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Captain Lacey #1-3
Captain Lacey Regency Mysteries Volume One
A collection of the first three novels in the Captain Lacey Regency Mysteries series plus two Captain Lacey short stories originally published in mystery magazines.
The Hanover Square Affair (Book 1)
A Regimental Murder (Book 2)
The Glass House (Book 3)
"The Disappearance of Miss Sarah Oswold" (short story)
"The Gentleman’s Walking Stick" (short story)
Meet Captain Gabriel Lacey, a half-pay cavalry officer who returns to Regency London from the Napoleonic Wars with little money and no purpose, but with a sense of honor and fairness. He’s pulled into a search for a missing young woman, and thus begins investigating crime, using his status as a gentleman--albeit a poor one--to cross the boundaries between the top of society and the working class of the back streets.
In The Hanover Square Affair, a missing girl and horrific corpse plunge Captain Lacey into the dark underworld of Regency London.
In A Regimental Murder, Captain Lacey is on hand to save the life of a beautiful widow, then investigates the death of her husband, a colonel who had been accused of murdering a cavalry officer during the Peninsular War.
In The Glass House, Lacey investigates the death of a barrister’s young wife, and links her to a notorious brothel where the haut ton play.
Two short stories finish off the collection. In “The Disappearance of Miss Sarah Oswald,” Lacey is asked to locate a man’s missing daughter, though he senses that the family would be just as happy for her to remain missing. In “The Gentleman’s Walking Stick,” Lacey untangles a web of deceit involving a respectable society man, his only clue being a missing walking stick.
The Hanover Square Affair (Book 1)
A Regimental Murder (Book 2)
The Glass House (Book 3)
"The Disappearance of Miss Sarah Oswold" (short story)
"The Gentleman’s Walking Stick" (short story)
Meet Captain Gabriel Lacey, a half-pay cavalry officer who returns to Regency London from the Napoleonic Wars with little money and no purpose, but with a sense of honor and fairness. He’s pulled into a search for a missing young woman, and thus begins investigating crime, using his status as a gentleman--albeit a poor one--to cross the boundaries between the top of society and the working class of the back streets.
In The Hanover Square Affair, a missing girl and horrific corpse plunge Captain Lacey into the dark underworld of Regency London.
In A Regimental Murder, Captain Lacey is on hand to save the life of a beautiful widow, then investigates the death of her husband, a colonel who had been accused of murdering a cavalry officer during the Peninsular War.
In The Glass House, Lacey investigates the death of a barrister’s young wife, and links her to a notorious brothel where the haut ton play.
Two short stories finish off the collection. In “The Disappearance of Miss Sarah Oswald,” Lacey is asked to locate a man’s missing daughter, though he senses that the family would be just as happy for her to remain missing. In “The Gentleman’s Walking Stick,” Lacey untangles a web of deceit involving a respectable society man, his only clue being a missing walking stick.
646 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 16, 2012
244 people are currently reading
296 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Gardner
52 books679 followersAshley Gardner is the pseudonym for NY Times bestselling and award-winning author Jennifer Ashley and nationally bestselling and award-winning author Allyson James. Her award-winning Captain Lacey Regency mysteries have garnered top reviews and an enthusiastic following. These books are now available as digital editions. More about the series can be found at http://www.gardnermysteries.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
July 14, 2014
This mystery series is written by romance author Jennifer Ashley, but there is no romance in it. It's classical mystery from the first person POV of a former cavalry officer during the Regency era in England.
Captain Gabriel Lacey is a very bitter, very angry, destitute gentleman who still has more than his fair share of honor and obsession with justice. He also gathers acquaintances he's not sure he wants but who seem to want to help him despite his pride pushing them away.
There were times I got annoyed at Lacey and I still think he'd be better off kicking one particular couple to the curb and wiping the dust of that dysfunctional friendship off his hands entirely, but the mysteries always kept me intrigued. Why did I get so annoyed with Lacey? Because he's got this insane temper and he gets infuriated and comes close to blowing everything with his raving and physical attacks. What he's angry about is worth being angry about, definitely, but he handles things fairly poorly sometimes.
But then a flawed character is much better than a Mr. Perfection and clearly my emotions and interest were engaged.
I've bought the second box set today, but I'm probably going to set them aside for a week or so to keep from getting burnt out. It's a very specific, authentic, atmosphere and voice and, while I like it a lot, it could become tiresome if I bury myself in it.
This isn't romance, I'll repeat. But if you want a break from romance and you're losing it waiting for the next season of BBC's Sherlock or Elementary, this might be the thing for you.
