Snap Shot / Marilyn Todd

from the publisher's site:

1895, London

Taking risqué photographs is the only way Julia McAllister can retain her independence as a young widow in London.

But one by one, her models are dying — and now she is being framed for their murders.

The relentless Inspector Collingwood is on the case and Julia knows he’s watching her every move.

With young women still dying, and her own life on the line, Julia must unmask the real killer before it is too late…

Can Julia clear her name? Will Collingwood believe her?

Or will the dark secrets of her past come back to haunt her…?

This is anything but the typical historical novel set during Victoria's reign. Julia McAllister defies all expectations of what a "proper lady" should be; she's opinionated, vocal, forthright, sensual, and definitely has agency over her own life. The brisk repartee between herself and Inspector Collingwood and Bug, the street urchin who insinuates himself into the role of her assistant, were a delight. I appreciated how the author exposes, in various ways, the vulnerable position of women in society at the time. Although I found that the minor storylines unnecessarily muddied the plot and that the conclusion was rather rushed, the psychology behind the crimes felt credible. I look forward to reading the second book in this series.

[I received an electronic copy of this novel from the publisher, Sapere Books, in exchange for my honest opinion.]

rating: ***