What do you think?
Rate this book
The Lord Julian Mysteries #3
A Gentleman in Challenging Circumstances
A legacy of lies...
Lord Julian Caldicott, still recovering from his years at war, is tasked with investigating the circumstances of a small boy who could be either the salvation of the Waltham dukedom or a pawn in a scheme to sink the Caldicott family in endless scandal. The boy is alone in the world, though any one of several women might be his mother, and they all claim that Julian’s brother, the late Lord Harry Caldicott, was the child's father. Or a heritage of honor...
To uncover the boy's parentage, Julian must face demons from his own past, solve puzzles left behind by Lord Harry, and thwart enemies who wish the lad harm for reasons of their own. His investigation takes him from barracks, to brothels, and to Hyde Park by dark of night. The longer he searches, the more tangled—and dangerous—the mystery becomes, for Julian and for the innocent child who deserves to know the truth of his own birthright.
Lord Julian Caldicott, still recovering from his years at war, is tasked with investigating the circumstances of a small boy who could be either the salvation of the Waltham dukedom or a pawn in a scheme to sink the Caldicott family in endless scandal. The boy is alone in the world, though any one of several women might be his mother, and they all claim that Julian’s brother, the late Lord Harry Caldicott, was the child's father. Or a heritage of honor...
To uncover the boy's parentage, Julian must face demons from his own past, solve puzzles left behind by Lord Harry, and thwart enemies who wish the lad harm for reasons of their own. His investigation takes him from barracks, to brothels, and to Hyde Park by dark of night. The longer he searches, the more tangled—and dangerous—the mystery becomes, for Julian and for the innocent child who deserves to know the truth of his own birthright.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 5, 2023
255 people are currently reading
244 people want to read
About the author
Grace Burrowes
189 books2,913 followersGrace Burrowes started writing as an antidote to empty nest and soon found it an antidote to life in general. She is the sixth out of seven children, raised in the rural surrounds of central Pennsylvania. Early in life she spent a lot of time reading romance novels and practicing the piano. Her first career was as a technical writer and editor in the Washington, DC, area, a busy job that nonetheless left enough time to read a lot of romance novels.
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")
Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)
To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")
Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)
To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
February 1, 2024
I loved the writing.....just not the story.....so it is 3.5*` The plot just never clicked with me. A lot of clue hunting that never seemed to get a concrete lead. The ending fell flat for me as did the discussion with Hypernia (sp). Look forward to the next book.
June 10, 2025
4 full stars
Very enjoyable cozy mystery set in regency era.
Not a fast-paced mystery but with an intense and good investigation worthy of Hercule Poirot ( the popular detective by Agatha Christie).
____ PLOT IN A NUTSHELL __ England, regency era.
Lord Julian Caldicott, younger brother of the Duke of Waltham, is a young war veteran still struggling with the physical and emotional wounds of his time as a tortured prisoner at the hands of the French.
In the war he lost not only part of his inner self but also another older brother, Harry.
Harry, known in all the salons of London for his charm and his social life, in the army covered the role of scout and spy (like Julian) and for this, not only his death is shrouded in mystery, but also his whole life turns out to be an intricate game of secrets and false appearances.
Now suddenly Julian and Waltham find themselves having to take care of Harry's little son... but is he really his son? And which of the women around Harry's figure is really the child's mother?
________________
The MYSTERIES in this series are never about murders and yet they are convoluted enough to require a detailed investigation of the most classic kind, that is, looking for every person possibly involved in the case, even in a superficial way, and questioning them one by one, putting all pieces together.
WHAT ALWAYS ENGAGES ME in Julian's mysteries is not only the investigation and the solution of the mystery, but of course it is the personal life of the characters, who despite being linked by family or long-standing friendships, seem to begin to truly know each other only now, after having emerged from the dramatic and painful experience of the war years and the human losses that it entailed.
What completely envelops the reader is the emotional part, which flows from Julian's thoughts, who tells the story in the first person and from his dialogues with the people dear to him.
Waltham too hides a secret from the world, something which he only recently confessed to his younger brother, but which continues to have a significant impact on both of their lives.
Indeed until Julian can find himself and his "male humor" ( as he calls it ), neither of them can have children... Harry's possible son seems the only solution to give an heir to the title of Duke (and all that it entailed at that time: lands and possessions, management and survival of an entire village) and that is why the investigation becomes even more emotionally complicated.
Finding the truth could be the solution or the defeat and ruin...and what about the child's life? An innocent being who cannot and must not pay for the sins of others.
The CHARACTERS are all well outlined.
