Vanity and Vampyres (Manners and Monsters #4)

Anne

Rating: really liked it
Someone is taking out rich party boys.



So what's the problem, Anne?
Ok, in this one Hannah and Wycliffe investigate murders made to look like wasting illness.
Is it a vampire or something else?



Wycliff and Hannah are also slooooooowly realizing how much they care about each other but he still hasn't put the moves on her yet. Come ON, man!
Also, we get to know the characters from Tilly's other series. Team-up? I think so.
Another cute installment that introduces a few more of the 'monsters' that live in this alternate world.
Recommended for fans of cozy paranormal mysteries.

Sarah

Rating: really liked it
'Being a reveller is such a drain…

Someone is supping upon young noblemen and it’s up to Hannah and Wycliff to investigate. If only they could agree on how the men are being drained of their life’s blood. Is it a vampyre, known for their impeccable fashion sense, nocturnal roaming, and dislike of rain, who lurks in the shadows of London? Or is some more earthly method at play, like an attack of leeches?

With her best friend’s wedding imminent, Hannah is determined that the event be untouched by murder or mayhem. To ensure a magical fairytale event they must catch the murderer before the big day. Wycliff must seek the assistance of a man who raises his hackles and Hannah struggles with her growing feelings toward her guarded husband.

This pursuit will unearth long buried secrets that could have fatal consequences for those dearest to Hannah.'
___________________________

3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.

Vanity and Vampyres is the fourth book in Tilly Wallace's Manners and Monsters series, which is a historical mystery series set in a London in which supernatural and magical beings co-exist within society.

This book includes one of my greatest weaknesses, a particular myth(I won't spoil which ancient civilization it hails from, but if you know me it'll be fairly obvious) incorperated into the human world and so for that right there, this book holds a special place in my heart. Why this felt like such a novelty to me when the whole series incorperates supernatural beings into the human world I couldn't say, but I was so happy to see it.

The mystery this time around was a bit odd, but it did make it so that it wasn't predictable. I was happy for that, it kept me guessing for a bit. But i will admit that it felt like the most far-fetched thus far because of a certain central aspect to it(but i will not elaborate because I do not want to give anything away.

Hannah often seems like she is stuck between two worlds, a supernatural one filled with zombies, mages, and werewolfs and which is much more her norm, but she also still holds onto a more ordinary lifestyle when she is with her best friend. This book really helps to meld those two worlds together for Hannah and I found that aspect of the story intruiging and I am now curious to see where this will take things as the series continues.

I'm glad I started the series when I did because now I only have to wait a few months until the next book is out. Waiting for books is not exactly my strong suit and I'm really looking forward reading the next in the series, Sixpence and Selkies.

Marion Over

Rating: really liked it
Oh, I love this series. It's so fun!!!

Jessica

Rating: really liked it
I'm finding this series really satisfying in a way that I can't explain other than to say that I just finished book 4 and pre-ordered book 5.

Katharyn Baker

Rating: really liked it
A beguiling mystery complete with wicked royals and charming unnaturals.

Dawn

Rating: really liked it
Vanity and Vampyres is the fourth offering in Tilly Wallace's silly (in a good way) and thoroughly entertaining Manners and Monsters series. This time Hannah and Wycliff investigate the death of several young prominent members of theton by what appears to be a vampyre. Along the way they encounter several unusual creatures and uncover some deeply held secrets.

These stories are straightforward mysteries, with clues cleverly and clearly laid out. The pacing is quick and Ms. Wallace's writing style is pleasant. This is a quick, fun read with lovely banter between the characters and subtle (not sometimes not so subtle) digs at societal norms.

Ashley (Tiny Navajo Reads)

Rating: really liked it
*I received an ARC from the author. This in no way affects my opinions or the review of this book.*

This is such a great book and I was glad to see that this book was coming out this month after I binged the first three books in the series in the beginning months of the pandemic. It's a wonderful book in a world where the supernatural and the Regency combine to give wonderful scenarios and situations where how you would react would differ depending on what type of creature you're talking to. And I loved reading more about Hannah and Wycliff as their affections grow for each other!

Heatherinblack

Rating: really liked it
too easy

and too much relationship. in the climactic scene, all goes far too well, far too easily. things need to be more of a challenge. i do greatly enjoy hannah’s intelligence and ability to put things together.

