I loved the first two books in the Bronte Mysteries series by Bella Ellis so was eagerly awaiting this third instalment, The Red Monarch. This one is a slight departure, finding the sisters outside of their beloved Yorkshire and travelling to London to solve their most difficult conundrum yet. What is the same is the super-clever plotting, the humour and the feminist sass, confirming this as one of my favourite book series’ for sure.

There are some great twists and turns in this book, one of which in particular prompted a sharp intake of breath on my part.

This was a comfort read for me as I know I’ll always be in safe hands with this author. As soon as I finished I had to check whether there’s another Bronte Mystery on the way and THERE IS. I couldn’t be happier. Thanks to Hodder for gifting me a digital copy to review.

The Red Monarch by Bella Ellis (Brontë Sisters Mystery 3) follows the sisters as they go to London to help one of Anne's former pupils - Lydia Robinson, who is also the daughter of the woman that Branwell is in love with.  Branwell sees this as a way to get her love back, and the sisters see it as their duty to help.

Lydia's husband has been taken away as he's lost something that the gang he was working for needs.  Lydia is heavily pregnant, doesn't know anyone in London, and has a week to find whatever it is in order to get her husband back.  The siblings have their work cut out for them!

This was an enjoyable murder mystery, and seeing the sisters in London was interesting after the previous two books being set in country houses.  I'm looking forward to the next book!

The Red Monarch was published on 18th November 2021, and is available on Amazon, Waterstones and Bookshop.org.

You can follow Bella Ellis on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and her website.

You can read my review for book 1 in this series: The Vanished Bride and book 2, The Diabolical Bones.

I was given this book in return for an unbiased review, so my thanks to NetGalley and to Hodder & Stoughton.

4.5 stars

I would like to thank netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

A really interesting mystery, and lots of Bronte references.

I adore this series, I've always loved the Bronte sisters and I can't get enough of this re-imagining of their lives as detectives. I love how carefully the author weaves in elements of their stories as if these were the inspiring events, and the mystery itself was clever and exciting. A great read.

I was so desperate to read this book and it didn't disappoint! Bella Ellis is fast becoming an auto-read author for me, and her Bronte mysteries are the perfect blend of thriller, mystery, and historical fiction. I hope with all my soul that there'll be more!

In this, the latest in the Bronte mysteries, the three sisters, and Branwell, leave their beloved Yorkshire to go to the aid of a young lady of their acquaintance down in That London (as we refer to it up here in Gods Own Country). The siblings show their usual intelligence and puzzle-solving skills but the enemy they are up against is more powerful and evil than they have ever encountered - add to this the dangers of the big city and there is real doubt whether they will be able to save the day.

I was delighted when I found out that there would have been a third book in the Brontë Sisters Mystery series. I really enjoy this series and The Red Monarch didn’t disappoint.

The story starts when pregnant Lydia Roxby (née Robinson) wakes up to find men in her bedroom who kidnap her husband and tell her that she has a week to give them back the jewel her husband stole or they will both die. Desperate and alone, Lydia contacts the only person she knows that could help her, Anne Brontë.

In Yorkshire, Charlotte, Anne, and Emily are waiting to hear what critics think of their writing, while they worry about their brother Branwell, who is heartbroken over his affair with Lydia’s mother. So, when Lydia’s letter arrives asking for help, the three sisters decide to travel to London and help her, followed by their brother Branwell. The Brontë siblings quickly find out that London is very far from the quiet moors of Yorkshire. There is noise and danger everywhere, but the three sisters are not deterred and they will do anything to help Lydia and her husband.

In The Red Monarch, Charlotte, Emily, and Anne probably face their most difficult and challenging investigation which involves dangerous and armed men, subterfuge, and kidnapping. Because they are women in Victorian London they are underestimated, but they quickly prove that they are independent, strong-willed, and determined women who won’t stop until they manage to help those in need and they walk through the slums of London with their chin high and, in some cases, a pistol in their pockets.

The author kept me glued to the pages not only with her addictive writing, but also with the rising suspense, the unexpected twists, and the accurate and interesting historical facts. The Red Monarch is a thrilling, suspenseful, and gripping historical mystery featuring three fantastic authors-turned-detectives that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I am already looking forward to the next installment!

