Review of Deb Marlowe's A Killer in the Crystal Palace

 

A grand showcase for technology, art, design and . . . murder.

Welcome to book one in the thrilling new series titled The Kier and Levett Mystery series by USA Today Bestselling Author Deb Marlowe.

London, 1851, and the Great Exhibition is on. A soaring success despite months of dour predictions, it is the event of the year, on front pages and wagging tongues the world over—and Miss Kara Levett is thrilled to be in the middle of it. The daughter of a baron and an exhibitor herself, she happily demonstrates her elaborate automatons and case clocks to the crowds.

But her situation grows perilous when a man is murdered in the Crystal Palace and she becomes the prime suspect. With the unexpected aid of Mr. Niall Kier, a reserved Scottish blacksmith, artist and fellow exhibitioner with secrets of his own, Kara begins the work the Metropolitan Police show no inclination for—finding the true killer.

Together, Niall and Kara dig up international espionage schemes and sordid family secrets, and chase clues from Victorian high society to the London slums, all while trying to stay ahead of the villains who seek to make her the next victim.

Available Now!
The Kier and Levett Mystery series
Book 1 – A Killer in the Crystal Palace
Book 2 – Death from the Druid’s Grove
Book 3 – Murder on the Mirrored Lake

Deb Marlowe has always been one of my favorite authors and to say that I was thrilled that she was writing a historical mystery is an understatement. A Killer in the Crystal Palace. This is another book that I grabbed both the ebook and the audiobook. The audiobook is by narrated by Henrietta Meire who does a fantastic job.

A Killer in the Crystal Palace begins with a brutal murder during The Great Exhibition of 1851 where Miss Kara Levett is displaying her automaton works including a mechanical man. She soon finds herself implicated and embroiled in the murder as part of her display was used to commit the crime. She finds a staunch supporter in Mr. Niall Kier. Niall is also an exhibitor at the Great Exhibition displaying his intricate metal works. He met Kara briefly when they were both trying to become exhibitors at the prestigious and male dominated exhibition..

The story is clever and very entertaining. The chemistry between Kara and Niall is natural and draws you into the mysteries of both their pasts. This is a slow burn romance behind the mystery and the attraction between the characters is very believable. Niall is exactly the kind of hero that you want to show up when you are in trouble. He has many connections throughout the city and beyond. Kara is clever and has connections of her own, so she is not waiting around to be saved in the situation.  

Atmospheric, entertaining and clever A Killer in the Crystal Palace is a must read for Deb Marlowe fans and fans of historical mysteries as well. 

A Killer in the Crystal Palace a five star read and listen and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.  

Reviewed by Gayle

Reasons I enjoyed the book. 

#Witty # Entertaining # Action-packed #Wonderful characters  #Page-turner #Informatiove #Historical mystery

The Crystal Palace in Hyde Park for Grand International Exhibition of 1851