Description

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The second in the delightful Dear Miss Hermione mystery series from Anastasia Hastings—when you represent the best-loved Agony Aunt in Britain, fielding questions from both irate housekeepers and heartbroken mothers is par for the course...

"Dear Miss Hermione—what is a mother to do?"

Sensible Violet Manville and her very ladylike half-sister Sephora are absolutely bored, thank you very much. Though neither of them would ever admit it aloud, they're missing the thrill of playing detective.

So when Violet receives a letter from "A Heartbroken Mother" sent to her alter-ego, the Agony Aunt known to the world only as Miss Hermione, her pulse can't help but quicken. The daughter in question has gotten caught up in a cult: the Hermetic Order of the Children of Aed. Rumors of human sacrifices, mystical doings, and a ghost in the ruined Alburn Abbey where the Children pray have gripped the public consciousness, helped along by a series of novels about the group, written by the mysterious Count Orlando, and clearly this girl has fallen prey.

Miss Hermione’s investigation soon collides with very real life when Violet discovers a surprising connection to the cult. With the dashing-but-frustrating Eli Marsh turning up and a member of the Children poisoned, Violet and Sephora—along with their ever-trusty housekeeper Bunty—may have more intrigue than they can manage.

About the Author

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Anastasia Hastings has, over a thirty-year career, published more than sixty novels in a number of different genres and under a number of names––Miss Hermione would approve. Anastasia lives outside of Cleveland with her husband, David; her Airedale, Eliot Ness; and a Russell Terrier named Tequila Elizabeth. Of Manners and Murder was the first in the Dear Miss Hermione mystery series.

Praise For…

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An Amazon Editors’ Pick for Best Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
One of BookBub’s “Best Historical Mysteries of 2024”

"Captivating . . . Hastings never loses her footing while toggling between her large cast of characters, and fluidly intersperses comedic moments and game-changing twists. Readers will be ravenous for the next installment in the series."—Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)

"Mystery, romance, and an interesting look at the power of cult leaders."—Kirkus Reviews

"Told from multiple points of view, this historical mystery is firmly set in Victorian times and includes several plot twists."—Booklist

"Delightful . . . This is a solid cozy mystery: It has compelling settings, both in terms of locations and period and its characters are highly appealing. Highly recommended for cozy mystery fans!"—Mystery Tribune

"[A] gripping Victorian mystery . . . This series is among [Anastasia Hastings's] best."—Akron Beacon Journal