Even with a few lines and short scenes, the author manages to make us enter into their soul and appreciate or not their characteristics.
----> The clean language and the type of in-depth investigation could make the series appreciated even by lovers of classic Golden Age mysteries, in fact the pace is slow and devoid of action, but always full of new developments and unexpected surprises.
---> Readable as a standalone, but surely more enjoyable and easier to understand (as far as the emotional dynamics and the relationships between the characters are concerned) if you start from book #1.
----> In Goodreads you can see the tag "historical romance", well, ignore it ! Indeed those looking for romance will be disappointed, because it is almost non-existent and certainly does not satisfy the desire for sweetness and effusions that readers of regency romance (even clean ones) usually expect.
---> Read it only if you like cozy historical mysteries.
Thanks for reading my opinion and please forgive my English. You may find errors in my text or just a strange way of expressing myself.
I'm from Italy and I love to read in English to learn more and more ;-)
Very enjoyable cozy mystery set in regency era.
Not a fast-paced mystery but with an intense and good investigation worthy of Hercule Poirot ( the popular detective by Agatha Christie).
____ PLOT IN A NUTSHELL __ England, regency era.
Lord Julian Caldicott, younger brother of the Duke of Waltham, is a young war veteran still struggling with the physical and emotional wounds of his time as a tortured prisoner at the hands of the French.
In the war he lost not only part of his inner self but also another older brother, Harry.
Harry, known in all the salons of London for his charm and his social life, in the army covered the role of scout and spy (like Julian) and for this, not only his death is shrouded in mystery, but also his whole life turns out to be an intricate game of secrets and false appearances.
Now suddenly Julian and Waltham find themselves having to take care of Harry's little son... but is he really his son? And which of the women around Harry's figure is really the child's mother?
________________
The MYSTERIES in this series are never about murders and yet they are convoluted enough to require a detailed investigation of the most classic kind, that is, looking for every person possibly involved in the case, even in a superficial way, and questioning them one by one, putting all pieces together.
WHAT ALWAYS ENGAGES ME in Julian's mysteries is not only the investigation and the solution of the mystery, but of course it is the personal life of the characters, who despite being linked by family or long-standing friendships, seem to begin to truly know each other only now, after having emerged from the dramatic and painful experience of the war years and the human losses that it entailed.
What completely envelops the reader is the emotional part, which flows from Julian's thoughts, who tells the story in the first person and from his dialogues with the people dear to him.
Waltham too hides a secret from the world, something which he only recently confessed to his younger brother, but which continues to have a significant impact on both of their lives.
Indeed until Julian can find himself and his "male humor" ( as he calls it ), neither of them can have children... Harry's possible son seems the only solution to give an heir to the title of Duke (and all that it entailed at that time: lands and possessions, management and survival of an entire village) and that is why the investigation becomes even more emotionally complicated.
Finding the truth could be the solution or the defeat and ruin...and what about the child's life? An innocent being who cannot and must not pay for the sins of others.
The CHARACTERS are all well outlined.
Even with a few lines and short scenes, the author manages to make us enter into their soul and appreciate or not their characteristics.
----> The clean language and the type of in-depth investigation could make the series appreciated even by lovers of classic Golden Age mysteries, in fact the pace is slow and devoid of action, but always full of new developments and unexpected surprises.
---> Readable as a standalone, but surely more enjoyable and easier to understand (as far as the emotional dynamics and the relationships between the characters are concerned) if you start from book #1.
----> In Goodreads you can see the tag "historical romance", well, ignore it ! Indeed those looking for romance will be disappointed, because it is almost non-existent and certainly does not satisfy the desire for sweetness and effusions that readers of regency romance (even clean ones) usually expect.
---> Read it only if you like cozy historical mysteries.
Thanks for reading my opinion and please forgive my English. You may find errors in my text or just a strange way of expressing myself.
I'm from Italy and I love to read in English to learn more and more ;-)
November 26, 2023
If you read this book for the relationships between the characters and not the mystery, you won’t be disappointed.
Grace Burrowes style is a blessing and a curse. Her writing is unique and beautiful, yet the prose can verge on artificial.
Miss Dujardin was tucking Leander in up in his aerie.
Aerie, really? Does that smack of inner monologue?
The characters behave rigidly like chess pieces. They’re the same in every book, not just this series. The cadence of Burrowes’ writing is the steady tick of a metronome rather than the flutter of a heartbeat.
Grace Burrowes style is a blessing and a curse. Her writing is unique and beautiful, yet the prose can verge on artificial.
Miss Dujardin was tucking Leander in up in his aerie.
Aerie, really? Does that smack of inner monologue?
