Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Murder is never far from this sexy couple . . . even during the holidays!

Their honeymoon abruptly ended by the untimely death of Alcott Howard, Clive and Henrietta return to Highbury, where Clive discovers all is not as it should be. Increasingly convinced that his father’s death was not an accident, Clive launches his own investigation, despite his mother’s belief that he has become “mentally disturbed” with grief. Henrietta eventually joins forces with Clive on their first real case, which becomes darker—and deadlier—than they imagined as they get closer to the truth behind Alcott’s troubled affairs.

Meanwhile, Henrietta’s sister, Elsie, begins, at Henrietta’s orchestration, to take classes at a women’s college—an attempt to evade her troubles and prevent any further romantic temptations. When she meets a bookish German custodian at the school, however, he challenges her to think for herself . . . even as she discovers some shocking secrets about his past life.

400 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 30, 2019

Loading interface...
Loading interface...

About the author

Michelle Cox

8 books1,925 followers
Michelle Cox is the author of the multiple award-winning Henrietta and Inspector Howard series as well as “Novel Notes of Local Lore,” a weekly blog dedicated to Chicago’s forgotten residents. She suspects she may have once lived in the 1930s and, having yet to discover a handy time machine lying around, has resorted to writing about the era as a way of getting herself back there. Coincidentally, her books have been praised by Kirkus, Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, Booklist and many others, so she might be on to something. Unbeknownst to most, Michelle hoards board games she doesn’t have time to play and is, not surprisingly, addicted to period dramas and big band music. Also marmalade.



Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
262 (36%)
4 stars
240 (33%)
3 stars
165 (23%)
2 stars
29 (4%)
1 star
21 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
Profile Image for Debra Slonek.
328 reviews63 followers
March 8, 2019
I loved the setting of this book...Chicago in the 1930’s with all of its glory, crime and social norms of the day. Follow the mystery as a possible crime is solved, while enjoying a romance or two. And, add to the pot some dysfunctional family members. This is quite the recipe for an enjoyable book!

Clive and Henrietta are a romantic and appealing couple, who just seem to be made for one another. They also compliment each other while solving a troubling, and even dangerous case. As a newly married couple, they faced many things together...grief, danger, crimes, mysteries and a grand assortment of extended family and friends.

My favorite characters were Elsie and Gunther. As they meet, neither one is settled with a chosen mate or an occupation. Through shared kindnesses, mutual perceptiveness and a common love of books, a friendship is born.

The strong, well written characters drew me into their lives. As more than one veil was removed, secrets were revealed, vision was cleared and better choices were made available. Wonderful storytelling and a very enjoyable read!
Profile Image for Cheryl.
5,570 reviews207 followers
March 10, 2019
The prior novel took a little bit of a downslide for me. Yet, this book picked me up again. I just love Clive and Henrietta. They have grown stronger with each book and work very well together. Not just because they are married but because of how they work a case. Clive is more of the level headed one whereas; Henrietta uses her instincts. Together they are ying and yang.

Additionally, what I liked about this book is the fact that I felt like I got to know Clive better. I got a good glimpse into what his family life was like before Henrietta. After this I felt even more connected with Clive.

