Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: Viscount Ware Mysteries #3
Publication Date: 7/11/23
Period: Regency – October 1812 – London
Number of Pages: 289

This story, as well as the others in the series, is well-paced, intriguing, and even bone-chilling at times. With powerfully captivating characters, political intrigue, and a fledgling justice system that is just learning to deal with all levels of society equally and justly, you’ll despair of Lucien ever finding the true murderers and gaining Sherbourne’s freedom.

Imagine Andrew Sherbourne’s shock when a woman from his past, a woman who betrayed him to the French, shows up at his home with a small child she claims is his. She just as quickly disappears leaving the child behind – and also just as quickly, is found murdered in an alley. A very stubborn and determined constable with a thorough dislike of aristocrats swiftly decides Sherry is the murderer and wants him in a noose. And … the chase is on. Will Lucien manage to find the true murderer before Bow Street tries and then hangs Sherry for murder?

There are few, if any, clues to guide him, and with little help from Rothe (their spy boss), Lucien hardly knows where to start. He is also missing his normal help mates because Sherry must remain in hiding as much as possible and Lady Anne is days away from London nursing her ailing mother. Captain Wycliff (we met him in the last book) quickly offers help but the going is slow. When, finally, they get an inkling, it is time to write to Lady Anne with some questions about a neighbor of hers.

Even when Lucien knows who the villain is, he has absolutely no proof – and without proof, Bow Street will never clear Sherry. What to do, what to do? This quickly moving, intense investigation will keep you on the edge of your chair – biting your nails.

The villains are vile, the lead and supporting characters are well-developed, and the mystery is very well-plotted and executed. So, what is not to love? Well, for me it is the fact that the romance still isn’t there. There is definite growth in that direction, but, goodness, as slow-moving as the romance is, the series will be over before the romance even starts. Are the mysteries enough to keep me reading the series without a robust romance? I’m not sure it is. We’ll see.

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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.

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