The Mystery of the Missing Heiress

Gravesyde Priory Mysteries #2

by Patricia Rice

Bestselling author Patricia Rice offers the next book in her Regency historical mystery series...

Wycliffe Manor, a magnet for murder...

On a long-delayed errand to remote Wycliffe Manor, ex-Lieutenant Jack de Sackville stumbles across the murdered body of London dandy, Basil Culpepper, in the hedgerow, a long way from his usual haunts. To Jack’s dismay, he discovers the earl’s daughter Culpepper ruined hiding in Wycliffe’s kitchen.

Disguised as a lowly cook, Lady Elspeth Villiers may have liked to shoot Culpepper for ruining her life, but she dropped out of sight for more immediate reasons than an old scandal—her wealth has become the focus of greedy men. The arrival of Jack, the man she’s adored since childhood, along with Culpepper’s corpse, mean her hiding place is no longer safe.

But once Lady Elsa reveals herself to the unconventional inhabitants of Wycliffe Manor, they become the protective family she has never known. Outraged to learn the beautiful woman he once loved and lost has become a target of greed, Jack joins the investigation into Culpepper’s death.

With a murderer on the loose, the amateur sleuths must unravel a deadly tangle of kidnappers and counterfeiters or the Manor’s eccentric inhabitants will be in as much danger as their cook.

Genres: Mystery, Historical, Cozy Mystery, Romance, Fiction, Historical Romance, Historical Mystery

316 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 6, 2023

About the author

With several million books in print and New York Times and USA Today's bestseller lists under her belt, former CPA Patricia Rice writes emotionally-charged contemporary and historical romances which have won numerous awards, including the RT Book Reviews Reviewers Choice and Career Achievement Awards.

Her books have also been honored as Romance Writers of America RITA® finalists in the historical, regency and contemporary categories.

A firm believer in happily-ever-after for good reason, Patricia Rice is married to her high school sweetheart and has two children. A native of Kentucky and New York, a past resident of North Carolina and Missouri, she currently resides in Southern California, and now does accounting only for herself.

She also writes under the pen name Jamie Quaid

Reviews

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful instalment in this Regency mystery romance series! We meet the characters from the previous book again, but there are new ones added and I absolutely loved the couple in this one - earl's daughter turned cook Elsa and her childhood friend Jack. She has fled from a bullying step-brother and would-be fiance, both ruthless men who will stop at nothing to secure her substantial dowry for themselves. Burying herself among the pots and pans of the kitchen is her way of coping, until her hiding place is discovered and her pursuers catch up with her. They haven't reckoned with her new-found friends and relatives, however, and I was cheering them on as they prepared to give the villains the come-uppance they deserved. The ongoing search for an old treasure that's needed to save the ramshackle manor the characters all live in adds a fun element. And I really like how all these disparate people band together to form a family by choice, if not totally by blood. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

[kathie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Kindle e-book, own
2nd book in series
Clarisa, Captain Hunt, Jack, Lady Elspeth

Once again, time well spent with this mod-podge group who quickly bond together. Looking forward to book #3 out in March 2024. A bit of romance, mystery, friendships, what's not to like?

[Barbara Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Gravesyde Priory Mysteries #2
Publication Date: 10/6/23
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: 328

Oh! If you love mysteries, then this is the book for you because it is chock full of them! There are two overarching mysteries where the residents of Wycliffe Manor must manage to find the hidden family jewels in order to support themselves and the Manor, and the actual ownership of the Manor. Can they save the Manor from Snidely Whiplash the banker and continue with their hodge-podge family? With the additional mysteries of who is after their cook and why – as well as – will Oliver be taken away? Then, of course, there is the murder, who did that? Ah! Yes, mysteries aplenty, action aplenty, dastardly characters aplenty, and all of them seem to find their way to Wycliffe Manor.