The characters behave rigidly like chess pieces. They’re the same in every book, not just this series. The cadence of Burrowes’ writing is the steady tick of a metronome rather than the flutter of a heartbeat.
May 20, 2024
Loving the fact that Julian has managed to inadvertently collect a whole entourage of people to help him in his enquiries. I approve of the interplay between Julia’s and Hyperia (even if her sensibilities seem a bit modern for the time). I like the way each book ends by leading into the next mystery.
November 25, 2023
Lord Julian continues to recover from his brutal imprisonment in France. Perry is his best friend, Atticus is his street smart tiger and now a new mystery. His brother the Duke has been made aware that aware that there’s a child who is supposedly Harry’s son. The Duke wants Julian to discover the truth of this matter before he leaves for the continent. Julian will have to keep one step ahead!
June 17, 2025
3.25 stars
Book 3 of the series, and my favourite so far. I found Julian much much more lively and sharp in this one, and this made me happy that the poor guy is at last on the good road to recovery. The book language was still artful as ever but the wit transpired even better in this story. The cozy problem in this book was pretty much 'internal' to the Caldicotts. And despite Julian making connections seemingly out of thin air and loads of conjecture, GB's pen somehow tackled it all in such a skillful way that in final, his sleuthing made sense and seemed solid.
Definitely keeping up with the series not for the detective plot, but for the love of Julian Caldicott!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2024
Lovely third book, in a very enjoyable series.
Lord Julian is tasked by his brother, the Duke of Waltham, to discover the truth about 5 year-old Leander, who may or may not be their late brother Harry's child.
Of course, the job is almost impossible--so many dead ends. But Julian perseveres because he feels he has to, and because it is obvious that Leander is in danger.
Lord Julian is tasked by his brother, the Duke of Waltham, to discover the truth about 5 year-old Leander, who may or may not be their late brother Harry's child.
Of course, the job is almost impossible--so many dead ends. But Julian perseveres because he feels he has to, and because it is obvious that Leander is in danger.
September 6, 2024
Regency mystery-romance- bk #3. Mystery interesting
but romance lacking. Finished on 9/5/ 24. Gave 3.5
stars.
Julian was described as a cocky self-assured young
man before serving in war. Now he had vision,
memory, headache, stamina issues. Even his 'manly
humors' were not up to par. His stamina was on the
mend. This man fascinates me & I'd like to have him
feel whole again.
Why do random people snub Jules when Wellington
greeted him in public in book #2?
Why is the author drawing out the emotional torture
when it is obvious that Julian & Hyperia love ea. other?
Why are servants questioning their "betters?" They
would've been bounced out on their ears.
This time Julian investigated was a 5yr old boy the son
of his late brother Harry? Jules ran into his old French
torturer Girard, "a devil on 2 feet" now an English
baron. Wellington informed all troops don't seek revenge
on the baron. We learn what was Girard's rationale for
his role in the war.
but romance lacking. Finished on 9/5/ 24. Gave 3.5
stars.
Julian was described as a cocky self-assured young
man before serving in war. Now he had vision,
memory, headache, stamina issues. Even his 'manly
humors' were not up to par. His stamina was on the
mend. This man fascinates me & I'd like to have him
feel whole again.
Why do random people snub Jules when Wellington
greeted him in public in book #2?
Why is the author drawing out the emotional torture
when it is obvious that Julian & Hyperia love ea. other?
Why are servants questioning their "betters?" They
would've been bounced out on their ears.
This time Julian investigated was a 5yr old boy the son
of his late brother Harry? Jules ran into his old French
torturer Girard, "a devil on 2 feet" now an English
baron. Wellington informed all troops don't seek revenge
on the baron. We learn what was Girard's rationale for
his role in the war.
December 10, 2023
So this time Lord Julian is tasked with finding out if the little orphan, Leander, currently in the care of a war widow with his nurse, is truly his deceased brother's, Harry, child. Even so, if Leander is legitimate, this could have some important meaning for both Arthur and Julian.
What I thought of that book, is that it is still very good and very well written. The author uses words I've never seen before and I've a mind that they were actually how people talked back then, so it adds a more genuine atmosphere and dimension in the book and you can project yourself better into it.
However, I was a little disappointed though because the book is super short and I think that some loose ends were not satisfyingly treated. I fear that the author rushed it a little so that the enthusiasm for the books doesn't get extinguished to the detriment of the story. It might have missed a little humor, which was delightful in the other books.
I guessed by the middle of the book who Leander's real mother was, I think it was quite obvious really, which was disappointing as I usually don't guess that kind of thing until the end, and what makes me interested in the story.
