Violet is ahead of her time.  She's solving crime in 1897 Sussex! Even more unusual - she's working with her fiancé.  Ben's the epitome of gentleman detective/antique dealer.  He's also very protective of his younger siblings. Ben and Violet aren't exactly in a rush down the aisle and they are content to concentrate on their new business. 

I'm a connoisseur of murder mystery and I do enjoy a trip through history.  There is some genteel humour and the storyline kept me hooked. Violet is really likeable and where lots of women of this time are portrayed as twee and prudish - she's fun, smart, independent and lovable.  I love the way she has become a big sister to Ben's brothers and sisters but doesn't attempt to be a mum to them. 

Violet is also a champion of women - she knows they usually get the short end of the stick and are either ignored or blamed for the things going wrong around them.  She's actually a great feminist character. 

I would have loved a bit more humour if I'm being completely nit-picky but otherwise this was a great read.