What isn’t there plenty of? Weddings! Lots of romances, we just haven’t gotten around to a wedding yet. Soon – I’m sure there will be weddings soon! Perhaps we are going to wait and have some big group wedding in one of the books. I like weddings and I like HEAs and I can’t wait for these to start. Of course, I guess we’ll have to wait for some part of the HEA since the mystery of the Priory isn’t solved – and I’m sure that once it is solved, the series will end. Bummer! I can hardly wait to see who the next featured couple will be. I really hope there is a bang-up Epilogue in the last book that will show the Manor and its residents several years in the future. It will be so much fun to see how such a disparate group of folks will manage to make it all work. I really like all of these characters and want to be sure their HEA really is a lasting one.

Lieutenant Jack de Sackville is making a years-overdue delivery to Oliver Owen who is the seven-year-old nephew of Clarissa (Clare) Knightley (The Secrets of Wycliffe Manor) when he discovers the body of a man along the road. What in the world was Basil Culpepper doing this far away from London and in such a remote area? Needless to say, he’s welcomed with a bit of suspicion when he delivers a dead body to the village of Gravesyde Priory. However, someone at the Manor recognizes Jack and does her very best to keep him from recognizing her.

Lady Elspeth (Elsa) Villiers is a heiress who grew up in a family that didn’t value her and allowed her younger step-brother to torment and abuse her. Her escape from the abuse was the kitchen where she could lose herself in cooking. Elsa’s brother is now trying to force her into marriage with an odious man, so she escapes them all and finds refuge at Wycliffe Manor. At Wycliffe, she is welcomed with open arms and she finds the acceptance and family she never had.

Soon after Jack arrives, others begin to arrive. Elsa has been found! Will her new family manage to protect her from all of the villains who keep arriving at the door? Will Elsa have to flee yet again?

This book has something for everyone. There is murder and mayhem, kidnappings, and attempted murders along with an eclectic, diverse cast that will immediately endear themselves to you. Then, when you add in wounded soldiers returned from war, but not welcomed home and cute puppies – not to mention romance. Goodness! Yes, I can definitely recommend this book and I hope you’ll love 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.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Gravesyde Priory Mystery series. As with book one, this is a highly entertaining, fast paced story. Our two main characters throughout the series are Captain Huntley and Claire Knightley and we get to see how there characters continue to grow from book one. We also have two new sub-main characters -- Jack de Sackville and Lara Evans the cook (a.k.a "Elsa" Lady Elspeth Laurel Villiers). The story goes between the voices of all four of them.

Overall, I really like this story. The first chapter or two of the story was a little confusing. Partly with the new characters that were introduced or exposed. Partly because it felt like things had progressed a little further between the Captain and Claire in book one, but in book two there appear to be roadblocks there.

Having said this, the story was really good. Both with the specific mysteries in this book as well as the progression of the overall mystery that takes place throughout the series. What you start to see more than ever in this book is how the occupants are starting to become a true "family" working together for the greater good.

If you have not read book one, you could start with this book. However, there are a lot of sub-stories from the previous book that are revealed in references. If you are ok with this, then read on. I predict that you will go back to book one as soon as you finish book two. They are both fun and quick reads, so I do not see this as a hardship at all.

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DISCLAIMER: I received an advance reader copy of this book provided by the author in exchange for a fair, objective, and honest review.

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book should have been so much better than it is. There's a decent story here with likeable characters, and a good editor should have been able to clear up the baffling incidents that leave the reader going "Wait, what just happened?" As it is, it's a mish mash with key pieces of action taking place off the page and then only referred to obliquely afterwards like everyone knows what's going on. Clare is a young spinster raising her orphaned nephew in Regency London. Her best friend is a woman of Indian origins who has been trained by her successful apothecary father - so much so that a man has seduced and impregnated her in an attempt to get her late father's recipe book. When a letter arrives saying Clare may be an heir to a mouldering country estate, it seems like a good time to get out of the city. At Wycliffe Manor she meets Adam Huntly, a wounded American soldier, and Walker, his African assistant. (Interesting to the see "Bridgerton Effect" at work) Of course they're at loggerheads to start out with. Of course they're going to fall in love. Meanwhile, they're trying to figure out if there's anything worth saving on the estate and whether a family legend of hidden jewels is true. Add to this more people showing up, more household staff being hired, and it's very difficult to figureout what is going on. It doesn't help when scenes take place off the page and then are never explained. A family tree would have been a great help! While I understand the ending somewhat, I'm not exactly sure how we got there. But with all that said, I really liked the characters and the odd little family they've formed, and I'd like to see if the second book gets any better.

