Books like 'The Housekeeper's Secret'
Readers who enjoyed The Housekeeper's Secret by Iona Grey also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
historical young adult fantasy mystery 20th century
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The Apothecary Diaries (Manga), Vol. 6 by Nekokurage, Natsu Hyuuga
CAN MAOMAO DULL THE CHARMS OF A HEAVENLY MAIDEN?! When the ever luminous Jinshi asks for her help in disguising himself to see to a matter beyond the palace walls, Maomao must dig deep to mar her employer's divine allure! And to make the ploy believable, Maomao herself is roped into a spot of theater right alongside her master... -
The Apothecary Diaries (Manga), Vol. 2 by Natsu Hyuuga, Nekokurage
After breaking a "curse" on the imperial heirs, a palace servant with training in herbal medicine is promoted up the ranks to food taster...and right into the thick of palace intrigue in this lushly illustrated period mystery series! Maomao, a young woman trained in the art of herbal medicine, is forced to work as a lowly servant in the inner palace... -
The Apothecary Diaries Manga, Vol. 8 by Nekokurage, Natsu Hyuuga
Rated: 4.59 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsTHE TRUTH OF MAOMAO’S BIRTH IS REVEALED?!Sly tactician Lakan’s attempts at provocation lead to his own downfall when Maomao challenges him to elephant chess, only to outplay him in a game of wits! In a stupor from drinking “poison” as punishment for his loss, Lakan dreams of a long-lost past, his affair with a beautiful courtesan, and meeting her daughter for the very first time... -
The Apothecary Diaries Manga, Vol. 4 by Nekokurage, Natsu Hyuuga
MAOMAO STUMBLES ONTO AN EVEN BIGGER MYSTERY...The trail of the garden banquet leads Maomao to the Garnet Palace! Aiming to uncover the identity and motives of the culprit who nearly succeeded in turning the festivities into a tragedy, the young apothecary-turned-lady's maid temporarily takes up there at Jinshi's behest... -
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The Apothecary Diaries (Manga), Vol. 7 by Nekokurage, Natsu Hyuuga
Rated: 4.55 of 5 stars · 37 ratingsMAOMAO FOILS A PLOT, BUT IS THE THREAT GONE FOR GOOD?Proving herself indispensable yet again by saving Jinshi from a horrific fate, Maomao is given the chance to explain her rash behavior during the holy ritual. But when she continues her investigation into the foiled plot, a bizarre outcome awaits, leaving the plucky apothecary impressed by the sheer nerve of the culprit behind it... -
The Apothecary Diaries Manga, Vol. 8 by Nekokurage, ねこクラゲ
Rated: 4.59 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsTHE TRUTH OF MAOMAO’S BIRTH IS REVEALED?!Sly tactician Lakan’s attempts at provocation lead to his own downfall when Maomao challenges him to elephant chess, only to outplay him in a game of wits! In a stupor from drinking “poison” as punishment for his loss, Lakan dreams of a long-lost past, his affair with a beautiful courtesan, and meeting her daughter for the very first time... -
The Apothecary Diaries Manga, Vol. 12 by Nekokurage, Natsu Hyuuga
Rated: 4.66 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsAfter breaking a “curse” on the imperial heirs, a palace servant with training in herbal medicine is promoted up the ranks to food taster...and right into the thick of palace intrigue in this lushly illustrated historical mystery series!Having solved the curse of the late emperor, things are back to usual for Maomao at the Jade Palace... -
The Apothecary Diaries Manga, Vol. 3 by Nekokurage, Natsu Hyuuga
MAOMAO REAPS THE REWARDS OF HER FEATS!After putting on a successful and sensual(?) show of food tasting at the garden banquet, Maomao is the talk of the palace! But she soon discovers that notoriety isn't the only thing the party has granted her! Her collection of hairpins from the event brings the young herbalist a brief window of freedom beyond the palace walls, as she returns to the pleasure... -
The Apothecary Diaries Manga, Vol. 11 by Nekokurage, Natsu Hyuuga
Rated: 4.59 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsJINSHI'S PAST AND PARENTAGE AT LAST COME TO LIGHT?!Summoned to attend the Emperor on an evening jaunt to an ancient shrine that functions as a rite of passage for the rulers of the land, Maomao makes quick work of the puzzle inside, acquitting herself with aplomb. Having learned more about the Imperial bloodline than a commoner has any right to know, Maomao returns to her post at the Jade Palace... -
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Barcelona, 1945: A city slowly heals in the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War, and Daniel, an antiquarian book dealer’s son who mourns the loss of his mother, finds solace in a mysterious book entitled The Shadow of the Wind, by one Julián Carax...Categorized as:
mystery 20th century suspense fantasy historical young adult first-person-pov south-europe -
The Apothecary Diaries Manga, Vol. 10 by Nekokurage, ねこクラゲ
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsMAOMAO PUTS ON A SHOW FOR THE GOOD OF THE NATION!When two beautiful foreign envoys with designs on the Emperor come calling, they spin a fantastical tale about a courtesan who once captured the imagination of their family patriarch... -
The Apothecary Diaries, Vol. 7 by Nekokurage, ねこクラゲ
