Agent: Helen Breitwieser, Cornerstone Literary. Romance gives the book most of its tension. As her queries in these unusual cases unwittingly alarm a serial killer, she finds unexpected support from Prince Albert, Queen Victoria, and Samuel Harper “of the Confederate States of America,” a “Buyer of Special Goods.” That the murders play a minimal role in the story may disappoint mystery readers, but the author’s painstaking research offers a tale rich with historical incidents and details that period lovers relish. Meanwhile, Violet notices puzzling causes of death among the corpses she lays out. 'Genuinely engrossing.with a rare Regency heroine who loves her work and does it well.' Publishers Weekly on By the King's Design.

When Graham is caught smuggling goods to Civil War–torn America, he must flee England. Equal parts courage, compassion, and intrigue, Christine Trent tells an unrestrained tale of love and loss in the rigidly decorous world of Victorian society. Her indifferent housekeeping also puts a strain on the marriage. Violet Morgan and her husband, Graham, of whose prosperous funeral business she’s the backbone, quarrel after Violet takes in an abandoned orphan. Praise for the novels of Christine Trent 'Genuinely engrossing.with a rare Regency heroine who loves her work and does it well.' Publishers Weekly on By the King's Design 'Exuberant, sparkling, beguiling.brims with Dickensian gusto!' -Barbara Kyle, author of The Queen's Lady on The Queen's Dollmaker 'Winningly original.A most unusual heroine-an undertaker in 1860s London-drives this capable first in a new series from historical fiction author Trent (By the King’s Design). Equal parts courage, compassion, and intrigue, Christine Trent tells an unrestrained tale of love and loss in the rigidly decorous world of Victorian society. But she's certain there's a killer lurking in the London fog, and the next funeral may be her own. When Graham's plotting leads to his disappearance, Violet takes full control of the business and is commissioned for an undertaking of royal proportions. And the solace she's always found in her work evaporates like a departing soul when she suspects that some of the deceased she's dressed have been murdered. Violet's peculiar but happy life soon begins to unravel as Graham becomes obsessed with his own demons and all but abandons her as he plans a vengeful scheme. She is empathetic, well-versed in funeral fashions, and comfortable with death's role in life-until its chilling rattle comes knocking on her own front door. While her husband, Graham, is preoccupied with elevating their station in society, Violet is cultivating a sterling reputation for Morgan Undertaking. Only a woman with an iron backbone could succeed as an undertaker in Victorian London, but Violet Morgan takes great pride in her trade. Review: Lady of Ashes by Christine Trent Publisher: Kensington ISBN: 978-0758265913 Genre: Historical Mystery Format(s): Paperback (420 pgs).