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mystery of the Missing Heiress
A Graveside Priory Mystery #2

Returning to Wycliffe Manor to find out how the motley crew of fragmented distant family members is faring was…interesting…and SO MUCH FUN! Patricia Rice always provides a bit of mystery along with romance, magic, and more!

What I liked:
* The mystery of “the jewels” that is continued and linked to family portraits
* New Mysteries to solve – murders, thievery, counterfeiting, and more
* Seeing what is happening with Clare and Hunt – both inheritors of the crumbling manor
* Watching Oliver, Clare’s nephew, move forward
* Lady Elspeth “Elsa” Villiers hiding out in the kitchen to save her future
* John Cecil De Sackville or “Jack De Sack” – carrying dragon eggs to Oliver…and checking in on Elsa
* The plot, setting, and writing
* Being invested in the outcome
* Wondering what will happen to the soldiers on the land and the hounds and so much more
* Checking in on other supporting characters and wondering which one will star in the next book in the series.
* Wondering if Ameera and Walker will settle down together
* That there is so much potential for future books in this series
* Knowing that the bad guys were dealt with handily.

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Having to wait to see what will happen next

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

[SylviaV · Rating 5 out of 5]

The mystery of the missing heiress - Patricia Rice
Gravesyde Priory Mysteries # 2
My thoughts:
This is a historical mystery set in regency England with the assorted characters and atmospheric setting that you expect from a Patricia Rice book. Connections and unforeseen events brings people together and there are bonds other than blood that make a family. In this second book in the series, we are introduced to ex-Lieutenant Jack de Sackville and an earl’s daughter Lady Elspeth Villiers who is working/hiding as a cook in Wycliffe Manor's kitchen. We get an update on the Clara & Hunt and Meera & Walker relationships. There is mystery, murder, mayhem, quirky characters and romance. I really enjoyed spending time with the residents of Wycliffe Manor and their ever-expanding community. I look forward to reading the next installment in this series to see what happens next. A great read. This can be read as a stand-alone book.
Disclaimer: I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the author.

[Cristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was more entertaining than the first one of the series. Still is not yet a 4 stars worth book. I would give three and half if I could.
The pace is not the same throughout the book. This make difficult for me to hold my attention from the beginning until the end.
In this second book there are two parallel lines of mysteries.
The one concerning the missing heiress is quiet straight forwards. The motive of the crime was easy to guess.
The other one, that started in book 1 progress slowly and is nice weaved into the main story. There is no solution for this one at the end of this book. So I expect we will have to wait for the third of maybe fourth book to get the answers.
I can not say I liked the character of the missing heiress. On the whole, I think that Mrs Rice created better male characters for this series than the female ones.

Disclaimer: I received an advance reader copy of this book provided by the author in exchange for a fair, objective, and honest review.

[Marla Cohen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series. It is not a standalone. There are recurring characters from the first book as well as a “ continuation” so to speak. The main characters, Claire Knightly and Cpt. AList air Huntley figure prominently, but the story revolves around Jack de Sackville, a retired soldier and Lady Elspeth ( Elsa) Villiers who just happens to be another Wycliffe relative in hiding pretending to be a cook at the Manor.
I have to admit, once I started the book , I could not put it down. It has all the elements of a Regency, plus a little Hothic and a murder and attempted murder and of course romance with a happy ending.
I am sure there are more books to come as the inheritance issues have not been totally resolved yet.
Can’t wait!
I received this book at no charge for an honest review.