I have put 4 stars because it was still nice to see the evolution of Lord Julian, Perry and Atticus but as always, I wouldn't have mind a little more of them. But perhaps 3 and half would be more accurate.
What I thought of that book, is that it is still very good and very well written. The author uses words I've never seen before and I've a mind that they were actually how people talked back then, so it adds a more genuine atmosphere and dimension in the book and you can project yourself better into it.
However, I was a little disappointed though because the book is super short and I think that some loose ends were not satisfyingly treated. I fear that the author rushed it a little so that the enthusiasm for the books doesn't get extinguished to the detriment of the story. It might have missed a little humor, which was delightful in the other books.
I guessed by the middle of the book who Leander's real mother was, I think it was quite obvious really, which was disappointing as I usually don't guess that kind of thing until the end, and what makes me interested in the story.
I have put 4 stars because it was still nice to see the evolution of Lord Julian, Perry and Atticus but as always, I wouldn't have mind a little more of them. But perhaps 3 and half would be more accurate.
June 6, 2025
2.5 Stars
I had a difficult time staying engaged in this story. The "mystery" was ridiculous and drawn out and the plot felt very contrived. Endless "clues" that went nowhere, even the backstory of the late brother, Harry, wasn't that interesting. Julian also confronts his French tormentor and talk about a non-event. The whole thing felt like digging a hole in the beach.... doesn't matter how much you dig you get nowhere. The ending was overly dramatic for no reason. I'm not sure how far I will continue a series which such low stake mysteries. It's boring.
I had a difficult time staying engaged in this story. The "mystery" was ridiculous and drawn out and the plot felt very contrived. Endless "clues" that went nowhere, even the backstory of the late brother, Harry, wasn't that interesting. Julian also confronts his French tormentor and talk about a non-event. The whole thing felt like digging a hole in the beach.... doesn't matter how much you dig you get nowhere. The ending was overly dramatic for no reason. I'm not sure how far I will continue a series which such low stake mysteries. It's boring.
December 18, 2023
Touching Cozy Mystery.
The series is full of words that you need to look up, as the author is an obvious intellectual, which I love doing, learning something new is good for your brain. Lord Julian has found a little boy, is he or is he not his dead brother's son, heir to a dukedom? That is the mystery of this book in the series. I like Lord Julian, I like his honor, his integrity, his compassion, what I don't like is the liberal slant in this time period, the brother, the Duke, a homosexual, finding ways to be with a partner, and the convenience of having found a child in order to keep the title in the family. A lady love of Lord Julian who doesn't want children, a very modern sentiment, not during this time period, I hate when the 21st Century gets tangled in the 19th Century, I wish authors would stay in one or the other, being old - fashioned myself I prefer the 19th Century. I recommend it to people who are liberal, who are looking for cozy mysteries they can get behind.
Thank you,
carolintallahassee
The series is full of words that you need to look up, as the author is an obvious intellectual, which I love doing, learning something new is good for your brain. Lord Julian has found a little boy, is he or is he not his dead brother's son, heir to a dukedom? That is the mystery of this book in the series. I like Lord Julian, I like his honor, his integrity, his compassion, what I don't like is the liberal slant in this time period, the brother, the Duke, a homosexual, finding ways to be with a partner, and the convenience of having found a child in order to keep the title in the family. A lady love of Lord Julian who doesn't want children, a very modern sentiment, not during this time period, I hate when the 21st Century gets tangled in the 19th Century, I wish authors would stay in one or the other, being old - fashioned myself I prefer the 19th Century. I recommend it to people who are liberal, who are looking for cozy mysteries they can get behind.
Thank you,
carolintallahassee
April 15, 2024
My favorite so far.
December 13, 2025
I was joking about completing my reading challenge with these books but it may not be a joke anymore… I liked this one! More insight into Arthur, the Caldicott family, etc! I don’t believe I have a firm grasp on the stakes of these “mysteries” and maybe I just don’t know enough about regency society? Anyway! These people are keeping Julian quite busy - realizing this time that there is no time skip between these books and we are just moving from one mystery to the next. Lots going down in England in 18-whatever!
May 11, 2025
I'm glad I came back to this series after feeling kind of blah about the second book. I really do like these characters. This book continues Julian's piecing together of his past and his brother Harry's past, as he tries to determine the truth of a claim that Harry fathered a son. The different aspects of known family and found family in this one are very touching, and these elements were my favorite parts of the book.
I thought the identity of the mother was too obvious for Lord Julian to be surprised by it, and I'm still confused about why she thought she needed to part ways with her child. Despite those quibbles, I did enjoy this installment and will probably dive into the next one soon so I can keep spending time with Julian and co.
