The Woman in the Veil: A Victorian Mystery

I received a free electronic copy of this excellent historical novel from Netgalley, Laura Joh Rowland, and Crooked Lane Books. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read this novel of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. I am pleased to recommend Laura Joh Rowland to friends and family. She writes an excellent mystery with authentic Victorian England details and background, in a story that is hard to put down. We spend our time in Londons' East End in 1890. The novels preceding this one - Victorian Mystery 1-2-3, involve some of these same protagonists and the Ripper, and there are a couple of other series Rowland has covered well. She is going on my authors to watch for list. I love finding someone I newly appreciate with a long backlist of stories to tell. Venetia is a young lass who robs the scenes from the adults in this tale. She's a girl after your heart. Most of the protagonists are working on the side of right. There are a couple of bad cops, and a landlord or two who need a talking to, a couple of really bad people to sort out, but for the most part you will enjoy everyone in this story. The Gang who do backup for our intrepid photographer are a good crew who work well together and try to cover all the angles. As with most people, each has its own little peccadillos to muddle through, making them more approachable. Altogether, a good, fast read. And if you had any doubt about the benefits of modern sewage and septic systems, this novel gives you a hint of the smells of yesteryear...

The Woman in the Veil A Victorian Mystery by Laura Joh Rowland is Historical Mystery Fiction that will leave you wanting more. Rowland sets her scenes well, not mincing words so that you can almost see the London mist or the rat man with his Terrier out hunting. This story is an on the edge mystery complete with thrills and adventures. I enjoy how the settings, time, place and characters are so real historically. Old secrets and eccentric characters are the norm. I was hooked on her Victorian Mystery Series with the first book The Ripper‘s Shadow in 2017. Rowland‘s series does not have to be read in order but the reader will have a better understanding if they are. Dark secrets are revealed and mysteries persist. I can’t wait for the next book. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. 5 Stars