What do you think?
Rate this book
Captain Lacey #9
Murder in Grosvenor Square
Captain Lacey Regency Mysteries, Book 9. This is a full-length novel of 86,000 words (32 chapters).
Captain Gabriel Lacey begins Spring 1818 preparing for a duel. But while he focuses on the affair of honor, darkness, greed, and death stalk the streets of London and bring tragedy to a family Lacey has grown close to.
With the aid of Lucius Grenville, London’s most famous dandy, and Brewster, a ruffian employed by an underworld criminal, Lacey explores the world of molly houses and the double lives some men of society lead. His investigation takes him from the elegant mansions of Grosvenor Square to the squalid lanes of Seven Dials, to taverns that practice a highly illegal trade, spelling ruin and possible hanging for those caught within.
Lacey once again comes into the realm of James Denis, a crime lord, when what appears to be a simple crime of hatred becomes far more complex.
Captain Gabriel Lacey begins Spring 1818 preparing for a duel. But while he focuses on the affair of honor, darkness, greed, and death stalk the streets of London and bring tragedy to a family Lacey has grown close to.
With the aid of Lucius Grenville, London’s most famous dandy, and Brewster, a ruffian employed by an underworld criminal, Lacey explores the world of molly houses and the double lives some men of society lead. His investigation takes him from the elegant mansions of Grosvenor Square to the squalid lanes of Seven Dials, to taverns that practice a highly illegal trade, spelling ruin and possible hanging for those caught within.
Lacey once again comes into the realm of James Denis, a crime lord, when what appears to be a simple crime of hatred becomes far more complex.
322 pages, ebook
First published October 19, 2014
216 people are currently reading
531 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Gardner
48 books678 followersAshley Gardner is the pseudonym for NY Times bestselling and award-winning author Jennifer Ashley and nationally bestselling and award-winning author Allyson James. Her award-winning Captain Lacey Regency mysteries have garnered top reviews and an enthusiastic following. These books are now available as digital editions. More about the series can be found at http://www.gardnermysteries.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
September 17, 2017
Review written September 17, 2017
4 Stars - Another great part in a favorite series
Part #9 — Eight hours narrated by the very best James Gillies.
Bookblurb: "Captain Gabriel Lacey begins Spring 1818 preparing for a duel..."
Wow! As good as always. Longing for the next part released as a audiobook.
The series, author / pen-name, my reviews:
I LIKE - my dear Captain 😉
4 Stars - Another great part in a favorite series
Part #9 — Eight hours narrated by the very best James Gillies.
Bookblurb: "Captain Gabriel Lacey begins Spring 1818 preparing for a duel..."
Wow! As good as always. Longing for the next part released as a audiobook.
The series, author / pen-name, my reviews:
I LIKE - my dear Captain 😉
March 7, 2016
I'm exhausted now. Stayed up too late finishing and now I'm going to be irritable all day. Sorry, family!
I honestly didn't love the solution to this mystery. It felt kind of convoluted and tricksy. But I did love getting there. Ashley Gardner tells a very good story and just love this cast of characters. Gardner is also Jennifer Ashley who writes wonderful romances, but these are mysteries. Even though Captain Lacey and his wife love to go at it often, there is no explicit sex. It's definitely a behind-closed-doors activity. I never miss it one bit (although Jennifer Ashley writes great love scenes -- she's not a one-trick pony either) and would probably hate it if those kinds of scenes showed up. They'd seem like padding in this series.
Getting to know Brewster was probably my favorite part of this book. There's so much complexity in the people surrounding Captain Lacey and he seems to learn something new about human nature in every book. All while not compromising the strict standards he sets for himself. And as he learns, the rest of the characters seem to learn as well. They're all changing their perspectives and making new observations. They're never stagnant even as they remain true to their own nature.
I had put this one off for a while because something in another review had gotten me worried, but I needn't have. I've thoroughly enjoyed the past couple of days' reading.