Bonus in this one: a beloved character from one of her other series showed up, and I was surprised and delighted.
I thought the identity of the mother was too obvious for Lord Julian to be surprised by it, and I'm still confused about why she thought she needed to part ways with her child. Despite those quibbles, I did enjoy this installment and will probably dive into the next one soon so I can keep spending time with Julian and co.
Bonus in this one: a beloved character from one of her other series showed up, and I was surprised and delighted.
August 24, 2024
Finally the book I was looking for, and what feels like the best book in the series. 4/5 stars.
My previous experience reading this series was fine. Each of the books were enjoyable, but kind of that experience you forget once you're done. I always wanted it to be a step above that though, and thought there was potential for that to happen. I'm happy to say that happened with this one. What we get is a much more focused mystery, and an interesting exploration of the complicated legacies we leave behind. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience with this one, so much that I want to pick up book four as soon as possible!
The writing in this book is much the same as the previous entries. It's good quality, and never strays from that. It's not prose that blows you away, but it doesn't need to be. It feels like it fits in the time period, without too much modern language. It flows well with the plot, and while the chapter page counts were a bit longer this time around, it moved at a steady pace throughout. No complaints here.
The plot was much more focused in this novel, and felt like it did a good job of being a mystery. One that felt like you were gaining clues, and had more of a chance to guess in comparison to the others. Those felt a lot more like thrillers, with Julian bumbling around until the end without any real chance for the reader to discover the truth on their own. That of course is fine, but that distinction is particularly important for me, especially as it sets proper expectations going in. I really enjoyed the exploration of the lives we lead, and our impact on others. That life can be more complicated than we believe. It was an interesting way to parallel Julian and his brother to learn more about their principles and beliefs. The ending didn't blow me away, but I was content with it.
The characters are much of the same. I appreciated getting to learn more about Arthur, Harry, and Julian. The side characters were solid, nothing particularly unique, but well drawn enough to feel distinct. Some of the revelation moments for characters were fun to see, and I'm looking forward to seeing where they go in the future books. And now that I think about it, Julian had some good growth in this one. I felt like he's starting to come into his own, and discovering himself more and more. This bodes really well for his future.
My biggest issues are really nitpicking. First, I always want more Perry. She feels like never gets enough page time. She's an intelligent character, and I feel like she could contribute to the investigations. But alas, that isn't the case, maybe some day...My other criticisms are some of the investigation felt weird. For example, some cases you're right with Julian investigating, then others you just get a summary. That flip flopping just felt random? Lastly, I agree with some other readers, that ending conversation felt out of left field. I was happy for Julian's revelation, but the conversation didn't exactly feel like it fit.
Nitpicks aside, I really enjoyed it, and would definitely recommend!
Quick hits:
+ Well written.
+ Much more focused mystery.
+ An interesting exploration of the legacies we leave, and how we all have positives and negatives. Humans are not perfect.
- Some nitpicks along the way.
My previous experience reading this series was fine. Each of the books were enjoyable, but kind of that experience you forget once you're done. I always wanted it to be a step above that though, and thought there was potential for that to happen. I'm happy to say that happened with this one. What we get is a much more focused mystery, and an interesting exploration of the complicated legacies we leave behind. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience with this one, so much that I want to pick up book four as soon as possible!
The writing in this book is much the same as the previous entries. It's good quality, and never strays from that. It's not prose that blows you away, but it doesn't need to be. It feels like it fits in the time period, without too much modern language. It flows well with the plot, and while the chapter page counts were a bit longer this time around, it moved at a steady pace throughout. No complaints here.
The plot was much more focused in this novel, and felt like it did a good job of being a mystery. One that felt like you were gaining clues, and had more of a chance to guess in comparison to the others. Those felt a lot more like thrillers, with Julian bumbling around until the end without any real chance for the reader to discover the truth on their own. That of course is fine, but that distinction is particularly important for me, especially as it sets proper expectations going in. I really enjoyed the exploration of the lives we lead, and our impact on others. That life can be more complicated than we believe. It was an interesting way to parallel Julian and his brother to learn more about their principles and beliefs. The ending didn't blow me away, but I was content with it.
The characters are much of the same. I appreciated getting to learn more about Arthur, Harry, and Julian. The side characters were solid, nothing particularly unique, but well drawn enough to feel distinct. Some of the revelation moments for characters were fun to see, and I'm looking forward to seeing where they go in the future books. And now that I think about it, Julian had some good growth in this one. I felt like he's starting to come into his own, and discovering himself more and more. This bodes really well for his future.