Zenda

Rating: really liked it
Enjoy this series the more it goes on.

Courtney

Rating: really liked it
Delightful series. The overarching mystery is parsed out just right, yet we get the satisfaction of a solved case at the end of each book.

Nancy

Rating: really liked it
Awaiting the next book.

Amy

Rating: really liked it
Still loving this series. The audio is still fantastic!

Kim

Rating: really liked it
Hannah and Wycliff have come back from a trip that had them in the country solving a mystery. Recently married for convenience sake. They return home to get embroiled in a couple of murders that just maybe vampire related. Their personal relationship also looks to be changing. As they try to figure out who is killing aristocrats, they’ll have to figure out how to turn their marriage of convenience into the real thing. Will Hannah and Wycliff figure out who’s behind the murders? Can they survive the secrets that have been revealed? They have to work through the VANITY AND VAMPIRES to stop a murderer and find the beginning of love.

Tilly Wallace continues her Monsters and Manners series with the next installment of the lives of Hannah and Wycliff with the book VANITY AND VAMPIRES the fourth book in the series. A marriage of convenience just may start to become real. They must work through their budding relationship and the danger of a case. The characters intelligence shines through as they follow the clues to find a murderer. This historical story isn’t your average one. There are lords and ladies but with a paranormal twist. Tilly Wallace brings together her past series Highland Wolves with an appearance in this story. She keeps you wondering about the relationship of the two main characters and whether their relationship will evolve. What will happen to the Unnaturals? What will be their next and final case? I’ve very much enjoyed getting to know these unique and interesting characters and hate to think that the stories will come to an end. I’m looking forward to the next book in the Monsters and Manners series Sixpence and Selkies and any new character and stories Tilly Wallace come to write. VANITY AND VAMPIRES a wonderfully unique and engaging read with wonderful twists.

Sandra

Rating: really liked it
This series continues to entertain & fascinate!
The subtle intimacy and heated connection between Wycliff and Hannah, I'm delighted to say, continues along the same scrumptious vein in Vanity and Vampyres as in its predecessor, Gossip and Gorgons. Their feelings thrum with quiet yearning as the pair had me on tender hooks with anticipation just waiting for each flame to catch and smoulder. While the plotline developed with a greater degree of richness as it built to a surprising twist at the end.
I love the depiction of deep attraction, affection and admiration Wallace interweaves. Fueled by nervous, heated, tension, the conflict between longing and the fear of rejection, as love and desire rose to the surface and blossomed between the formidable, brooding, Wycliff and the intellectual enigma that is Hannah.
Balanced simultaneously with the exposing of dark secrets, the puzzle of mysterious murders to solve,the stigma wrapped up in a marriage of convenience and Wycliff's desire to woo his wife and truly make her his own - held be transfixed - as the pair carved a place even deeper into my heart and morphed this tale into another winning addition to the series. To the point I'm 'chomping at the bit' eager for the next instalment.
A well written, engaging, tale that can be enjoyed for the murder mystery element alone. Or, if like me you have indulged in this fabulous series from the very beginning, it will have you enthralled in more supernatural and mythological wonderfulness that is so delightfully enriched by the character dynamics, dry wit, slowly revealing secrets and the bubbling attraction simmering beneath the surface and throughout each book, that it will keep you keenly thirsting for and coming back for more!

Deb

Rating: really liked it
I received this book thru the author and I can't thank her enough for the continued adventures of Hannah and Wycliff. This book shows more of Wycliff and answers how he became a hellhound and his struggles to find love with Hannah. In many ways he is punishing himself for having become a hellhound and doesn't feel he deserves Hannah. But Hannah wants a closer relationship with him and each struggles on how to tell the other.
The good thing is that mayhem is always the center of their current lives and this time it is possible vampirism. Could vampires exist and be killing off some young nobles? There is a seedy underground where these young nobles travel and secrets that come out. There are magical marionettes and mysterious people, each holding a secret and some involve those closest to Hannah and her mother. Wycliff also comes to know Ethan Shaw, the lycanthrope who has the ears of many people in high places and who may help him navigate the world of being a hellhound and show him that love is possible.
Ill be honest I really hope something happens between Hannah and Wycliff, all of this angst is killing me. But I am thoroughly enjoying this series and am looking forward to the next book.