I honestly didn't love the solution to this mystery. It felt kind of convoluted and tricksy. But I did love getting there. Ashley Gardner tells a very good story and just love this cast of characters. Gardner is also Jennifer Ashley who writes wonderful romances, but these are mysteries. Even though Captain Lacey and his wife love to go at it often, there is no explicit sex. It's definitely a behind-closed-doors activity. I never miss it one bit (although Jennifer Ashley writes great love scenes -- she's not a one-trick pony either) and would probably hate it if those kinds of scenes showed up. They'd seem like padding in this series.
Getting to know Brewster was probably my favorite part of this book. There's so much complexity in the people surrounding Captain Lacey and he seems to learn something new about human nature in every book. All while not compromising the strict standards he sets for himself. And as he learns, the rest of the characters seem to learn as well. They're all changing their perspectives and making new observations. They're never stagnant even as they remain true to their own nature.
I had put this one off for a while because something in another review had gotten me worried, but I needn't have. I've thoroughly enjoyed the past couple of days' reading.
April 9, 2015
First Sentence: I had an appointment on Lady Day, not have a week away, to face a man in a duel.
In a case that is very personal for Cpt. Lacey, two young men were brutally attacked in a squalid area of London; one murdered and the other at death’s edge. With the help of Lacey’s friends and acquainted, the investigation involves illegal trade and illegal actions in a plot with elements very relevant today.
Gardner’s Captain is a very interesting and appealing character who was not raised with wealth, but has learned to be fairly comfortable with wealthy society while maintaining his edginess. Having been in war, his views are often more tolerant than those around him. He views himself as “A realist, I would say, … I’ve learned to take things as they come.” He is, however, intolerant of injustice.
Gardner is such a good writer that she takes you from the tension of the scene of a duel, to the passion of the bedroom conveying all the passion while the “action” is completely behind closed doors.
Although each book can be read as a standalone, the characters grow and their lives change with each book in the series. For those who have been following the series, we do learn more about one of the secondary characters that is unexpected and rather delightful. Each character is well developed with attributed and, certainly, flaws. Certainly, none of them are boring.
Gardner provides an excellent look into the attitudes and social structure of the time. It’s not always a pretty picture, but it is, I suspect, a very realistic one. One thing of which you become aware is that some attitudes--very important from the 1700s until now--how very little has changed. Yet for those elements of life which are less critical, customs have changed greatly.
“Murder in Grosvenor Square” is a very good read with twists and turns and a wonderful ending.
MURDER IN GROSVENOR SQUARE (Hist Mys-Capt. Gabriel Lacey-London-1818) - VG
Gardner, Ashley – 9th in series
JA/AG Publishing – Oct 2014
In a case that is very personal for Cpt. Lacey, two young men were brutally attacked in a squalid area of London; one murdered and the other at death’s edge. With the help of Lacey’s friends and acquainted, the investigation involves illegal trade and illegal actions in a plot with elements very relevant today.
Gardner’s Captain is a very interesting and appealing character who was not raised with wealth, but has learned to be fairly comfortable with wealthy society while maintaining his edginess. Having been in war, his views are often more tolerant than those around him. He views himself as “A realist, I would say, … I’ve learned to take things as they come.” He is, however, intolerant of injustice.
Gardner is such a good writer that she takes you from the tension of the scene of a duel, to the passion of the bedroom conveying all the passion while the “action” is completely behind closed doors.
Although each book can be read as a standalone, the characters grow and their lives change with each book in the series. For those who have been following the series, we do learn more about one of the secondary characters that is unexpected and rather delightful. Each character is well developed with attributed and, certainly, flaws. Certainly, none of them are boring.
Gardner provides an excellent look into the attitudes and social structure of the time. It’s not always a pretty picture, but it is, I suspect, a very realistic one. One thing of which you become aware is that some attitudes--very important from the 1700s until now--how very little has changed. Yet for those elements of life which are less critical, customs have changed greatly.
“Murder in Grosvenor Square” is a very good read with twists and turns and a wonderful ending.
MURDER IN GROSVENOR SQUARE (Hist Mys-Capt. Gabriel Lacey-London-1818) - VG
Gardner, Ashley – 9th in series
JA/AG Publishing – Oct 2014
October 14, 2017
3.5 Stars. Writing and wordbuilding much improved from the early books. (Actually the first book, the only other one I’d read). Lacey has found his daughter, who is now a young woman ready to debut in Society; and has married a noblewoman. He’s moved up in the world, and still friends with Grenville. This time around, he is looking into the beating and robbery of two young gentlemen; one of which did not survive the attack.
