No Life for a Lady by Hannah Dolby is an engaging and heart-warming read that transports the reader to 1896 Hastings and offers the kind of escapism reading is all about.

Still unmarried at the grand old age of twenty-eight, Violet Hamilton has frustrated her father by rejecting countless suitors. She believes there must be more to life than marriage, and is in hot pursuit of her own purpose… whatever that may be.

If that weren’t enough to risk her reputation, Violet is determined to investigate the disappearance of her mother from Hastings Pier ten years prior. On enlisting the services of a detective named Mr. Knight, Violet soon discovers that the man is not what he claims to be. 

Enter Benjamin Blackthorn, the bearded son of Hasting’s finest detective, who only wants a quiet life selling furniture. Not if Violet has anything to do with it!

Violet Hamilton is likeable, determined and prone to frequent mishaps… in short, everything you want in a heroine!

I was wholly engrossed in her world as she set about solving the mystery of her disappearing mother and finding her own way in the world. The adventure manages to be sweet but not saccharine, heart-warming but not twee and full of humour which frequently crescendo to moments of utter hilarity.

The only downside was that I did guess the book’s secrets fairly early on, but that didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the story.

This was a funny, poignant and redemptive story. I think it’s certain to be a hit with fans of A. J. Pearce and will look out for more from Hannah Dolby in future.