Tag: Mary Lancaster

Review: Petteril’s Christmas by Mary Lancaster

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Christmas, Historical Mystery, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820)Leave a comment

Petteril's Christmas (Lord Petteril Mysteries Book 7)

Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: Lord Petteril Mysteries #7
Publication Date: 11/1/24
Period: Regency London
Number of Pages: 161

MERRY CHRISTMAS from Piers and April, Lord and Lady Petteril! Petteril wants their first Christmas together to be at his rural estate with just the two of them. April wants that too, but she just really wants to be with her husband wherever that might be. April has never celebrated Christmas and is looking forward to learning all the traditions.

Christmas in the country is not to be as his great-aunt Prudence, whom he had all but forgotten, summons him to town saying she is dying and the servants are stealing from her. He’s ashamed he hasn’t sought her out earlier, but he had no idea she was in London – or even England. She has always been a gadabout and never in one place for long. Piers does have fond memories of a childhood when he and his brother spent happy hours at her home. Yes, help her he must!

Great-aunt Prudence’s mystery is easily solved, and the ton is expected to behave disrespectfully and discourteously. What is not expected is for April’s past to rear its ugly head in the form of blackmail and murder. The blackmailer raises many memories for April, and she has to deal with those before she and Petteril can enjoy their Christmas.

While there was a murder to investigate, this was still a sweet, lovely, happy Christmas story that will make you smile much more often than it will make you frown. We visit with several old friends and meet some new ones that I hope will drop in for visits occasionally. If you are looking for a quick, short, lovely story that will keep you captivated from beginning to end, this is it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

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

Lord Petteril’s Folly by Mary Lancaster

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Historical Mystery, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820)Leave a comment

Petteril's Folly (Lord Petteril Mysteries #6)

Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Lord Petteril Mysteries #6
Publication Date: 6/28/24
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: 164

The smart, cunning, handsome, enigmatic, and quirky Lord Petteril has totally captured my heart throughout this series – as has the equally smart, beautiful, and quirky April.

Despite the huge class difference, Petteril and April are now man and wife. April isn’t concerned about how society will feel about her, but she worries about society’s reactions to the marriage and how it will affect Petteril. April’s main concern is how the servants she worked with and befriended will react to her. We get some sample reactions early on from both servants and society. Petteril’s aunt is a total stinker and I hope something happens with her – just her – personally. She needs a comeuppance of some sort and I dearly hope April is the one to give it to her. 😊

After their long, lovely, tranquil days in Portugal, they return home to find that Stewart, Petteril’s valet, has been arrested for theft. Both April and Petteril are positive Stewart didn’t commit the crime – but they are sure he knows something. Who is he protecting? Why would he risk protecting them?

The mystery had several twists and turns that kept it interesting because you are almost sure you know who did it, but not totally sure. Just know that the villain is a real nightmare and for a change, the villain gets what he deserves.

If you are looking for a quick, interesting read with lovable characters, romance, and a good mystery, you might want to try this book.

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