Rated: 4.55 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsMAOMAO FOILS A PLOT, BUT IS THE THREAT GONE FOR GOOD?Proving herself indispensable yet again by saving Jinshi from a horrific fate, Maomao is given the chance to explain her rash behavior during the holy ritual. But when she continues her investigation into the foiled plot, a bizarre outcome awaits, leaving the plucky apothecary impressed by the sheer nerve of the culprit behind it... -
The Apothecary Diaries Manga, Vol. 10 by Nekokurage, Natsu Hyuuga
Rated: 4.53 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsMAOMAO PUTS ON A SHOW FOR THE GOOD OF THE NATION!When two beautiful foreign envoys with designs on the Emperor come calling, they spin a fantastical tale about a courtesan who once captured the imagination of their family patriarch... -
The Apothecary Diaries Manga, Vol. 5 by Nekokurage, Natsu Hyuuga
Forced to the leave the Inner Palace, Maomao finds herself in the employ of none other than Jinshi, the seemingly ever-present thorn in her side! Immune to his charms, Maomao sets about learning the ways of life in the Outer Palace, where government officials and military officers go about the daily business of running the country... -
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The Apothecary Diaries : Volume 4 by Natsu Hyuuga
Though her main duty is still looking after Consort Gyokuyou, Maomao finds time to help her friends and acquaintances in the rear palace, including Xiaolan, who will need a job after her term of service ends, and Consort Lishu, who’s convinced she’s seen a ghost! When complications arise with Gyokuyou’s pregnancy, however, Maomao knows she’s not skilled enough to handle a situation that could... -
The Apothecary Diaries Manga, Vol. 9 by Nekokurage, Natsu Hyuuga
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsAfter breaking a "curse" on the imperial heirs, a palace servant with training in herbal medicine is promoted up the ranks to food taster...and right into the thick of palace intrigue in this lushly illustrated historical mystery series!A festive atmosphere descends upon the Inner Court with the arrival of a long-awaited merchant caravan and its myriad wares... -
The Selection Series 1-5 Book Set by Kiera Cass
Thirty-five beautiful girls. Thirty-five beautiful rivals...And only one will claim Prince Maxon's heart. THE SELECTION is the epic no. 1 New York Times bestselling series. Now available in a five-book boxed set. THE SELECTION is the chance of a lifetime and 17-year-old America Singer should feel lucky... -
The Apothecary Diaries 09 (The Apothecary Diaries (Nekokurage) #9) by Nekokurage, Natsu Hyuuga
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsAfter breaking a "curse" on the imperial heirs, a palace servant with training in herbal medicine is promoted up the ranks to food taster.. -
The Apothecary Diaries : Volume 2 by Natsu Hyuuga
Dismissed from the rear palace, Maomao returns to service in the outer court—as the personal serving woman to none other than Jinshi! That doesn’t necessarily make her popular with the other ladies, but a bit of jealousy might be the least of her problems... -
The Apothecary Diaries : Volume 3 by Natsu Hyuuga
Maomao must help keep Consort Gyokuyou safe during her pregnancy. An imperial consort being with child is supposed to be a matter of the utmost secrecy, but this is the rear palace, where maneuvering and backstabbing are as commonplace as banter and tea parties. Threats seem to lurk around every corner—but it’s not just the rear palace keeping busy... -
Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsNow available in trade paper with an eye-catching new cover from the bestselling author of Becoming Mrs. Lewis: Megs Devonshire sets out to fulfill her younger brother George’s last wish by uncovering the truth behind his favorite story. The answer provides hope and healing and a magical journey for anyone whose life has ever been changed by a book... -
The Apothecary Diaries : Volume 9 by Natsu Hyuuga
Rated: 4.54 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsMaomao has effectively become Jinshi’s personal physician, but she’s just a simple apothecary. If she’s going to give him proper medical treatment, she’ll need more than her meager surgical skills. When she turns to her father for help, he says he’ll only teach her if she can pass a test he sets for her... -
Agatha Heterodyne and the Monster Engine by Phil Foglio, Mark McNabb
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsThe collection begins as Agatha finds a new ally in Krosp the Cat (a genetic experiment with a smattering of Napoleon's brain cells) and becomes better acquainted with Gilgamesh, the Baron's son -- who gently breaks the news that Agatha has the spark for Mad Science... -
Agatha Heterodyne and the Heirs of the Storm by Phil Foglio
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsAdventure, Romance, Mad Science! Agatha has finally made it to her ancestral castle, but so has a whole crowd of her friends - and enemies! Worse, the lives of two them are in danger, unless she can get the Castle's power source back up and... -
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Agatha Heterodyne and the Clockwork Princess by Kaja Foglio, Kaja Foglio
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsAgatha Heterodyne is the last heir to the Maddest of Mad Scientist families, and on the run from the current ruler of Europe. In a fairy-tale castle on a mountain pass, she finds herself at the center of an evil plan to bring back one of the deadliest enemies of recent history... -
