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Second Sons #1
The Vital Principle
Alternate Cover Edition for B004OR1GQ2.
Without family to support her, Prudence Barnard struggles to maintain her social position on a tiny income by acting as a professional guest and entertaining her hostesses by holding spirit sessions. Unfortunately, during a house party at Rosecrest, her host, Lord Crowley, accuses her of taking advantage of his elderly mother and hires a famous inquiry agent, Knighton Gaunt, to prove that Pru is a fraud by exposing her during a séance.
The spirit session goes smoothly, however, and after the séance, Gaunt has to admit that he can’t prove Pru is a charlatan. But she has no time to enjoy her triumph as during Gaunt’s admission, Lord Crowley keels over. Within minutes he is dead and her victory turns into defeat as the other guests point to Pru as the murderer. She argued with Crowley and appears to have the strongest motive.
In a desperate attempt to prove her innocence, Pru matches wits with Mr. Gaunt and the unknown killer. Someone else at Rosecrest wanted Crowley dead and as a series of terrible secrets are exposed, the tension mounts. Then another guest is murdered, and Pru can only hope she identifies the killer before she becomes the next victim.
“The Vital Principle” is the first in the Second Son’s Inquiry Agency series of Regency mysteries, featuring the agency’s coolly intellectual founder, Knighton Gaunt. The series includes a variety of inquiry agents associated with Second Sons and is set in England’s fascinating Regency period when King George III was deemed unfit to rule and the Prince Regent, the eventual George IV, ruled in his stead.
Each volume stands alone as a mystery touched with romance.
Without family to support her, Prudence Barnard struggles to maintain her social position on a tiny income by acting as a professional guest and entertaining her hostesses by holding spirit sessions. Unfortunately, during a house party at Rosecrest, her host, Lord Crowley, accuses her of taking advantage of his elderly mother and hires a famous inquiry agent, Knighton Gaunt, to prove that Pru is a fraud by exposing her during a séance.
The spirit session goes smoothly, however, and after the séance, Gaunt has to admit that he can’t prove Pru is a charlatan. But she has no time to enjoy her triumph as during Gaunt’s admission, Lord Crowley keels over. Within minutes he is dead and her victory turns into defeat as the other guests point to Pru as the murderer. She argued with Crowley and appears to have the strongest motive.
In a desperate attempt to prove her innocence, Pru matches wits with Mr. Gaunt and the unknown killer. Someone else at Rosecrest wanted Crowley dead and as a series of terrible secrets are exposed, the tension mounts. Then another guest is murdered, and Pru can only hope she identifies the killer before she becomes the next victim.
“The Vital Principle” is the first in the Second Son’s Inquiry Agency series of Regency mysteries, featuring the agency’s coolly intellectual founder, Knighton Gaunt. The series includes a variety of inquiry agents associated with Second Sons and is set in England’s fascinating Regency period when King George III was deemed unfit to rule and the Prince Regent, the eventual George IV, ruled in his stead.
Each volume stands alone as a mystery touched with romance.
351 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 8, 2011
154 people are currently reading
367 people want to read
About the author
Amy Corwin
59 books133 followersAmy Corwin is a charter member of the Romance Writers of America and recently joined Mystery Writers of America. She has been writing for the last ten years and managing a career as an enterprise systems administrator in the computer industry. She writes Regencies/historicals, mysteries, and contemporary paranormals. To be truthful, most of her books include a bit of murder and mayhem since she discovered that killing off at least one character is a highly effective way to make the remaining ones toe the plot line.
Amy’s books include the two Regency romances, SMUGGLED ROSE, and LOVE, THE CRITIC; three Regency romantic mysteries, I BID ONE AMERICAN, THE BRICKLAYER’S HELPER, and THE NECKLACE; and her first paranormal, VAMPIRE PROTECTOR.
WHACKED!, a contemporary mystery from Five Star, will be out in 2012, and her most current historical mysteries include THE VITAL PRINCIPLE--a Second Sons Mystery.
Amy’s books include the two Regency romances, SMUGGLED ROSE, and LOVE, THE CRITIC; three Regency romantic mysteries, I BID ONE AMERICAN, THE BRICKLAYER’S HELPER, and THE NECKLACE; and her first paranormal, VAMPIRE PROTECTOR.
