In The Murderess of Mayfair, author J. M. Shannon weaves a story of a young widow, Elise Bristol, who has been dubbed a murderess by the Ton after her husband was found dead with a dagger in his back. Because of this, her chance at a second marriage is slim. She secures the services of Oliver Woodgate, a known womanizer and a retired Bow Street Runner, to find her husband’s murderer. Elise has sworn that no man shall ever have control over her nor touch her ever again but when a serial killer tries to kill her she is whisked away to Oliver’s house and he swears to keep her safe, especially from himself. Elise wears her haughty cold mask to keep herself safe. But neither will be able to protect their hearts in the race to stop one killer and also find another.

The Murderess of Mayfair: A Second Chance at Love is a Regency romance with everything it needs to make a wonderful read. There are balls, deceit, disguises, and do not forget the heart-racing sensual encounters between the main characters. What is refreshing is the fact that the story focuses on two commoners who are happy not to be part of the Ton. J. M. Shannon addresses the themes of marital abuse and loveless marriages as well as how broken people can heal and find a second chance at life and love. This is an excellent series starter and the other characters we meet in this book promise more steamy matches to come.