The Secret Staircase by Sheila Connolly
Series Name: Victorian Village Mystery #3
Genre: Cozy
Release: August 24, 2021
Purchase Link
From New York Times bestselling author Sheila Connolly, The Secret Staircase is the third Victorian Village Mystery, which finds Kate Hamilton discovering a long-dead body in a hidden staircase.
Kate Hamilton is feeling good about her plans to recreate Asheboro, Maryland as the Victorian village it once was. The town is finally on her side, and the finances are coming together.
Kate’s first goal is to renovate the Barton Mansion on the outskirts of town. Luckily, it’s been well maintained in the century since the wealthy Henry Barton lived and died there. The only substantial change she’s planning is to update the original kitchen so that it can be used to cater events in the building. But when the contractor gets started, he discovers a hidden staircase that had been walled in years earlier. And as Kate’s luck would have it, in the stairwell is a body.
After her initial shock wears off, Kate is relieved when the autopsy reveals that the man had died around 1880. Unfortunately, it also reveals that his was not a natural death—he was murdered. And serious questions remain: who was he and what was he doing there?
Kate begins a hunt to identify the man and figure out what he was doing at the Barton Mansion. But when a second body is found—this time from the present day—Kate realizes that real dangers lie in digging up the past. . .
Dru’s Short Musing:
This well-written drama had a solid plot and intriguing storyline that kept me engaged throughout. I like how the mystery unraveled from the start with a few twists and turns that set the stage for a dynamic whodunit that grabbed my attention, and I couldn’t put down until all was said and done. The pacing was on par with how well this story was being told with engaging dialogue and the history of the house taking center stage gave relevance to the mystery it holds. The author did a great job in detailing the mystery with bits and pieces here and there, enough to keep me enthralled in what was intended. When I thought I had a handle on the person responsible, the author changed direction all to the betterment which enhanced this story. I love the characters and the small-town atmosphere which added to the coziness of this tale. This was an enjoyable read by an author who is sorely missed.
FTC Full Disclosure – I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series. It is now time to catch up!
The book world is a little less bright for her leaving.
I ordered the book the day it was posted online. The last time I saw Sheila was at an RWA NY gathering. I’d been talking to Linda O’Johnston at her table. Turned to the right as I walked away and bumped into a rather tall woman… Looked up and saw Sheila. She looked down at me and asked “don’t I get a hug?”. She was an amazing woman and the light of the world is dimmed by her passing.
Everything that Sheila wrote, I read, and I try enjoyed every single book. Having another release is a real treat for the literary community and I can’t wait to get this book and savor it like all others! Thank you for alerting us Dru Ann!
I spent time laughing with Sheila and getting to know her at Bouchercon in Dallas. She was so much fun to talk with. What a loss! I’ll definitely check out this title. Thanks for sharing, Dru Ann.