WHACKED!, a contemporary mystery from Five Star, will be out in 2012, and her most current historical mysteries include THE VITAL PRINCIPLE--a Second Sons Mystery.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
January 27, 2024
A regency house party m√rder mystery. Seance, arsenic, secret marriage everybody's a suspect! And it's well done. A well done mystery with several good surprises.
September 19, 2020
It was o.k., not much Regency about it. Kept me guessing though. 3☆
February 7, 2012
Originally posted at http://its-raining-books.blogspot.com...
This whodunit, the first in the Second Sons Inquiry Agency Series, claimed it would keep you guessing until the end. I was not convinced, and believed I could figure it out if I really concentrated -- after all, I love a good mystery. I put all my skills to the test and began reading.
As I read, I'd be sure I had figured out who had done it, but then everything changed, and I was proven wrong. By this time, I was utterly intriged and kept on reading because I just knew I could figure it out. And so it continued, with me certain I knew whodunnit, and then I would be proven wrong.
The people involved in the story were very real to me. The author did a wonderful job fully fleshing them out and making them interesting and unique. The two who were trying to solve the mystery were fascinating and fun. I really got to know them. They fit so well into the regency era. There was a little romance, a little humor and a lot of regency background that was fascinating. I enjoyed that -- it made a great mix.
Finally as I neared the end, I had to confess I didn’t have a clue as to who had done it. Then, when I found out, I realized that I should have known, but Ms. Corwin is good, very good, and the ending was a surprise. It fulfilled its promise to keep me guessing until the very end.
A very satisfying read.
This whodunit, the first in the Second Sons Inquiry Agency Series, claimed it would keep you guessing until the end. I was not convinced, and believed I could figure it out if I really concentrated -- after all, I love a good mystery. I put all my skills to the test and began reading.
As I read, I'd be sure I had figured out who had done it, but then everything changed, and I was proven wrong. By this time, I was utterly intriged and kept on reading because I just knew I could figure it out. And so it continued, with me certain I knew whodunnit, and then I would be proven wrong.
The people involved in the story were very real to me. The author did a wonderful job fully fleshing them out and making them interesting and unique. The two who were trying to solve the mystery were fascinating and fun. I really got to know them. They fit so well into the regency era. There was a little romance, a little humor and a lot of regency background that was fascinating. I enjoyed that -- it made a great mix.
Finally as I neared the end, I had to confess I didn’t have a clue as to who had done it. Then, when I found out, I realized that I should have known, but Ms. Corwin is good, very good, and the ending was a surprise. It fulfilled its promise to keep me guessing until the very end.
A very satisfying read.
May 22, 2014
This book isn't QUITE a four--more of a 3.5--but I did enjoy reading it very much. The two main characters have a nice chemistry, and I confess I was disappointed by the idea that future books in this series might not feature them.
Our heroine: a spinster who formerly helped her father debunk ghost stories. His death has left her in poverty, and she survives by being a professional houseguest, performing seances for her wealthy patrons. (Problem: this is set in the Regency Era, while this type of spiritualism didn't become popular until the Victorian Era.)
Our hero: the "second son" of the series' title, who decided to form a discreet detective agency as an alternative to any of the more respectable professions he might have chosen. Despite this, he is almost unbearably upright.
The two meet as a result of the hero's attempt to prove that the heroine is a fraud. However, a murder mystery intervenes, which leaves both of them scrambling to figure out who the murderer is.
The mystery itself is excellent...until it is suddenly marred by the inexplicable concealment of vital information. The apothecary's horrible treatment of the heroine is difficult to comprehend in light of the fact that he must realize who the real culprit is, and there's nothing in the text that would suggest a good reason for him protecting the culprit. This breaking of one of the fundamental laws of a good mystery is the chief reason I lowered this to 3.5 stars.
January 26, 2016
I found this book when it was posted for free on amazon. This was a nice gem to find. The characters were good with a complicated mystery. I loved the unique heroine that was someone who spoke to the dead to entertain. The hero was a good match. I jumped right into the second book in the series and loved that one too...
May 10, 2016
It's 1815 and an Inquiry Agent - Mr. Knighton Gaunt - is employed at a house party to expose a spiritualist - Miss Prudence Barnard - as a fraud.
Unfortunately murder happens to prevent this. Can Mr Gaunt discover the murderer while unearthing all the guests secrets before they strike again.
