under her wing and is so protective of him. She can relate somewhat to his situation given her own with her daughter Grace.
The mystery in Scandal Above Stairs kept me guessing, taking the reader from the high end homes of the wealthy to the seedy underbelly of London. Seeing Kat in action is always a pleasure, and I most enjoy getting to know and spending time with the various characters in Jennifer Ashley’s series.
© 2018, Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
:) I did like this one even more than the first one. Maybe because of the familiar characters and added dimensions, and I hope to see more of Cynthia and Mr. Thanos in the next book. And find out more about Daniel, of course!
ReplyDeleteJenclair - I think familiarity did increase my enjoyment as well. I really like Cynthia and Thanos. :-)
DeleteI like the sound of this. I hadn't heard of the author but I really enjoyed Philip Pullman's Sally Lockhart quartet and your review puts me enough in mind of that.
ReplyDeleteCharlie - I hadn't heard of her before picking up this series either, but she's evidently written quite a bit in other genres. I want to check out her other work at some point. I'll have to give Pullman's Sally Lockhart quartet a try!
DeleteOooh, I bet my mom would love this.
ReplyDeleteKathy - I hope she does if she gives it a try!
DeleteGlad to know this one is as good as the first!
ReplyDeleteLark - I just love the characters!
DeleteI'm not familiar with this series but it sounds quite good. I'll have to keep it in mind the next time I'm in the mood for some historical fiction.
ReplyDeleteSuzanne - I am enjoying it quite a bit. I hope you will too if you decide to read the series.
DeleteGotta put this series onto my wishlist. :)
ReplyDeleteMelody - I think you would like it!
DeleteOooh, I really enjoyed Death Below Stairs - gotta put this on my TBR list too!! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteEustacia - I hope you like this one as much as I did!
DeleteI really do want to read this series. My library has the audiobooks so I might go that route. Glad you enjoyed this one, Wendy!
ReplyDeleteCarole - I'd be curious to know how the audiobooks compare. I hope you enjoy the series if you give it a try!
DeleteI'm so loving this series too! Love Kat and Daniel and am really excited to see where this series goes.
ReplyDeleteKatherine - Me too! I can't wait for the next book. ☺️
DeleteI greatly enjoyed reading this EXCELLENT review, Wendy!! :) :)
ReplyDeleteI'm always saying that, one day, I'll dive into a cozy mystery, and this one has certainly stoked my curiosity! From your review, I get glimpses of a future Masterpiece Theatre production! The characters and plot sound SO very intriguing! Plus there's the fact that art is involved! I'm adding this book to my Goodreads shelves ASAP!! Thanks for featuring it, and for your great review!!
HUGS TO YOU AND MOUSE!! <3 <3 :) :)
Maria - Thank you! I can see this on on the little screen as a mini series. I've been watching Miss Fisher's Mysteries on Netflix and just love the show. Very different than this, mind you, but in a similar vein in terns of being a historical mystery. If you read this one, I hope you enjoy it!
Delete