Our Dear Miss H. Is on the Case by Violet Marsh - Book Review

Series: (untitled) #2 

Publication Date: 25th March 2025

Genre: Historical Romance

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Entertaining with some important themes

1750s 

Georgina Harrington loves archeology and history but her gender prevents her talents from being acknowledged. She uses her Cousin Percy’s name to submit her works and sell the antiques. Percy is happy with the deal. However, he disappears with her latest find, a possibly high-valued helmet. Georgina realizes he might have been kidnapped or is in danger. 

Alexander Lovett is always ready for an adventure and prefers to live a happy life due to his traumatic childhood. His father’s desire to fix his clubfoot and the bullies of the ton made him determined to live his life the way he wanted. Alexander is more than ready to help Georgina find Percy (who happens to be his best friend). However, he has to keep his distance from her as she is on his father’s list of chosen brides for him, and the last thing Alexander wants is to do what his father wants. 

The story comes in the third-person POVs of Georgina and Alexander. 

My Thoughts: 

While the book works as a standalone, it would be more enjoyable if you read the previous one (Lady Charlotte Always Gets Her Man) since the characters from that one appear quite a bit here. Also, we meet the MMC in the first book and can understand him better. 

The story starts a few hours before the previous book ends but comes from the MMC’s perspective. While I forget most details, I remember Pan the parrot and Banshee the monkey. Here, we have two more additions – a dog and a chicken. It’s a riot with the animals taking over and well doing what they like! 

The MMC has a clubfoot (that has been further damaged in ‘repair attempts’). The book presents how physical disability was viewed with disdain and repulsion, especially in the ton where one is supposed to be perfect (only the mask, of course). His childhood trauma, the toxic relationship with his parents, and the coping mechanisms are handled well but without overwhelming.

The FMC is an archeologist and a historian trying hard to retain control over her life and finances. We get to see the patriarchy, gender bias, and other issues associated with the theme. She is a bit gruff and quick to judge at times but it can be forgiven. It fits with her backstory. 

Despite the heavy themes, the book is a romance, so there are quite a few scenes for it. Though, I was surprised that the steam is less than 2. It’s not as steamy as I thought it would be. Not complaining! 

There’s a mystery element too which does get decent focus. However, the subplot doesn’t as such take itself seriously, so readers shouldn’t either. It expands into something a bit dangerous but farcical as well. 

The book ends with a happy epilogue and a lead for the next one. I’ll be sure to grab that too! 

To summarize, Our Dear Miss H. Is on the Case is a lighthearted romance with a touch of mystery but deals with heavy topics like disability and gender discrimination. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing), for eARC. 

#NetGalley #OurDearMissHIsOnTheCase