Category: Historical Mystery

A Betrothed’s Betrayal by Deb Marlowe

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Historical Mystery, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820), Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

A Betrothed's Betrayal (Lockstone Hollow Mystery #1)A Betrothed’s Betrayal by Deb Marlowe

Tracy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: Lockstone Hollow, #1

Release Date: August 11, 2026

Lady Lisette Birthwhistle, the sister of Adam Brithwhistle, the late Duke of Winbury, has not had an easy year. First, she broke off her betrothal to Alexander Prescott, the Earl of Bealford and then her beloved brother passed away unexpectedly. Alone and unsure of her future as the new duke has yet to be found, she travels to the village of Lockstone Hollow, her brother bequeathed her a cottage and the leases to several buildings in the village, presumably for her to manage. She sets out to make the cottage her own and hopefully to make friends in the community. But on the day she arrives there is a murder and it is none other than her former betrothed, which to the local constable makes her the prime suspect.

But Lisette has allies in the village; Misses Sylvie and Ruby Etwell, the mayor’s daughters, Miss Rosie Curtis, owner of the town tavern, Mr. Royce Logan, a carpenter (and local newcomer) who vow to support her when Mr. Maxwell Sowerby, former Bow Street Runner and now the local constable, sets her in his sites. Lisette is clever and easily gets the locals to talk, suppling her with clues and leads that she passes on the constable. When Mr. Sowerby makes an arrest, Lisette is sure he has the wrong person, but first she will need to find evidence and hopefully survive to deliver the proof!

Set in a quaint English village filled with wonderful characters, this was a great start to a new series. While the mystery is the main focus of the book, there is so much more to the is book! The story has new beginnings, loss, two possible love interests, great friends, small town charm, baby goats, and a bit of tension, female empowerment and finally an ending that ties up this mystery, but leaves the door open for more to come! If you are looking for a well-written, regency-era cozy mystery, this is a book you will want to read.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

 

Earl of Spades by Emily Windsor

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Historical Mystery, historical-romance, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820), Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

The Earl of SpadesThe Earl of Spades by Emily Windsor

Tracy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: A Lady to Suit #3

Release Date: July 9, 2026

Seven years ago, Verity Seymour and Miles Firth, the second son of the Earl of Stonewold, fell in love and made plans to live happily ever after while travelling the world and studying botany. Miles goes home to obtain his father’s blessing to marry, but when he returns weeks later, Verity, for no apparent reason, turns her back on Miles and tells him she is to marry another man and wants no further contact with him. Heartbroken, Miles joins the army and leaves the country to fight Napoleon.

Now fate has brought them back together, but Miles is no longer the second son of an earl, he is the earl. And Verity is no longer studying botany, now she lives with her aunt, and her cousin and supports herself painting portraits of cats for wealthy clients. When she sees Miles again, she knows that she never stopped loving him, but she has secrets and must keep him at an arm’s length to keep her heart from shattering once more. Miles has his own problems, as it seems someone is trying to kill him and despite his vow to forget Verity, it is clear that his heart isn’t listening! Can these two overcome the secrets and pain that has kept them apart or are they destine to be star-crossed lovers?

This was another amazing story by Emily Windsor! As always, she writes wonderful characters with a lot of emotion, a bit of levity, a dash of steam and a hard-won HEA. This book is no different, Verity and Miles are perfect for each other and deserve to be together, but they are both stubborn and won’t make their road to HEA easy, but it will certainly be eventful! I really enjoyed this installment of the series and am looking forward to the next book featuring the mysterious “Prince”. This book is perfect for fans of Second Chances, First Love that never dies, Secrets or cats – I would happily recommend this book to you! It is the third book in a series but can easily be read as a standalone title with no backstory issues.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *