Book Review: Solving Sophronia

I am going to gush about this new book, Solving Sophronia, by Jennifer Moore. It is SO GOOD! I stayed up way too late reading it, then woke up to finish it first thing in the morning. That's how compelling it is. I love that this is a Victorian mystery romance and the author seamlessly blends so many aspects of a complicated crime with a complicated romantic relationship. It was very well-done.

The beginning was obviously a set up for the rest of the series when we are witness to the formation of the Blue Orchid Society---women who have goals and dreams and are determined to achieve them. Sophie wants to be a real reporter, more than just a society columist. She inserts herself into a murder investigation to the chagrin of Detective Jonathan Graham. He can't figure out this nobleman's daughter. Sophie moves about high society, but cries over the death of a servant. She is intelligent and kind, yet nosy and exasperating. I loved watching him unravel his feelings for her. And Jonathan is a bit of an enigma himself, with a scarred past, and yet he still has a tender heart. Such a sweet hero! The author has obviously done her research on crime investigation in the Victorian era and it makes all her characters shine in this book. They mystery is so twisty and turny, I really didn't guess the villain until the very last moment! I also enjoyed the secondary cast. They are just as memorable as the main cast---especially the constabulary family.

I can't wait for more in this series. This one is definitely going on my rainy day shelf to be read again and again!

You can get your copy here

Here's the back copy:

Lady Sophronia Bremerton is a far cry from the typical debutante, but she’s the toast of London’s upper class for one simple reason: she’s a society columnist for the London Illustrated News, and the gentry loves seeing their exploits printed in the gossip pages. But Sophie has bigger plans—she aspires to be an investigative reporter. When a stuffy ballroom during yet another Season proves to be nothing more than the usual rumor mill, Sophie seeks respite in the library, alongside four other young women who, for their own reasons, are also looking for escape. As the conversation turns to their secret ambitions, the women form a sisterhood and a bold plan: they will make their dreams a reality, no matter the obstacles. Thus begins the Blue Orchid Society.

Hearing of a murder in a London rookery, Sophie seizes the opportunity to prove her skills. Detective Jonathan Graham doesn’t believe a civilian, a noblewoman at that, should be anywhere near a murder investigation, but Sophie insists on helping bring the killer to justice. Her investigative prowess doesn’t go unnoticed by the police, especially Jonathan, who can’t decide whether this intrepid reporter is a thorn in his side or the woman of his dreams. But as the case grows more complicated and dangerous, their very lives—and their hearts—may be at risk.