As far as the mystery went; I was feeling it this time. There was a twist or two as well that I didn't really see coming. I love when this happens. A quick read. If you have not checked out this series yet, you have to. Fans of this series will enjoy this latest offering from author, Michelle Cox.
Profile Image for Dianna.
570 reviews
March 20, 2019
3.5 stars
I was sent this by the author Michelle Cox, for an honest review.
This was my first novel by the author. Although it was fourth in the series, the author did a decent job of getting this reader up to speed. Yes there were a few incidences/ references that did not make sense to me, but it didn't impact or take away from the mystery. Cox left the ending open-ended, left this reader wanting more. So I guess I'm in it for the next round. (I may have to read the first three to catch up on all the characters!)
Thank you Michelle Cox for the opportunity to read your story.
Profile Image for Carolyn Breckinridge.
Author 3 books41 followers
February 15, 2019
One only has to research author Michelle Cox's rapid and ongoing rise to the national literary stage to realize her skills and talents. After having read the first three of this series (which I recommend because this is a progressive work), I became an ARC reader of her fourth, 'A Veil Removed,' due out this April. Michelle writes in the historical setting of 1930's Chicago, and her books include both mystery and romance. 'A Veil Removed' continues to follow the union of two families from very different backgrounds. The characters are strongly created and very real, and in this particular novel, Henrietta and Clive, as well as Henrietta's sister, Elsie, carry much of the plot. This is delightful, as Henrietta and Clive are once again involved in a highly-dangerous investigation, and Elsie's story is both compelling and sweet. The author's first in the series, "A Girl Like You," drew me in. "A Ring of Truth" and "A Promise Given" include perhaps more romance than mystery. But in "A Veil Removed," Ms. Cox has offered us a delightful blend of suspense, danger, and love. I highly recommend this novel, and can easily envision the entire series on BBC or a similar venue. Masterfully told! I'm sorry it will be a while before I can find out what will next happen to her many characters!
Profile Image for Chelsie.
1,139 reviews
March 3, 2019
This is the first book I have read in this series, and I enjoyed it. Henrietta and Clive return from their honeymoon only to have to burry his father. Although Clive does not seem to think it was just an accident, but that there was foul play that caused his father's death. He just cannot seem to let it go, so he decides to do his own investigation. Meanwhile Henrietta is trying to get her sister on the straight and narrow, as she was almost taken advantage of by a lowly known man. So Elsie, is now attempting life at an all women's college in hopes that she can redeem herself from being "soiled". As the story unfolds, so do shocking secrets. I think it would be worth reading the first in the series just to get more background on the characters. I received a free arc from the author.
Profile Image for Nina.
1,631 reviews12 followers
April 2, 2020
The first I've read in this series, but it's the fourth written. Doesn't exactly stand on its own-- it took me a couple chapters to get clear on who was who and how they were related to each other; events in earlier books were referenced, but you could get the picture of what had happened to the extent I wouldn't go back to read the first three. This was really two stories. One was about Henrietta and her new husband, Clive, a former police detective taking over his father's business in 1930's Chicago after his father's death. The death may have been an accident, a suicide, or a homicide. It isn't clear, and Henrietta and Clive set out to prove the homicide after finding that the mob had been extorting money from him for many years. The other story, which is actually the more interesting, is Henrietta's plain, shy sister deciding to go to college and figuring out where her heart lies.
Profile Image for Patty.
1,210 reviews36 followers
April 24, 2019
When A Promise Given left off Henrietta and Inspector Howard(Clive) had just been married and were heading off to England to celebrate their honeymoon where of course they bumped up against a mystery because that is what happens to them. With this latest volume we find them trying to get back home as quickly as possible because Clive’s father has died. It’s been called an accident but something doesn’t ring right about that for Clive.

What he doesn’t know is that his father had been keeping things from him; the estate and business had not been running as smoothly and as profitably as Clive thought and his father turned to some unsavory types to help. As Clive starts digging into his father’s business he realizes that his father’s death was indeed a murder.

Also playing out while Clive is trying to sort out his father’s murder, Henrietta is concerned about her sister who has attached herself to a most unsuitable young man. Now that their lineage has been outed and they find themselves part of a wealthy family the fortune hunters and other less than gentlemanly types are taking advantage. It leaves Henrietta’s sister feeling vulnerable and exposed.

As Clive gets closer to answers he and Henrietta find themselves facing a familiar foe. Not to mention dealing with some issues as to knowing who they can trust. It leaves them wondering if life will ever be calm and peaceful.

This is my third book in the series and I do hope it is not my last. These two are a delight as an investigative duo. They work well together and their banter is delightful. Clive is a bit dry and by the book – although he is changing – and Henrietta is all instinct and heart. They both have so much to teach each other as long as the other learns to listen.

Their family members are a great addition to the story as Henrietta’s family reminds upper crust Clive what the world is really like. His family adds gravitas to hers. See, a match made in heaven. If you are looking for a clever series to read this will be for you but don’t worry – each book stands alone just fine as a good book to read for its own sake.
208 reviews
April 30, 2019
This the fourth book in the Henrietta & Inspector Howard Series. I have not read any of the previous novels in the series, but it did not hamper my enjoyment of this book. There is enough backstory provided so you won’t feel lost.

Within this novel there are two stories connected through the relationship of Henrietta and her sister Elsie. I really enjoyed seeing 1930’s Chicago through the eyes of these two women. One story involves the recovery from a disastrous love affair and death.

The relationship between Clive Howard and Henrietta Howard brings to mind the 1930’s movie couple of Nick and Nora Charles. It was the relaxed and loving relationship between Clive and Henrietta and the respect Clive has for Henrietta that brought Nick and Nora to my mind.