Captain Gabriel Lacey is a very bitter, very angry, destitute gentleman who still has more than his fair share of honor and obsession with justice. He also gathers acquaintances he's not sure he wants but who seem to want to help him despite his pride pushing them away.
There were times I got annoyed at Lacey and I still think he'd be better off kicking one particular couple to the curb and wiping the dust of that dysfunctional friendship off his hands entirely, but the mysteries always kept me intrigued. Why did I get so annoyed with Lacey? Because he's got this insane temper and he gets infuriated and comes close to blowing everything with his raving and physical attacks. What he's angry about is worth being angry about, definitely, but he handles things fairly poorly sometimes.
But then a flawed character is much better than a Mr. Perfection and clearly my emotions and interest were engaged.
I've bought the second box set today, but I'm probably going to set them aside for a week or so to keep from getting burnt out. It's a very specific, authentic, atmosphere and voice and, while I like it a lot, it could become tiresome if I bury myself in it.
This isn't romance, I'll repeat. But if you want a break from romance and you're losing it waiting for the next season of BBC's Sherlock or Elementary, this might be the thing for you.
February 2, 2018
I just finished The Hanover Square Affair and was totally absorbed in it. Captain Lacey is a broken man suffering from what we now call depression and is trying to adjust to life after the war. He's an honorable man as well and this gets him involved in an abduction case. For a 1st in a series, this was an engrossing, somewhat sordid and gritty story, which I enjoyed reading. I am glad that I purchased this volume containing the 1st three stories.
01/30/2018 - Just finished A Regimental Murder. Wow! This 2nd story was also riveting. In this one, Captain Lacey was all Regency Jack Reacher while trying to solve the murders! Though Lacey displays more of an uncontrollable temper than does Reacher. Do not mess with him for sure! There was also more hints into his past. I also really like the dandified Grenville, who has some substance underneath the facade. He was "growing weary of his role as the most popular man in London" and likes that Lacey involves him in his investigation. ("That Grenville befriended me made polite society talk...My father had been a gentleman; but a country gentleman of Norfolk, however ancient our family, was not in the same standing as someone like Lord Barbury or Grenville." "Despite our differences in wealth and opinions, we had become friends. Perhaps we were friends because of our differences; Grenville knew I would never toady to him, and he accepted me as I was - one of the few people in my life ever to do so.") I am on to the next one...
This series has been added to my "new addiction" list!
01/30/2018 - Just finished A Regimental Murder. Wow! This 2nd story was also riveting. In this one, Captain Lacey was all Regency Jack Reacher while trying to solve the murders! Though Lacey displays more of an uncontrollable temper than does Reacher. Do not mess with him for sure! There was also more hints into his past. I also really like the dandified Grenville, who has some substance underneath the facade. He was "growing weary of his role as the most popular man in London" and likes that Lacey involves him in his investigation. ("That Grenville befriended me made polite society talk...My father had been a gentleman; but a country gentleman of Norfolk, however ancient our family, was not in the same standing as someone like Lord Barbury or Grenville." "Despite our differences in wealth and opinions, we had become friends. Perhaps we were friends because of our differences; Grenville knew I would never toady to him, and he accepted me as I was - one of the few people in my life ever to do so.") I am on to the next one...
This series has been added to my "new addiction" list!
July 10, 2021
Wonderful writing, about recently retired H who is knows for being honourable. But underneath he's rages at injustice and can be violent. He makes friends in high places and becomes very influential. Loved the setting of these stories and reality of the characters. Fantastic reading.
to-read-own
December 11, 201712/11/17 $.99 for Kindle.
December 29, 2017
An Anti Hero with a heart of gold.
Capt.Lacey a partly disabled war vet , in this day and age would qualify for knee replacement surgery , anger control therapy and various PTSD.treatments.
Unfortunately his adventures are acted out two hundred years ago , so Captain. Lacey has a difficult personality.
By a stroke of genius , however he has a caring soft center , which cannot resist trying to solve the problems of his world , especially if there is a damsel in destress.
A magnet for problems , curious, uncontrolled and often violent , Captain Lacey finds himself in spectacular situations from the highest to the lowest of society and it is so worth following his devastating tracks.
Capt.Lacey a partly disabled war vet , in this day and age would qualify for knee replacement surgery , anger control therapy and various PTSD.treatments.
Unfortunately his adventures are acted out two hundred years ago , so Captain. Lacey has a difficult personality.
By a stroke of genius , however he has a caring soft center , which cannot resist trying to solve the problems of his world , especially if there is a damsel in destress.
