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Cover of Garden of Lies

Garden of Lies

503 pages

A crackling, gaslamp-lit dance of witty banter, deadly secrets, and slow-burn romance.

What it feels like

Reading this book feels like stepping into a gaslamp-shadowed world where danger lurks in the fog, but you are armed with sharp wits and a perfectly tailored walking suit. The narrative moves at a brisk, engaging clip, driven by snappy dialogue and the crackling chemistry between two fiercely independent people. It balances the cozy appeal of a historical parlor mystery with the higher stakes of a gritty underworld investigation. The prose is pragmatic yet spirited, focusing on the evolving trust and mutual respect that forms the core of the romance. It is a delight for readers who love their historical suspense laced with wry humor, competent heroines who refuse to be sidelined, and brooding heroes who recognize a true partner when they see one.

Mood
  • gaslamp-shadowed
  • crackling
  • cozy-yet-dangerous
Tone
  • wry
  • spirited
  • suspenseful
  • pragmatic
Pace
brisk
Themes
partnership of equals · hidden identities · trust after betrayal · uncovering buried secrets
The writing
Snappy and dialogue-driven, blending light historical flavor with sharp, modern pacing.
The arc
The protagonist moves from fierce, guarded independence to embracing a passionate and equal partnership built on mutual trust.
Who it's for
Fans of historical romantic suspense who crave competent, no-nonsense heroines and brooding heroes who respect them.
Content notes
  • murder
  • violence
  • grief

About the book

"When Ursula Kern, proprietor of the Kern Secretarial Agency, discovers the body of one of her best secretaries, she immediately suspects murder. But no one, including the police, believes her. So Ursula seeks the help of her newest and most mysterious client, Slater Roxton"--

Description from Open Library.

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