This is the first of a series which I look forward to reading the next.
Unfortunately murder happens to prevent this. Can Mr Gaunt discover the murderer while unearthing all the guests secrets before they strike again.
This is the first of a series which I look forward to reading the next.
August 4, 2016
Regency mystery with a good level of tension. I love to see the "other side" of Regency England, not so golden and gentle like in the most of historical romances, but governed by baser instincts and greed. Good chemistry between the main characters, Knighton and Pru, that I'll be glad to find in other two books in this series of Second Sons Inquiry Agency. Recommended!
June 18, 2023
Very interesting mystery my Amy Corwin-Lord Henry Crowly has a party scheduled for all his friends. He does like to remind everyone how utterly important and rich he is. His mother Lady Crowly has included a spiritualist, Prudence Barnard) to try to contact her dead husband of ten months.
Miss Bernard and her father were very famous for proving pranks and false claims of haunting. He has passed so Pru has been invited. Little does anyone know or suspect her father's death left her nearly penniless. Her only hope is to visit one party or another of the rich so that she and her maid have a roof over their head.
Knighton Gaunt an inquiry agent shows up on the doorstep at the start of Lord Crowly's event inquiring to speak to his father. After being informed of his father's passing Lord Crowly invites Mr. Gaunt to join them. He wants to have Miss Bernard checked out if she is a fraud, as he is sure of. As they adjourn to join the seance and all take a seat. First, of course, brandy must be served. After Lord Henry takes his large gulp his glass crashes to the table and he falls to the floor, dead. So begins a Who Done It to fully entertain you.
Received this book in exchange for my review.
Miss Bernard and her father were very famous for proving pranks and false claims of haunting. He has passed so Pru has been invited. Little does anyone know or suspect her father's death left her nearly penniless. Her only hope is to visit one party or another of the rich so that she and her maid have a roof over their head.
Knighton Gaunt an inquiry agent shows up on the doorstep at the start of Lord Crowly's event inquiring to speak to his father. After being informed of his father's passing Lord Crowly invites Mr. Gaunt to join them. He wants to have Miss Bernard checked out if she is a fraud, as he is sure of. As they adjourn to join the seance and all take a seat. First, of course, brandy must be served. After Lord Henry takes his large gulp his glass crashes to the table and he falls to the floor, dead. So begins a Who Done It to fully entertain you.
Received this book in exchange for my review.
October 3, 2017
Knighton Gaunt, second son's inquiry agent, was hired by Lord Cromwell to prove that Prudence Barnard was a fake. As a guest of the Dowager Cromwell, Prudence held a seance to conger words from the deceased Lord Cromwell only to have the new young Lord Cromwell poisoned during the seance. with 13 guests and a maid in attendance, there were a lot of suspects. A great mystery that kept me guessing to the end!
May 3, 2020
Accidental murder
Prudence performs seance and other services for room and board! Her father didn't provide for her so it's a way for her and her maid to survive! Me Gaunt was invited to prove she was a Chartan! But as secrets are revealed and another guest murdered it is clear she did not do it and affection can grow under the most unlikely circumstance!
Prudence performs seance and other services for room and board! Her father didn't provide for her so it's a way for her and her maid to survive! Me Gaunt was invited to prove she was a Chartan! But as secrets are revealed and another guest murdered it is clear she did not do it and affection can grow under the most unlikely circumstance!
April 23, 2018
Great story and a great mystery.
I’m not usually into mysteries but I love historical romance and I was pleasantly surprised with my enjoyment of the whodunnit aspect.
The main characters were well written, especially the h. I love Pru.
One of this author’s best IMO.
I’m not usually into mysteries but I love historical romance and I was pleasantly surprised with my enjoyment of the whodunnit aspect.
The main characters were well written, especially the h. I love Pru.
One of this author’s best IMO.
September 1, 2018
Entire middle was superfluous but there were no stupid bullshit twists like, 'oh god the butler was an adopted son and no one reading this could have possibly known that' just good old fashion regular motives and for that I am grateful.
April 3, 2022
Quite good Apr 2022
The plot was very good but the story was too drawn out and there was too much reflection and too little action or interaction between the characters plus Knighton Gaunt was extremely irritating for a supposedly intelligent man.
The plot was very good but the story was too drawn out and there was too much reflection and too little action or interaction between the characters plus Knighton Gaunt was extremely irritating for a supposedly intelligent man.