Another excellent mystery featuring the Bronte sisters, a riveting and fascinating story that kept me reading and guessing.
The books in this series are very good mysteries and a great way to learn more about the Bronte sisters, their life and their career.
I appreciated the descriptions of London and the vivid and well researched historical background.
The plot is well crafted and the mystery is solid.
Can't wait to read the next installment.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

My thanks to Bella Ellis, Hodder and Staughton and Net Galley for the ARC of THE RED MONARCH.
I have been looking forward to this one for ages and I loved it. The beginning is full of sorrow, and I felt that sadness when reading about the deaths of Charlotte's siblings and how lonely she was, but yet again there was still an exciting tale to tell. I've read the others in the series and can't wait for the next. Thank you so much!

And they're back! The Brontë sisters are once again ready to fight crime in this fantastically fun series from Bella Ellis, otherwise known as Rowan Coleman. We rejoin the family just as the women are celebrating the publication of their first poetry collection. This third instalment sees a real shift in pace however when a letter arrives for Anne from her erstwhile pupil Lydia Roxby. Disowned by her family for having eloped with an actor, Lydia now finds herself pregnant and missing a husband after he is suddenly abducted by notorious gangster Noose. Lydia has one week to track down the jewel that Harry Roxby has supposedly stolen or else face certain widowhood. Naturally, the Brontë 'detectorists' decide to swing into action and off to London they go with Branwell along for the ride due to hopes of ingratiating himself once more with Lydia's mother Mrs Robinson should their mission prove successful. With little to go on and no time to lose, the sisters face their toughest challenge yet ...

The Brontë Mysteries are an absolute treat for the Brontëphile and Ellis has clearly done her research. Of all the supporting players in the family's life, Lydia Roxby probably would be the best go-to for scandal and intrigue. But my biggest whoop came when the siblings arrived at the theatre where Lydia was sheltering and they were introduced to none other than Louis Parensall. 1930s Brontë biographer Virginia Moore struggled to read Emily's handwriting and so came to the mistaken conclusion that Emily's poem 'Love's Friendship' was named after a hitherto unknown French lover, Louis Parensall. I could only bow to Ms Ellis' ingenuity in flipping this ridiculous misapprehension on its head and playing it seriously. Another intriguing acquaintance at the theatre is Kit Thornfield, who appears on the stage as Celine Varens and seems to long for a better life.

As with the two previous books in the series, the mystery builds up well and maintains suspense. The camaraderie between the siblings is well displayed. However, I did feel that Ellis was starting to lay things on a little thick with Charlotte declaring, 'we are never alone when we have one another' and Anne assuring her that they will always be together. Yes, we know that imminent and multiple bereavements are around the corner but it feels heavy-handed to signal it so heavily to the reader. Also, this is the third time that the central riddle has finished up in a way that I found unconvincing. Not least because in this instance, the case was cracked because they just so happened to show charity to a beggar who just so happened to be key to the mystery. A little too serendipitous. For all three novels, I have heartily enjoyed the story until the final couple of chapters and then it all rolls up rather too neatly. In this case, I was also a little uncomfortable about as dark a subject as child trafficking being made use of for what is essentially light-hearted froth. I picture The Brontë Mysteries as the literary equivalent of red velvet cake with very generous icing. Delicious but not designed for heavy digestion.

With any creative medium, the third time out is often the decider. I remember television writer Stephen Bochco saying that the third season was typically when he would expect a show to hit its stride. It is at this point that there is enough ground trodden for a series to have in-jokes and make references to its past. I have often noticed similar patterns in long-running book series. For me, the best Harry Potter novel was the third. Similarly, Ben Aaronovitch's Rivers of London felt a lot more confident from Whispers Underground onwards. I am not sure that The Red Monarch marks a similar moment here. For one thing, Ellis is already flagging that her protagonists are set to die soon. For another, while the shift of setting could have marked an interesting 'fish out of water' crime novel, instead the situation just felt forced. The series definitely gelled more successfully in Yorkshire.

