This author delves into historical mysteries, setting her narratives in Victorian England. Her works often follow women in unusual professions, uncovering their lives and skills in an era when such roles were often overlooked. She masterfully weaves suspense with historical detail to create compelling stories that draw readers in. Her fascination with exploring the darker aspects of history, including occupations like that of an undertaker, lends a unique perspective to her mysteries.
Becca Garvey's life takes a dramatic turn when her husband decides to chase his dream of becoming a surf instructor in Florida, leaving her to manage their thirty-acre hobby farm in Maryland alone. Embracing the challenge, Becca resolves to confront her uncertain future with a sense of optimism, navigating the complexities of independence and self-discovery.
The plot centers around Florence Nightingale as she investigates the mysterious death of a young nurse under her care. As she delves deeper, she uncovers dark secrets that powerful individuals are willing to kill to protect. The story intertwines themes of courage, the pursuit of truth, and the challenges faced by women in a male-dominated society, showcasing Nightingale's determination to seek justice and expose corruption in the medical field.
Set against the backdrop of Nottinghamshire, an undertaker named Violet Harper is unexpectedly called to Welbeck Abbey by the eccentric Fifth Duke of Portland, known as the "mad duke." Instead of a human body, she finds herself preparing the remains of the duke's beloved raven, Aristotle. As the duke plans an extravagant funeral to dispel his servants' superstitions about the raven's death being a bad omen, Violet navigates the peculiarities of the duke's world and the unique challenges of her profession.
Set in Victorian London, the story follows Violet Harper, a respected undertaker tasked with transporting coffins on the London Necropolis Railway. Her inaugural journey takes a chilling turn when the silence is interrupted by a coffin bell, signaling a potential nightmare of being buried alive. This intriguing premise explores themes of mortality, fear, and the societal customs surrounding death, highlighting the unique role of undertakers during a time when such anxieties were prevalent.
Set against the backdrop of Queen Victoria's mourning, the story intertwines her relationship with John Brown, a mysterious servant with an interest in the occult. When undertaker Violet Harper attends one of Brown's tarot readings, he ominously predicts death looming over Buckingham Palace. Initially skeptical, Violet's disbelief wanes as Brown's unsettling prophecies start to manifest, leading her to confront the chilling reality of his insights. The narrative explores themes of grief, superstition, and the intersection of life and death.
In 1861 London, Violet Morgan works to build a respectable undertaking business abandoned by her husband. She comforts the bereaved, advises on funeral fashion and etiquette, and organizes funerals.