4/5 stars: This is the second entry in Byrne's Woolf & Bell Mysteries series which is a Historical Mystery set in England, 1929 featuring writer Virginia Woolf and her artist sister, Vanessa Bell, as they team up with an outlandish friend and noblewoman to investigate a fashion designer's wedding party, which is comprised of the couples various contentious ex-wives and -husbands and family members, after the bride's poisoned the morning of her wedding. With plenty of twists and turns, Byrne has crafted a mystery that balances the suspects and weaves in plenty of clues and red herrings that will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. I really appreciate how Byrne's plot unfolds and the way the investigation's resolved. Written in multiple POV, Byrne's heartfelt and humorous writing and character work are excellent; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining likable. It's great to catch up with Virginia (Ginny) and Vanessa (Nessa) who are the main POVs with their friend, Lady Ottoline's (Otto) POV adding significantly to the plot. Also it's fun seeing the sisters working with Detective Gripe again, this time on a much better footing. With tact and sensitivity, Byrne touches on some sensitive topics; so take care and the CWs. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, A Deadly Discovery.

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and ARC provided by Headline | Headline Accent in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

This was a strong sequel in the Woolf & Bell Mystery series, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed the overall feel of this. It had that mystery element that I was looking for and enjoyed from the previous entry. It felt like the same world and was glad everything was told. Ciar Byrne has a strong writing style and way of telling stories. I can't wait for more in this series and from Ciar Byrne.