June 2, 2017
Rather liked it actually. Two main characters are interesting. A touch more polish would be beneficial but nothing serious or invasive to enjoyment.
3.5 star
3.5 star
March 24, 2018
Nice
I did briefly think of the murderer but dismissed them. So many suspects. With many good reasons. Lovely mystery. Look forward to reading more 📚
I did briefly think of the murderer but dismissed them. So many suspects. With many good reasons. Lovely mystery. Look forward to reading more 📚
December 21, 2020
Vital principle
Good story.
It took me a while to figure out this was the owner. I should have known because it is the first book.
Good story.
It took me a while to figure out this was the owner. I should have known because it is the first book.
March 16, 2017
No bad, but not enticing. I'll try another.
June 17, 2011
The Vital Principle is a lovely mistery romance by Amy Corwin, featuring Knight Gaunt and Pru Barnard.
Amy has a wonderful narrative, that kept me guessing until nearly the end. When the last major event on the book happened, I was already sure of who was the killer, but that was pretty much when it was revealed, merely pages before, so kudos to Amy, it's not that easy to fool me ;)
Pru Barnard is a lovely fraud, she pretends to be able to communicate with the death and she was invited by Lady Crowley, recently widowed, to go to her house and try to reach her late husband. Lord Crowley, her son, is sure she is a charlatan and hires Mr. Gaunt to expose her "in a way as humilliating as possible".
Lord Crowley is killed (and no, that is not a spoiler, they tell you on the back cover) and Mr. Gaunt is left to inquire (he IS an Inquiry Agent of the Second Sons Inquiry Agency) and find out who murdered him.
As we go along, we end up hating Lord Crowley. He is a despicable little man, hateful and hideous, who ended up hurting and damaging several people, specially women. Also, we end up understanding and caring for Pru and Knighton who, of course, are romantically attracted.
I see my "philosophical" views alternate between Pru and Knighton, Pru's view of "the truth" is much alike mine and Knighton's view of the people around him (specially the women) who he thinks are, usually, untrustworthy or histerical. Really, screaming, histerical females drive me crazy. Get ahold of yourself woman!
The historical aspect, the relations between man and women, between noble people and workers ("working for a living" being something awful and all, really cute), the difference on the police and inquiry work, that's all just very interesting.
Amy's rythm is amazing, she keeps you turning pages without breathing, wanting to see what'll happen next, wanting to see what Pru was thinking during that one scene that Mr. Gaunt just narrated (did I mention they both narrate chapters? They do), who is the killer, why, when, how? Keeps you asking but also keeps you giggling, laughing, entertained.
May Allen is a separate delight. The perfect portrait of so many women nowadays, her speech was a bit hard for me, English not being my first language and all, with the way she speaks being too coloquial, illiterate, some words I didn't know, some I had to infer from the context. We'd call her a golddigger, nowadays, but when you think about it, sure, she was being ambitious and, well, pretty greedy, but what was in the world for her? Nothing, really. So she had to take her faith on her hands. And do it for herself, work with whatever she had.
The story revolves and, eventually, you think that ANYONE could have killed Lord Crowley, simply because he was an awful person. Hell, I would've killed him if he wasn't dead. Hideous, awful little man, hurtful, despicable, misoginist, likes to feel enpowered, hurting people even after he's dead, his own poor mother... Anyways. Yeah. Hateful.
Quite interesting to see how Amy shows the women on the book, some are strong, most are weak and sad, depending on man, just. like. today. I mean, when you think about it, the world didn't change all that much... But maybe I should leave that to another post ;)
Overall, The Vital Principle is an amazing book, with strong characters and a very clever plot, full of witty remarks, cute, romantic, funny but also full of mistery. I look forward to reading more of Pru Barnard and Knighton Gaunt, although I'm adding the other "Second Sons Inquiry Agency" books to my wishlist (my very long wishlist), for when I'm actually able to buy books (my mom and my boyfriend say I will only be allowed to buy when I have under 4 on my TBR pile, so that may take a while). Read it, you won't regret it.