Thank you to Sally for the loan...
Thank you to Sally for the loan...
Read
October 20, 2014Murder in Grosvenor Square is Out! (e-books Oct 20; print in a week or so after that)
Amazon
iBooks
Nook
Kobo
ARE/OmniLit (in epub and mobi)
Amazon
iBooks
Nook
Kobo
ARE/OmniLit (in epub and mobi)
July 24, 2021
4.5 audio....another winner from Ashley Gardner. Love Captain Lacey!
March 30, 2025
3.6 stars
Ninth book in the series and I still enjoying Lacey's adventures. This one hit close within the entourage of the Captain, lending a sad and important tone to his investigation. Overall, I liked the plotting that took unexpected but fresh detours even if at times, Lacey's tendency to jump to unseeming conclusions tired me. However, the book felt too long in the middle part.
The final solution was good even if there was too much rush to conclude so some details were missing to make full sense of the tragedy in the book. For example,
I am by now attached to the series even if sometimes the stories are uneven/ imperfect, so I will be looking forward to delving into the next one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2020
Domestic Satisfaction!
Although Captain Lacey is enjoying married life, he still takes the time to engage in a duel with acquaintances.
Later, he has the misfortune of stumbling over the death of a young man who is a good friend.
With his best friend Grenville, he is determined to get the identity of the murderer.
Although Captain Lacey is enjoying married life, he still takes the time to engage in a duel with acquaintances.
Later, he has the misfortune of stumbling over the death of a young man who is a good friend.
With his best friend Grenville, he is determined to get the identity of the murderer.
December 15, 2022
As if this series isn't wonderful enough, we get THIS! This is my favorite so far. The mystery was great - two young men Lacey knows well, who happened to be lovers, are killed and left in the street. He has to figure out why they were killed and unmask the killer. The mystery is interesting, but the character development is even better!
We get so many lovely scenes between Gabriel an Donata...mostly at home, but also out socially and sleuthing.
Grenville and Marianne have some time together, though they broke up at the end of the last book.
Brewster, Gabriel's shadow employed by Denis, takes Gabriel to his home and we meet his wife. He's now a really character and not just an empty bodyguard.
The final scene makes it clear that a new phase of the series has begun.
We get so many lovely scenes between Gabriel an Donata...mostly at home, but also out socially and sleuthing.
Grenville and Marianne have some time together, though they broke up at the end of the last book.
Brewster, Gabriel's shadow employed by Denis, takes Gabriel to his home and we meet his wife. He's now a really character and not just an empty bodyguard.
The final scene makes it clear that a new phase of the series has begun.
March 20, 2018
Duel, Derwents, and debuts!
December 15, 2018
Good story. Not a romance story but a mystery. Don’t be fooled by the cover.
August 9, 2020
Though this is Book No. 9 of the #Lacey series by Ashley Gardner, this is my first book in the series and must say, that I rather enjoyed it. There were few references to previous cases/ instances that have been covered in the previous books, but that didn't hamper reading this historical fiction, which deals with buggery in London in 1818.
The plot eventually gives way to a tragedy and multiple murders, which seemed pretty easy towards the end.
The story line is enthusiastic, never a dull moment, and I really enjoyed knowing the characters, the London of those times, and the class divide therein.
My rating 3.5/5 for the sheer pleasure of reading the story.
The plot eventually gives way to a tragedy and multiple murders, which seemed pretty easy towards the end.
The story line is enthusiastic, never a dull moment, and I really enjoyed knowing the characters, the London of those times, and the class divide therein.
My rating 3.5/5 for the sheer pleasure of reading the story.
July 21, 2017
-Captain Lacey has now been married to Donata for about a year. His daughter, Gabriela, is arriving to spend some time with them and Donata is going to help prepare Gabriela for her coming out party. Lacey has continued to visit Sir Gideon Derwent and his family for dinner every other week, as he had done for years, but now he is accompanied by Donata. Sir Gideon's wife, however is ill with consumption, and it would only be a matter of time until she succumbed. Sir Gideon's son, Leland also attended the dinners as did his daughter.
