A Tincture of Murder — Donna Fletcher Crow

Poor women are dying. But no one knows why. Lord and Lady Danvers-everyone's favorite Victorian sleuths-accept an extraordinary new challenge that combines murder, madness, and a famed 19th century murder trial that British and American lawyers still talk about today. The case begins when several of the destitute women who took refuge at The Magdalen House-an "Asylum for Poor, Degraded Females"-die under mysterious circumstances. The Magdalen House was established by Vicar Frederick Danvers, Lord Charles's younger brother. But the cleric's saintly works may come to a scandalous end when news of the women's deaths spreads. At first, Lord Danvers is reluctant to get involved in a criminal matter that seems so sordid. But when a devastating fire ravages Norwood Park, the Danver's ancestral home, Charles and Antonia are forced to seek temporary residence elsewhere. Freddie's plea for assistance includes an invitation to stay at elegant Wandseley Hall. Charles reconsiders-and soon finds himself struggling to identify a ruthless murderer, while Antonia helps to feed the impoverished women and children living in the asylum.