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  • Writer's pictureJocelyne Fowler

The Strangled Servant by E.L. Johnson

This was a charming a fun start to a series. E.L. Johnson's writing is easily accessible and the overall plot and tone of the novel has a bit of intrigue. E.L. Johnson has created the perfect cozy feel to this historical mystery. Johnson's characters are interesting and smart and seeing the building blocks of this cozy is really delightful. I am not an avid cozy mystery reader, but I was definitely charmed by this historical version.


This novel opens up with the heroine Poppy and her best friend having a loud argument during a country dance, in which everyone witnesses Poppy declaring that she would kill Mary. Poppy is then awoken in the early hours by the the handsome constable-Henry, and is informed that Mary is dead. Poppy, knowing she is innocent, is now on a mission to uncover the real truth and Henry believing in her innocence brings her along on some of his inquiries.


This novel overall is just a very comforting read, Poppy and Henry learn to work well together. Henry is a delightful "hero", he is always on Poppy's side and he sees her as a strong and smart partner and he never second guesses her instincts. The mystery of this novel is fun with some soft twists and turns, Poppy does find herself in some sticky situations but I really liked that most of the time she was able to get out of them on her own. Don't enter into this novel thinking you will get an HEA, it definitely follows the lines of cozy mystery where the romance is VERY slow in its growth. Poppy and Henry, have a great companionship and the reader can see that they are maybe the perfect match for the other, but no real romantic moments happen in this novel.


If you love a cozy mystery and would be charmed an delighted by a historical setting than this is definitely a great book to pick up!


OUT January 19, 2022


Thank you so much to Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

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