October Mystery of the Month

The Belgravia Phantom

A clever and atmospheric mystery set in Victorian London

A Quill and Page Mystery

Ellis Blackwood
Quill and Page Victorian Mysteries
Paperback and ebook

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The Belgravia Phantom is the first book in Ellis Blackwood's Quill and Page Victorian Mysteries. The amateur sleuths are Kate Quill, a former lady's maid who now stitches for a living, and Frederick Page, a former valet with an unshakeable air of superiority and a passion for puzzles. They’re an unlikely pair, but circumstances thrust them together and into the role of amateur detectives on the fog-shrouded, gaslit streets of Victorian London.

Kate is suspected of frightening Lady Dorothea Pemberton to death with a phantom during a disastrous fake séance. To clear her name and get Scotland Yard off her back, she'll need to probe the secrets of the city's glittering elite and unravel the truth behind the murder.

Her only hope lies with an unlikely crew: actress sister Daisy, light-fingered siblings Ned and Vi, a band of Whitechapel street children, and the formidable Irish landlady Mrs. McGinty. But how do you prove you didn’t scare someone to death with a phantom?

Reasons to Read The Belgravia Phantom

The Belgravia Phantom is a brilliant closed-circle mystery with a perfect blend of intrigue, heart, and clever detection. It pulls you straight into its gaslit world on page one and keeps you riveted right up to the end.

The eclectic cast of characters leaps off the page with Dickensian flair. From the capable yet self-doubting seamstress Kate and her rigid partner Frederick (never call him Freddie) to her lively siblings and ragtag band of East End misfits, author Ellis Blackwood paints each character clearly and uniquely. Their interactions bring genuine warmth and humor and create a wonderful found-family dynamic.

The vivid, atmospheric setting immerses you in Victorian London, and the well-researched period details make the world feel authentic. Blackwood expertly captures the below-stairs perspective, the grit of East End life, and the sharp divides between high society and those who serve it.

At the heart of The Belgravia Phantom is a clever, tightly plotted page-turner of a mystery filled with twists and surprising revelations. It is an immensely satisfying read and a promising start to an irresistible historical mystery series.

The Belgravia Phantom is available in ebook or paperback (328 pages). You can read the ebook for free with a Kindle Unlimited subscription.

What Readers Say About The Belgravia Phantom

“I fell in love with the characters immediately and the storyline is top-shelf. So many plot twists, so many intriguing characters, so many questions! Blackwood does an amazing job world-building in Victorian London.”

— Amazon Review

“I loved getting to know the entire Quill clan, and enjoyed the thrilling chase for Lady Pemberton’s killer, with as many twists and turns as suspects.”

— Goodreads Review

“This is one for readers who enjoy atmospheric, descriptive prose filled with lots of little historical details that will transport you back in time and paint a picture that is both despairing and heartwarming at the same time. The Belgravia Phantom does not hold back in portraying the gritty, grimy streets of London, the crushing despair of poverty, and the sheer magnitude of inequality that was the lot of the commoners, but at the same time also emphasises the wonder of strong women, found family, friendship, and moral integrity.”

— Mostly Murders Review

“Ellis Blackwood has created an absolute gem of a story for anyone who loves immersive historical fiction with a strong mystery at its core. I loved this book and can’t wait for the next installment.”

— Cozy Crime Reads Review

The Belgravia Phantom Reading Kit

If you love Victorian mysteries or want to have some fun beyond the book by yourself or with a book club, check out this free Reading Kit for The Belgravia Phantom. It contains discussion questions, fun activities, a Victorian quiz, and an interview with author Ellis Blackwood.

More Books By Ellis Blackwood

Ellis Blackwood also writes the Samuel Pepys Mysteries, a historical mystery series set in 17th-century London. The Samuel Pepys Mysteries in order are:

Mr. Pepys’s Stolen Diaries (Introductory Novella)
The Brampton Witch Murders (Book 1)
The Plague Doctor Murders (Book 2)
The Coffee House Murders (Book 3)
The King’s Court Murders (Book 4)
The Frost Fair Murders (Book 5)
The Drury Lane Murders (Book 6)
The Brampton Ghost Murders (Book 7)
The Crown Jewels Murders (Book 8)
Jacob’s Last Standish (Book 9)

Samuel Pepys Historical Mystery Books by Ellis Blackwood

Samuel Pepys Mysteries

Interview with Ellis Blackwood

Read a Cozy Crime Reads interview with Ellis Blackwood, the author of the Quill and Page Mysteries. Learn what drew him to cozy mysteries, how he crafts his stories, and what advice he offers to aspiring writers. You can read more about Ellis Blackwood’s books, sign up for his excellent newsletter, and order signed copies directly from the author on his website, ellisblackwood.com.

Ellis Blackwood Mystery Bookshelf

Use the arrows on either side of the images below to see Ellis Blackwood’s historical mysteries. Click a book cover to see a description, reader reviews, and a book excerpt on Amazon.