My biggest issues are really nitpicking. First, I always want more Perry. She feels like never gets enough page time. She's an intelligent character, and I feel like she could contribute to the investigations. But alas, that isn't the case, maybe some day...My other criticisms are some of the investigation felt weird. For example, some cases you're right with Julian investigating, then others you just get a summary. That flip flopping just felt random? Lastly, I agree with some other readers, that ending conversation felt out of left field. I was happy for Julian's revelation, but the conversation didn't exactly feel like it fit.
Nitpicks aside, I really enjoyed it, and would definitely recommend!
Quick hits:
+ Well written.
+ Much more focused mystery.
+ An interesting exploration of the legacies we leave, and how we all have positives and negatives. Humans are not perfect.
- Some nitpicks along the way.
May 16, 2025
I don't understand so many things!
Firstly, Lord Julian continues to remain an immensely likeable and interesting protagonist. I absolutely love the growing closeness with Arthur (who deserves all the happiness BTW). Also, I hope the boy goes on to have a happy childhood.
BUT...
Firstly, Lord Julian continues to remain an immensely likeable and interesting protagonist. I absolutely love the growing closeness with Arthur (who deserves all the happiness BTW). Also, I hope the boy goes on to have a happy childhood.
BUT...
July 8, 2024
I breezed through this novel. This time, the mystery Lord Julian unravels is about a young boy who might be a bastard of Lord Julian's deceased brother. The identities of both of the boy's parents are unclear, and Julian has to wade through everyone's lies to uncover the truth.
One complex theme runs through all the novels in this series: the horror of war and the painful challenges of its aftermath. Julian, a former intelligence officer in Wellington's Army, came home after Waterloo wounded in body in spirit. His recovery is not easy or straightforward, but his investigations help him cope with his personal issues.
I can't swear to the accuracy of historical facts in these novels, but I like their psychological complexity and I'm falling in love with their marvelous protagonist.
One complex theme runs through all the novels in this series: the horror of war and the painful challenges of its aftermath. Julian, a former intelligence officer in Wellington's Army, came home after Waterloo wounded in body in spirit. His recovery is not easy or straightforward, but his investigations help him cope with his personal issues.
I can't swear to the accuracy of historical facts in these novels, but I like their psychological complexity and I'm falling in love with their marvelous protagonist.
July 16, 2024
Some more running around to solve a mystery. Only this one was almost blatantly obvious. That conversation with Perry towards the end also reeked of the 21st century America - which spoiled the mood somewhat.
Unfortunately this is heading in the St.Cyt mysteries direction - down.
Unfortunately this is heading in the St.Cyt mysteries direction - down.
February 27, 2025
I liked this one even so I knew where the mother was hidden quite early on. Characters well done. Not sure why the doctors' commons took so long.
February 28, 2024
4.25/5 stars
Lord Julian finds himself delving deeper into his deceased younger brother’s life to uncover the truth about a surprise revelation in this third installment of the Lord Julian mystery series.
The reader learns even more here about Lord Julian’s brother, Lord Harry, who was captured and killed by the French during the war. Lord Julian’s feelings of guilt over his brother’s death are further explored as he strives to find the truth behind an unexpected bombshell that could result in the exploitation of an innocent and an exclusion from the ton.
This was a good look at the relationship between Julian and his brother Arthur, the Duke of Waltham, as they work together to right a circumstance that they were unaware of and bring a bit of closure to their feelings over their younger brother’s early demise.
Another enjoyable addition to the series.
Lord Julian finds himself delving deeper into his deceased younger brother’s life to uncover the truth about a surprise revelation in this third installment of the Lord Julian mystery series.
The reader learns even more here about Lord Julian’s brother, Lord Harry, who was captured and killed by the French during the war. Lord Julian’s feelings of guilt over his brother’s death are further explored as he strives to find the truth behind an unexpected bombshell that could result in the exploitation of an innocent and an exclusion from the ton.
This was a good look at the relationship between Julian and his brother Arthur, the Duke of Waltham, as they work together to right a circumstance that they were unaware of and bring a bit of closure to their feelings over their younger brother’s early demise.
Another enjoyable addition to the series.
October 12, 2024
I loved the story in this one as well as the progress (meandering?) of Julian’s relationship with Hyperia. This one is set in London, where Arthur is preparing for his Continental tour with Banter. They receive a note that Harry had left a son which starts Julian off on an investigation to discover the truth. As has become the norm, all of the various persons in his life play detective, particularly Hyperia.
We see a very paternal, or perhaps avuncular, Julian here with both his new tiger, Atticus, and Leander, who does indeed prove to be a genuine Caldicott.
