Based on your book
by Julie Berry
If you're looking for a book that truly feels like an adventure, Crime and Carpetbags is a delightful pick. Maeve Merritt, our quick-witted heroine, finds her quiet life upended when a djinni and a beloved guardian vanish, setting off a thrilling, magical quest across London and beyond. You'll join Maeve and her friends as they literally take to the skies on enchanted carpetbags, racing against time to solve a perplexing disappearance and prevent powerful wishes from falling into the wrong hands. It's a story brimming with whimsical charm, genuine excitement, and a wonderful sense of empowerment, where cleverness and the bonds of found family are just as potent as any magic. This is a perfect read for anyone who loves a spirited protagonist, a dash of danger, and the joy of a journey shared with loyal companions.
If you found yourself charmed by Maeve Merritt's spirited quest in Crime and Carpetbags, you'll be thrilled to discover more clever, independent heroines in our curated list. We looked for books featuring strong female protagonists navigating intriguing historical settings, often stumbling into delightful mysteries and adventures. Whether it's the sharp wit of Veronica Speedwell, the formidable Amelia Peabody, or the brilliant Charlotte Holmes, these recommendations share that same blend of historical charm, empowering character, and engaging puzzle-solving that made Maeve's story so compelling.
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Fans of "Crime and Carpetbags" will adore Veronica Speedwell's sharp wit, independent spirit, and her knack for stumbling into dangerous mysteries in this vibrant Victorian adventure. The historical setting, intriguing plot, and delightful banter between Veronica and her prickly companion are sure to captivate.
Readers who enjoyed Pheo's intelligence and spirited nature will be utterly charmed by Amelia Peabody, an equally formidable and hilarious Victorian Egyptologist who solves mysteries with her unconventional family. The blend of historical detail, adventure, and laugh-out-loud humor is a perfect match.
This brilliant reimagining of Sherlock Holmes with a female protagonist, Charlotte Holmes, offers the same intellectual intrigue and sharp characterization found in "Crime and Carpetbags." Readers will appreciate the intricate mysteries, the strong female voice, and the clever social commentary on Victorian expectations.
Lady Emily Ashton, a young Victorian widow who delves into her late husband's mysterious past, provides a similar blend of historical setting, social intrigue, and a determined female protagonist. The book offers a captivating journey through high society and hidden secrets, appealing to fans of period mysteries.

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This acclaimed series introduces Mary Russell, a brilliant young woman who becomes the apprentice to a retired Sherlock Holmes in post-WWI England. Fans will appreciate the intellectual depth, the strong female-led mystery, and the adventurous spirit, echoing the cleverness and historical detail of "Crime and Carpetbags."
For readers who enjoyed the witty banter and unconventional protagonist of "Crime and Carpetbags," this steampunk-infused Victorian mystery will be a delightful discovery. Alexia Tarabotti is a sharp-tongued spinster who navigates a world of vampires and werewolves with humor and intelligence, offering a unique historical vibe.
by Rhys Bowen
Lady Georgiana Rannoch, a penniless minor royal in 1930s England, becomes an accidental sleuth in this lighthearted and charming series. The book shares "Crime and Carpetbags'" blend of historical setting, witty narrative voice, and an endearing female protagonist navigating social intricacies while solving mysteries.
by Anne Perry
This classic Victorian mystery introduces Inspector Pitt and his future wife Charlotte, who uncover dark secrets within a respectable London household. While more serious in tone than "Crime and Carpetbags," it offers a rich historical setting, keen social observation, and a compelling mystery that fans of the genre will appreciate.
by Alan Bradley
Flavia de Luce, a precocious 11-year-old amateur chemist and sleuth in 1950s England, brings a unique blend of quirky charm and brilliant deduction to her mysteries. Fans of "Crime and Carpetbags" will enjoy the intelligent protagonist, the intricate plotting, and the delightful, atmospheric setting.
by Carola Dunn
Daisy Dalrymple, an unconventional aristocratic woman turned journalist, finds herself embroiled in a murder mystery at a country estate in 1920s England. This book offers a delightful combination of historical charm, a witty and independent female protagonist, and a classic whodunit structure that mirrors the appeal of "Crime and Carpetbags."

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