Category: Historical Mystery

Lady and the Scamp by Shana Galen

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Historical Mystery, Part of a Series, Victorian Era (1837-1901)Leave a comment

Lady and the Scamp (The Royal Saboteurs #2)Barbara’s rating: 4 of 5 Stars
Series: The Royal Saboteurs #2
Publication Date: 10/11/22
Period: Victorian London
Number of Pages: 268

There is an elite group of Agents for the Crown within the home office. That group, known as the Royal Saboteurs, is made up of carefully chosen and highly trained agents who have sworn to guard Queen and country. Willoughby Galloway’s parents were both elite agents during the Napoleonic Wars (Lord and Lady Spy) and it has been his lifelong goal to not only be an Agent for the Crown but to be a part of the most elite group. He’s finally completed his training and has an assignment. An Irish Separatist group, known as Innishfree, is in London and has made attempts on the Queen’s life. Will’s assignment is to investigate one of the Queen’s Ladies-in-Waiting to see if she is the palace insider assisting Innishfree.

Emily Blythe-Coston, Lady Averley, has served the queen as Lady-in-Waiting for the last two years – since her husband Jack died. She loved Jack dearly and is still in mourning for him – and the still-born child they had lost not long before. She’s made a life for herself – but is she really happy? With the threats against the Queen, they’ve been so confined that the palace has begun to seem like more prison than a home. During a particularly confining day, Emily suggests a ride in the park, and the queen is attacked. While the queen escapes without injury, Emily becomes suspect because she suggested the outing.

From the moment he lays eyes on her, Will cannot believe Emily is a traitor. Of course, he knows that traitors usually look just like the rest of us, and he’ll do everything in his power to prove she is a traitor – or not.

Even when Emily is wounded during an attack, Will can’t rule her out – yet he is drawn to her like no other. He can’t forsake his queen – he must protect her no matter the cost. What a conundrum for an honorable man. Can Will prove Emily innocent? Can he protect the queen? Will his attraction to Emily cost him his place in the Royal Saboteurs? You’ll just have to read this fast-paced, excellently written, engrossing tale to find the answers.

I enjoyed meeting Will and Emily and spending time with them. I also delighted in the cameo appearances of Callahan Kelly and Bridget Murray Kelly from the first book. I hope you will read the book and enjoy it as much as I did.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Mydworth Mysteries – Murder in the Dark by Matthew Costello

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Historical Mystery, Interwar Period (Nov 1918 - Sep 1939), Part of a SeriesLeave a comment

Mydworth Mysteries - Murder in the Dark (A Cosy Historical Mystery Series Book 12)Barbara’s rating: 5 of 5 Stars
Series: Mydworth Mysteries #12
Publication Date: 9/30/22
Period: 1929 – Interwar Period
Number of Pages: 143

Kat and Harry are looking forward to bringing in the new year in a real Scottish castle with all of the Scottish traditions. They happily board the train ‘The Highlandman’ and notice the flakes of snow falling. By the time the train reaches its destination, the highlands are covered in a sparkling blanket of snow.

Upon their arrival, their loud, brash American host greets them at the door and ushers them into a castle that looks as if it belongs in a fairy tale. Unfortunately, few of the guests were able to make it to the castle because of the weather – and the few who are there are quite a strange lot. They all seem to know each other – not like each other – yet claim they are barely acquainted. One thing is sure, none of them like their host, yet they all covet his money and power. Not even the staff likes Jack Garner.

The only reason Kat and Harry are there is that Jack is married to their aunt’s good friend and she wanted them to check in with her to assure all is well. While their aunt’s friend has become fond of imbibing, she is otherwise well. So, now all they need to do is enjoy the festivities.

Jack is not a pleasant man and treats everyone deplorably, but since everyone wants something from him, they have to tolerate him. But then, he turns up dead. Since all communication has been cut off because of the storm, Kat and Harry must handle the inquiries. Is the obvious suspect the correct one? Maybe. Maybe not.

I hope you’ll enjoy the story as much as I did.

View all my reviews