Once Upon a Page — Jessie Clever

Fans of both historical romance and historical women's fiction will love this smart, witty, and suspenseful series from bestselling author Jessie Clever. If you like Lauren Willig, Deanna Raybourn, or Amanda Quick, you're going to fall in love with this author.

The most dangerous thing a lady can possess is a profession.

Ten years ago, Penelope Paiget promised she'd wait for Samuel Black. But ten years ago, she was only a genteel impoverished paid companion, forced into service after her father's death revealed his insurmountable debts. Now she's a successful novelist, posing as secretary to the Earl of Wickshire to hide her identity.

The most dangerous thing a gentleman can possess is a past.

Ten years ago, Samuel Black chose to go his own path instead of upholding his family's legacy as spies. But now having fought for the formation of the Metropolitan Police Force, echoes of his past and his true origins remind him just how unworthy he is to call himself detective inspector. Let alone Penelope Paiget's husband.

But when a dead body appears in the Earl of Wickshire's drawing room, they have no choice but to trust each other with their secrets if they are to find the killer before it's too late.

The Shadowing London series begins at the conclusion of the Spy Series Short Stories.