Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: Captain Lacey #18
Publication Date: 3/17/26
Period: Regency Lyon
Number of Pages: 297

Lacey and his wife travel to Lyon, France, to attend his daughter Gabriella’s wedding. It is a bittersweet time for Lacey, as he has only recently been reunited with his long-lost firstborn. Now, he feels as though he is losing her again—but she is so clearly happy and deeply in love that he cannot help but share in her joy. Determined to spend as much time with her as possible before the wedding, Lacey sets aside his usual work… though he has an unfortunate habit of stumbling across murder victims wherever he goes.

While walking through a crowded street with Brewster, Lacey catches sight of a man from his past—a man who once left him for dead. Because the incident occurred during the war, Lacey chooses not to pursue the encounter, but fate clearly has other plans. Early one morning, he encounters the man again… standing over a dead body.

The victim’s questionable past provides plenty of possible motives, but the gendarmes quickly focus their suspicions on the family of the man Gabriella is about to marry. The story weaves together past and present, blending multiple mysteries with fascinating glimpses into the history and atmosphere of Lyon.

This is a well-paced and engaging mystery populated with memorable characters—from an outrageously flamboyant mistress to an elegant and refined countess. Readers will also enjoy spending time with the familiar supporting cast who make this series so enjoyable.

I happily recommend this book, this series, and this author. Happy reading!

View all my reviews

Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: Captain Lacey #17
Publication Date: 5/21/24
Period: Regency – 1820 London
Number of Pages: 275

This was a delightful addition to the Captain Lacey series. I have read each book as they were released into the world and I’ve loved each of them. Not only does this one have a mystery with twists and turns, it presents some intriguing possibilities for future plots – maybe even a new ongoing villain. We’ll just have to wait and see.

The thing we all thought would never happen – HAPPENED! Not only was James Denis arrested for murder, but he was found standing over the body with the bloody knife in his hand. Of course, those of us who read this series know he isn’t guilty – as does Captain Lacey. That, however, doesn’t dampen Bow Street Runner Spendlove’s elation and joy at finally getting Denis into Newgate.

Much to Denis’s dismay, Captain Lacey begins to investigate only to find himself in danger. How did the victim come to be where he was found? With Denis’s cunning, how did he manage to allow himself to be caught standing over the body with the murder weapon in his hand?

As we learn more about the victim, Lacey finds himself under attack. Is it the murderer or is it Denis’s new archenemy – or are they one and the same? I can’t wait to see where that storyline goes. Will Mr. William Archer take over as the villain of the series or will Denis send him on to his great reward? Another intriguing storyline could include Lady as Denis’s love interest. Will he allow it or will he admire her from afar? Will she be used against him in the future? I would certainly bet on it.

This was a quick, fun read with an interesting mystery with a bit of a twist. I enjoyed seeing more of Denis’s men and learning a bit about them rather than them staying window-dressing and used for nothing other than a handy set of fists. Of course, I loved Donata and Lacey and that he tells her absolutely everything and always keeps her as his first priority.

If you are looking for a nice mystery with interesting characters and lovely twists and turns, then you might want to give this book a read.