-A secret came out, that Leland and his close friend, Gareth Travers, who also was given lodging by the Derwents, were lovers, which was greatly frowned upon by society. Although acts between men were punishable by arrest, there were private clubs dedicated to the practice. These clubs were also frequented by the upper classes as well.
-Gareth and Leland had gone out one night, and Lacey was home with Donata. Lacey decided to go to his original apartments and Marianne Simmons was there. A young man, Nelson Mackay, came to the room. Mackay was ashen faced as he told Lacey he must go down to the Seven Dials, which was a rough area of London. It was urgent that he go immediately, as he was sent by Leland Derwent. When Lacey got there, he found the two young men in an alley, seemingly the victim of a mugging that went too far, as Leland was near death, and Gareth had been killed.
-Because of the way their bodies had been found, it seemed that the two were either mugged or were caught in the act of showing affection for each other, and were set upon by roughs who overdid an attack against them, something which occurred in London. Lacey knew he had to take the body of Gareth and Leland to a place where Leland would be treated but where scandal would be avoided. As it turned out, James Denis had sent one of his men, Brewster, to shadow Lacey, and he helped Lacey bring Gareth and Leland to a location owned by Denis.
-The attack shook up Lacey, and he promised to bring the attackers to justice. Though the attack looked like a robbery, there was something about the scene that made Lacey think that the attack was staged to look like a robbery gone wrong rather than something else.
-With the help of Grenville as well as of Denis, Marianne Simmons and Donata, Lacey probes into the last few days prior to the attack in order to reveal exactly why the attack was made and by whom. -Very well done as the mystery deepens until Lacey cracks it at the risk of his life.
-A secret came out, that Leland and his close friend, Gareth Travers, who also was given lodging by the Derwents, were lovers, which was greatly frowned upon by society. Although acts between men were punishable by arrest, there were private clubs dedicated to the practice. These clubs were also frequented by the upper classes as well.
-Gareth and Leland had gone out one night, and Lacey was home with Donata. Lacey decided to go to his original apartments and Marianne Simmons was there. A young man, Nelson Mackay, came to the room. Mackay was ashen faced as he told Lacey he must go down to the Seven Dials, which was a rough area of London. It was urgent that he go immediately, as he was sent by Leland Derwent. When Lacey got there, he found the two young men in an alley, seemingly the victim of a mugging that went too far, as Leland was near death, and Gareth had been killed.
-Because of the way their bodies had been found, it seemed that the two were either mugged or were caught in the act of showing affection for each other, and were set upon by roughs who overdid an attack against them, something which occurred in London. Lacey knew he had to take the body of Gareth and Leland to a place where Leland would be treated but where scandal would be avoided. As it turned out, James Denis had sent one of his men, Brewster, to shadow Lacey, and he helped Lacey bring Gareth and Leland to a location owned by Denis.
-The attack shook up Lacey, and he promised to bring the attackers to justice. Though the attack looked like a robbery, there was something about the scene that made Lacey think that the attack was staged to look like a robbery gone wrong rather than something else.
-With the help of Grenville as well as of Denis, Marianne Simmons and Donata, Lacey probes into the last few days prior to the attack in order to reveal exactly why the attack was made and by whom. -Very well done as the mystery deepens until Lacey cracks it at the risk of his life.
August 18, 2017
Another excellent addition
This book, more than many of the others, was an emotional roller-coaster. It starts with the duel that was set in the last book. Even though the book is from Captain Lacey's perspective, I could still sense all of the tension and anxiety permeating the household, especially from Donata. Then to have a known character as the victim is especially difficult. I think that I shared the denial and sense of unreality with the rest of the characters, hoping that the next chapter would reveal that it all had been just a tragic mistake. But of course it was not.
To offset the tragedy, there was also plenty of joy. I love reading about Gabriel and Donata adjusting to their new married state and being unfashionably affectionate. I also enjoy seeing Gabriel finally getting to develop a relationship with his daughter. And for an extra special treat we got to learn a bit more about Gabriel's minder, Brewster. Watching secondary characters develop as the books progress is one of the things that I really like about this series.
