Book review: The Secrets Of Wishtide

Meet Laetitia Rodd, a widow in ‘reduced circumstances’ who also happens to be an ace undercover private detective. 

Kate Saunders

Bloomsbury, £17.50 (ebook €4.65)

The first novel in a new series by award-winning author and journalist Kate Saunders, this is a breath of fresh air.

Set in the Victorian era, there are charming nods to history such as when Mrs Rodd makes rabbit pie or dons black silk for mourning.

This case involves travelling to Wishtide in Lincolnshire, disguised as a governess, to investigate the background of a so-called ‘unsuitable’ woman set to marry a rich man’s heir.

A deceptively gentle read, it’s packed with pithy observations about human nature and Mrs Rodd makes a genuinely likeable character that you can’t help but root for.

Luckily, there are already plans for five more books.