And Julian has several encounters with the British peer who had been in service to the French army and was Julian’s captor and torturer. Surprisingly, these encounters leave Julian more at peace with himself.
We see a very paternal, or perhaps avuncular, Julian here with both his new tiger, Atticus, and Leander, who does indeed prove to be a genuine Caldicott.
And Julian has several encounters with the British peer who had been in service to the French army and was Julian’s captor and torturer. Surprisingly, these encounters leave Julian more at peace with himself.
August 11, 2024
These just get better and better!
Hooked; line and sinker. I love this series so much.
As each book’s central mystery is doggedly unwoven and revealed, the overall story continues to be revealed bit by startling little bits. I love the recurring characters more in every book.
Highly recommended.
Hooked; line and sinker. I love this series so much.
As each book’s central mystery is doggedly unwoven and revealed, the overall story continues to be revealed bit by startling little bits. I love the recurring characters more in every book.
Highly recommended.
September 6, 2024
Still going along at a solid 3.5.
Read
March 17, 2024He still hasn’t got the girl 😖
June 21, 2025
The series continues to be enjoyable. Lord Julian is a little bit too good to be true, but I can roll with that.
December 6, 2023
Another great Julian book
One I start a Julian story I can't put it down. I love his character and sense of humor of his life. Ms. Burrows manages the flow of a mystery so easily. I already excited for another book in this very enjoyable series.
One I start a Julian story I can't put it down. I love his character and sense of humor of his life. Ms. Burrows manages the flow of a mystery so easily. I already excited for another book in this very enjoyable series.
January 3, 2024
The plot was too convoluted. It was a good book but the author usually does more.
October 15, 2024
3.5-4
The language takes me awhile to get into the book but I enjoy the characters. This one is about a possible heir from their brother, harry, who I am still not totally convinced is dead.
The language takes me awhile to get into the book but I enjoy the characters. This one is about a possible heir from their brother, harry, who I am still not totally convinced is dead.
October 27, 2023
This is the engaging third book in the Lord Julian Mysteries by historical romance author Grace Burrowes, and Lord Julian just continues to delight me! Burrowes is primarily a romance author, and A GENTLEMAN IN CHALLENGING CIRCUMSTANCES has a slow burn romance arc in it, but the primary focus of the series is the amateur sleuthing of Lord Julian Caldicott, third son of the prior Waltham duke and now second in line for the title.
Lord Julian has returned from the Napoleonic war with many mental and physical changes that make his life a limited one. Julian was a spy in the war, and was captured and tortured by the French. He returns to England under a cloud of scandal, suspected by some in service of divulging military secrets. Julian is battling both physical ailments and also PTSD from his captivity and torture, and I feel so badly for him! He is struggling mightily to find hope and to find a way forward, and I'm so enjoying watching him very slowly heal from his prior traumas.
Julian's other brother Harry was also a spy captured and tortured to death by the French. Julian was, in fact, captured while trying to save Harry. Harry seems like a right bouncer the more the reader learns about him, and Burrowes does a great job of making him an ambiguous character! But loyal Julian loved his brother deeply and feels his loss sorely. Harry might have left a son behind, and Julian must apply his sleuthing skills from his spy work to tracking down what exactly is going on with this potential nephew.
The relationships between Julian and those around him is what really brings this series alive to me. Julian's older brother Arthur, the duke, is a gratifying character, and so is Lord Julian's tiger, an urchin that he rescued from service on a prior investigation. I admire Julian's potential love interest, and I adore how Burrowes is setting her up to maybe NOT be a romantic interest! Kudos to the author. And I especially love the developing backstory of the man who tortured Julian, who is now living in London.
The Lord Julian Mysteries is some of Burrowes' finest work, in my opinion, and it makes me so happy to sink myself into these Napoleonic mysteries! Lord Julian and company make for captivating company. A GENTLEMAN IN CHALLENGING CIRCUMSTANCES brings us interpersonal relationships with engaging depth plus a captivating mystery, and does so with a flair for historical detail.
I received an ARC from the author, but the views are my own. I have submitted this review to Fresh Fiction for publication, and will update my GR review to reflect this once it is pubbed on the FF site.
Lord Julian has returned from the Napoleonic war with many mental and physical changes that make his life a limited one. Julian was a spy in the war, and was captured and tortured by the French. He returns to England under a cloud of scandal, suspected by some in service of divulging military secrets. Julian is battling both physical ailments and also PTSD from his captivity and torture, and I feel so badly for him! He is struggling mightily to find hope and to find a way forward, and I'm so enjoying watching him very slowly heal from his prior traumas.
