'Hannah Dolby does it again...Violet is such a character and her adventures are just delightful.' - Jennifer Page

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Violet Hamilton is no ordinary lady…

She is a Lady Detective, who spends her time solving mysteries and unveiling scandals in the bustling seaside town of Hastings and St Leonards, a popular spot for the Victorian middle classes.

But when the body of a local woman is found on the beach, Violet’s efforts to investigate are blocked at every turn.

Is that because, as a woman, she can’t possibly be allowed to think or act for herself? Or is it because someone sinister has Violet in their sights?

Jane Austen meets Sherlock Holmes in this delightful mystery of manners that will steal your heart, and transport you to a world of seaside scandal and moonlit balls; dubious doctors and duplicitous crooked lords; adventurous escapades and stolen kisses.

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Praise for Hannah Dolby:

'Delightfully quirky, joyful and original' - Adele Parks

'Pure joy and utterly charming' - Faith Hogan

'Dolby's character delights with winsome wit and intuition. A fabulous read' - M J Robotham

'Hannah Dolby's second novel is as warm, witty and wonderful as her first.' - Kathleen Whyman

Hannah Dolby's second novel is as warm, witty and wonderful as her first. Violet is the perfect blend of determination, innocence and cheekiness. I'd definitely want her services if I had a crime that needed investigating -- Kathleen Whyman
The unstoppable Violet does it again! Unperturbed by social graces, murder and even baby goats, Dolby's character delights with winsome wit and intuition. A fabulous read -- M J Robotham
Hannah Dolby does it again. I loved No Life for a Lady, so I had high expectations of this book and it didn't disappoint. Hannah makes me laugh out loud. On one occasion, I felt compelled to read a line out to my husband, and he had a good chortle too! Violet is such a character and her adventures are just delightful. Really crossing everyone that there is a third book as I'd love to know what happens next. * Jennifer Page *
Hannah Dolby has done it again! I adored Violet in her first adventure, the writing alone makes you feel as if you are living in a different age. This time, Violet is intent on being a 'real' detective, in spite of opposition from her father and society in general - I loved meeting characters from the first book and seeing historical figures pop up added an additional sense of time and place. This is a mystery to curl up with - adorable! -- Faith Hogan
Another hilarious historical detective novel from the Scots author * The Scots Magazine *
Deliciously addictive * The Sunday Post *
This feisty lady detective novel set in 1897 is wonderfully quirky and has been created with a beautifully light touch. * Love Reading *
Delightful * Red (July's Best Books) *
Deliciously addictive * P.S. Magazine *
This is a cake and brandy kind of book – rich, fruity, and intoxicating * Hastings Independent Press *
Full of laughs and seaside scandal, this is the perfect summer read * Pick Me Up! (Book of the Week) *
Full of Victorian scandals and risky ventures, this delightful historic tale is full of laugh-out-loud moments, and Violet Hamilton is a feisty and heroic detective you’ll adore * Woman's Weekly *
An ultra-cosy, fast-moving period romp with plenty of action and an engaging, lively heroine * Mystery People *
Told with witty humour and plenty of emotional heart, Violet’s story has always been about a woman rising above the station imposed upon her by men and proving – both to those around her and to herself – that she’s capable of anything when she sets her mind to it. * Culturefly *
A light-hearted and charming read with a feisty and likeable heroine * Portobello Book Blog *

Hannah Dolby's first job was in the circus and she has aimed to keep life as interesting since. She trained as a journalist in Hastings and has worked in PR for many years, promoting museums, galleries, palaces, gardens and even Dolly the sheep. She completed the Curtis Brown selective three-month novel writing course, and she won runner-up in the Comedy Women in Print Awards for this novel with the prize of a place on an MA in Comedy Writing at the University of Falmouth. She currently lives in London. Her first book, No Life for a Lady, also starring the irrepressible Violet Hamilton, was published in 2022. You can follow Hannah on Twitter @LadyDolby