Frances Doughty Mystery Books In Order

Publication Order of Frances Doughty Books

Frances Doughty series is a historical fiction series by Linda Stratmann. The series centers on Frances Doughty, a young girl who is determined to excel in whatever she undertakes. Despite her wit and determination, Frances encounters a lot of challenges when she is trying to unravel the mysteries that fall on her laps. This series comes with mystery stories set in the Victorian era. The author is also keen to show just how far women have come to become respectable members of society, whether single or married.

The Poisonous Seed

The Poisonous seed is the first book in the poisonous seed series. The story features Frances Doughty, a young, ambitious girl with big dreams and a fantastic personality. France’s is every parent’s dream as far as a daughter is concerned. She not only helps her father at the shop, but Frances has taken over the household, and she does a great job of keeping everything in check. While she currently works at the father’s chemist, Frances dreams of becoming a pharmacist one day.

The story begins with the death of Pervia Garton, a local businessman. William Doughty, Frances’s father and owner of the local chemist, gets the blame for the businessman’s death. This is because just before Pervia died, he had taken medicine administered William’s chemist. These claims are not unfounded as strychnine is found in the medication that Pervia took. While all evidence point to William’s prescription as the cause of death, Frances is convinced that the father had nothing to do with the rich man’s death.

Frances was there when the medicine was administered, and is determined to prove that her father is innocent. Despite her lack of enough evidence to convince the police, Frances sets on a quest to find the truth. With determination, courage, and wits, Frances discovers more that she is looking for. Aside from the nasty rumor, the Doughty family is going through a lot. Frances’s brother has just died, and the family is still mourning the loss. William is obviously at his lowest, and Frances gets the feeling that if the father loses his chemist, then the old man will be inconsolable. Her reason for going for the truth is to redeem her father’s reputation

Prepare to experience more deaths and discover deep secrets that could shake the Doughty family. Even before the killer is unmasked, the things Frances uncover have the potential to change her life completely. Frances is a go-getter, and despite the many challenges she encounters along the way, she is still determined to dig deeper. Frances is not working alone. She has a few friends in law enforcement who help her throughout her investigative journey.
This is an exciting detective story that comes without gore and blood. It feels good to interact with an ambitious star who does not let her circumstances limit her. Without any experience in detective training, this star goes to uncover a murder that has remained unresolved for years. If you are looking for an engaging investigative piece with a fast pace and an exciting cast, The Poisonous seed is ideal.

The Daughters of Gentlemen

The Daughters of Gentlemen is the second book in the Frances Doughty series. This story starts right, where the second one ended. At the end of the first book, it is clear that Frances will have to find another lifeline and possibly go live with her uncle. This means that her maid Sarah will also be without a job. In a strange twist of fate, Frances is hired as a private investigator, and she engages Sarah as her assistant.

Here, we get to see Frances Doughty doing her first professional case. Even though she comes without any formal training, the way she handled the case involving her father earns her respect in her community. Frances is trying to find the people responsible for distributing pamphlets in Bayswater Academy for Young Ladies. The feminist leaflets are urging women not to marry. Is this a malicious joke, or is there more to these pamphlets?

The innocent pamphlets case grows into a full-blown murder case when someone who worked at the school is found dead. Thanks to the election fever and the actions of the Bayswater Women’s Suffrage Society, more lies and murders are exposed. As Frances digs deeper into the case, she discovers that the dwellers of Bayswater have a lot of skeletons in their closets.

Other things are happening in the background that makes the book even more enjoyable. The book also touches on some critical aspects of history, such as the Women’s suffrage society. It is exciting to see how Frances makes a new powerful friend. Sarah turns out to be quite resourceful and a perfect partner for Frances. Frances is a likable character. The young girl is not only bright but also diligent. It is remarkable how she leaves no stones unturned despite the bigotry and prejudice she faces as a young unmarried woman. She is also charming enough to convince people to share with her their deepest secrets.
From her writing, it is clear that the author has a deep understanding of Victorian London. The narrative flows well and is beautifully written. The pace is relentless from start to finish, and the characters here, just like in the first book is quite impressive. Some of the characters in the Poisonous Seed make an appearance in this second piece as new ones are introduced.

If you are looking for a page-turning mystery story with historically accurate details and a Victorian feel, The Daughters of Gentlemen book is ideal. Join young Frances on her journey as a private investigator with more on her plate than she can handle. Some people are going to die, and thanks to Frances digging, a lot of secrets will be discovered. Will Frances be able to solve this mystery and escape unhurt? What will be the reaction when hidden secrets are brought to light? Read about all this and so much more in this beautifully told story.