Amy has a wonderful narrative, that kept me guessing until nearly the end. When the last major event on the book happened, I was already sure of who was the killer, but that was pretty much when it was revealed, merely pages before, so kudos to Amy, it's not that easy to fool me ;)
Pru Barnard is a lovely fraud, she pretends to be able to communicate with the death and she was invited by Lady Crowley, recently widowed, to go to her house and try to reach her late husband. Lord Crowley, her son, is sure she is a charlatan and hires Mr. Gaunt to expose her "in a way as humilliating as possible".
Lord Crowley is killed (and no, that is not a spoiler, they tell you on the back cover) and Mr. Gaunt is left to inquire (he IS an Inquiry Agent of the Second Sons Inquiry Agency) and find out who murdered him.
As we go along, we end up hating Lord Crowley. He is a despicable little man, hateful and hideous, who ended up hurting and damaging several people, specially women. Also, we end up understanding and caring for Pru and Knighton who, of course, are romantically attracted.
I see my "philosophical" views alternate between Pru and Knighton, Pru's view of "the truth" is much alike mine and Knighton's view of the people around him (specially the women) who he thinks are, usually, untrustworthy or histerical. Really, screaming, histerical females drive me crazy. Get ahold of yourself woman!
The historical aspect, the relations between man and women, between noble people and workers ("working for a living" being something awful and all, really cute), the difference on the police and inquiry work, that's all just very interesting.
Amy's rythm is amazing, she keeps you turning pages without breathing, wanting to see what'll happen next, wanting to see what Pru was thinking during that one scene that Mr. Gaunt just narrated (did I mention they both narrate chapters? They do), who is the killer, why, when, how? Keeps you asking but also keeps you giggling, laughing, entertained.
May Allen is a separate delight. The perfect portrait of so many women nowadays, her speech was a bit hard for me, English not being my first language and all, with the way she speaks being too coloquial, illiterate, some words I didn't know, some I had to infer from the context. We'd call her a golddigger, nowadays, but when you think about it, sure, she was being ambitious and, well, pretty greedy, but what was in the world for her? Nothing, really. So she had to take her faith on her hands. And do it for herself, work with whatever she had.
The story revolves and, eventually, you think that ANYONE could have killed Lord Crowley, simply because he was an awful person. Hell, I would've killed him if he wasn't dead. Hideous, awful little man, hurtful, despicable, misoginist, likes to feel enpowered, hurting people even after he's dead, his own poor mother... Anyways. Yeah. Hateful.
Quite interesting to see how Amy shows the women on the book, some are strong, most are weak and sad, depending on man, just. like. today. I mean, when you think about it, the world didn't change all that much... But maybe I should leave that to another post ;)
Overall, The Vital Principle is an amazing book, with strong characters and a very clever plot, full of witty remarks, cute, romantic, funny but also full of mistery. I look forward to reading more of Pru Barnard and Knighton Gaunt, although I'm adding the other "Second Sons Inquiry Agency" books to my wishlist (my very long wishlist), for when I'm actually able to buy books (my mom and my boyfriend say I will only be allowed to buy when I have under 4 on my TBR pile, so that may take a while). Read it, you won't regret it.
June 26, 2011
Everyone has Secrets and Pru Barnard is no exception. But is she a charlaton? Or worse? A muderer?
With no family and no inheritance, Pru Barnard must find a way to support herself and her maid without working or she will be unable to maintain the lifestyle to which she is accustomed. So, she becomes a professional guest, entertaining her hosts/hostesses by contacting the spirit world.
Knighton Gaunt was once a member of the ton, but as a second son, he's no lord and he chooses not to live off the generosity of his older brother. But when he opens his own inquiry agency, he's no longer accepted as a guest in the finer homes.
The story opens with Pru holding a séance at the home of Lady Crowley. Her son, Lord Crowley has invited Knighton to prove Pru is a charlaton, but when Lord Crowely is murdered, Knighton suspects Pru of much worse. But Knighton soon learns that everyone attending the séance that night had a possible motive for murder, even Lord Crowley's mother. And Pru just might have some psychic abilities after all.
As Knight searches for the truth, Pru tries desperately to prove her innocence. The motivations are believable and the dialouge witty. Ms. Corwin also does a superb job weaving in the character's backsoty and romantic tension between Knighton and Pru that make me wish to read more about these two.
I can't say I was surprised by the ending, but I was satisfied. Unlike some mystery writers, Ms. Corwin did not try to "surprise" the reader by blaming the murder on some obscure character and then divulging the motive at the very end, making it impossible for the reader to guess correctly. The clues are sprinkled through out the story so the reader can "solve" the case along with Knighton and Pru. And I love being able to solve the mystery...and be right. lol!