A magnet for problems , curious, uncontrolled and often violent , Captain Lacey finds himself in spectacular situations from the highest to the lowest of society and it is so worth following his devastating tracks.
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April 24, 2012The first three books in the Captain Lacey Regency Mysteries series plus a short story collection:
1. The Hanover Square Affair
2. A Regimental Murder
3. The Glass House
Short stories: The Gentleman's Walking Stick/The Disappearance of Miss Sarah Oswald.
Available for $4.99
1. The Hanover Square Affair
2. A Regimental Murder
3. The Glass House
Short stories: The Gentleman's Walking Stick/The Disappearance of Miss Sarah Oswald.
Available for $4.99
February 6, 2017
A great set of stories. Captain Lacey is a fully developed character; with each book, the author fills in a bit more of his backstory, to help the reader understand the man he is. Intriguing mysteries and enigmatic secondary characters.
January 11, 2018
Not your typical Regency mystery!
Captain Lacy has returned from the Napoleonic Wars. He has a badly injured leg, and has resigned his commission. While he comes from an old family, the money they once had is long gone Lacy is bitter, and tries to keep to himself. This doesn’t always work out well. He has a knack for falling into mysterious deaths, and a sense of morality that won’t let him walk on by. He also has a knack for meeting interesting people, and fight it as he might, he soon finds himself with a small group of solid friends, all willing to assist him in solving crimes.
These books are extremely well researched, and give you what feels like a more realistic view of the times. Life wasn’t all balls and house parties. The cross section of people the author introduces in each story creates more interest than most books set in this era. My concerns however are twofold. The books are so filled with descriptive narrative, and periods where Lacy is consumed in his depression, that sometimes lengthy sections of them drag on and on. Also, while Lacy meets and is attracted to several women, there isn’t really any romance building.
All in all, interesting plots for unique story lines, and a generally likable main character.
Captain Lacy has returned from the Napoleonic Wars. He has a badly injured leg, and has resigned his commission. While he comes from an old family, the money they once had is long gone Lacy is bitter, and tries to keep to himself. This doesn’t always work out well. He has a knack for falling into mysterious deaths, and a sense of morality that won’t let him walk on by. He also has a knack for meeting interesting people, and fight it as he might, he soon finds himself with a small group of solid friends, all willing to assist him in solving crimes.
These books are extremely well researched, and give you what feels like a more realistic view of the times. Life wasn’t all balls and house parties. The cross section of people the author introduces in each story creates more interest than most books set in this era. My concerns however are twofold. The books are so filled with descriptive narrative, and periods where Lacy is consumed in his depression, that sometimes lengthy sections of them drag on and on. Also, while Lacy meets and is attracted to several women, there isn’t really any romance building.
All in all, interesting plots for unique story lines, and a generally likable main character.
March 9, 2021
As I mentioned, I definitely went on a mystery reading binge last weekend. Instead of grading. But anyway. This is a historical mystery series, set in Regency England. This is very similar to my favorite series by C.S. Harris with Sebastian St. Cyr. But I'd say this has an overall more gritty vibe than the other series. The hero is not this Bourne Identity type of invincible dude. Captain Lacey is kind of a down-on-his luck, injured soldier with not much going for him. He keeps getting roped into solving different murders and is usually trying to save some damsel in distress. He is stubborn, relentless, and has quite a temper. Really, I think Gardner just assembled a cast of pretty complex, flawed people who I didn't like at times, but it seems like she has a redemption arc in mind for most of them. As I continue through the books, I start to see some changes for the better. I will say, some of the murders are a bit darker, and you kind of see the dark underbelly of London, so some of the content I didn't like. But Gardner is a talented writer, with great dialogue, characterization, and historical detail.
June 12, 2017
Great addition to the cast of fictional British detectives
These stories are superb! It was really wonderful to have them gathered in one volume because I was very eager to read the next ones after I finished the first.
When reading about Captain Lacey, It is difficult not to compare him to Sherlock Holmes, but only in terms of his doggedness and struggles with melancholia (and maybe his height!). Otherwise, Lacey bears some close similarities to Anne Perry's detectives, William Monk and Thomas Pitt; but I think I like him better. Ashley Gardner has sketched Lacey as a very emotional creature and this informs his hunt for the truth rather than just a search for an answer to a puzzle.
Thank goodness I also acquired Volume 2--I can return to Captain Lacey forthwith.
These stories are superb! It was really wonderful to have them gathered in one volume because I was very eager to read the next ones after I finished the first.