[Lucia Valenzuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story. I couldn’t put it down. It will totally hold your attention from the beginning until the end. Lots of mystery and suspense. The author did an excellent job in this second book in the series. Most of the main characters were met in the previous book. Hunt and Clare continue to dance around their feelings for each other. Elsa and Jack are reunited after years apart, but Jack’s notions of what is necessary to pursue her might just ruin things. There are murders, attempted kidnappings, financial troubles and more to keep things moving.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.

[H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of The Mystery of the Missing Heiress. This review is mine and mine alone.
I really enjoyed this second book in the series. With all the unique characters and the mystery of the lost jewels and of the missing heiress, the book was hard to put down. There was a lot of action involving murder and attempted murder and abduction that kept my attention throughout the book. I suggest reading the first book in the Gravesyde Priory Mysteries series - The Secrets of Wycliffe Manor which sets up all the characters and premise of the story. Patricia Rice is a favourite author of mine, and yet again - great job! Pick up a copy, I know you will enjoy it too!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Graveside Priory series. While I liked the first book, I had a few issues with it, but this book was much better. Part of that is because of the romance cliffhanger in the last book, this one is much more resolved for Clare and Huntley.

In this book, the mystery of the inheritance continues as well as a new murder to solve. Jack de Sackville finds a body, someone he knows and dislikes, right outside the drive leading to the manor. Jack joins the household to help solve the mysteries and finds his childhood love, Lady Elsa, hiding as the cook. An enjoyable series made that way by the characters and how well they interact with each other.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an underlying story continues, this book is best read after the first in the series. The book starts with a mysterious murder and a family member in need of protection both of which are resolved by the end, and skips along at a pace that keeps the reader engaged and invested in the storyline. It was rather spoiled for me by the number of Americanisms that crept into this English based story but a recommended read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this story from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jane Irish Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

On his way to fulfill a long-overdue promise, Jack de Sackville discovers the body of a murder victim. And not just anybody, but a London dandy. Naturally Jack wonders who killed him and why. Meanwhile at Wycliffe Manor Lady Elspeth Villiers has disguised herself as the cook—both because she enjoys cooking and to escape an unwanted marriage. As the inhabitants of the manor continue to search for missing jewels and other ways to pay off the mortgage, Jack joins them, soon uncovering his childhood friend's disguise. But as danger threatens can Jack protect Elsa?

[Sherry Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mystery of the Missing Heiress is three totally different mysteries. Who was the dead man that Jack found en route to the manor and why was he killed; where have the missing jewels been hidden that the family needs to keep the manor, and from whom is Elsa, the missing heiress, hiding?

I found it to be a good page-turner as I never knew that that next page would bring! It has it all – interesting characters, great dialogue, lots of action and just the right amount of romance.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story

Another foray into the Regency world of Wycliffe Manor where found family and distant relatives combine to try to create a home. They don't have an easy time of it as most of them are eccentrics or outcasts of one form or another. However, the learn to rely on one another and love sparks.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was quite enjoyable as well as mysterious, but I have to admit that I had to reread the first one before I started this one. Also, there are a lot of characters getting introduced, and that's fun. There are so many unanswered questions, so I know there will be at least one more book in the series. My suggestion is that you read them in order to get the full effect ... it will be well worth the time and effort!

[Julia David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this story and love the characters. When Jack is going to Wycliffe to deliver a package, he stumbles upon a dead body. He knows the man; is sure he was up to no good and that he probably deserved it. Elsa has been hiding out as the cook at Wycliffe and when Jack shows up, she is sure she will have to run again. She and Jack are old friends. When people show up to kidnap Elsa, Jack and the others are there to defend her. They now have their own army. It is a strange army, but they are all willing to defend one of their own. Will they ever find the treasure? Will Elsa ever have a home?

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to follow

[K Hancock · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 3.5* fun

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second wonderful chapter in the Gravesyde Priory mysteries. Ms Rice has outdone herself with this book.

A late earl has brought various members of his family together to a huge manor house. He has created an inheritance for anyone who wants to be a part of it. The manor is a part of the inheritance, but there may or may not be other treasure. It is all part of the puzzle.

