L.B. Hathaway Books In Order

Publication Order of Posie Parker Mystery Books

The British writer Lily Hathaway, or L.B. Hathaway as she’s known in print, has been making a strong name for herself for quite some time now. Previously a contributor to many popular history magazines, she has a background in the subject which she has transposed into her work as an author and writer. This lends her material with a high level of authenticity that she wouldn’t otherwise have, something which has been developed during her time spent studying at Cambridge. Writing with a deepened level of historical accuracy, she manages to cut right to the very heart of the matter, delivering it to the reader in straightforward and direct style. Creating cozy mystery novels, she gives her stories a historical underpinning setting many of them back in the past, allowing the reader to be ultimately transported with them.

Creating a number of series over the course of her writing career too, she has managed to produce a variety of highly iconic characters as well. These include such protagonists as ‘Posie Parker’ whose series is set back in the 1920s, with the novels being murder mysteries in the most classical sense. With a lot more to come too, this is only just the beginning for Hathaway as an author, as plenty more titles are expected for release on the horizon.

Early and Personal Life

Born in Britain, the author to be Lily Hathaway would embark on a career in literature, something which she would be interested in ever since she was young. Attending Cambridge University, she would study history, focusing herself on literature, as she would come to apply herself on this in the years to come. Working at Lincoln’s Inn as a lawyer in London, she would work in this role for over ten years prior to becoming a writer full time. This would provide her with some of the insight she required for becoming a writer too, giving her many of the experiences with which she could draw her material from. Currently living between London and Switzerland, she continues to write on a regular basis, as she lives with her husband and their family.

Writing Career

Starting out in 2014, L.B. Hathaway would make her big literary debut with the novel titled ‘Murder Offstage’, which would also be the first in the series of ‘Posie Parker Mystery’ novels. This would later be followed up by ‘The Tomb of the Honey Bee’ that very same year, as it would provide another mystery for Parker to solve. In 2017 she would release an omnibus edition of the series, which would collate the first three titles in the collection together for the first time. Prior to all of this she has had many things published in historical magazines, as well as a number of websites over the years too. Gaining a large amount of success for her stories, she excels at what she does and will continue to do so for a long time yet.

Murder at Maypole Manor

Originally published in 2016 on the 4th of February, this would first come out through the ‘Whitehaven Man Press London’ publishing label. Setting up the third title in the ongoing ‘Posie Parker Mystery’ series of novels, it manages to continue in a similar style to what came before, whilst also keeping the reader guessing. Not only that, but it also manages to develop the character of Posie Parker herself, evolving her as a character and as a leading protagonist.

A murder mystery in the most classic sense, this harkens back to an age when they were in their heyday. Set in the early 1920s, it uses all the traditional hallmarks of the genre, whilst Hathaway infuses some extra flourishes all of her very own. The characters are all also well drawn, with the location itself being extremely well used, whilst being careful not to fall into outright pastiche. Providing a number of exciting twists and turns, the reader is constant kept guessing, regardless of whether or not they’re well versed with the genre itself.

Set on New Year’s Eve in 1921, this sees Posie Parker being asked to attend a New Year’s Eve party undercover alongside Inspector Richard Lovelace. Infiltrating the glittering event they aim is to immerse themselves within the cast of revellers at Maypole Manor, which is the home to Lord Robin Glaysayer. With a colorful cast of characters they must unmask a murderer before they strike, which is exacerbated by the fact a blizzard soon begins to rage outside. Trapped within the confines of the mansion, they now find themselves in a race against the clock to find the killer before it’s too late. Can they find them and bring them to justice? Where will they possibly strike next? Who is behind the murder at Maypole Manor?

Murder in Venice

Once again published through the ‘Whitehaven Man Press London’ publishing house, this would continue on from the previous titles in the series. Released in 2018 on the 19th of April this time, this would be the sixth title in the ‘Posie Parker’ series of novels, with it following on from the last with another case-file. Knowing the character and the premise well now, Hathaway writes with a clear sense of confidence, carrying on in another self-contained mystery story.

All set to get married, Posie Parker is all ready to attend her winter wedding in 1923, Venice, as London’s main and most famous female Private Detective. That’s when she discovers her lodgings in the Grand Canal are consumed by fire, along with her hostess Countess Romagnoli who is in fear of her own life. Confessing to a stalker being in pursuit of her, it would seem that there is more to this case than first meets the eye as Parker aims to get to the bottom of it. Then a murder is committed and Parker realizes that this may be her most dangerous case yet, as she must work with others to find the truth. Is this going to be her most deadly and dangerous case yet? Will she find the killer before it’s too late? Who committed the murder in Venice?

3 Responses to “L.B. Hathaway”

1. Dena: 2 years ago

   I just read Murder in a Chelsea Garden and have started Murder and the Mermaid. In the latter reference is made to Posie having a “health breakdown” followed by surgery and rehab. This did not happen in the preceding book. Is there a short story that includes those events? if so, what is the title and where can i find it?

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   • Graeme: 2 years ago

     Hi Dena – doesn’t appear to be anything in between either book.

     Reply
   • Lynda: 2 years ago

     Near the end of the ‘Mermaid book’, it is noted that Posie had become pregnant after Kit was born, but lost the child. She subsequently became I’ll and depressed. Nothing more.

     Reply