Girl Genius Volume 4: Agatha Heterodyne & The Circus Of Dreams by Phil Foglio
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsThe Adventure, Romance & Mad Science continues as Agatha Heterodyne's damaged aircraft comes roughly to rest in the Wastelands. She encounters a traveling circus and proves her mettle by destroying a massive spider-clank as it attacks... -
Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 05 by Nobuhiro Watsuki
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsIsurugi Raijûta, a truly old-school swordsman, comes to Kenshin and requests his aid in reforming the state of swordsmanship schools, or kenjutsu dojo, in Japan. Although Kenshin is intrigued by Raijûta's ideals (chiefly, that there is a need for a nation-wide, unifying school), Raijûta's plan to "weed out" the schools he deems unfit is not in accordance with Kenshin's deepest-held beliefs... -
Girl Genius Volume 2: Agatha Heterodyne & The Airship City by Phil Foglio, Kaja Foglio
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsThis collection reprints issues four through six of Phil & Kaja Foglio's gaslamp fantasy series plus an additional story -- all in a large art-book format... -
Agatha Heterodyne and the Airship City by Phil Foglio, Kaja Foglio
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsIn a time when the Industrial Revolution has become an all-out war, Mad Science rules the World...with mixed success. At Transylvania Polygnostic University, Agatha Clay was a student with trouble concentrating and rotten luck. Dedicated to her studies but unable to build anything that actually "worked," she seemed destined for a lackluster career as a minor lab assistant... -
Agatha Heterodyne and the Guardian Muse by Phil Foglio, Kaja Foglio
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsAdventure! Romance! Mad Science! Deep in the heart of the damaged machine that is Castle Heterodyne, Agatha discovers her mother's long-abandoned secret laboratory... -
The Apothecary Diaries : Volume 12 by Natsu Hyuuga, Kevin Steinbach
Rated: 4.62 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe tumultuous political events of recent days have left I-sei Province looking for leadership, but there are obstacles everywhere they turn. Gyokuen’s sons refuse to rule, while Gyoku-ou’s oldest child is unpredictable and violent... -
The Apothecary Diaries : Volume 8 by Natsu Hyuuga
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsThe whole capital seems to have gone Go-crazy when Lakan publishes a book about his games. He’s got even bigger plans, holding a Go tournament that’s open to all—and rumor has it that if anyone can topple the strategist himself, he’ll grant them any single request they might ask. Jinshi sees an opportunity... -
The Apothecary Diaries : Volume 5 by Natsu Hyuuga
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsThe political situation at court has changed: the birth of Gyokuyou’s son has seen her elevated to the status of Empress, and meanwhile Jinshi is no longer able to continue his pretense at the rear palace. Although all seems peaceful after the destruction of the Shi clan, threats continue to loom—not least a potential plague of insects—and Maomao, as ever, somehow finds herself caught up in them... -
Hunting November by Adriana Mather
Surviving a few weeks at the world's most lethal boarding school was one thing. But now comes the real test: Can November Adley find her missing father before her enemies find her? Subterfuge is the name of the game in this sequel to Killing November.After surviving a crash course in espionage at the mysterious Academy Absconditi, November has only one purpose: finding her missing father...Categorized as:
mystery young adult contemporary suspense fantasy historical length-long glimpses-kisses -
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The Apothecary Diaries : Volume 6 by Natsu Hyuuga
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsThe events in the western capital threaten to shake not only the political order, but Maomao’s personal relationships as well, and she departs the city uncertain what her future holds. A detour on the way home, however, gives her an unexpected insight into her own family. Meanwhile, Consort Lishu finds herself at the center of an ugly scandal... -
The Apothecary Diaries : Volume 11 by Natsu Hyuuga
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsI-sei Province is still reeling in the aftermath of the insect plague. Jinshi resolves to do everything in his power to help the people of this land—but how far does his power really go in the western capital? And will he regret his efforts when all the credit seems to go to Gyoku-ou? The local lord seems to have an agenda of his own, but Jinshi still doesn’t know what it might be... -
Emily Climbs by L.M. Montgomery
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 40 ratingsIn the second volume of the celebrated Emily trilogy, Lucy Maud Montgomery traces the often stormy course of Emily Starr's life as she moves from the world of childhood into that of school and adolescence.Emily Climbs unsentimentally reveals the world of the young as it really is -- with its great moments of unalloyed wonder and joy, as well as its cruelty and suffering... -
Thick as Thieves by Megan Whalen Turner
