A Study in Murder

Overall, I liked this book. It is what I would call a cozy mystery, as it's not very suspenseful and it's somewhat predictable.

The story is about Lady Amy, a young woman from a wealthy family who lives in their house in Bath. She is secretly a murder mystery writer who finds herself involved in a real murder mystery. After finding out that her fiance was involved in the illegal opium trade, she decides to use this information to finally end their engagement. She never wanted to marry Mr. Harris. It was her father's idea as he was afraid of her becoming a "spinster". Mr. Harris doesn't take the news well. He goes to her home a few days later (probably to try to change her mind) when he is found murdered in her library.

The police suspect that Lady Amy is the killer at first, so she decides to do her own investigation. Sir William, a gentleman member of her book club, was unfortunate enough to come upon the murder scene as he was there to lend her one of his books, so he's roped into helping her. They have somewhat of a friendship at first, but throughout the novel, they catch feelings for each other.

Honestly, I was more interested in Amy and William's blossoming romance more than the investigation. As it's the Victorian era, everything is very subtle and low-key for the time period. Sir Williams is a gentleman, friendly, and a rock for her to lean on. I totally have a crush on the guy.

Lady Amy herself is a feminists who wishes she didn't have to hide that she wrote such a well-received murder mystery book. She pushes to do things "men can do", such as dressing as a man at night while they were investigating someone's home. However, Sir Williams firmly gave her a hard NO when she insisted on carrying a gun and dressing up to try to sneak into the gentleman's club to do some spying.

I like that the author shows how naive Amy can be. She clearly lacks knowledge on sex, shown in one particular scene, and she's surprised to learn that people of her social status can get hooked on opium (she thought only the poor took drugs). She firmly believes that because she writes mystery novels that she is now perfectly qualified to solve the mystery despite everyone telling her how dangerous it is. She literally calls herself a professional despite having ZERO experience. She finally acknowledges the danger when a gun is literally pointed at her in the end of the story.

My one major gripe is that the murderer doesn't make sense. I briefly suspected the person but changed my mind because, physically speaking, I don't think this person is capable of STABBING someone to death from the FRONT. Especially with such a large knife. But oh well.

So yes, I liked the story. I heard the audiobook, and the narrator did a fine job bringing Amy to life. I'm eager to read the next story as this one ends with Amy and Williams unofficially courting.