The Hanging Cheat by Elizabeth Bailey

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Georgian Era (1714-1837), Historical Mystery, Part of a SeriesLeave a comment

The Hanging Cheat (Lady Fan Mystery Book 10)

Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: Lady Fan Mystery #10
Publication Date: 11/24/23
Period: Georgian
Number of Pages: 335

I completed my read of the last book, The Vengeance Trail, in a very sad mood because Francis had a lot of emotional suffering in that book, and it was not over by the end. That left me wondering how things would change for this book – and the rest of the series – to work. I have my answer now – and if you were wondering the same thing, you’ll have your answer as well.

A very pregnant Ottilia Fanshaw, Lady Fan, and her husband Francis are at her brother’s home for the funeral of his wife who had been ill for a very long time. Francis cannot wait to leave so he can get Ottilia back to their home and coddle her before the delivery of their child. Just as their departure is approaching, their two nephews come running into the house announcing they’ve discovered a dead body in the woods. Is it natural causes? Is it suicide? Is it murder? Lady Fan – and even Francis – are sure it is a murder staged to look like a suicide. Poor Francis – because we all know Ottilia will want to stay and solve the crime.

There is a plethora of suspects because the victim is the most hated man in the district – not a single soul has anything good to say about him. They speak with suspects throughout the district, but few have real alibis which makes the elimination of them all but impossible. How can Lady Fan work through it all and solve the crime before her pregnancy makes it impossible for her to do so? With time of the essence, she decides to divide and conquer. She enlists her two nephews and Francis to help interview suspects, chase down clues, and help puzzle out the events, so surely she’ll identify the murderer soon.

This is an excellent mystery that will keep you guessing till the end. Just when you are absolutely sure who the culprit is, there is a revelation that makes you doubt it. When we finally wind through all of the clues and suspects and find the culprit – you’ll be surprised – at least by part of it.

I enjoyed this addition to the Lady Fan series and am already looking forward to the next one. I hope you’ll enjoy it as well.

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Her Wicked Knight by Jen Bradlee

On By TracyIn Medieval (1066-1540), Middle Ages / Medieval (476-1454), Part of a Series, Top Pick - Highly Recommended, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Her Wicked Knight (Prince of Whispers Trilogy #0)Her Wicked Knight by Jen Bradlee

Tracy’s rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: The Prince of Whispers, Prequel

Release Date: November 28, 2023

Marian Ravenwood of Ravinell travels to the court of King Henry to plead for help in fighting the raiders who are attacking Ravinell. Her father, Baron Ravinell is ill, something Marian doesn’t want to become public knowledge, it is up to her to protect the holding. She is greeted at court by her neighbor, Baron de Bough, who sympathizes with her about the attacks, noting that only her lands have been targeted and even suggests that they marry, an offer she has already declined. She is holding out hope that the King will send a contingent to Ravinell, therefore sparing her the need to accept Baron de Bough. While waiting, she hears whispers of the King’s champion, Sir Guy Silverthorne a knight known far and wide as “The Grim Knight”. But when the two meet, it is certainly not love at first sight and Marian is then horrified when King Henry assigns Sir Guy to Ravinell. She sets out to ignore him, even though she secretly finds him fascinating and is attracted to him. They return to Ravinell to find Marian’s father is much improved and is delighted that Sir Guy has come. This will make things harder for Marian, as she is keeping some very big secrets and isn’t sure if she can trust Sir Guy.

Sir Guy Silverthorne is a bad man who has done heinous things for King Henry, things that haunt him and have surely damned his soul to hell. He knows he is not worthy of a woman like Marian, but despite that knowledge, he is not only attracted to her, he is intrigued by her. He knows she is keeping secrets and finds the fact that only Ravinell is being attacked by the raiders suspicious. When he learns her secret, he agrees to help her for a price, he wants her in his bed…forever. Guy has to walk a fine line with Marian, he is sure he knows who is behind the raids, but he needs proof, and even that might not be enough to stop the traitor and save the woman he has come to love.

This was a well-written, nicely paced, intriguing Enemies to Lovers tale and is the prequel to the Prince of Whispers series featuring Ruby’s parents. I was pulled into the story from the start and could barely put it down, the book is filled with wonderful characters, intrigue, secrets, lots of action, steamy love scenes, evil villains, betrayal, loss, love, and finally a happy-ever-after that didn’t seem possible. I loved this book and enthusiastically recommend this title to historical romance lovers who enjoy some steam in their romances! This book is the prequel to the Prince of Whispers series, but it can absolutely be read as a standalone title. Enjoy!

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