Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: Ladies Most Scandalous #4
Publication Date: 3/26/24
Period: 1869 – Victorian London
Number of Pages: 294

Hmm – strange things are afoot in the Foreign Office as this excellently-written, well-paced, well-plotted historical romance/mystery unfolds. The protagonists are very likable and relatable, while the antagonist is venal and vile – just the way I like it. You’ll love it all – and it will keep you on the edge of your chair wondering who did it.

Five years ago, Miss Jane Halliwell’s world crashed and burned – to a cinder. Her beloved father, who worked for the Foreign Office, committed suicide and left Jane and her mother destitute from his gambling debts. She is now governess to Margaret, the daughter of her father’s good friend, Lord Gilford. Lady Gilford is not a supporter of Jane and takes every opportunity to belittle her and assure Jane knows of her now reduced place in society. Therefore, Jane is shocked when Lady Gilford informs her that, to keep the numbers right, she must attend a dinner that is part of an international symposium sponsored by Lord Gilford.

Lord Adrian Fielding, brother of the Duke of Langham (from book three), was a new and very young Foreign Office diplomat five years ago when his mentor committed suicide. He’d befriended the man’s young daughter, but, after the suicide, he was immediately sent away from Rome to another posting without even being able to say goodbye. He’d caught a glimpse of her two years ago, but she wouldn’t speak with him and seemed very angry. Now, he’s at this symposium – and she is here – and still angry. Why? He’s tried to find her since their encounter two years ago, but it seemed there was no trace of her. He hopes to make things right with her.

Since this is a romance – with a mystery tagging along for the ride – we’ll need to know a tad about the mystery. Jane finds Lord Gilford stabbed to death in his study. Who could have done such a thing? There is no shortage of suspects as the house is full of foreign dignitaries, servants, Foreign Office representatives, and family. Detective Inspector Eversham (from book 1) is immediately called in and enlists Adrian’s assistance. They would prefer to leave Jane out of it, but she insists on helping as Lord Gilford was one of the very few to give her a helping hand after her father’s suicide. As they work through the clues – and uncover other happenings at the Foreign Office – the danger to them increases, and they grow closer. While the identity of the antagonist didn’t surprise me, the depths of his depravity did.

I can definitely recommend this book and this series. While this isn’t my favorite of the series, it was a lovely read, an exciting mystery, and provided us with a well-deserved HEA. We also got nice visits with the main characters of the previous books and a sweet epilogue. I hope you’ll give this book a try and enjoy it as much as I did. Happy Reading.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.