The Rookery Killer by Lana Williams

The Rookery Killer (Field & Greystone, #4)

Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Field and Greystone #4
Publication Date: 7/25/25
Period: Victorian London
Number of Pages: 335

OMGoodness! In this exciting installment, we get to solve three murders, recover missing evidence, root out corruption in Scotland Yard, and watch the slow-burn relationship between Henry and Amelia take another step forward. Over the course of the series, I’ve really come to enjoy both Henry and Amelia, as well as the supporting cast. Each book offers a self-contained mystery and can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend starting from the beginning to fully appreciate the character development.

In the previous book, Inspector Henry Field finally closed the cold case that had haunted him for nearly two years. Matthew Greystone had been brutally stabbed, and for a long time, his killer remained at large—until Henry caught him. Henry could finally breathe easier… until the murderer escaped. Now, Henry must hunt him down again. As time passes and the fugitive remains missing, Henry’s reputation begins to suffer—especially as more bodies turn up. It becomes clear that someone isn’t just committing murders—they’re actively working to make Henry look guilty.

Amelia doesn’t play a major role in solving the crimes this time, but she remains a strong presence in the story. Hopefully, we’ll see her more involved in the investigation in the next book.

The story grabs you from page one and keeps you guessing right up to the end. The author does an excellent job of throwing in red herrings while keeping the real culprit hidden. Just when you think you’ve figured it out—surprise! And when you combine that with progress in Henry and Amelia’s romance, it makes for a winning read.

I highly recommend this book, this series, and this author.

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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A Lark’s Regret by Lynn Messina

A Lark's Regret (Verity Lark Mysteries, #5)

Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: Verity Lark Mysteries #5
Publication Date: 7/11/25
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: 408

I always look forward to each new entry into the Verity Lark series, and this one was well worth the wait. As always, it is filled with wit and good humor along with a superior cast of characters and a great mystery.

It seems Twaddle-Thum has a competitor, Mrs. Flimmer-Flam, and she’s out to get Her Outrageousness, The Duchess of Kesgrave. That will never do! Not only has Flimmer-Flam called the duchess a murderer, but she’s also maligned the good name of Twaddle-Thum. So, all hands are on deck to track down Flimmer-Flam’s identity and set the record straight.

Who is behind Flimmer-Flam? Is it just someone with a grudge against the Duchess? Is it more than one person? How many bodies will there be before the mystery is solved?

I thoroughly enjoyed the story, but I did find it a bit slow in places. I loved seeing Verity’s anxiety in dealing with the Duchess – and how they might actually work through it all. The growth in Verity’s relationship with Hardwicke was a delight to watch as well because of her reaction to actually realizing she has feelings.

If you’re looking for a witty, humorous read with wonderful characters and a great mystery, you should give this book a try.

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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