Step into the charmingly suspenseful world of the Eliza Doolittle & Henry Higgins Mystery series, where a Cockney flower girl and a pompous phonetics professor team up to solve murders in Edwardian England! Written under the pseudonym D.E. Ireland by authors Meg Mims and Sharon Pisacreta, this delightful series reimagines the beloved characters from George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion and the musical My Fair Lady as an uproarious detective duo. With witty banter, historical flair, and twisty plots, it’s a must-read for fans of cozy mysteries and historical fiction.
From the glamorous Royal Ascot to the gritty streets of London’s East End, Eliza Doolittle and Henry Higgins tackle crimes with their signature bickering and brilliance. Whether you’re a fan of My Fair Lady or just love a good whodunit, this series promises a ‘loverly’ adventure!
How Eliza Doolittle & Henry Higgins Mystery Began
In 2013, lifelong friends and award-winning authors Meg Mims and Sharon Pisacreta, both Michigan natives with a passion for history and tea, decided to collaborate on a fresh take on Shaw’s iconic characters. Inspired by the public-domain Pygmalion, they envisioned Eliza and Higgins not as romantic partners—true to Shaw’s intent—but as partners in crime-solving. Their research uncovered a perfect victim in Emil Nepommuck, the blackmailing ‘hairy Hungarian’ from the play, sparking the series’ first novel, Wouldn’t It Be Deadly, published in 2014. The duo’s shared love for cozy mysteries and Edwardian settings shaped a series that’s both nostalgic and thrillingly original.
The Heart of Eliza Doolittle & Henry Higgins Mystery
The series spans four books, each blending humor, historical detail, and clever mysteries. Wouldn’t It Be Deadly (2014) kicks things off when Eliza, now assisting Higgins’ rival Nepommuck, must clear Higgins’ name after Nepommuck is found stabbed. The plot weaves through London’s high society and seedy alleys, culminating in a hilarious showdown at a Hamlet performance. Move Your Blooming Corpse (2015) takes the duo to Royal Ascot, where a murder in the stables threatens Eliza’s father, Alfred, and his racehorse, Donegal Dancer. Get Me to the Grave on Time (2016) dives into a string of deadly weddings, with grooms dropping like flies, while With a Little Bit of Blood (2018) unfolds at a country house party where secrets and murder abound.
The series shines with its vivid Edwardian backdrop, from suffragette rallies to aristocratic scandals, and its themes of class, identity, and unlikely partnerships. Eliza’s spunk and Higgins’ arrogance create a dynamic that’s both familiar and fresh, while the cozy mystery style—think Agatha Christie with a dash of Broadway flair—keeps readers hooked. The authors’ meticulous research brings 1910s London to life, with period-appropriate slang and fashion, though some fans note occasional anachronisms. Fans of My Fair Lady will adore the nods to the original, like Colonel Pickering’s calming presence and Mrs. Pearce’s motherly fussing.
Why Eliza Doolittle & Henry Higgins Mystery Resonates
The Eliza Doolittle & Henry Higgins Mystery series has carved a niche among cozy mystery and historical fiction fans, earning praise for its clever reimagining of iconic characters. Its Agatha Award nomination underscores its appeal to genre enthusiasts, while reviews highlight the laugh-out-loud banter and surprising twists. By staying true to Shaw’s vision—no romance for Eliza and Higgins—the series offers a refreshing take on a classic story, appealing to readers who crave strong, platonic partnerships. Its blend of humor, history, and heart ensures it remains a delightful escape for those seeking a lighter mystery with depth.
- Publication Years: 2014–2018
- Number of Books: 4
- Notable Recognition: Agatha Award nomination
Grab Wouldn’t It Be Deadly and dive into the Eliza Doolittle & Henry Higgins Mystery series’ charming world of Edwardian intrigue and cheeky sleuthing!