A Necessary Murder

Book excerpt: A string of murders cuts close to home for the Victorian courtesan and professional sleuth in this mystery thriller set in 19th century London. London, 1863: Little Margaret Lovejoy is found brutally murdered in the outhouse at her family’s estate. A few days later, a man is cut down in a similar manner on the doorstep of Heloise Chancey’s prestigious address. But the courtesan detective has other troubles to attend to. Heloise’s maid, Amah Li Leen, has just discovered that events from her past have resurfaced to threaten her present life. Once again, Heloise is caught in a maelstrom of murder and deceit that threatens to dismantle her carefully crafted existence. But she has always been adept at deceiving the dishonest. Pursuing two investigations at once, Heloise is about to demonstrate just how skilled she truly is.