I’d call Mary Winters’ second Lady of Letters mystery, Murder in Masquerade, a historical cozy. Fans of Dianne Freeman’s Countess of Harleigh series would probably enjoy enjoy the lighthearted mysteries featuring Amelia, Countess of Amesbury, as she responds to agony letters in a penny newspaper. The emphasis in the story is on Victorian society as much as it is on the mystery itself.

The Marquis of Bainbridge’s younger sister, Marielle, wrote a letter to Lady Agony, saying her family doesn’t approve of her love interest, so she might elope to Gretna Green. Although Amelia warns her not to do that, Simon is worried about Marielle’s headstrong choices. In her first season, she’s attracted to George Davies, a horse trainer who was once the stable manager for their family. Simon sees him as a no-good gambler and social climber, but his warnings carry little weight with his sister.

Knowing Marielle will be going to the opera, Simon persuades Amelia to attend with him so they can keep an eye on the couple. The opera and theater are places to be seen, even more than a place to see a show. But, the true show is afterwards, when Marielle stumbles across Davies’ stabbed body in an alley, and is hysterical enough to blame her brother for his death. Simon knows the only way to prove he loves his sister is to find Davies’ killer. Amelia is willing to work with him, but she sees him pick up something at the crime scene, an item he doesn’t include in his comments about Davies’ murder.

As I said, Murder in Masquerade is a historical cozy. There are details about society, social climbing, gambling among gentlemen, and scandal. Amelia and Simon are both strong-willed, interesting characters, a wealthy widow and a former Navy man. While the mystery is interesting, there’s little doubt that the emphasis is on society, and a possible romance between the two protagonists.

Mary Winters’ website is https://marywintersauthor.com/

Murder in Masquerade by Mary Winters. Berkley, 2024. ISBN 9780593548783 (paperback), 336p.

FTC Full Disclosure – I received a galley through NetGalley to review for a journal.