The Mystery of the Sorrowful Maiden

The Mystery of the Sorrowful Maiden is the third mystery in Kate Saunders' series about Laetitia Rodd, a Victorian lady detective. In 1853, a retired actor asks Laetitia to help his friend Thomas Transome leave his wife, who needs assistance in securing a worthy settlement. When a body is discovered in the burnt husk of the old theatre, Laetitia becomes embroiled in family politics, rivalries, and betrayals on a Shakespearean scale. She will need all her investigative powers to solve the case before tragedy strikes again.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 07 July 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The Mystery of the Sorrowful Maiden is the captivating third installment in Kate Saunders' series about Laetitia Rodd, the indomitable Victorian lady detective. Set in the spring of 1853, private detective Laetitia Rodd receives a delicate request from a retired actor whose theatrical career was cut short by a devastating theatre fire ten years prior. His close friend and the man he rescued from the fire, Thomas Transome, has decided to leave his wife, who now requires assistance in securing a suitable settlement. Despite her reluctance to immerse herself in the scandalous world of the theatre, Mrs. Rodd cannot turn away a woman in need. She agrees to take on the case.

However, what begins as a straightforward matter of negotiation quickly escalates into a complex investigation when a body is discovered within the charred remnants of the old theatre. As Mrs. Rodd delves deeper into the case, she becomes entangled in a web of family politics, rivalries that surpass even those of the Capulets and Montagues, and betrayals on a Shakespearean scale. To unravel the mystery and prevent further tragedy, Mrs. Rodd will need to employ all her investigative skills and her renowned discretion.

Praise for the Laetitia Rodd Mystery series:

The series has received widespread acclaim for its witty, genteel storytelling, filled with secrets, lies, and hidden treasures. The Times described it as "enormous fun," while the Guardian praised it as a "perfect novel for a summer afternoon." James Runcie, the author of the Grantchester Mysteries, praised the novel as "hugely enjoyable," and the Sunday Times declared it "pure delight."

With its well-crafted plot, engaging protagonist, and astute references to the literature and theological debates of the period, The Mystery of the Sorrowful Maiden is a must-read for fans of historical mysteries and those who enjoy a delightful blend of mystery, drama, and intrigue.

Weight: 236g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781408866931