Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: Viscount Ware Mysteries #2
Publication Date: 2/14/23
Period: Regency – 1812
Number of Pages: 284

It was the happiest of accidents when I found the first book (The Dead Betray None) in this series and I couldn’t wait to find out if the second book would live up to the promises of the first. Well, I can now tell you that it did – it delivered in gold. Aside from the intriguing mystery, spies, civil unrest, and budding romance, one of the things I most admire is the author’s writing style which promptly delivers you to that time and place with laser-sharp accuracy. You see, I am one of those who want that period accuracy in manners, mores, speech, and actions that so many other authors ignore. This author delivers all of that and also manages to present an exciting, edge-of-your-chair, breath-holding, mystery along with a slow-burn romance. Ah, yes! I’ve already bought the next book, The Dead Came Calling, and cannot wait to read it!

Lucien Grey, Viscount Ware, and his best friend Andrew Sherbourne (Sherry) served as spies on the continent until they were betrayed and barely made it back to England alive. Now, having been recruited by the Marquess of Rothe, they are part of the Crown’s secret spies in England where they root out embedded French spies and those Englishmen who actively support the French and incite civil unrest within England.

Lucien is between assignments at the moment and is pleased to receive a summons from his irascible grandmother – who he loves dearly. His grandmother normally resides at the dower house on his father’s country estate, but it seems she has traveled to London to ask for Lucien’s help in finding a young woman, Lucy Drayton, who is missing from their small village. About a year ago, Lucy took a position as governess in the Harwick household and has only contacted her family once since leaving. This is very unlike Lucy, and the Harwicks have not been forthcoming when the family has made inquiries.

Lady Anne Ashburne is best friends with Margaret Barnett and when Lucien explains his task, Margaret immediately asks Lucien to attend a house party her mother will be holding – starting that Wednesday. Margaret’s father’s estate happens to be directly adjacent to the Harwicks – and Lady Anne is, of course, attending the house party as well. (Such happy coincidences).

When skeletal remains are found they have to wonder if it is the missing governess – or another young lady who has gone missing from the same village. Are the two disappearances related? When the investigation accelerates it is all hands on deck to discover what is going on – and who is doing it. When members of their own party meet with threats and injuries, they know they are dealing with more than just a missing governess. But what? You’ll just have to read this fast-paced, exciting story to find out.

While the ending leaves me a bit perplexed about the relationship between Lady Anne and Lucien, I am sure all will come right in the end. That said, I am ready for a true romance. One of my ‘needs’ in any book I read is a romance – and the earlier it comes in a series the more satisfied I am with it. Therefore, I am chomping at the bit to begin reading the third book of the series, and if it doesn’t provide me with a HEA for Lucien and Anne, then, no matter how good the mystery, I might not read the fourth or subsequent books.

I can definitely recommend this book and this series for its attention to detail, period accuracy, intriguing mystery, exciting action, and wonderful characters. So far, I cannot recommend it for the romance, but I am sure that will come. Please.

View all my reviews