But having said all of this, there is still much to praise. Earlier this year, I tried reading Pride and Prescience, the first of the Mr and Mrs Darcy Mysteries, which sees Elizabeth Bennet and her husband fighting crime after their marriage. I got about ten pages in and realised that this really was not going to be for me. I think that the difference between the two franchises is that in contrast to my feelings about the Brontë sisters, I feel that I have a close familiarity with the characters of Pride and Prejudice so that Carrie Brebis' use of creative licence (and even - shudder - Americanisms) really grated with me. By comparison, I accept that the truth around the Brontë family has been too overshadowed by myth-making, white-washing and hangers-on seeking to steal the spotlight (looking at you, Ellen Nussey) for the reader to ever feel certain of who they were. While it may be absurd to imagine the sisters playing detective, it is no less ridiculous than many of the other theories which have been asserted as fact - the various purported photographs, Anne's unprovable passion for William Weightman, and of course Emily's fictional French lover. I admire how Ellis is able to take these many strands of stories and twist them together into something quite this fun - it is a mark of true skill. Regardless of any criticisms around the plot of this particular novel, I do believe that The Brontë Mysteries represents the most creative venture within the Brontë fandom that I can ever remember.

I will be back for the sisters' next outing as detectors. I hope there will be many more instalments before they meet their inevitable tragic ends. However, I do hope that the plot resolution next time lands with a little more care. At its best, this series has been truly magical but on this occasion it lacked its usual sparkle.

This was sent to me as an ARC by the publishers because I really enjoyed the previous one Diabolical Bones in Sept 2020. They are really exciting in the same way that Sherlock Holmes detective novels are, lots of shady characters, twists, turns and reckless bravado from our protagonists. I’m not sure why Bella Ellis chose fictional Brontë sisters as her main characters, it seems to me a bit of a hindrance, for there must be so many fans who will over scrutinise, but maybe that’s the challenge. To me it seems very well researched and yet again I was completely absorbed.

Another compelling story involving the Bronte detectors. Although serious and sad at times, these books are great fun to read. They bring that period of history to life, warts and all. There are some excellent characters and a compelling story line. Great read!

The Bronte siblings are drawn to investigate happenings in the London underworld after a friend of Anne's calls her in a state because her husband has been kidnapped by one of the faces of London's dark side, and he won't be returned unless the jewel he has stolen is returned. The Brontes set off to find this jewel and save the day.

Although there are some flaws with this book - in particular, the way that everything slots together so neatly, with people turning up precisely when and where they are required - I really liked the way that the Bronte characters are written. They feel authentic from what I know about the Brontes, and I think if they had not the book just wouldn't have worked at all. I also really liked the side characters of Louis and Kit.

With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

another adventure with the Bronte sisters and of course Branwell. This time they are off to London to find a hidden jewel and rescue a young family. Can they discover the jewel and the identity of the Red Monarch in enough time to save them. This mission will cost one of the sister's something even more precious.

Oh I love these books so much and this one was incredibly powerful and also quite heartbreaking. As a huge fan of Jane Eyre, I always found myself drawn to Charlottte but it was Emily who stole this one for me. Oh the journey she goes on and how you wish she didnt have to. The plot was steady but you know it was building to a cleverly constructed climax. There's a couple of brilliant twists along the way that just add to the story. The ending is well done if a touch sad and yet theres still hope there too. The writing is always good and I loved the mention of Mr Dickens. who wouldnt want to meet him? A brilliant thriller and excellent addition to the series.

Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I've really enjoyed Bella Ellis's previous imaginings of the 'detectoring' Brontë family, and this volume takes us and the siblings to the underbelly of London in very dramatic style. It sees them attempt to rescue the husband of Anne's former pupil (and the daughter of Branwell's lover) from the clutches of an evil Moriarty-like figure.

The positives in this adventure include the characters the siblings meet in the theatre where their friend lives; Louis and Kit, like other characters created by Ellis, bounce off the page. The Brontës themselves are even more vibrant and full of life than I remember from before, and I love that Ellis makes Anne into such a passionate character, given how history tends to remember her as a bit wet.