The family members who have come to the manor are varied. There is an American soldier, Hunt, a young girl, Lavender, who would not be a legitimate heir in normal circumstances, an earl’s daughter, Elsa, who hides as a cook and a young woman, Clare, who is raising her very young nephew, Oliver. All of them have brought others with them. There are two French brothers who are not a part of the immediate family, but the French Revolution took their home and family so here they are. In short, this is a family of many varied members. They are drawn together by caring for one another more than the hope of a missing treasure.

Elsa is an earl’s daughter. She has been raised in a family that did not value her at all. Now, she has run away from home and come to the manor because one of her brothers has promised her in marriage to a man who wants only her money. She is the cook for the manor. She is good at it and hopes she can hide there and no one will ever notice her.

Clare recognizes Elsa as someone who is part of the family. And she wants Elsa to feel safe in her new home.

Jack is a soldier who has a gift to bring to Oliver. The gift was given to Jack right before Oliver’s father died in Egypt. Jack also recognizes Elsa. They grew up together. He left to join the Army and fight Napoleon. He never forgot her and she has always remembered him. When he finds her at the manor, he is intrigued. He soon learns that her life after he left has not been what he would have expected for her.

There are people who try to kidnap Elsa. When that does not work, the shooting begins. Lives are in danger because someone wants Elsa and her money or her dead so she cannot have access to her money.

This story has mystery and danger. There is humor, warmth, charm and romance. There is a strong sense of love among the people who live at the manor. They welcome others at every turn. People from the nearby village become a part of life at the manor. Strangers become a part of life at the manor, because that is the right thing to do.

This is a terrific story. I loved the fact that the lead characters showed such respect and care for the people around them. At the same time, the four lead characters are re-evaluating their lives and looking around them with new visions of what life could be for them.

I received this book from the author I am voluntarily writing this review and all opinions are completely my own.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Gravesyde Priory Mystery Series. I highly recommend you read the first one before reading this one. I love Patricia Rice as an author and liked this book overall but found the book a bit like listening to an elderly scatterbrained aunty telling the story. At times it was a great story and at others it was difficult to follow what was going on, even though I knew who the characters were and what the story was about!
Over all I loved the duel storyline of the mystery within the Priory household and the mystery with one of its residents. The characters are a lot of fun and you will learn to fall in love with them. Just be forewarned that you will really need to be paying attention while you read!
I am looking forward to the next in the series as the ending definitely leaves you wanting more!


DISCLAIMER: I received an advance reader copy of this book provided by the author in exchange for a fair, objective, and honest review.

[Carey S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so entertaining! There’s a mystery, a murder, an attempted kidnapping or two, a treasure hunt, ‘dinosaur’ eggs, skirmishes in a courtyard, a sniper, evil minions, misguided relatives driven by greed, and multiple characters pragmatically deciding how best to live their lives in a new and different environment. There’s something for everyone in this book! I found myself laughing out loud at times as well, and I cried once or twice, too. The first half is slightly slower-paced than the second half, but it works out beautifully by being that way. There are multiple characters to keep track of, and there is a prior book in this series that introduces readers to many of these characters. We get to see their personalities evolve and strengthen in this book, and we observe as this rag-tag band of misfits takes full ownership of and responsibility for their new home. What a delight!!

This story centers around four separate protagonists: Clarissa (Clare) Knightly and Alistair Huntley (Hunt), and John (Jack) Cecil de Sackville and Lady Elspeth (Elsa) Villiers. The setup for this story is fascinating and complex and each character has a reason for their behavior in the storyline. There is a bit of frank discussion regarding the roles of men and women in society at this time, and it is refreshing to read about it, and to see male characters who recognize some of the absurdities of the limitations placed upon women of the era. This is a well-written and insightful story that will delight intelligent readers.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second installment adds more unique, quirky characters to the Manor. Unfortunately, a dead body, fights in the courtyard, a band of unruly soldiers, and shootings make everyone feel unsafe, especially Clarissa. The story is packed with layered details about each character and event, which require re-reading, as I just did.