Tag: #LockstoneHollow

The Innkeeper’s Intrigue by Deb Marlowe

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Historical Mystery, Mystery, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820), Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

The Innkeeper's Intrigue (Lockstone Hollow Mystery Series)The Innkeeper’s Intrigue by Deb Marlowe

Tracy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Lockstone Hollow Mystery, #2

Release Date: October 13, 2026

Lady Lisette Birtwhistle has finally come to terms with the events surrounding the murder of her former betrothed and has settled into village life. As the primary leaseholder of the village thanks to her late brother, the Duke of Winbury, Lisette has big plans for the town and hopes to help all the townspeople profit from the changes she has in mind. But when another body is found, it could mean disaster, so the sooner the murderer is found the better.

Though Lisette is leery to get involved, especially after the danger she found herself in last time, when the grumpy constable, Maxwell Sowerby, asks for her help, she can’t refuse. The victim was a good friend of the constable, so he has even more reason to find the assailant. They work together and follow the leads, but rather than bringing them closer together, despite the mutual attraction, Lisette realizes that Maxwell has no intention of making Lockstock Hollow his home and that as long as that is true, they can have no future. And when they almost come to blows after they have different ideas on how to proceed and once again Lisette finds herself in peril.

This was another well written and nicely plotted mystery by Deb Marlowe, and I enjoyed returning to Lockstone Hollow. Lisette is once again called upon to help solve murder, but this time her help has been requested, which makes readers believe that she might decide about her feelings for the constable. In the previous book, I had hoped that Lisette would end up with the constable, but after this book, I am hoping she saves her heart for Royce Logan, the mysterious carpenter. That aside, the story was filled with intrigue, lots of possible suspects, family secrets, blackmail, cute goats, and finally a very suspenseful ending with a bit of a romantic twist. Overall, this was a very intriguing read that I think will appeal to readers who enjoy cozy historical mysteries featuring a strong, intelligent heroine.

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

 

A Betrothed’s Betrayal by Deb Marlowe

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Historical Mystery, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820), Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

A Betrothed's Betrayal (Lockstone Hollow Mystery #1)A Betrothed’s Betrayal by Deb Marlowe

Tracy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: Lockstone Hollow, #1

Release Date: August 11, 2026

Lady Lisette Birthwhistle, the sister of Adam Brithwhistle, the late Duke of Winbury, has not had an easy year. First, she broke off her betrothal to Alexander Prescott, the Earl of Bealford and then her beloved brother passed away unexpectedly. Alone and unsure of her future as the new duke has yet to be found, she travels to the village of Lockstone Hollow, her brother bequeathed her a cottage and the leases to several buildings in the village, presumably for her to manage. She sets out to make the cottage her own and hopefully to make friends in the community. But on the day she arrives there is a murder and it is none other than her former betrothed, which to the local constable makes her the prime suspect.

But Lisette has allies in the village; Misses Sylvie and Ruby Etwell, the mayor’s daughters, Miss Rosie Curtis, owner of the town tavern, Mr. Royce Logan, a carpenter (and local newcomer) who vow to support her when Mr. Maxwell Sowerby, former Bow Street Runner and now the local constable, sets her in his sites. Lisette is clever and easily gets the locals to talk, suppling her with clues and leads that she passes on the constable. When Mr. Sowerby makes an arrest, Lisette is sure he has the wrong person, but first she will need to find evidence and hopefully survive to deliver the proof!

Set in a quaint English village filled with wonderful characters, this was a great start to a new series. While the mystery is the main focus of the book, there is so much more to the is book! The story has new beginnings, loss, two possible love interests, great friends, small town charm, baby goats, and a bit of tension, female empowerment and finally an ending that ties up this mystery, but leaves the door open for more to come! If you are looking for a well-written, regency-era cozy mystery, this is a book you will want to read.

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