The Murderess of Mayfair

A Second Chance at Love

Romance - Historical
242 Pages
Reviewed on 06/27/2021
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Delene Vrey for Readers' Favorite

In The Murderess of Mayfair, author J. M. Shannon weaves a story of a young widow, Elise Bristol, who has been dubbed a murderess by the Ton after her husband was found dead with a dagger in his back. Because of this, her chance at a second marriage is slim. She secures the services of Oliver Woodgate, a known womanizer and a retired Bow Street Runner, to find her husband’s murderer. Elise has sworn that no man shall ever have control over her nor touch her ever again but when a serial killer tries to kill her she is whisked away to Oliver’s house and he swears to keep her safe, especially from himself. Elise wears her haughty cold mask to keep herself safe. But neither will be able to protect their hearts in the race to stop one killer and also find another.

The Murderess of Mayfair: A Second Chance at Love is a Regency romance with everything it needs to make a wonderful read. There are balls, deceit, disguises, and do not forget the heart-racing sensual encounters between the main characters. What is refreshing is the fact that the story focuses on two commoners who are happy not to be part of the Ton. J. M. Shannon addresses the themes of marital abuse and loveless marriages as well as how broken people can heal and find a second chance at life and love. This is an excellent series starter and the other characters we meet in this book promise more steamy matches to come.

Pikasho Deka

The Murderess of Mayfair by J.M. Shannon is a murder-mystery romance novel set in London at the dawn of the Regency era. After suffering two years of an arranged marriage with an abusive man, Lady Elise Bristol wakes up in the middle of the night to find her husband dead, stabbed with a knife. Three years later, Elise is forced to search for another husband due to her dwindling finances. But the failure to apprehend her husband's killer makes her the prime suspect, diminishing her chances of finding a suitor. Determined to find the killer, Elise seeks the services of former Bow Street Runner Oliver Woodgate. However, the two of them strike up a mutual attraction to each other, making things complicated. Meanwhile, Oliver's brother Nick tracks a serial killer named The Widow Taker, who targets Elise.

The Murderess of Mayfair is an enthralling crime drama full of romance, suspense, and humor. Author J.M. Shannon crafts an absorbing tale of a subjugated woman trying to come out of her shell and finding a kindred soul in a man who is afraid of heartbreak. Elise and Oliver's relationship drives the plot forward with the backdrop of a captivating murder mystery. The characters felt well-developed and realistic, and I found myself thoroughly entertained by the scenes involving Elise and Oliver and Nick and Emily. The climax makes sense in hindsight, but I can honestly say that I did not see it coming. If you feel intrigued by the premise of a murder mystery romance story set in Regency London, check out The Murderess of Mayfair.

Jennifer Ibiam

Elise was married off to a much older man by her wealthy parents. She was a means to an end; money for the title, with a wife as a bonus. Unfortunately, she paid for this status with her sanity, living in hell because she was married to the evil Alfred Bristol. One day, he was dead in his room, and gossips nicknamed her a murderess. Her prospects of getting a new husband became slim. Elise needed to clear her name so she contacted the legendary former Bow Street Runner Oliver Woodgate. However, there was a serial killer on the loose, and Elise was targeted. Oliver had his job cut out finding Bristol’s murderer and keeping Elise safe. Who is the serial killer? Who killed Lord Bristol? Perhaps they hide in plain sight. Enjoy The Murderess of Mayfair by J.M. Shannon.

The Murderess of Mayfair: A Second Chance at Love by J.M. Shannon superbly combined themes like crime, passion, love, and mystery, embedding them in a historical setting. In the days of old, women were mandated to be only helpless dependents. Elise showed she had nerves of steel, even at her lowest. I loved the character development so much as it made Elise vulnerable yet formidable. She was the perfect protagonist. Phillipa’s optical distinction was also unique because it made her remarkable. The plot and storyline tugged at my heart. Elise’s marital situation reflected many women’s realities. I loved the era-appropriate yet comprehensible language used in The Murderess of Mayfair. It was enjoyable, fast-paced, enveloped in suspense and action. I reckon sparks are flying between Nick and Emmy?