1856 Collins and Dickens are guests of Dickens' friend Lord Edward Bulwer-Lytton at his home, Knebworth House, where they are presenting a play for charity. The peace is disturbed by his estranged wife, Lady Rosina.
But soon Collins and Dickens find themselves investigating a murder. But who was the intended victim and what secrets will be exposed.
Another entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its well-developed and likeable characters. A good addition to the series which can be read as a standalone story
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. ( )

As readers of historical mysteries know, the genre has all sorts of sub-genres. One of this is Charles Dickens/Wilkie Collins mysteries—and, yes, there are several of these series out there. Cora Harrison's is definitely my favorite, with complex plotting and Wilkie narrating in a way that acknowledges all Dickens' foibles without losing its affection for him.

Summer of Secrets is the best-plotted yet of these volumes. Several times, I though I had everything figured out, but then would discover—via Collins and Dickens—a gap in my theory that I hadn't anticipated. Set on the estate of a wealthy lord, this mystery is built around an amateur theatrical, directed by Dickens, and raising funds for a recent widow and her children. The amateur cast (two professional actresses are added in at the last minute) includes a group of well-know writers, articsts, and publishers. Relationships among all of them are mostly cordial, but each with its underlying tensions.

This is a great title to start with if you're cusious about historical mysteries or the Dickens/Collins sub-genre, but it will also please readers who have already been enjoying such books.

I received a free electronic review copy of this book from the publisher; the opinions are my own. ( )