A Lady in Black Mystery: Book 2
Publication Date: December 16, 2025
In the shadowed halls of power and madness, only the bold dare search for the truth.
1890’s Melbourne. In the flickering gaslight of Victoria Parliament’s inner chambers, a prized symbol of government-the ceremonial Mace-disappears following a night of decadent indulgence involving parliamentarians and officials. Lady Edith Black, a former thief turned Melbourne’s most unconventional investigator, is drawn into the mystery. Though her past remains hidden, her talent and determination is unmatched-and her instincts tell her the Mace is merely the tip of something far darker.
The night the Mace disappears, a young woman is discovered near death. The two crimes intertwine and lead Edie to the foreboding gates of Kew Asylum, where her closest friend, Britina-a novice nun assigned to care for patients-has made a disturbing discovery: patients are vanishing without explanation. When Britina becomes a risk to a sinister plan, she is swiftly silenced, declared criminally insane, and locked away among the very souls she sought to protect.
To rescue her friend, Edie must step into the asylum’s grim world of medical secrets, patient abuse, a chilling conspiracy…and enemies willing to kill to keep their secrets buried.
But exposing the truth could cost more than her freedom.
It could cost her life.
Asylum Murders is the second Lady Black mystery-a richly layered historical thriller where madness masks murder, and justice must be stolen from those who believe themselves untouchable.
Asylum Murders is the second book in the Lady Black Mystery series by Michael G. Colburn. At the back of the book was a preview of the third book, and I’m looking forward to reading it.
Set primarily in Melbourne in the late 1890s, there are several mysteries to be solved, which are introduced relatively quickly. Unexpectedly, several minor characters from the first book played essential roles in this one and were once again part of the criminal element. As the story unfolds, clues are dropped, and Edie, the investigator, helps the police make sense of what’s going on.
Details woven throughout, along with red herrings and Britina, Edie’s friend from London, is caught up in a lot of it, much to her chagrin when she realizes what’s going on. The asylum is hiding secrets, and if she and the others get too close, they might be next. There’s a lot of evidence to sift through and multiple storylines. Many of the players are not who they seem, and help comes from unexpected places. There are twists and turns throughout and a good flow. Some of the storylines are wrapped up, while others will carry over into the next book. There was enough closure for me to be satisfied.
Asylum Murders is historical crime fiction with intrigue and criminal intent. There are murders and other crimes to solve, with Edie being front and center throughout.
Michael G. Colburn retired from a successful career in inventing to write full time. After three books on creativity and inventing, he discovered historical crime fiction. He’s currently writing the third installment of the Lady Black mystery series. He and his wife live in Vermont. They enjoy exploring other countries on walking tours and short-term living in various cities to experience the cultures. The first Lady Black novel, Stolen Brilliance, springs from stories he heard on one of these trips to Scotland.
