Review: A Lady in Disguise (Daughters of Hampshire #3) by Sandra Byrd

In this intriguing novel of romance, mystery, and clever disguise set in Victorian England, a young woman investigates the murder of her own father. 

After the mysterious death of her father, Miss Gillian Young takes a new job as the principal costume designer at the renowned Drury Lane Theatre Royal. But while she remembers her father as a kind, well-respected man of the Police Force, clues she uncovers indicate he’d been living a double life: a haunting photograph of a young woman; train stubs for secret trips just before his death; and a receipt for a large sum of money. Are these items evidence of her father’s guilty secrets? His longtime police partner thinks so.

Then Gillian meets the dashing Viscount Thomas Lockwood. Their attraction is instant and inescapable. As their romantic involvement grows, Gillian begins to suspect even Lockwood’s motives. Does Lord Lockwood truly love her? Or is his interest a front for the desire to own her newly inherited property? And what should she make of her friend’s suggestion that Lockwood or men like him were involved in the murder of her father?

Soon Gillian is convinced that her father has left evidence somewhere that can prove his innocence and reveal the guilty party. But someone wants to stop her from discovering it. The closer she comes to uncovering it, the more menacing her opposition grows. With her life on the line, Gillian takes on an ingenious disguise and takes on the role of a lifetime to reveal the true killer—before it’s too late both for her and for those that she loves.

Paperback, 384 pages

 Published March 21st 2017 

by Howard Books

****

Sandra Byrd is not a new author to me I have enjoyed her Lady in Waiting series and have read book one in her Daughters of Hampshire series. All her books are stand alone so no need to read in order.  I have a great respect for authors who can write in different time periods.  With the Ladies in Waiting taking place in the Tudor times and Daughters during the Victorian era, so many changes over the years meaning more research for the author. Victorian England is new to me and it's only been recently that I have been turning some of my reading into that direction.

Gillian Young is a young woman grieving the sudden death of her father, a local and well respected police officer. But as accusations of illegal activity are brought to light Gillian refuses to believe that he was involved in any unsavory actions. As she tries to figure out the truth, events begin to make her question who she can and cannot trust and whether his accident was really an accident at all.  Also could he in fact be guilty as rumored to be.

I love the authors writing style she makes you feel part of the story and drew me in, making me care not just for Gillian but for those she takes under her wing. I love learning about the lifestyle in that era, the theater world and the art of costume making.

A Lady in Disguise is a great historical fiction novel that is full of mystery, suspense and intrigue. While I am not a big fan of romance novels I felt that the love story here was done perfectly and not overbearing, it fit the story in a realistic manner. This is Christian fiction, there is scripture, prayer and it was done in a realistic manner, not over the top.  Plus I loved the ending

Sandra Bryd will continue to be an author in which I anticipate her next book.  Be sure to check out my review for one of her previous works.

I received an ARC from the publisher (via Netgalley) and give my sincerely thanks for the opportunity to review A Lady in Disguise.