Well done, Ms. Corwin. I'm looking forward to reading all the books featured in this series.
With no family and no inheritance, Pru Barnard must find a way to support herself and her maid without working or she will be unable to maintain the lifestyle to which she is accustomed. So, she becomes a professional guest, entertaining her hosts/hostesses by contacting the spirit world.
Knighton Gaunt was once a member of the ton, but as a second son, he's no lord and he chooses not to live off the generosity of his older brother. But when he opens his own inquiry agency, he's no longer accepted as a guest in the finer homes.
The story opens with Pru holding a séance at the home of Lady Crowley. Her son, Lord Crowley has invited Knighton to prove Pru is a charlaton, but when Lord Crowely is murdered, Knighton suspects Pru of much worse. But Knighton soon learns that everyone attending the séance that night had a possible motive for murder, even Lord Crowley's mother. And Pru just might have some psychic abilities after all.
As Knight searches for the truth, Pru tries desperately to prove her innocence. The motivations are believable and the dialouge witty. Ms. Corwin also does a superb job weaving in the character's backsoty and romantic tension between Knighton and Pru that make me wish to read more about these two.
I can't say I was surprised by the ending, but I was satisfied. Unlike some mystery writers, Ms. Corwin did not try to "surprise" the reader by blaming the murder on some obscure character and then divulging the motive at the very end, making it impossible for the reader to guess correctly. The clues are sprinkled through out the story so the reader can "solve" the case along with Knighton and Pru. And I love being able to solve the mystery...and be right. lol!
Well done, Ms. Corwin. I'm looking forward to reading all the books featured in this series.
March 23, 2011
My Review:
Pru Bransford is suspected of murder by the inquiry agent hired to reveal her as a fraud. Even when falsely accussed of murder; Pru Bransford keeps her head, remains calm, and eventually her innocence is proven. An interesting mystery from beginning to end.
Amy Corwin’s writing style flows easily and keeps the reader interested, and continually guessing “what comes next.” In each chapter, the tension mounts between the different characters involved, and continues throughout the book. The suspense grows gradually, and builds until the final chapters where the murder is finally revealed and apprehended. The only christian element of sorts, is that Knighton Gaunt believes in
Even after the mystery is solved, the story continues. I love a good story where the ending is just as good as the beginning, and Amy Corwin delivers. A great novel for mystery buffs. As for the "christian fiction" genre;tThere seems to be an underlying note that inquiry agent Knighton Gaunt believes in God, but it is understated. Gaunt quotes in Chapter five that "there is only one truth."
Though the language is clean, and this book is readable for most of my followers; I would recommend this for 13+ due to some of the more adult-oriented content of the story.
The Vital Principle
Pru Bransford is suspected of murder by the inquiry agent hired to reveal her as a fraud. Even when falsely accussed of murder; Pru Bransford keeps her head, remains calm, and eventually her innocence is proven. An interesting mystery from beginning to end.
Amy Corwin’s writing style flows easily and keeps the reader interested, and continually guessing “what comes next.” In each chapter, the tension mounts between the different characters involved, and continues throughout the book. The suspense grows gradually, and builds until the final chapters where the murder is finally revealed and apprehended. The only christian element of sorts, is that Knighton Gaunt believes in
Even after the mystery is solved, the story continues. I love a good story where the ending is just as good as the beginning, and Amy Corwin delivers. A great novel for mystery buffs. As for the "christian fiction" genre;tThere seems to be an underlying note that inquiry agent Knighton Gaunt believes in God, but it is understated. Gaunt quotes in Chapter five that "there is only one truth."
Though the language is clean, and this book is readable for most of my followers; I would recommend this for 13+ due to some of the more adult-oriented content of the story.
The Vital Principle
January 16, 2016
The Vital Principle by Amy Corwin
A Second Sons Inquiry Agency Series Book 1
Prudence Barnard has nowhere to call home. When her father was alive they were invited to homes so he could investigate hauntings. Now that he's gone, she gets invited to try and speak to the dead. Instead of her scientific studies, she is considered entertainment for the bon ton. As a guest at Rosecrest, her entertainment suddenly puts her in the position of a prime suspect for murder.