Julian's other brother Harry was also a spy captured and tortured to death by the French. Julian was, in fact, captured while trying to save Harry. Harry seems like a right bouncer the more the reader learns about him, and Burrowes does a great job of making him an ambiguous character! But loyal Julian loved his brother deeply and feels his loss sorely. Harry might have left a son behind, and Julian must apply his sleuthing skills from his spy work to tracking down what exactly is going on with this potential nephew.
The relationships between Julian and those around him is what really brings this series alive to me. Julian's older brother Arthur, the duke, is a gratifying character, and so is Lord Julian's tiger, an urchin that he rescued from service on a prior investigation. I admire Julian's potential love interest, and I adore how Burrowes is setting her up to maybe NOT be a romantic interest! Kudos to the author. And I especially love the developing backstory of the man who tortured Julian, who is now living in London.
The Lord Julian Mysteries is some of Burrowes' finest work, in my opinion, and it makes me so happy to sink myself into these Napoleonic mysteries! Lord Julian and company make for captivating company. A GENTLEMAN IN CHALLENGING CIRCUMSTANCES brings us interpersonal relationships with engaging depth plus a captivating mystery, and does so with a flair for historical detail.
I received an ARC from the author, but the views are my own. I have submitted this review to Fresh Fiction for publication, and will update my GR review to reflect this once it is pubbed on the FF site.
December 21, 2023
Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Lord Julian Mysteries #3
Publication Date: 9/5/23
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: 236
This author has delivered another intriguing mystery featuring the very engaging and wounded Lord Julian Caldicott. Lord Julian is still recovering from the wounds he received while in captivity during the Napoleonic wars. Those visible, external wounds are getting somewhat better, but those internal wounds to the heart and soul are taking much longer. Those internal wounds may never completely heal because – well – both Julian and his brother Harry were spies during the war – both were captured by the same torturer – but only Julian survived. The case Julian is about to be asked to undertake will definitely try his limited emotional resources because he is going to learn things about his much admired slightly older brother that he’d rather not know – or maybe he would.
Lord Julian’s older brother, Arthur, the Duke of Waltham, tasks Julian with determining the parentage of a young boy who could be the salvation of the Waltham duchy. For personal reasons, Arthur won’t marry, and Julian isn’t sure he can sire children, so this child being a legal heir would be a boon. How will Julian ever go about proving it? The mother died shortly after delivering the child into the hands of Mrs. Davenport and Harry was tortured to death by one of Napoleon’s elite torturers. No clues. No witnesses. Oh! My!
This was a fun an exciting rollercoaster ride with ups, downs, twists, turns, and finally a nicely satisfying ending. I love all of the characters, their relationships, and their interactions – but that is a hallmark of this author. I know this is a mystery series, but there is a hint of a slow-burn romance for Julian and I cannot wait to see what it heads. So, I can definitely recommend this book and I truly hope you’ll give it a try and love it as much as I did. The only problem is – I now have to wait for the next book!
Series: Lord Julian Mysteries #3
Publication Date: 9/5/23
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: 236
This author has delivered another intriguing mystery featuring the very engaging and wounded Lord Julian Caldicott. Lord Julian is still recovering from the wounds he received while in captivity during the Napoleonic wars. Those visible, external wounds are getting somewhat better, but those internal wounds to the heart and soul are taking much longer. Those internal wounds may never completely heal because – well – both Julian and his brother Harry were spies during the war – both were captured by the same torturer – but only Julian survived. The case Julian is about to be asked to undertake will definitely try his limited emotional resources because he is going to learn things about his much admired slightly older brother that he’d rather not know – or maybe he would.
Lord Julian’s older brother, Arthur, the Duke of Waltham, tasks Julian with determining the parentage of a young boy who could be the salvation of the Waltham duchy. For personal reasons, Arthur won’t marry, and Julian isn’t sure he can sire children, so this child being a legal heir would be a boon. How will Julian ever go about proving it? The mother died shortly after delivering the child into the hands of Mrs. Davenport and Harry was tortured to death by one of Napoleon’s elite torturers. No clues. No witnesses. Oh! My!
This was a fun an exciting rollercoaster ride with ups, downs, twists, turns, and finally a nicely satisfying ending. I love all of the characters, their relationships, and their interactions – but that is a hallmark of this author. I know this is a mystery series, but there is a hint of a slow-burn romance for Julian and I cannot wait to see what it heads. So, I can definitely recommend this book and I truly hope you’ll give it a try and love it as much as I did. The only problem is – I now have to wait for the next book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews