Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Wrexford and Sloane #9
Publication Date: 9/30/25
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: 368

Bravo! A Sterling Addition to the Series

This was a stellar addition to the series—full of plots within plots, wheels within wheels, and plans within plans (to borrow from Frank Herbert’s Dune). Wrexford, Charlotte, the Weasels, and the rest of the contingent must unravel a complex web of intrigue before the British government is destabilized—just as Napoleon escapes from Elba.

The mystery is layered and nuanced, with plenty of red herrings and suspects to keep you guessing. This installment feels a bit different from the others in the series—but in a good way. With exciting family developments and changes, I’m eager to see where the next book takes us.

All of the past investigations have taken a toll on Wrexford, Charlotte, and their found family. So when the Royal Society asks Wrex to investigate a murder that occurred during one of their meetings, he initially declines. But he’s compelled to reconsider when Durs Egg, a friend, personally asks for help—his brother-in-law has been falsely arrested. What begins as a murder investigation quickly reveals the fingerprints of French operatives. With mounting danger, more bodies, and a growing sense of urgency, they realize this is far more than just a simple crime.

One of the things I love most about this author’s work is the depth of research she brings to the story. She keeps the historical setting accurate while still crafting a gripping mystery—and her Author’s Notes add fascinating context and detail. I always look forward to reading them.

If you enjoy complex, layered, historically rich mysteries, you simply cannot go wrong with this book—or this series. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. The only downside? Waiting another year for the next installment!

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

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Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Wrexford & Sloane #8
Publication Date: 9/24/24
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: 372

Charlotte, Wrex, and the Weasels are looking forward to spending some quiet and peaceful time in the country after they host the wedding of their friends Christopher (Kit) Sheffield and Cordelia Mansfield. Alas, it was not to be as the ink had hardly dried on the registry page before the coroner and magistrate from a nearby area arrived and announced they’d found a body with no identification other than an invitation to Kit and Cordelia’s wedding. Once they determine who it must be – and that he had been murdered – nothing would do but except for them to investigate. All clues point in one direction – but – surely he isn’t the murderer. Or is he?

It is all hands on deck to identify the murderer and to find Oliver, Cordelia’s missing cousin. The deceased, Jasper Milton, is a brilliant engineer whose brain grasps abstract concepts and designs that will improve the lives of everyone and is the best friend of Oliver, Cordelia’s missing cousin. Is Oliver also deceased? Or, is Oliver the murderer?

As more bodies turn up, the investigation becomes more and more intense. Then, if you add in shadowy government figures, you have no idea what to expect. The plot is delightfully twisted and leaves your head spinning as you wonder what happens next. Never fear, Wrexford, Charlotte, the Weasels, and the rest of the characters will tease out the clues – and even invade Eton before they finally have the solution. WOW! What a ride.

One of the things I love about this author’s books is the amount of research she does to truly understand the period in which the story is set and the scientific developments at the time. Those things are seamlessly woven into a story that will intrigue you and improve your mind at the same time. The characters have all grown and developed throughout the series and have become one big family. As always, I started wishing for the next book in the series as soon as I finished this one.

You will probably like this book if you love complex characters solving an intricately woven, nuanced, exciting, and interesting mystery. This can be read as a standalone story, but you should read at least one or two of the earlier books to truly understand the characters, their growth, their relationships, etc. This author always includes a lengthy Author’s Note section and it is always excellent reading if you are interested in learning more about the author’s research. Happy Reading!

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