While I was reading the book I noticed the use of the vernacular and slang language of the period. It was so subtle and helped to set the mood. The description of the parties, the clothing, and the social mores made the story more vivid.

Ms. Cox has written an intense and complex with the story of a young woman’s attempt to find herself. Ms. Cox has used subtle descriptions to give the reader a feel for 1930’s Chicago. The characters are refreshing and are identifiable as characters of the time.

Not having read prior books in the series did not ruin the story of Henrietta and Inspector Howard, but peaked my curiosity as to their prior relationship. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting the characters and I want to know more about them. I highly recommend this book. It is historical fiction and mystery combined. I have already purchased another Inspector Howard Mystery.

Thank you #MichelleCox and #SheWritesPress for providing me an advance reader copy. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.
Profile Image for Debi Stout.
741 reviews19 followers
May 6, 2019
Rating 4.5 Stars!

If you read my blog, you've been following along with the Henrietta and Inspector Howard series written by Michelle Cox books, the first of which was A Girl Like You.  Then, the second book in this series was A Ring of Truth, and the third book in the series was A Promise Given.

Today's book is A Veil Removed, which is the fourth book in this series. Honestly, I just love Henrietta and Clive. I feel like they've grown stronger with each book and they do work very well together.  Ms. Cox writes in the historical setting of 1930's Chicago, and all of the books in this series have included both mystery and romance.

The characters are strongly created and very real feeling and I loved how Henrietta's sister, Elsie, is brought in.  While Henrietta and Clive are once again involved in a very dangerous investigation, Elsie's story is compelling and sweet. 

Henrietta and Clive are forced home cutting their honeymoon short after the sudden death of Clive's father. His death was ruled an accident  --  but was it? 

I love how the author provides readers with historical details such as clothing, architecture, society and culture. I also loved how this book wrapped up some of the loose ends from the last book.  As with each of the books in this series, I found all the characters to be very likable and the stories are mysterious without being too much.  Ms. Cox has a great writing style and the characters are very well written. Semi-spoiler alert:  cliffhanger ending tells me there's more to come!!

Thanks to BookSparks for the advance reader's copy of this book.  I was not required to write a positive review, but chose to because I enjoyed the book. 
Profile Image for Lise.
792 reviews
April 18, 2020
It's my own fault that I started this series on book 4. Coming in so late meant that many of the elements from previous stories were spoilt and from time to time, I did get a little lost as to the motivation of the characters. That being said...

The setting of A Veil Removed was breath-taking. There must be very few people who would refuse a peek at the life of a wealthy family in the 1930s. Add to that the amazing architecture that was happening at the time, especially in Chicago, and you have a treat of mental visualisation.

As to the actual people in the story, they were well defined and each spoke with his or her individualised voice. This, however, is where the story began to show a problem or two. Coming cold as I did, it was hard to extrapolate the nuances of relationships developed in previous books. And my archnemesis reared his ugly head in characters treating other characters poorly with no noticeable motive save for "just because".

A final note: I felt that the romance side-story detracted from the mystery story. Perhaps an "Elsie's Tale 4.5" would have improved the situation if the two stories had been published separately. Switching focus back and forth slowed the narration and weighed down the plot.

This novel is definitely part of a series - it is not a stand-alone. You really need to have read the books that led up to this one and there is a cliff-hanger at the end.
1,630 reviews32 followers
February 10, 2019
I received this book as an ARC from the author. I was immediately engrossed in the lives of the characters. I have not read the first three in this series, but will need to do so soon as I found this a fantastic read. Set in 1930's Chicago the main characters are likeable and believable. I want to know more of the backstory as told in the first three books.
Their honeymoon abruptly ended by the untimely death of Alcott Howard, Clive and Henrietta return to Highbury, where Clive discovers all is not as it should be. Increasingly convinced that his father’s death was not an accident, Clive launches his own investigation, despite his mother’s belief that he has become “mentally disturbed” with grief. Henrietta eventually joins forces with Clive on their first real case, which becomes darker—and deadlier—than they imagined as they get closer to the truth behind Alcott’s troubled affairs.