This book, more than many of the others, was an emotional roller-coaster. It starts with the duel that was set in the last book. Even though the book is from Captain Lacey's perspective, I could still sense all of the tension and anxiety permeating the household, especially from Donata. Then to have a known character as the victim is especially difficult. I think that I shared the denial and sense of unreality with the rest of the characters, hoping that the next chapter would reveal that it all had been just a tragic mistake. But of course it was not.
To offset the tragedy, there was also plenty of joy. I love reading about Gabriel and Donata adjusting to their new married state and being unfashionably affectionate. I also enjoy seeing Gabriel finally getting to develop a relationship with his daughter. And for an extra special treat we got to learn a bit more about Gabriel's minder, Brewster. Watching secondary characters develop as the books progress is one of the things that I really like about this series.
November 28, 2022
We pick up pretty much where the last book finished, Lacey in a duel to teach a horrid man a lesson. His new wife is anxious but sure he’ll survive.
Days later, the young son of the Derwent family and his best ‘friend’ are found beaten in a really dodgy part of town. The man who found them gets to Lacey’s old rooms to report the crime and then disappears.
Who would want to attack them, and why? What were they even doing in that part of town? The only way he can get them moved is to make yet another deal with James Denis. But at this stage, he may as well.
He keeps bringing such interesting situations to Denis’ door, and in return he learns slightly more about the mysterious gangster.
4 stars
So far this year, my library saved me A$3144.75
I like this series so much, I bought a three box set containing this title after borrowing this one from the library. It was on special; I have not entirely lost my mind. Laughs at thrifty self.
Days later, the young son of the Derwent family and his best ‘friend’ are found beaten in a really dodgy part of town. The man who found them gets to Lacey’s old rooms to report the crime and then disappears.
Who would want to attack them, and why? What were they even doing in that part of town? The only way he can get them moved is to make yet another deal with James Denis. But at this stage, he may as well.
He keeps bringing such interesting situations to Denis’ door, and in return he learns slightly more about the mysterious gangster.
4 stars
So far this year, my library saved me A$3144.75
I like this series so much, I bought a three box set containing this title after borrowing this one from the library. It was on special; I have not entirely lost my mind. Laughs at thrifty self.
September 20, 2023
-3 stars. i felt kind of meh about this one. it was ok, but i didn't enjoy it as much as others in the series. certain situations felt a little too convenient/easy at times.
"she is a troubled woman."
"i've met her. if she has trouble, she will weather it, and possibly beat it to death for bothering her."
"they are friends who have been kind to me. why do i not wish to rush to their side?"
"because it is unnerving to watch those you care for suffer."
"why could he not believe we cared for him as he was? that he did not have to have money to be worthy of notice?"
"sometimes we find it difficult to believe that we measure up to those we love. that we could possibly be cherished only for ourselves."
"she is a troubled woman."
"i've met her. if she has trouble, she will weather it, and possibly beat it to death for bothering her."
"they are friends who have been kind to me. why do i not wish to rush to their side?"
"because it is unnerving to watch those you care for suffer."
"why could he not believe we cared for him as he was? that he did not have to have money to be worthy of notice?"
"sometimes we find it difficult to believe that we measure up to those we love. that we could possibly be cherished only for ourselves."
January 5, 2021
Captain Lacey is happily married to his love, Lady Donata Breckenridge. He is aware she supports him, but he is content to live with it. He is friends with the Derwents, a family of do-gooders, who work to make life better for the poor in London. Leland Derwent is the son of the family, and he is in love with Gareth Travers. Love between two men is not accepted in England and when Lacey finds them beaten in an alley, Gareth dead and Leland near death, he is not surprised. But as he investigates he finds there are many paths the young men have been down and there are many secrets to be uncovered. Another excellent adventure in the Regency world of Captain Lacey.