When reading about Captain Lacey, It is difficult not to compare him to Sherlock Holmes, but only in terms of his doggedness and struggles with melancholia (and maybe his height!). Otherwise, Lacey bears some close similarities to Anne Perry's detectives, William Monk and Thomas Pitt; but I think I like him better. Ashley Gardner has sketched Lacey as a very emotional creature and this informs his hunt for the truth rather than just a search for an answer to a puzzle.
Thank goodness I also acquired Volume 2--I can return to Captain Lacey forthwith.
April 28, 2021
Excellent historical novels
This series has a lot going for it. It's full of historical detail without falling into the trap of showing off research. The backstory of Gabriel Lacey is both interesting and compelling. Best of all, Lacey behaves realistically like a man of his era.
The only issue I have with these mysteries is that they rely too much on Lacey noticing or realizing something only in retrospect. I prefer mysteries that allow an astute reader to predict the solution for themselves. But these books are a joy to read for other reasons than mystery aspect.
This series has a lot going for it. It's full of historical detail without falling into the trap of showing off research. The backstory of Gabriel Lacey is both interesting and compelling. Best of all, Lacey behaves realistically like a man of his era.
The only issue I have with these mysteries is that they rely too much on Lacey noticing or realizing something only in retrospect. I prefer mysteries that allow an astute reader to predict the solution for themselves. But these books are a joy to read for other reasons than mystery aspect.
February 3, 2017
Exquisitely Crafted Regency Mystery
Ms Gardner writes wonderful mysteries. Capt. Lackey is an honorable, flawed man. The war left him injured and well aware of life's injustices. He wants to right wrongs and find the truth. He has few, but very loyal, friends who aid him in his quests. The five stars should be 15....5 for each of the three stories of this collection.
Ms Gardner writes wonderful mysteries. Capt. Lackey is an honorable, flawed man. The war left him injured and well aware of life's injustices. He wants to right wrongs and find the truth. He has few, but very loyal, friends who aid him in his quests. The five stars should be 15....5 for each of the three stories of this collection.
December 27, 2021
These were fun regency mysteries. Certainly did what it set out to do. A little odd on women having no agency. Even ones proven to be evil were still ‘too beautiful to possibly be at fault’ which was rather grating.
April 17, 2018
I really liked these books. In fact, I didn't realize how many there are. I am going to read the others. He is just a really compelling character.
April 9, 2020
Excellent
I can not get enough of Captain Lacy. Looking forward to the next book in the series and hope there are many more
I can not get enough of Captain Lacy. Looking forward to the next book in the series and hope there are many more
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May 24, 2024Read these individually.
April 22, 2018
Slightly cheating as I reviewed the novels separately, but I wanted to record my thoughts on this boxed set. It contains The Hanover Square Affair, A Regimental Murder, and The Glass House, plus three short stories featuring Captain Gabriel Lacey and a sample chapter from the first book in another series.
As an introduction to Ashley Gardner this is good value. As always I enjoyed the novels far more than the short stories, but the short stories were good ones (I just prefer the longer form). Lacey is an engaging character and although there was nothing in the first three books that makes me feel I must continue the series now, the writing was strong enough that it has a chance of lingering in my mind so that I do pick it up again later.
As an introduction to Ashley Gardner this is good value. As always I enjoyed the novels far more than the short stories, but the short stories were good ones (I just prefer the longer form). Lacey is an engaging character and although there was nothing in the first three books that makes me feel I must continue the series now, the writing was strong enough that it has a chance of lingering in my mind so that I do pick it up again later.
June 19, 2014
I was so pleased to find a new author. I love anything British and am partial to the Regency Period when I want to relax so I was happy to see a bargain on this boxed set on Amazon and thought why not. There was one or two anachronisms in the first novel but not so that it affected my enjoyment of the novel. I enjoyed the characters so much that I read straight through the first volume in two days and had to order the rest of the series to follow them which I promptly read. I like that all of the characters are flawed to a certain degree from Captain Lacey down to those with the smallest roles. Each character is a complete person blending good and bad. I like multidimensional characters. So often, regency period novels have stereotypical heroes and heroines and become simple ":bodice- rippers" with little character development. I have now finished all of the novels in the Captain Lacey Mysteries and alas, must wait until the fall for the next installment but I recommend it to anyone who enjoys light reading with good old-fashioned stories and interesting characters.
