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Book Review
Reviewed: 10 January 2024

Of Hoaxes and Homicides

by: Anastasia Hastings

A Dear Hermione Mystery - Book 2

  • Rating: full starfull starfull starfull starstar outline (4/5)

Novices, Adepts and fire, Miss Hermione is on the case.

I really enjoy the adventures of Miss Hermione aka Violet. And Sephora is showing some mettle to the surprise of Violet and Bunty.  Speaking of Bunty, would love to learn more of her backstory.

There are several twists in this story and while I suspected the culprit early on, I was content with continue reading. Violet is very brave to go off on her own to investigate the cult especially for as long as the case went on.

Violet’s chatelain reminds me of Batman’s utility belt, all the tools she needs to handle most situations. What a “brazen” act with Eli (LOL). They are a good pairing and I am curious what his backstory will be. We are treated to glimpses here and there, but I am still not sure.

Seemingly shallow Sephora has taken credit for the last case to her friend Margaret and her parents, hilarious!

I would have loved a quick Epilogue to wrap up a couple of small things but they are not critical.

What’s next for Miss Hermione? I can’t wait to find out.

Thank you to #NetGalley  for the opportunity to do an early read and share my thoughts on the story. 

Happy Reading!

Release Date: 30-January-2024
British, Historical Mystery, Female Sleuth, NetGalley

Plot Summary

The second in the delightful Dear Miss Hermione mystery series from Anastasia Hastings—when you represent the best-loved Agony Aunt in Britain, fielding questions from both irate housekeepers and heartbroken mothers is par for the course...

"Dear Miss Hermione—what is a mother to do?"

Sensible Violet Manville and her very ladylike half-sister Sephora are absolutely bored, thank you very much. Though neither of them would ever admit it aloud, they're missing the thrill of playing detective.

So when Violet receives a letter from "A Heartbroken Mother" sent to her alter-ego, the Agony Aunt known to the world only as Miss Hermione, her pulse can't help but quicken. The daughter in question has gotten caught up in a cult: the Hermetic Order of the Children of Aed. Rumors of human sacrifices, mystical doings, and a ghost in the ruined Alburn Abbey where the Children pray have gripped the public consciousness, helped along by a series of novels about the group, written by the mysterious Count Orlando, and clearly this girl has fallen prey.

Miss Hermione’s investigation soon collides with very real life when Violet discovers a surprising connection to the cult. With the dashing-but-frustrating Eli Marsh turning up and a member of the Children poisoned, Violet and Sephora—along with their ever-trusty housekeeper Bunty—may have more intrigue than they can manage.