Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: Viscount Ware Mysteries #1
Publication Date: 7/12/22
Period: Regency – 1811
Number of Pages: 302

Finding this book was the happiest of accidents – and I believe it is the author’s first book. I am thoroughly happy to have found both the book and the author and I already cannot wait for the next book. The mystery is excellently done and the characters are very relatable. One of the things I loved was that it is period correct – from the manners through the way they spoke, it was spot on.

1811 was a very turbulent time for England with Napoleon’s war in Europe, the conflict with America, and civil strife and unrest at home in England. Lucien Grey, Viscount Ware, is the son and heir to the Earl of Salcott. Lucien is a very honorable man who does his best to protect his king and his country – though his father thinks he is a worthless ne’er do well. Lucien and his best friend Andrew Sherbourne (Sherry) served as spies on the continent until they were betrayed and only barely managed to escape with their lives. Now, back in England, both Lucien and Sherry have been recruited by the Marquess of Rothe to be part of the Crown’s secret spies within England.

Lucien and Sherry were a bit perplexed by the assignment given to them by Roth. What could the theft of a few bits and baubles from a house party have to do with the security of England? The thefts don’t make sense – until they do. Finally, they discover what was really taken and what it means to England to find it. The trail leads them through the dregs and dirtiest parts of London and the glittering ballrooms of the elite and right into Whitehall itself.

During his investigation, Lucien meets the lovely Lady Anne Ashburne who is witty, intelligent, and could easily have been a general if she had been a man. Anne provides invaluable assistance to their investigation though Lucien wants to keep her protected and away from danger.

Lucien, Sherry, and Anne face great danger to uncover the French spy among them and to thwart his plot against England. Can they stop him in time? Will he escape and carry many of England’s secrets with him? Can they recover the cipher that was stolen at the house party? Will Lady Anne decide she wants to work as one of the Crown’s secret spies? Ah! So many questions and you’ll only find the answers when you read the book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story with so many twists and turns, red herrings, and secrets as well as delightful characters. I love historical cozy mysteries and this book fits that just perfectly. However, I also require those mysteries to have a romance and this one doesn’t have that – though there is a hint of one. Hopefully, that hint will blossom within the next couple of books. I hope you will enjoy this book as much as I did should you choose to read it.

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