Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Lord Petteril Mysteries #9
Publication Date: 1/30/26
Period: Regency – Near Oxford
Number of Pages: 181

I have thoroughly enjoyed the stories and character development throughout this series. It has been a delight to watch April and Piers grow from who they were in the earliest books into the people they are today. Each installment delivers an intriguing mystery while also offering glimpses into the personal lives of April, Piers, and the well-drawn supporting cast.

Before becoming a lord, Piers was a dean at Oxford University—a life he never wanted to leave but was forced to abandon when he unexpectedly inherited a title. Knowing how deeply he missed his academic friends, April suggests renting a house near Oxford and inviting them to stay for two weeks. When the guests arrive, however, an unexpected presence casts a shadow over the visit: a woman from Piers’s past—one he never mentioned to April—and she is decidedly unhappy to see her. As tensions rise among the guests, strange sounds in the night unsettle the household, noises the small staff attributes to lingering “ghosts.”

When blood is shed, everyone becomes a suspect. But is Piers too blinded by friendship to see the truth? Is the culprit among the guests, or is someone from outside responsible? Can Piers ease April’s doubts and hurt feelings caused by his old friends? You’ll have to read this satisfying mystery to uncover the answers.

If you enjoy a well-crafted mystery paired with rich, relatable characters, this book is for you. Happy reading!

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: Lord Petteril Mysteries #8
Publication Date: 6/19/25
Period: Regency London – Winter
Number of Pages: 160

I am absolutely enamored with Lord Petteril (Piers) and April. They are engaging characters who are warm, caring, intelligent, and devoted. They are side by side in all things, whether it is solving a mystery or making family decisions.

Early morning chaos descends on the Petteril household when the servants discover a baby on the steps to the servant’s entrance. Most aristocratic families would have the child delivered to a local orphanage, but not Lord and Lady Petteril. They intend to see the child is cared for while they track down its family, even though everyone will assume the worst – that it is Petteril’s illegitimate child. They begin their search in their neighborhood, but quickly spread out and – well – it seems almost anyone in London could be a suspect. The clues that come to light lead them in all directions. What is going on? Are they solving more than one mystery – or – is it all related?

This is an excellent read, featuring a well-developed, excellently paced mystery and endearing characters that you’ll love. You can read this book as a standalone, but to fully appreciate the characters, I recommend reading from the beginning. I hope you will enjoy the book as much as I did.

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

View all my reviews