Book Review: The Lady Jewel Diviner

This was a delightful read! The genre is… well, imagine Jane Austen decided to write a combination of cozy mystery and urban fantasy. That’s about the size of it.

Set in the Regency era on the south coast of Britain, The Lady Jewel Diviner by Rosalie Oaks details the adventures (some a bit sedate but most a bit less ladylike) of Elinor Avely, a headstrong young lady who has escaped scandal in London by retreating with her brother and mother to a wealthy friend’s cottage in Devon.

But she couldn’t just sit quietly doing her embroidery. That would be boring. And it would fail to make use of her unique talent: divining the presence of jewels. This talent got her booted from fine society in London and now leads her to meet some unusual magical friends, including a tiny (!) vampire, and get herself entangled in the local smuggling scene.

She struggles between the desire to act properly and the urge to get things done, things which sometimes involve a fair bit of subterfuge. Definitely not ladylike. I love that she’s willing to face people who frighten her just to consume a fine cream tea. Priorities! She is, however, slowly becoming accustomed to her unique gift and the possibilities it offers, especially in concert with her new vampiri friend.

This is the first in a four-book series, and it sets the scene well. This individual story wraps up in a satisfying way, but there are still threads left to follow: the vampiri’s missing pearls, the secrets of the Earl’s estate, and the interest of the handsome Earl himself, once he learns to understand Elinor’s point of view.

There is some mild peril, including one side character being non-fatally shot. There is also some (slightly humorous) nudity, but no details mentioned.

This is not a deep, complicated book filled with earth-shattering revelations. If you go into it expecting that, you’ll be disappointed.

But if you’re looking for a bit of fun fluff, a cozy complete with Regency setting, magical beings, and a good bit of sneaking around after stolen jewels, I can recommend this book.