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Title details for A Novel Disguise by Samantha Larsen - Available

A Novel Disguise

by Samantha Larsen
Marni Penning
Audiobook
23 of 24 copies available
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23 of 24 copies available
1784 London. Miss Tiffany Woodall didn't murder her half-brother, but she did bury him in the back garden so that she could keep her cottage. Now, the confirmed spinster has to pretend to be Uriah and fulfill his duties as the Duke of Beaufort's librarian while searching Astwell Palace for Uriah's missing diamond pin, the only thing of value they own. Her ruse is almost up when she is discovered by Mr. Samir Lathrop, the local bookseller, who tries to save her from drowning while she's actually just washing up in a lake after burying her brother. Her plan is going by the book, until the rector proposes marriage and she starts to develop feelings for Mr. Lathrop. But when her childhood friend, Tess, comes to visit, Tiffany quickly realizes her secret isn't the only one hidden within these walls. The body of a servant is found, along with a collection of stolen items, and someone else grows mysteriously ill. Can Tiffany solve these mysteries without her own disguise being discovered? If not, she'll lose her cottage and possibly her life.

  • Creators

  • Series

    Lady Librarian Mysteries

  • Publisher

  • Release date

    May 16, 2023

  • Formats

    • OverDrive Listen audiobook

      • ISBN: 9781666633559
      • File size: 269202 KB
      • Duration: 09:20:50

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • Publisher's Weekly

      March 27, 2023
      Larsen (The Invention of Sophie Carter, under the pseudonym Samantha Hastings) launches a series with this delightful historical mystery headed by 40-year-old spinster Tiffany Woodhall. Tiffany is facing a grim future in 1784 London when she discovers her half-brother, Uriah, the duke of Beaufort’s librarian, dead and covered in foul-smelling fluids. Uriah’s death doesn’t distress Tiffany so much as her fate as a penniless woman soon to be cast out of the duke’s estate. After disposing of Uriah’s body, Tiffany dons his clothing and powdered wig and assumes her late half-brother’s position as palace librarian. An untimely visit from Tiffany’s childhood friend—now the duchess—and the murder of a palace maid soon complicate Tiffany’s double life. The maid’s death, identical to Uriah’s, drives Tiffany to investigate, which eventually threatens not only her Shakespearean gender swap but also her life. Rich with detail about life in the 18th century and starring a unique, well-drawn sleuth, this frothy whodunit is wildly enjoyable. Mystery fans should keep their eyes peeled for future Lady Librarian entries. Agent: Jen Nadol, Unter.

    • AudioFile Magazine
      Narrator Marni Penning shows off her acting skills in this convoluted murder mystery set at Astwell Palace in 1784. When clever, curious 40-year-old Miss Tiffany Woodall discovers her half-brother Uriah's dead body, she dons his clothes, and identity as castle librarian to forestall the loss of her cottage. With a second, then a third poisoning, Tiffany and Constable Samir Lathrop team up to identify the killer. While the plot is a little confusing, Penning is always cognizant of who's speaking, smoothly shifting from Tiffany to Uriah and back. From dual identities to poisonings, from secret lovers to shifting loyalties, this historical mystery engages the listener as Penning's slightly growly, emotion-laden voice captures the intrigue and underlying humor woven throughout. M.B.K. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine
    • Library Journal

      June 10, 2024

      Miss Tiffany Woodall did not murder her brother Uriah, even though she did bury him in the back garden in an attempt to keep her 1784 London cottage. A confirmed spinster, Tiffany masquerades as her deceased brother to keep his job as the librarian to the Duke of Beaufort. She's nearly discovered when the town bookseller, Mr. Samir Lathrop, believes she is drowning; her ruse is further tested when the town rector proposes to her over a dead body, just as she is developing feelings for Mr. Lathrop. Then, a servant is found dead with a cache of stolen items, and another falls gravely ill. It is up to the brave Miss Woodall to solve the mysteries. Marni Penning delightfully narrates various characters of different social classes and ages. Penning's many character voices help to differentiate the varying cast of characters that make up the town. VERDICT The first book in debuter Larsen's "Lady Librarian Mysteries" series blends cozy mystery with clean romance. Historical romance fans will be charmed by Miss Woodall, a strong, intelligent woman seeking a peaceful life without the threat of death or marriage looming over her.--Elyssa Everling

      Copyright 2024 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

subjects

Languages

  • English

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