The Body in the Garden: A Lily Adler Mystery (LILY ADLER MYSTERY, A)

It’s 1815 and Lily Adler is just returning to London society after the mourning period has passed for her husband, who died two years previously. On her first day back, she is invited to a ball thrown by her closest friend where she overhears someone being blackmailed and then a gunshot. Not long after that, the body in the garden is discovered. Aided by Jack, a navy captain who was her husband’s best friend, and Miss Oswald, who was seen with the victim prior to his death, Lily sets out to solve his murder. In a society that frowns on independent women, Lily will have to watch her step in order not to lose her reputation, but she must also watch her step to keep herself from becoming another victim in this murderous plot.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Even though it was Georgian era and not Victorian, which is by far my favorite, it was still fantastic. Lily and Jack are endearing characters, and while I want to applaud Lily’s independence, I still fervently hope they end up getting married. The historical details really come alive in this story, with the characters behaving appropriately, or not if the plot necessitates. The mystery was well thought out and came to a fulfilling resolution without being overly simplified. Overall, an incredibly charming debut mystery. I look forward to more of Lily’s adventures.