Barbara’s rating: 5 Stars out of 5
Series: Wrexford & Sloane #10
Publication Date: 9/29/26
Period: Regency London (1815)
Number of Pages: 368
Before I tell you how much I enjoyed this book, I want to tell you how much I admire this author. This series consistently delivers an outstanding mystery built around exciting new inventions and technology from the period. What I especially admire is the author’s ability to take what could be a very complex piece of technology and explain it in a way that ordinary folks like me can understand—not only what it is and how it works, but also how it contributes to the mystery that needs to be solved. And she manages to do all of this without ever making the book feel like a technical manual. That is quite a talent!
It seems poor Hawk has interminably bad luck when it comes to drawing tutors. He is thoroughly enjoying his latest tutor, Mr. Fletcher Campbell, and looks forward to each new lesson—until Mr. Campbell is murdered. Hawk immediately insists that Wrex, Charlotte, and the Weasels investigate. They, of course, cannot refuse a grieving boy.
As they begin looking into Campbell’s past, they quickly discover that he has served time in prison and was connected to the Lisbon Conspiracy, a decade-old counterfeiting scheme. Could his murder possibly have something to do with the conspiracy? Surely not. After all, all of the conspirators were apprehended and hanged.
But then there is the rather curious matter of the Bank of England announcing a **£20,000 prize** for the winner of The Inimitable Banknote Competition. Could these two seemingly unrelated events actually be connected?
Well, of course they can—and figuring out exactly how they are connected keeps Wrex, Charlotte, and the rest of the crew running from one danger to another. It takes everyone—Wrexford, Charlotte, the Weasels, Kit, Cordelia, Allison, Griffin, and many others—to unravel this complicated mystery. Danger and misinformation lurk around nearly every corner, and sorting truth from deception is anything but easy. They soon realize just how careful they must be when some of their members are injured while others are kidnapped.
I especially enjoy how this series continues to develop its characters alongside its mysteries. Wrex and Charlotte remain at the heart of the story, but it is the entire collection of characters that makes these books so much fun. Each has an important role to play, and watching them work together—even when circumstances become downright perilous—is one of the pleasures of the series. And, as always, Hawk manages to add his own special combination of heart and determination to the story.
This is another fast-paced and exciting Regency mystery, filled with wonderful characters, danger, twists, and a fascinating look at the technological developments of the time. The mystery kept me guessing, the pacing kept me turning pages, and the historical setting brought everything wonderfully to life.
Another thoroughly enjoyable addition to the series. I certainly hope there are more adventures ahead for Wrex, Charlotte, Hawk, and the rest of this wonderfully entertaining crew!
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