Knighton Gaunt is a second son who didn't feel called to the church, but he does like the truth. His older brother, a baron, is displeased to have his brother as an inquiry agent, stirring up the truth among the realm. Too bad, it's what Knighton wants to do with his life. When called to find out if Miss Barnard is a fraud, he finds himself deep into a murder mystery. His client died in the same room as him. Not good on all fronts.
There is a touch of romance in this book and it is a great murder mystery. It seems every guest has a secret and a reason they might want to do away with Lord Crowley. It kept me guessing all the way through the book. Book two in this series is called A Rose Before Dying.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
A Second Sons Inquiry Agency Series Book 1
Prudence Barnard has nowhere to call home. When her father was alive they were invited to homes so he could investigate hauntings. Now that he's gone, she gets invited to try and speak to the dead. Instead of her scientific studies, she is considered entertainment for the bon ton. As a guest at Rosecrest, her entertainment suddenly puts her in the position of a prime suspect for murder.
Knighton Gaunt is a second son who didn't feel called to the church, but he does like the truth. His older brother, a baron, is displeased to have his brother as an inquiry agent, stirring up the truth among the realm. Too bad, it's what Knighton wants to do with his life. When called to find out if Miss Barnard is a fraud, he finds himself deep into a murder mystery. His client died in the same room as him. Not good on all fronts.
There is a touch of romance in this book and it is a great murder mystery. It seems every guest has a secret and a reason they might want to do away with Lord Crowley. It kept me guessing all the way through the book. Book two in this series is called A Rose Before Dying.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
October 13, 2016
Historical English country estate murder mystery.
Mr. Knighton Gaunt has made his own life as he builds his investigation company 'Second Sons' in London so he thinks it is just another fraud case when he is asked by Lord Crowley to his country estate, Rosecrest. Lord Crowley wants to ruin his mother's friend, the young spiritualist, Miss Prudence Barnard. We start out with a old time-y seance with all the suspects because there is soon a crazy quick murder, then lots of investigation, everyone has a twist and a reason for hating the victim. Mr. Gaunt has his work cut out for him as he wanders Rosecrest and tries to find the murder while clearing Prudence's reputation.
There is no sexy time scenes, but there is lots of bad things going on in and around Rosecrest, so this is not a book for the young and innocent.
Fun twisty mystery to read.
351 pages and kindle freebie
3 stars
Mr. Knighton Gaunt has made his own life as he builds his investigation company 'Second Sons' in London so he thinks it is just another fraud case when he is asked by Lord Crowley to his country estate, Rosecrest. Lord Crowley wants to ruin his mother's friend, the young spiritualist, Miss Prudence Barnard. We start out with a old time-y seance with all the suspects because there is soon a crazy quick murder, then lots of investigation, everyone has a twist and a reason for hating the victim. Mr. Gaunt has his work cut out for him as he wanders Rosecrest and tries to find the murder while clearing Prudence's reputation.
There is no sexy time scenes, but there is lots of bad things going on in and around Rosecrest, so this is not a book for the young and innocent.
Fun twisty mystery to read.
351 pages and kindle freebie
3 stars
March 12, 2012
This mystery is set in England in roughly 1800. The format alternates between the two principal characters -Knighton Gaunt (the second son of the subtitle on the cover) and Prudence Barnard - narrating the story. The potential romance between the two is the major sub-plot of the book. Ms. Corwin does a good job making this format work and the story flow seamlessly forward through the two points of view.
The two principal characters are very well drawn, and hopefully there will be more stories with the two. The mystery is well done, with a large number of possible suspects and potential motives - so you are kept guessing until close to the end. The book does drag a bit in the middle, but is overall a good read.
The two principal characters are very well drawn, and hopefully there will be more stories with the two. The mystery is well done, with a large number of possible suspects and potential motives - so you are kept guessing until close to the end. The book does drag a bit in the middle, but is overall a good read.
May 24, 2016
Hired to prove Miss Barnard as a fraud, Knighton Gaunt instead finds himself investigating the murder of the man who had hired him. Prudence fights to prove her innocence as tension grows in the house.
I've read several books by Amy Corwin before this one, and I am never disappointed. Her writing style is highly enjoyable, and her characters always jump out of the page. Knighton and Pru were no exception to this. I didn't want to put the book down until I knew how their story would unfold. I especially like that their relationship is given time to develop, and though I was a little disappointed by the ending, it made sense.