Meanwhile, Henrietta’s sister, Elsie, begins, at Henrietta’s orchestration, to take classes at a women’s college—an attempt to evade her troubles and prevent any further romantic temptations. When she meets a bookish German custodian at the school, however, he challenges her to think for herself . . . even as she discovers some shocking secrets about his past life.
Profile Image for Linda Smith.
256 reviews22 followers
May 3, 2019
Their honeymoon is cut short due to a death in the family. Things don't bode well for Inspector Clive Howard and his bride, Henrietta. Clive becomes increasingly suspicious that his father's death was no mere accident but something more heinous - murder. An investigation is launched to see if his hunch is correct. This is the first real case that Clive and Henrietta undertake together. Go, Team Howard!
Michelle Cox has written a novel that drops with atmosphere, seems almost like an old fashioned detective yarn and cast with memorable characters.
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
@michellecoxwrites @BookSharks @shewritespress
Profile Image for Fred.
351 reviews6 followers
December 3, 2020
Michelle Cox writes books that you can lose yourself in and forget that a world outside the novel exists. This was number 4 in the Henrietta and Inspector Howard series. I've read the first three and enjoyed them all. This one was even better if that is possible. I love the way the author seamlessly ties in the previous novels as the story unfolds. There's mystery, action and romance in just the right proportions. The characters are so real the reader could be forgiven for the feeling that they are personal friends and acquaintances. This is a lovely book really well-written and so entertaining. I loved it.
26 reviews1 follower
March 23, 2019
Michelle Cox created another page turner with the fourth book in her fabulous series. Her characters continue to become more complex and engaging. The plot line lines interweave resulting in higher stakes, suspense and romance. Henrietta shares the limelight with her sister Elsie who explores the possibility of following a new path. Henrietta is maturing into her role as a very wealthy wife of Inspector Howard. There’s plenty of tension and sweet romance with the dangerous backdrop of Chicago’s mob in 1930s. As with her last book, Cox leaves me impatient for book five and wanting a TV series.
Profile Image for Debbie.
88 reviews30 followers
May 1, 2019
This story is a wonderful blend of romance, family life, mystery and history! I happily spent more than half of my reading time over the past few weeks immersed in the mid-1930s and in the lives of Henrietta & Clive and their families! I started with the first book in this series, "A Girl Like You", which had been waiting for me on my kindle for months, and got hooked right away by the series' lively heroine with a heart of gold and by the story of her life, adventures and romance. I couldn't help but continue to read the rest of the series.
"A Veil Removed" is the fourth book and, so far, my favorite. I love how the relationship between Henrietta and Clive has developed and how they worked together when confronting the mystery behind Clive's father's death. I also think it was very interesting that Michelle Cox used her alma mater as a setting in the book for Henrietta's sister's story -- that was a great idea! I can tell that Ms. Cox knows a lot about Chicago and its history, and she brings it and the mid-1930s to life in this series. I can't wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Evelyn.
Author 1 book30 followers
May 7, 2020
I did think this book was an improvement over book # 3. Clive must deal with his father's suspicious death by a fall from a railway platform. The clues are set up well to the eventual conclusion of the mystery. Also, another side to the story has Elsie going to college. There she meets up with Gunther, the custodian, who has emigrated from Germany. He is a sweet man, educated, but with a dark secret. This leads into the beginning of book # 5. I enjoyed this part of the series very much.
Profile Image for Susan.
621 reviews66 followers
April 7, 2019
4.5 stars

Fans of historical fiction will adore this newest addition in the Henrietta and Inspector Howard series.

