# A Most Agreeable Murder

By Julia Seales · Beatrice Steele, book 1

Profile: https://hahafiction.com/books/a-most-agreeable-murder-0d39e7d0/

Beatrice Steele has a private interest in crime reports and little talent for the accomplishments expected of a Regency lady. A ball is supposed to help secure her family’s future through a wealthy marriage. When a bachelor dies, Beatrice’s attention turns to suspects and disgraced detective Vivek Drake.

## What makes it funny?

Beatrice’s embroidered portrait of her detective hero escapes notice because everyone mistakes it for a potato. Elsewhere, a portrait relegated to the privy seems suitably annoyed, and the grand gathering takes place at the ominously named Stabmort Park.

### The comedy at work

The rules of respectable womanhood make Beatrice’s curiosity scandalous before she has done anything dangerous. Seales exaggerates those manners and social ambitions, allowing a murder investigation to expose how absurd the expectations already are.

### Try this if…

Stormbound guests and a manor-house puzzle meet Austen-like marriage maneuvering. Beatrice’s ability to observe people is much more useful to her inquiry than her needlework.

### Good to know

The Regency setting is deliberately exaggerated. Family finances and pressure to marry share the story with the detective work.

## What to expect

- Genre: Historical · Mystery
- On the shelf: Amateur sleuth · Cozy mystery · Historical mystery
- Kind of humor: Banter · Satire
- The atmosphere: Irreverent
- Format: Novel
- Audiobook: 9 hr 7 min
- Published: 2023

## A few distinguishing details

- A would-be sleuth hides her interests behind unsuccessful needlework

## Sources & further reading

- Book information: [Apple Books lists A Most Agreeable Murder: A Novel (Unabridged) by Julia Seales, duration 09:07, publisher Random House Audio.](https://books.apple.com/us/audiobook/a-most-agreeable-murder-a-novel-unabridged/id1649005091)
- Publisher: [Publisher](https://www.orionbooks.co.uk/titles/julia-seales/a-most-agreeable-murder/9781398720367)
- Book information: [Fantastic Fiction bibliography](https://www.fantasticfiction.com/s/julia-seales/most-agreeable-murder.htm)
- Reading sample: [Publisher excerpt](https://www.penguinrandomhouseretail.com/book?isbn=9780593450000)
- Review: [Kirkus review](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/julia-seales/a-most-agreeable-murder)
- Review: [Historical Novel Society review](https://historicalnovelsociety.org/reviews/a-most-agreeable-murder)