This is a must read for any fans of the Regency period and mystery.
I've read several books by Amy Corwin before this one, and I am never disappointed. Her writing style is highly enjoyable, and her characters always jump out of the page. Knighton and Pru were no exception to this. I didn't want to put the book down until I knew how their story would unfold. I especially like that their relationship is given time to develop, and though I was a little disappointed by the ending, it made sense.
This is a must read for any fans of the Regency period and mystery.
July 9, 2015
New favorite author!
So glad I stumbled upon this book while browsing online! I love historical mystery and romance and this book had just enough of everything. I didn't know who the murderer was until the end and I really enjoyed the level at attraction between Pru and Knighton because it seemed easy and natural without being a distraction to the story. It nicely set up for a second novel and I am really looking forward to it. The only thing I would have liked would have been a prologue, I'm interested to know what happened to all of the other characters and I don't want to name any specifics and possibly divulge spoilers!
So glad I stumbled upon this book while browsing online! I love historical mystery and romance and this book had just enough of everything. I didn't know who the murderer was until the end and I really enjoyed the level at attraction between Pru and Knighton because it seemed easy and natural without being a distraction to the story. It nicely set up for a second novel and I am really looking forward to it. The only thing I would have liked would have been a prologue, I'm interested to know what happened to all of the other characters and I don't want to name any specifics and possibly divulge spoilers!
January 31, 2016
This novel is set in Regency England.
A private inquiry agent has been hired to expose a so called medium as a fraud. The medium, Prudence Barnard, is a young woman living by her wits with no money or family to support her.
In the middle of a séance, the Lord who was wanting to expose her is killed, leaving Prudence the obvious murderer.
The agent, at first suspecting Prudence, discovers that there were any number of people with reason to kill the victim.
And, as is usual in Regency novels, there is a certain attraction developing between the two main characters.
Light, enjoyable read.
A private inquiry agent has been hired to expose a so called medium as a fraud. The medium, Prudence Barnard, is a young woman living by her wits with no money or family to support her.
In the middle of a séance, the Lord who was wanting to expose her is killed, leaving Prudence the obvious murderer.
The agent, at first suspecting Prudence, discovers that there were any number of people with reason to kill the victim.
And, as is usual in Regency novels, there is a certain attraction developing between the two main characters.
Light, enjoyable read.
October 1, 2016
I've gotten so tired of authors trying to inject modern heroines into period pieces, as though it makes sense they could operate as we would, but under the constraints of the mores of the era. Amy Corwin seems able to find the way to make a woman independent and strong enough to stand out, yet still not seem out of place. The flirtations always have a fun Thin Man quality to them, which also adds to the fun. The romance is the part we're left wondering about at the end, oddly enough, and because you know where it's headed, I can't even complain much about the unfinished story because it's another nice departure from the playbook.
September 26, 2016
Slowly solved mystery. Romance is a cliff hanger.
I do not understand why author's write a summary for their books. If the book requires a summary to be understood, fix the plot.
This is a light mystery with a smidgen of romance. In the style of the period, life (and the mystery's plot) goes at a much slower pace than today. It is well written though very wordy.
If you hate a cliff hanger, well just let me state....the mystery is solved but not the romance. A plot to reader the next book by the author.
I do not understand why author's write a summary for their books. If the book requires a summary to be understood, fix the plot.
This is a light mystery with a smidgen of romance. In the style of the period, life (and the mystery's plot) goes at a much slower pace than today. It is well written though very wordy.
If you hate a cliff hanger, well just let me state....the mystery is solved but not the romance. A plot to reader the next book by the author.
April 20, 2012
It was okay as aristocratic mansion house murder mysteries go, but I kept getting the characters mixed up. Lord this, Lady that, Miss someone... they didn't feel distinctive enough. A lot of the story felt redundant, just retreading the same ground for no reason: some tighter editing would have been valuable. And the solution was slightly disappointing - I was expecting something ingenious. But the two lead characters are wonderful, and this has the potential to be the start of a good series.
April 24, 2014
To be honest, I found this a bit disappointing. The two main characters just didn't seem consistent, and there were some jarring Americanisms which are out of place in a novel set in Regency England. I probably won't bother reading any more in this series, when there are others that I've enjoyed a lot more.
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