This is my first book by this author and I was not disappointed. The series has been on my radar for quite awhile and the first three books of this series reside on my mammoth TBR pile. Although it is apparent that the character arc develops throughout the series, it was not difficult for me to fully immerse myself in the story. The setting can best be described as Downton Abbey meets the mob of 1930's Chicago. It is obvious that Ms. Cox's expertise with historical research and love of the setting make a stunning backdrop in this story. She draws her reader into a world filled with the social restraints and expectations of this time period.
I really enjoyed the romance between the newly married couple as they returned home from their honeymoon to grieve the death of a parent. Clive cannot be convinced that the death of his father is accidental. While they newly married couple seek answers surrounding the death of Clive's father, Henrietta's sister Elsie is forging a new path of her own.
While this is a mystery, it is also a story of family. It is a story of grieving, and of redemption. There was plenty of mystery, danger and romance to hold my attention until I reached the last page. Although the mystery was solved by the end of the story, the author expertly included a cliffhanger that will have me waiting impatiently for the next installment in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
4 reviews
May 24, 2019
I loved everything about this book! The setting, the characters and suspense! Henrietta and Clive are such a wonderful pair. I can’t wait for the next book!
397 reviews2 followers
August 29, 2020
This is the fourth in a series. I should have read the first three as I had difficulty figuring out how the characters related to each other.
Profile Image for Saralyn Richard.
Author 7 books199 followers
March 4, 2022
Cox knows how to weave each reader into the fabric of the story. I took my time reading this book, wanting to preserve the pleasure as long as possible. Each time I had to put it down, I was sad to leave the characters. Henrietta and her sister Elsie represent different personalities and follow different paths in life, but both have compelling and sympathetic stories. I also loved the depiction of 1930s Chicago.
Profile Image for Robin.
52 reviews5 followers
February 11, 2019
This was my first Henrietta & Inspector Howard novel & I loved it! Henrietta & Clive are such a wonderful team, I adore them. I was really happy for Henrietta's sister, Elsie too. I hope we get updates of her life in future books as well. Gunther seemed very nice. I sure was glad that Neptune got his just rewards. Thanks Michelle Cox for this great story!
Profile Image for peggy dohr.
1 review2 followers
March 19, 2019
I was so looking forward to having the opportunity to read the fourth installment of the Henrietta and Inspector Howard series. I was not disappointed!!! The story unfolded at a great pace wrapped up some of the story lines that Books 1-3 had introduced and left us wanting more!!!! The series is set in Chicago in the 1930's and is so well written. We get to visit so many fun places in the city and for me personally the Aragon Ballroom was such a fun setting because that was where my parents met!!! If you love historical fiction and a great series with well developed characters you must read the the Henrietta and Inspector Howard series!!!
Profile Image for Lesley Kay.
286 reviews48 followers
March 18, 2019
I loved this book! I am a huge fan of cozy mysteries and historical fiction, and this one blended those genres seamlessly. I have never read a book in this series before, but now I am going to go back and start at the beginning.

I found all the characters to be very likeable and the story was mysterious without being too over-the-top. I loved the writing style and the charm that Michelle managed to infuse every aspect of the story with. I very much enjoyed the cliffhanger ending as well, as it shows me there is more to come!

Thank you Michelle for the ARC, I am honored to be one of your early readers!
Profile Image for Annarella.
13k reviews142 followers
March 21, 2019
I love this series and I loved this book.
The mystery is solid and keep you guessing till the end, the cast of characters is likable and I loved the well researched historical setting.
I look forward to reading the next installment in this series.
Many thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
Profile Image for Sheila.
97 reviews1 follower
May 1, 2019
What a fantastic read. Great characters and plot. Kept me totally engrossed. I definitely need to read the rest of the series.
I also loved the setting.
Profile Image for Kristie Dilcher.
14 reviews
February 4, 2019
Another great addition to a captivating and delightful romantic mystery series. The author has such a descriptive writing style that it’s easy to immerse yourself headfirst into this entertains and exciting story. It’s such a fun read that you want to keep reading to see what happens next to the characters that are both likable and relatable. This is a must read for anyone that likes a good lighthearted romantic mystery with a lot of substance and depth.
99 reviews4 followers
February 5, 2019
Once again Michelle Cox does not disappoint!! My very first thought was -- Pride and Prejudice .. But with a twist. I love Henrietta Von Harmon -- if ever there was a " fun, full of spunk " investigative team it's Henrietta and Clive..I was hooked from the very start, could not put it down, kept me interested till the very end...which I will say -- was not what I expected! Great, clean fun, keep you guessing read! I highly recommend this book to everyone.
Profile Image for Karina.
593 reviews18 followers
March 11, 2019
“A Veil Removed” written by Michelle Cox is the 4th book in the Henrietta and Inspector Howard Series. This is the first book in this series and by this author that I have read and I definitely will be reading the rest of the books in this series. This book has a great storyline that takes place in the 1930’s Chicago. Even though this was book #4 in the series I really enjoyed it. I was drawn in from the first page and didn’t want to put it down. The characters are well developed and likeable. “A Veil Removed” is very well written it is a fun and entertaining read with an ending you wouldn’t expect. If you like romance, love, suspense and danger this is the book for you. I really am looking forward to reading more from author Michelle Cox. Thank you Michelle for my Advanced Reading Copy. I highly recommend this book to all Historical Fiction Readers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.