November 17, 2016
Straight up murder mysteries in the dark and dingy underbelly of Regency London. The stories are decent, if a bit predictable for me. My problem, and I presume it is just my own since ratings are good otherwise for these books, is that I can find no likeable characters. The hero is impulsive, obsessive, and seems to have much more empathy for the dead whose crimes he is solving than for the people in his life who care for him. Everyone else is mean, self-interested, naïve or stupid. I was frustrated by the back and forth between he and the woman from his past that he "loves", who helped create a nasty three-way relationship with his superior officer who is her husband. He also regrets losing his wife, but neither seems to own that behavior that made her go, or want to change it. Except for his redemption by solving murders. He seems determined to push away anyone who wants to help him, because he genuinely doesn't seem to like himself. He has one male friend, who he pushes away on a regular basis because he doesn't want his financial help.
September 18, 2014
Regency murders solved!
Yes Captain Gabriel Lacey, back from the Penninsular Wars in Spain has returned wounded but unboxed. Despite his poverty, bad leg, and a hot temper he becomes the close friend of one of the leaders of the ton. Through this the Captain becomes entangled in three major murder mysteries: The Hanover Square Affair, A Regimental Murder, The Glass House, and two short investigations: The Gentleman's Walking Stick, and The Disappearance of Miss Sarah Oswald in this excellent collection.
The stories are historical accurate and the plots are well done. I didn't guess who was guilty. The Captain clung firmly to his pride and honor as he attempted to protect and avenge the women involved. His temper often intervened, and actually inhibited his investigations, but it also made him more human. I highly recommend this series.
Yes Captain Gabriel Lacey, back from the Penninsular Wars in Spain has returned wounded but unboxed. Despite his poverty, bad leg, and a hot temper he becomes the close friend of one of the leaders of the ton. Through this the Captain becomes entangled in three major murder mysteries: The Hanover Square Affair, A Regimental Murder, The Glass House, and two short investigations: The Gentleman's Walking Stick, and The Disappearance of Miss Sarah Oswald in this excellent collection.
The stories are historical accurate and the plots are well done. I didn't guess who was guilty. The Captain clung firmly to his pride and honor as he attempted to protect and avenge the women involved. His temper often intervened, and actually inhibited his investigations, but it also made him more human. I highly recommend this series.
April 8, 2015
A set of wonderful tales for those who follow the Regency Period. London comes alive from the guttersnipes through to the Ton. Captain Gabriel Lacey returned from the Peninsular Wars a pained and changed man willing to tout for those poorer than he & willing to strike out against the inequities of the Society he sought to protect. He's a hothead and passionate causing fear to those he hold in enmity yet gaining the most trusting of friends.
His adventures often cover the protection of innocents & those who have wronged them to murder most foul. Such issues play to Lacey's moral integrity and issue of which will keep every reader perusing his ground.
Well written & well done.
His adventures often cover the protection of innocents & those who have wronged them to murder most foul. Such issues play to Lacey's moral integrity and issue of which will keep every reader perusing his ground.
Well written & well done.
September 23, 2013
A very solid collection of mysteries set in Regency England. Absolutely lovely details and characterization. Most definitely good enough I'm buying the rest of the series.
Trigger warnings for description of murder, mutilation, violence, mention of rape, discussion of war, child abuse, sex trafficking. They're not particularly gory by modern standards, and it's done in a very dry, English sort of way, but it's there.
Trigger warnings for description of murder, mutilation, violence, mention of rape, discussion of war, child abuse, sex trafficking. They're not particularly gory by modern standards, and it's done in a very dry, English sort of way, but it's there.
October 18, 2014
I feel as though I should love these books more than I did. Historical London + mystery whodunnits + a complicated nest of past relationships should be right up my alley... but the interpersonal side of things are not coming to life for me. I'm still not that invested in Lacey even when he's playing for high stakes. But this is a decent boxset of historical mysteries (especially since I bought it on sale - around $1?), and I'll continue with the series.
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August 16, 2012Ashley Gardner is Jennifer Ashley and someone else, I think... the woman is AMAZINGLY gifted in various genres. I aspire to be her!!
Want to read
September 10, 201399c deal.
tbr-later
December 24, 20149/11/2013: $0.99 on Kindle
June 6, 2017
September 2013. Terrific buy at 99cents at amazon.com.
I had to buy the other books in this series after reading the first 3.
I had to buy the other books in this series after reading the first 3.
November 30, 2013
Really fun Regency mysteries. Although Sebastian St Cyr is still my favorite, I will definitely read the rest of these.
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January 6, 2015Book 1, The Hanover Square Affair started January 27, 2014
December 30, 2013
Time well spent. Off to read the second set.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews