'Hannah Dolby does it again...Violet is such a character and her adventures are just delightful.' - Jennifer Page

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Violet Hamilton is no ordinary lady.

She is a Lady Detective, who spends her time solving mysteries and unveiling scandals in the bustling seaside town of Hastings and St Leonards, a popular spot for the Victorian middle classes.

But when the body of a local woman is found on the beach, Violet's efforts to investigate are blocked at every turn.

Is that because, as a woman, she can't possibly be allowed to think or act for herself? Or is it because someone sinister has Violet in their sights?

Jane Austen meets Sherlock Holmes in this delightful mystery of manners that will steal your heart, and transport you to a world of seaside scandal and moonlit balls; dubious doctors and duplicitous crooked lords; adventurous escapades and stolen kisses.

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Praise for Hannah Dolby:

'Delightfully quirky, joyful and original' - Adele Parks

'Pure joy and utterly charming' - Faith Hogan

'Dolby's character delights with winsome wit and intuition. A fabulous read' - M J Robotham

'Hannah Dolby's second novel is as warm, witty and wonderful as her first.' - Kathleen Whyman

Hannah Dolby's first job was in the circus and she has aimed to keep life as interesting since. She trained as a journalist in Hastings and has worked in PR for many years, promoting museums, galleries, palaces, gardens and even Dolly the sheep. She completed the Curtis Brown selective three-month novel writing course, and she won runner-up in the Comedy Women in Print Awards for this novel with the prize of a place on an MA in Comedy Writing at the University of Falmouth. She currently lives in London. Her first book, No Life for a Lady, also starring the irrepressible Violet Hamilton, was published in 2022. You can follow Hannah on Twitter @LadyDolby