For me, though, this book was a little too dramatic and gothic to the extent of being unbelievable even for a series which imagines the Brontës as investigators! The story rests on a lot of coincidences, and the ending is a little too convenient considering the reach of the Monarch's 'kingdom'. I also struggled to see the little links with the novels the Brontë sisters produced that can be found in the previous two books, apart from a character with the surname Thornfield and an attempt to explain Emily's portrayals of love in her poetry and 'Wuthering Heights'.

I would still recommend this series in general and look forward to a continuation, although I think it worked better to keep the family in Yorkshire.

I’ve enjoyed the previous books in this series and this was no exception-in fact I think it’s the best yet.The idea of casting the Brontë sisters and their brother Branwell as amateur ‘detectors’ is inspired ,and the author includes all sorts of references to their books within the story which show what an enthusiast she is about the Brontës’ lives and work.
This book moves the family from Yorkshire to London,where they are asked to help investigate the disappearance of a friend’s husband after he is abducted by a gang of criminals .The investigation takes the Brontës into the world of the theatre and the darker side of Victorian London ,where a criminal mastermind called the Red Monarch controls everything.
I love the way the different characters of the four Brontës are portrayed ; it always feels completely authentic ,although I’m sure they weren’t quite as adventurous in reality!
I can’t wait for the next book in the series.Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in return for an honest review which reflects my own opinion.

I love this series so much that I re-read the first and second books before starting this one. The action has moved to London, and Bella Ellis brings the chaotic, dirty city and its seedy underbelly to life - quite a change from quiet Yorkshire. The mystery that the Brontës must solve ends up being far more harrowing and heart-wrenching than those in the previous two books, and the deadline makes it even more thrilling. I highly recommend this and the whole series. I don't know how Bella Ellis manges to produce such amazing pieces of work every year, maybe there's a little of the supernatural that's scattered in the books!

I am a big fan of this series, and this book doesn't disappoint. I'd say it's a little darker than the previous books, but just as cleverly written.

Bella Ellis really captures the characters of the different sisters, and, again, she throws in events and characters that you can trace through the novels of the Brontes themselves. I don't know what you'd call that - it's like reverse archaeology. The three sisters are detectoring again - and there's danger, and twists and turns, and a great gothic darkness. I was totally gripped.

My only quibble is that I took this up to Yorkshire to read - I was across the valley from Haworth - and it's actually set in London. But I can't blame the book for that.

My thanks to Hodder & Stoughton for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘The Red Monarch’ by Bella Ellis in exchange for an honest review.

This is Book 3 in Bella Ellis’ series of historical mysteries featuring the Brontë siblings.

This proved to be an extremely thrilling mystery as the Brontës find themselves facing formidable new adversaries in the infamous Rookery of St.Giles.

The Brontë sisters' first poetry collection has just been published. Given this, their activities as amateur detectors may be coming to an end. Then Anne receives an urgent letter from her former pupil Lydia Robinson. Lydia had recently eloped with a young actor, Harry Roxby. Due to her being disinherited the couple are living in poverty in London.

It appears that Harry has become embroiled with a dangerous criminal gang, who are now holding him captive. The heavily pregnant Lydia has been given a week to return what her husband had supposedly stolen or he will be killed. The sisters, along with their brother, Bramwell, agree to help Lydia. They travel to London where they face a race against time to save Harry's life.

My first thought was thank goodness that the post was reliable between London and Yorkshire! The case is complex and enters very sinister territory.

I was completely transfixed by this novel that proved a gripping page-turner with some elements of the Victorian penny dreadful. I was also again impressed with Bella Ellis’ attention to period detail.

So what is next for the Brontës? Will there be more mysteries in this excellent series? I certainly hope so.

Highly recommended book and series.

This is the third book I have read in this which follow the Bronte Sisters, and as usual, they’re an excellent read.

I think this one is a bit darker than the other two I’ve read, with the sisters heading into the depths of London to help their friend (and a few others along the way as usual), fighting for what is right.

I do very much enjoy Bella’s style of writing, and I’m enjoying continuing to see what the sisters get up to…they’re all so feisty!

My thanks to Netgalley and Hodder for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review