The Case of the Wandering Scholar

by Kate Saunders
Scott County Library hardcover 360 pages
genre: historical fiction, murder mystery
"A Laetitia Rodd Mystery: A Private Detective of the Utmost Discretion"

This is the second book in what I hope becomes a long series! Set in England in the 1850s, Laetitia is a delightful protagonist. I love seeing how the stories unfold and the pieces of the puzzle connect. This one pulled in more theology than I expected, but also included some of the lovely humor from the first book. I especially like how Laetitia and her more worldly brother interact with one another.

Page 252 - "Mr. Arden makes no distinction between the 'deserving' and the 'undeserving' poor. He says only the Almighty has the right to make such judgements and that the rich have a sacred duty to share their good fortune, because the less fortunate are our brothers and sisters and not another race of beings!"

This rush of an emotional speech was from a young woman in love with Mr. Arden, but I noted it because it can be such a bone of contention . . . helping people but trying to determine if they're worthy of help or if they're just experiencing hardship because of their own mistakes.

In any case, I don't want to leave any spoilers. The body count rose as the story went on, but not to the degree of a good Agatha Christie!

The Secrets of Wishtide: A Laetitia Rodd Mystery

by Kate Saunders
Scott County Library, audiobook, 9 CDs
read by Anna Bentinck
genre: Historical murder mystery

Set in the 1850s, this was a delightful story! I will have to see if this author has other titles. I didn't make many notes, but it was a good mystery with lots of different elements.

Sir James is a jerk! I disliked him even before I found out about his double standards for his own conduct vs. his wife's (and his deception regarding Esther). I ended up really liking Mrs. Hardy, especially when she told Laetitia "I'm a fallen woman, not a kept one." Mrs. Calderstone's role got better toward the end.

Blackbeard
Mrs. Gammon (Sally or Sarah?)
Mrs. Orn? Helen
So many different characters and locations in England! (And Antwerp . . . )

Arrowsmith / Gammon / Saville

Bentinck's vocal work is absolutely superb!

 

<Blogged above 2.18.19. Below added 11.29.22>

 

I don't have a lot to add, but I re-read it in Libby last week. The parents hire Mrs. Rodd to dissuade their son from marrying Mrs. Orm(?), a widow. As she tries to find out more about the woman, she learns that she likes her. But when murders start happening and the young master is going on trial, the case really heats up.

Sisters Blanche and Elizabeth are lovely counterparts to the main characters. But her confidante and landlady, Mrs. Bentley, who once let rooms to John Keats, is my favorite character.