The first book in the Euphemia Martins murder mystery series by Caroline Dunford.

In December 1909 the Very Rev Joshia Martins expires in a dish of mutton and onions leaving his family on the brink of destitution. Abandoned by her noble grandfather, Joshia’s daughter, the eighteen year old Euphemia, takes it on herself to provide for her mother and little brother by entering service. She’s young, fit, intelligent, a little naive and assumes the life of a maid won’t be too demanding. However, on her first day at the unhappy home of Lord Stapleford she discovers a murdered body. Euphemia’s innate sense of justice has her prying where no servant should look and uncovering some of the darker social, political and business secrets of Stapleford family. She is propositioned, locked in cupboards, made to chop mountains of onions, her reputation shredded, accused of murder and frequently put in fear for her life. All Euphemia has to defend herself is her quick wits, sense of humour and the ultimate weapon of all virtuous young women, her scream.

Thanks to Secret Readers and Accent Press for granting me access to this book.

I chose to read this book because I like the Victorian period and I thought the premise was interesting. However, I got disappointed quite soon. The writing was choppy and repetitive. The characters were quite lackluster. It wasn’t the typical mystery and I didn’t enjoy the format.

I was bored most of the time and thought of not finishing reading the book. I was very close to do just that, but then I decided to finish it so I could give a more informed opinion.

The ending was as disappointing and predictable as I was expecting it to be.

Overall, a book that just wasted my time.

So, for all of that, I give this book… 3 TEA CUPS!