Mostly Murders

Many thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this ARC, book 2 in The Justice Belstrang Mysteries series, publication date today, July 25, 2026.

It began with the tragic death of a young maiden who was found drowned, only four miles south of Thirldon.

The year is 1617, and the penalty for witchcraft is death. Retired justice Robert Belstrang is planning on spending the year relaxing at his Thirldon home, far away from London and the gruelling events that took place in A Dangerous Justice, the first book in the series, but when the daughter of a rich landowner is found dead, seemingly by her own hand, and the elderly mother of one of the tenants is accused of witchcraft, Belstrang takes up an investigation aided by his friend, Doctor Boyd.

Belstrang is on the hunt for justice, truly establishing himself as a champion of the downtrodden as he fights against the rich and powerful in his dogged pursuit of justice for the poor, oppressed and silenced. The pacing is quick and tense, and the deathcount keeps rising as the case progresses and shocking discoveries are revealed.

I am absolutely loving The Justice Belstrang Mysteries series so far and highly recommend this one for readers who enjoy atmospheric, intricate, historical settings, always root for the underdog, and love an immersive mystery that doesn’t use any kind of modern technology for its solution, but relies entirely on the intelligence and wit of the investigator.

Historical mystery