It is that time again when I return with pleasure to the world of Kat Holloway. While I don’t actively follow the series (i.e. I don’t actually know when the books are released), I try to get the next book in this series once I know it exists.

The sixth book in the Kat Holloway Mysteries, The Secret of Bow Lane takes us back to Kat’s past and her first – false – marriage to Joe Bristow. For years, Kat only thought of her ex-‘husband’ as the man who had wedded her under false pretences, but when his legitimate wife appears asking for help finding a fortune, Kat realises that there are more secrets about him.

Given the focus on the past of its characters, you definitely have to have read the previous books in the series to fully enjoy The Secret of Bow Lane. Kat’s relationship with Daniel is tested (we also get to find out much more about him, something I really liked!) and we also see Cynthia’s relationship with Thanos progressing. One of my favourite things about this series was the friendships between the characters, and it was a delight to see them rally around Kat when she needed them.

In terms of the mystery, I’d say it’s around mostly for Kat’s character development. Don’t get me wrong, I still enjoyed the mystery, but I really felt this book was for us to get to know Kat and Daniel’s pasts a lot more deeply. The mystery wasn’t bad, but it was definitely overshadowed by the other things happening.

The dedication for the book says this is for fans of Kat Holloway who have been wanting a return to the world, and I think Jennifer Ashley has delivered on that. Reading this felt like seeing an old group of friends and catching up on their lives. Conversely, this means that if you’ve not read any of the books in this series, you’re probably better off going back to the beginning than jumping in halfway.