Scandal Above Stairs

Kat and Daniel are back for another nail-biting mystery that you will never figure out. There are mysteries inside mysteries that will keep you guessing. I love seeing favorite characters again and meeting new ones as they all come together to solve everything. Every time I thought I had things figured out something would have me second guessing myself. Be prepared to hold your breath multiple times and ready to cheer at other times. The kiss of romance between them and others just adds to everything. Kat is using her skills again and finding her self in trouble again. I loved getting to know her a bit more and seeing her bring people together too. She makes friends and helps others that you wouldn't expect. Daniel is slowly opening up, but still has a mystery surrounding him. I was so glad that more about him was in this story because it made him more understandable. He will do anything to protect those he cares about.

FINAL DECISION: I enjoyed this one more than the first in the series. I really enjoyed learning more about the characters and developing the backstories of the cast of characters. THE STORY: Kat is called to help investigate the theft of artwork from a friend of her employer. Kat is soon drawn into a series of thefts including ones being investigated by her friend, the mysterious Daniel McAdam. Open doors in the home she is working in and breaking in a new assistant are some additional challenges for Kat while also preparing meals for the household. Kat's investigations lead her into the uncomfortable position of moving in the world of the upper household. OPINION: This book allows times to delve into the relationships between the characters and also presents a whole series of mystery situations. I liked that we got to move through various stories at once. Things overlap and it is not clear what is relevant and what isn't. In other words, it is a good mystery set up. I really enjoyed how the mystery is both evidence and personality. And we get to know a lot about the characters surrounding Kat. Some of the information and facts are misdirection but all are interesting. The emphasis in this book is relationship and I especially enjoyed that we get a lot more of Kat and Daniel. They make a cute couple and I like seeing them reveal more to one another. The book is interesting and I wasn't sure where the story was going until the end which is enjoyable in a mystery. I look forward to more from this series. WORTH MENTIONING: Who knew how much work was involved in Victorian kitchen work? CONNECTED BOOKS: SCANDAL ABOVE STAIRS is the second book in the Below Stairs aka the Kat Holloway Mysteries series. This is a self contained mystery that can be read as a standalone, but there are ongoing character developments that continue through the series and for that the books should be read in order. STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars. NOTE: I received an ARC of this book via First Reads. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.

How to solve a mystery while training a new kitchen assistant. Poison, stolen antiquities, chaste kisses and the art of Victorian cooking.