The Stabbing in the Stables

Starred review from February 1, 2020

Prepare to savor this engaging new novel from the Agatha, Anthony, and Macavity Award-winning Bowen (The Tuscan Child). In 1896 London, Isabella Waverly, trapped in servitude despite her aristocratic background, witnesses Helen Barton's accidental death and acquires a letter promising a job interview at Buckingham Palace. Assuming Helen's identity and securing the position of undercook in Queen Victoria's kitchens, Bella unwittingly exposes herself to a life of subterfuge and blackmail. As her cooking skills improve, bringing her to the notice of the queen herself, Bella loves her newfound independence. Asked to join the royal household in Nice, Bella grabs her chance for betterment, unaware blackmail and death will dog her steps. When a royal sickens and dies after eating her cooking, Bella becomes a suspect in a murder investigation. Will she find the killer or die on the gallows? VERDICT This delightful mystery neatly blends historical details of late Victorian life, from rich foods to royalty, into a story spiced with humor and romance. Bowen's depiction of Bella as a modern Victorian woman, skillfully navigating class differences while struggling with the choice between a safe life and her ambitions, rings true.--Barbara Clark-Greene, Westerly, RI

Copyright 2020 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2020
When her mother dies, aspiring chef Bella Waverly reluctantly goes into service to support her alcoholic father and younger sister. Her life is even more radically altered after her father dies and she helps a young woman, Helen Barton, who was struck by a cab. As she lies dying, Helen gives Bella her invitation to work as a cook in Queen Victoria's castle. Bella assumes Barton's identity and takes the position. She rises quickly, becoming the Queen's favorite scone maker. All this success is imperiled when Bella accompanies the Queen's entourage to Nice, where a visiting duke dies, with food poisoning suspected, and the threat of blackmail looms. In her latest historical mystery, Bowen (Love and Death among the Cheetahs, 2019) presents a plucky heroine whose carpe diem philosophy leads to complications and solutions that are a bit of a stretch. But Bowen serves up a vivid picture of turn-of-the-century London with its strict class distinctions, crowded streets, and devotion to the Queen, and fans of Bowen and Victorian cozies will enjoy this inside-the-palace romp.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)