Deep within the palace of the Mede emperor, in an alcove off the main room of his master’s apartments, Kamet minds his master’s business and his own. Carefully keeping the accounts, and his own counsel, Kamet has accumulated a few possessions, a little money stored in the household’s cashbox, and a significant amount of personal power. As a slave, his fate is tied to his master’s... -
A Girl of the Limberlost Illustrated by Gene Stratton-Porter
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 38 ratings"A Girl of the Limberlost, a novel by American writer and naturalist Gene Stratton-Porter, was published in August 1909. It is considered a classic of Indiana literature. It is the sequel to her earlier novel Freckles. The story takes place in Indiana, in and around the Limberlost Swamp... -
A Girl of the Limberlost Illustrated by Gene Stratton-Porter
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 38 ratingswriter and naturalist Gene Stratton-Porter, was published in August 1909. It is considered a classic of Indiana literature. It is the sequel to her earlier novel Freckles. The story takes place in Indiana, in and around the Limberlost Swamp. Even at the time, this impressive wetland region was being reduced by heavy logging, natural oil extraction and drainage for agriculture... -
The Apothecary Diaries : Volume 7 by Natsu Hyuuga
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsMaomao attempts the court service exam once more, winning herself a position as an assistant in one of the medical offices. That’s only the beginning of her troubles, though, as a new consort enters the rear palace and brings new riddles with her... -
Ensnared by Jody Hedlund
Rated: 4.71 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsDuring a time when legends were born . . .ENSNAREDA poor maidservant struggling to survive, a brave knight who secretly loves her, and a chalice that has the power to unite them.Nursemaid to the Earl of Likness’s two young daughters, Mikaela despises the earl for his cruelty to his subjects, and she longs for the day when she can make a difference in the lives of her suffering friends and family... -
Emily of New Moon by L.M. Montgomery
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 49 ratings"Emily of New Moon" by L. M. Montgomery introduces Emily Byrd Starr, a spirited orphan who is sent to live with her strict relatives at New Moon farm. Despite the challenges of her new life, Emily finds solace in her love of writing and her vivid imagination... -
Elfquest Archives, Vol. 1 by Wendy Pini, Richard Pini
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsAn astonishing mythology of fantasy and adventure, ELFQUEST: ARCHIVES VOL. 1 introduces the legend of Cutter and his Wolfrider clan of elves. Existing on a prehistoric world in which humans and elves are bitter enemies, the Wolfriders live a dangerous life of fatal battles, deadly hunts, and tribal traditions... -
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Father, I Don't Want This Marriage, Volume 2 by Hong Heesu
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsDesperate times call for desperate measures. This manhwa adaptation of Hong Heesu's webnovel is now available in English print for the first time.Juvelian, infamous daughter of the legendary Duke Floyen, must rebuild her reputation if she is going to survive the events that led to the end of her previous life... -
The Rose of Versailles, Omnibus 1 by Riyoko Ikeda
Two-in-One English release of The Rose of Versailles.The Rose of Versailles focuses on Oscar François de Jarjayes, a girl raised as a man to become her father's successor as leader of the Palace Guards... -
A Sky Painted Gold by Laura Wood
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsThe Great Gatsby meets I Capture the Castle in this gorgeously dreamy coming-of-age romance perfect for fans of A Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue .It is the summer of 1929. Lou Trevelyan is a small-town girl with big dreams of becoming a writer. Then she meets the Cardew the bubbly Caitlin and her handsome, enigmatic brother, Robert...Categorized as:
20th century mystery young adult historical contemporary fantasy humor length-medium -
Tearmoon Empire: Volume 5 (Tearmoon Empire (Light Novel) #5) by Nozomu Mochitsuki
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMia’s summer cruise has turned into a full-blown adventure! Stranded on a deserted island sans boat and supplies, she and her friends need to figure out how to survive. Well, she and most of her friends, because Esmeralda has gone missing! The group decides to split up to look for her, and Mia gets paired up with Abel... -
Tearmoon Empire: Volume 4 (Tearmoon Empire (Light Novel) #4) by Nozomu Mochitsuki
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMia just can’t get a break! She ran for student president, won the election, and bent the arc of history away from the calamitous developments Bel foretold. You’d think saving the future would be enough to earn her some rest, but all she got for her troubles was an urgent letter from Ludwig requesting her immediate return to the empire... -
The Piper's Pursuit by Melanie Dickerson
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsA plague of rats. Children going missing. A giant beast attacking just outside the walls of Hamlin. And one young woman determined to save her town.Katerina’s stepfather, Hennek, is neither a good father nor a good husband, but he is the mayor of Hamlin...
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