Book Review: A Deadly Discover by Ciar Byrne

A Deadly Discovery
Author: Ciar Byrne
Series: The Woolf and Bell Mysteries (Book 1)
Publication: Headline Accent (September 26, 2024)

Description: In the shadow of Lewes castle lies buried an ancient tablet. Hours after discovering it, dashing local archaeologist Gideon Rivers is dead.

Writer Virginia Woolf and her artist sister, Vanessa, both know firsthand that it doesn't take much to cause a stir in town. And when Gideon returned home from a dig in Syria with a glamourous Parisian heiress on his arm, all eyes were on him.

But who would have conspired to murder such a charming young man? There are more suspects in his circle than it first seems: an ambitious fiancée, a jealous best friend, and a string of scorned former lovers.

With the police chasing false leads and the murderer hunting down a second victim - one far closer to home - Ginny and Nessa are forced to take investigations into their own hands.

Solving this mystery calls for a little creativity . . .

My Thoughts: This is the first mystery starring author Virginia Woolf and her artist sister Vanessa Bell. The story takes place in England in 1928. The two women are invited to visit an archaeological site being overseen by Gideon Rivers who is the son of one of Virginia's acquaintances. They are present when a clay tablet is found. It is purportedly an artifact brought to England with the remains of the Crusader ruler of the local castle. But things take a turn when Gideon's body is found at the site by a local author Alice Dudeney whose home backs up to the archaeological site. 

Virginia is asked by Gideon's mother to look into the murder since she doesn't have much faith in the local constabulary. Neither Virginia nor Vanessa has much faith in Chief Inspector Gripe either. Besides both women are very curious about the case. 

Ginnie and Nessa soon find themselves with a variety of suspects including Gideon's best friend, his fiancee, professional rivals, and romantic rivals too. The complex interpersonal relationships mirror the relationships of Nessa and Ginnie who are devoted members of the Bloomsbury set. 

The story is told from multiple viewpoints with Virginia, Vanessa, and Alice all having their chances to shine and take center stage. 

This was an engaging historical mystery that had me going to Wikipedia to find out more about Virginia Woolf and Vanessa Bell. Fans of mysteries with real but fictionalized characters will enjoy this story. 

I bought this one January 8, 2025. You can buy your copy here.