A Death on Corfu

by Emily Sullivan

Review

This one came highly recommended by a friend and also happened to be required reading before diving into an ARC I already had lined up, so it checked off multiple boxes for me right out of the gate: friend rec ✔️ arc homework ✔️ and prep for upcoming Swoons Fest ✔️. I’m very firmly planted in my historical romance era right now, and I’m an absolute sucker for a good mystery—especially when the two are blended together. This story leans more into the time period itself rather than focusing heavily on the ton, which I really appreciated. It felt immersive, grounded, and refreshingly different from some of the more traditional historical romances.

At the center of the story is the mysterious death of a young woman, and when the local authorities show little interest in solving it, a widow and the writer she transcribes for decide to take matters into their own hands. What follows is a twisty investigation filled with suspicion, red herrings, and finger-pointing at just about everyone in town—family, former employers, possible lovers, friends… even each other at one point. While unraveling the mystery, the two are also very clearly catching feelings, despite the town’s collective disapproval and repeated warnings to keep their distance. I won’t get into the ending because that would absolutely spoil things, but just know that I’m very glad book two is already waiting for me. The only reason I didn’t immediately jump into it is because I’m trying to squeeze in as many Swoons Fest authors as possible before the signing event in just a couple of weeks. Highly recommend this one if you love historical romance that prioritizes atmosphere and era over society drama—and especially if you enjoy a splash of murder mystery mixed in.