March 11, 2021
Book #9 in the Captain Lacey Regency Mysteries. I skipped breakfast & lunch today’s I wanted to finish this book before going to sleep tonight. When I read one of these books, you can forget the housework cuz it’s just not going to get done till I’m finished.This one is yet another intricate mystery with sub plots within the main plot. It’s like macrame, weaving together the stands to make a work of art in the end. ❤️ I did listen to the audiobook while I was eating dinner though and I’ll tell you James Gillis is one of my favorite narrators and always does an impeccable job with his vocal talents. 😍
June 30, 2018
The mystery was ok, not as good as Brother Cadfael for example, but tolerable, though the way he got the murderer to confess was really weak. What mainly interested me in this book, not having read any of the series, was the ongoing story of Lacey’s relationship with Dennis, Bow Street, etc. I’d like to read more of the books to learn about that. His relationship with his wife and daughter though I found totally boring and even kind of annoying.
February 12, 2022
It's fine. Marianne is less annoying than she has been and I like Donata a ton. Lacey remains such a sexist, but his character is otherwise okay.
This spoiler is not specific but it could be spoiler-adjacent.
This spoiler is not specific but it could be spoiler-adjacent.
July 24, 2023
I took an eight year break from this series because one of the characters was so tiresome and obnoxious that I couldn’t stand to read the rest of the book. I decided to try the series again and I nearly put it down before I finished it because there was SO Much Marianne Simmons. I like so many of the other characters and relationships but Marianne is so incredibly annoying that I’d rather skip the rest of the series.
October 17, 2024
Another engrossing mystery with Captain Lacey and the motley crew of secondary characters who make the plot even more interesting, with a mix of sleuthing and personal relationships. And, unless I'm much mistaken, this book incorporates a new character, Brewster, to the captain's entourage (he has already appeared in previous books, but here he takes more protagonism and it would be a pity if he didn't continue taking part in future Lacey's adventures).
March 18, 2019
I love Captain Lacey and his friends - I am very intrigued by Denis - and I can't stand Spendlove, the nasty man!
This book starts with Lacey engaged in a duel - and the adventure begins. Murder, tragedy, love, through the slums of Seven Dials and the Ballrooms of Mayfair. Business as usual for Captain Lacey and another lovely read for me!
This book starts with Lacey engaged in a duel - and the adventure begins. Murder, tragedy, love, through the slums of Seven Dials and the Ballrooms of Mayfair. Business as usual for Captain Lacey and another lovely read for me!
October 30, 2023
Good Book But Not On A Par With The Rest Of The Series
Great series, deeply researched and possessing well-rounded, enjoyable character. This book, the tenth in the series, suffers by comparison to others in the series because the plot drifts a bit in the middle, and “reveal” at the end feels forced and with little foundation laid for it. Still a fun read!
Great series, deeply researched and possessing well-rounded, enjoyable character. This book, the tenth in the series, suffers by comparison to others in the series because the plot drifts a bit in the middle, and “reveal” at the end feels forced and with little foundation laid for it. Still a fun read!
December 15, 2017
This one was sad. I was very upset with the chain of events and dining out the “why” of it all just made me even more mad. I loved the book and could not put it down and it was incredibly well written. The emotions were so real and raw. On to the next in the series.
August 5, 2018
The unexpected villain is refreshing but it is a sad tale nonetheless. The characters deepen their respect and love for each other. Denis is as cold as ever. However, we get another glimpse of his humanity.
October 1, 2018
Murder Solved
Captain Lacey does it again solving another murder. Two friends were beaten causing the death of one the other very seriously hurt. With the help from friends he solves the case. Reading the book will let you try and figure out who it was!
Captain Lacey does it again solving another murder. Two friends were beaten causing the death of one the other very seriously hurt. With the help from friends he solves the case. Reading the book will let you try and figure out who it was!
June 1, 2021
WOW - so much I've learned while being entertained by a historical fiction mystery. While not as dark as some of the other stories in this series, it had its edges - all warranted and necessary, but that's what keeps our interest as wel.
January 21, 2022
I did not guess the murderer
Intriguing story and surprise ending.
I started reading this series in paperback years ago.
Just started rereading the early books and find I am binging and eager to read the rest although it is blowing my budget !!
Intriguing story and surprise ending.
I started reading this series in paperback years ago.
Just started rereading the early books and find I am binging and eager to read the rest although it is blowing my budget !!
August 22, 2017
Love the direction this story is taking!!!! ❤️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews