Petteril's Portrait

Lord Petteril Mysteries #4

by Mary Lancaster

A defaced portrait and the death of an artist – but is anything quite what it seems?

To the furious disapproval of his assistant, April, Lord Petteril insists on calling in on Lady Haggard’s country house party – only to discover his hostess and her guests in uproar over a portrait of the late Sir Weston Haggard which has been deliberately damaged.

While Petteril tries to trace the vandal among the well-born suspects – who include members of his own family, old friends and enemies, and even amorous widows – April encounters fresh problems and makes new friends.

But when real violence erupts, their hunt for the truth turns suddenly much more urgent…

Genres: Historical, Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Historical Fiction

169 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 22, 2024

About the author

Mary Lancaster is a USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction and historical romance. She lives in Scotland with her husband, one of three grown-up kids, and a small dog with a big personality.

Her first literary love was historical fiction, a genre which she relishes mixing up with romance and adventure in her own writing. Several of her novels feature actual historical characters as diverse as Hungarian revolutionaries, medieval English outlaws, and a family of eternally rebellious royal Scots. To say nothing of Vlad the Impaler.
Her most recent books are light fun Regency romances, with occasional forays into Victorian mystery.

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Reviews

[Tilde D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another absolute 5-star read. But to tell the truth, I am getting a little anxious with each new Petteril Mystery book. I keep hoping nothing goes off-track, that nothing veers away from what I see as the natural, unrushed development of the relationship between Piers and April. It's love between these two, no doubt about that. And it's trust, or at least so far it's the beginning of trust. But above all, whatever the relationship is, it is unique, and it is developing at its own unique pace.

As a boy Piers was small and bookish, and a target for bullies including those encountered at school and those in his own family. He developed successful coping strategies, while learning that trust must be earned, and can too often be betrayed. Piers grows up to be a tall, brilliant Oxford don with academic honors and the respect of his peers, and a cozy lifetime of teaching ahead of him. Then, in a matter of months, his father, brother, uncle and two cousins die from illnesses and war on the Peninsula, and Piers is suddenly wrenched away from the world he loves and thrust into the role of heir to the title. He doesn't want it; he's overwhelmed with grief over the deaths of so many of his family; he has no idea how he can possibly take on the role of Viscount. His surviving family are also deep in grief, and are dismissive of Piers, who they still see as the shy awkward little boy who was so easy to mock and push around. And *this* is the new Viscount Petteril? The new head of the family? The resentment Piers' aunt and cousins feel towards him is palpable, simmering beneath the surface of every encounter.
Piers despairs of ever being able to fill the role. Late one night, depressed, at his lowest ebb, ready to make an irrevocable decision, he suddenly encounters Ape, a young thief interrupted in the middle of robbing Petteril House. Ape somehow senses Piers' sadness and despair, and without fully understanding why, reaches out to pull him back from the brink.

So meet Piers and Ape, and a slowly evolving alliance of mutual help, support, and trust, is begun.
Ape's story would take another 800-1000 words to tell, at least, and I won't do that here, apart from saying that the social gulf between Ape/April and Piers is so vast, it's impossible to see how they'll bridge it. He's an academic and now part of the nobility. She's been living by her wits in the worst depths of London for years, and has only just learned to read and write. How does this pair get to a HEA? I wanted to go into detail about this relationship a little bit in order to point out how delicate, how fragile, how careful the relationship is. These are two people who have been hurt deeply, physically and emotionally, who do not trust easily. Their relationship is slowly developing. At this point, they are beginning to realize that they love each other, but have a long way to go before they will be able to express it to themselves, to each other or to the world. And then what will they do?
I am seeing some comments that the romance isn't "progressing" fast enough.
People are just so eager to get to the HEA for these two unique characters. I just want Piers and April to get to their own unique HEA at their own unique pace. At this point, after reading book 4, I feel like I could be very happy going along reading books 5, 6, 7, and on, without ever arriving at "the end" "the conclusion" "the denouement" ... "the HEA."
Whatever HEA Piers and April arrive at, it's going to be different from every other HEA anyone has ever arrived at. I am happy for them to take their time. In the words of advice Piers gives to his vivacious 18 year old cousin Gussie: Don't be in such a rush.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

To the furious disapproval of his assistant, April, Lord Petteril insists on calling in on Lady Haggard’s country house party – only to discover his hostess and her guests in uproar over a portrait of the late Sir Weston Haggard which has been deliberately damaged. While Petteril tries to trace the vandal among the well-born suspects, including members of his own family, old friends and enemies, and even amorous widows
The fourth outing for Piers & April & another very well written mystery. I love both Piers & April, he’s the mild mannered newly minted Viscount who is underestimated by so many, April is a breath of fresh air, I love how their relationship is deepening & changing. A portrait of the late Lord Haggard has been vandalised, there are plenty of suspects at the house party & then things take a more sinister turn. An engrossing book which I read straight through & I hope there are many more
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lord Petteril is asked by Lady Haggard to stop by her estate on the way to his, to help figure out who defaced the portrait of her deceased husband. His assistant, April is unhappy as she thinks she is going to be left with Lady Haggard.
The list of suspects is long, including some of Lord Petteril's relatives. When things become violent, the hunt for the suspect becomes more urgent.
I was happy to see that April made some friends in the story, since her relationship with Lord Petteril is misunderstood by so many.
This is a very interesting, entertaining read with a lot of plot twists and interesting characters.
I received this book as an ARC and all opinions are my own.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four books in and this series is still astonishingly addictive! I love when a multi-book series focused on one couple because the overarching storyline weaves into a beautiful tapestry. Considering the relatively short timeframe of Piers and Ape/April’s chance meeting, the plot line is laser focused on character and plot development.

Petteril’s Portrait unmasks deep secrets many of the secondary characters were keeping. Lots of manipulative machinations (adultery, jealous rivalries, scandalous affairs) kept the story crisp and moving forward.

Piers’ mean aunt (by marriage) is such a bitter, hurtful person. Her grief is very understandable…losing both sons and her husband in a short period of time was tragic. As Piers points out, if laws had been different (in the regency era), then the dowager’s eldest daughter Maria would be viscountess and Piers would have lost out on the title. But the dowager’s horrid treatment of Piers, who also lost his own brother in the same time frame, is just cruel and incorrigible. I did love her daughter Gussie and hope she matures and makes a good marriage with Piers’ friend.

I was so relived that April took agency about her own life and was prepared to bolt rather than be foisted off for her own good. Piers was a true hero when he galloped after April to set things right. What a heartwarming moment. I adore this series!

[Pauline Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good outing for our likeable but improbable sleuths, Piers and April. Not a lot of progress on their relationship, but I suspect the author’s going to milk it for all its worth. I have to say, I don’t quite see where the inevitable happy ending is coming from, but we’ll see.

Here’s the premise: new viscount Piers, Lord Petteril, is asked to call in at a friend’s house instead of going direct to his own estate. A portrait of his late father has been damaged, and it’s upsetting for everyone, not least his stepmother, Lady Haggard. His ex-thief ‘assistant’, April, hates the idea; Piers wanted to leave her with Lady Haggard to be trained as a servant, and was only dissuaded after some effort on April’s part. Now she wonders if she should trust him. But Piers is getting a reputation for solving mysteries, so to Lady Haggard’s house party they are to go.

The mystery is the usual thing - a range of suspects, and a great deal of careful questioning and observation by Piers and April. April is able to move between upstairs and downstairs, which makes her particularly useful, and her background as a ne’er-do-well, always looking out for trouble coming her way, makes her very observant. Piers’ relations are well to the fore, as well, including his obnoxious aunt, and his cousin Gussie, a young lady who seems to attract undesirable types like a magnet and frankly is very poorly chaperoned. House parties are notorious for shenanigans, and this one has inordinate numbers of people wandering the upper corridors at night.

The mystery takes a neat twist towards the end of the book, with an explanation that I didn’t see coming but was very satisfying. A very enjoyable five stars, but I still wonder where Piers and April will end up.

[Avril Hemingway · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a mystery to solve concerning a damaged portrait and there are several possible culprits in the style of a trapped at a house party style. Then thinks get really interesting with a death and I have to say I didn't see the result of that one coming. Once I start reading the stories in this series, I find them difficult to put down. I’m looking forward to the next one. With regards to April and Petteril's relationship there isn't a whole lot of progress and it is difficult to see how this will pan out, given their different stations in life but I can't wait to see how this is resolved. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Olga Godim · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Someone defaced a portrait at Petteril's friend's house, and of course, Petteril is asked to investigate. As always, his servant/assistant April helps him find the culprit, while their personal relationship slowly builds.
I'm enjoying this series of historical mysteries and the slow romance between Petteril and April embedded in it. The stories are quick-paced and delightful even though I doubt their historical veracity. But then, I don't read for historical facts. I read for pleasure and for escape, and this series provides.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fourth story in the Lord Petteril Mysteries, this has more than one mystery to be solved as both Piers and April try to solve what is happening. This series just gets better with each new story, the story is engaging, it held my interest and kept me turning pages. I can not wait to read Petteril’s Wife. The story is well worth reading. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tracey Rayner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

I did begin to wonder if that Mary Lancaster was not going to write anymore Lord Peterill Mysteries. I'm so glad she did!! This is a marvellous book I devoured in a day. Please read it. Can't wait for book 5 later in the Spring.

[DENISE I. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am loving this series!
Another house party!

At the request of the owner, his friend, Petteril is invited to another house party. Jammed with mystery. Undercover mischief. Overly pompous participants. And it’s not a party until “someone” dies! Another party brings another mystery. Let fun begin…..
It got a little slow and confusing midway, probably because of the numerous suspects and characters but it tied up nicely at the end. (And there’s another one coming 👏🏾👏🏾)

[Barbara Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Series: Lord Petteril Mysteries #4
Publication Date: 2/22/24
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: 167

I loved this latest addition to the Lord Petteril Mysteries series. The characters are very likable and quirky and the mysteries (yes, more than one) are interesting and the resolution is surprising. I will mention that I believe you should read the books in this series in the order they are published rather than starting in the middle. There are character developments you need to follow as they happen to fully understand the characters.

Piers Withan, newly elevated Viscount Petteril, has spent the first few months in his new title dealing with family issues and visiting the various properties – and solving mysteries along the way. He and his assistant April are on their way to one of those properties, Sillitrees, but first, they will stop by the home of his good friend Sir Peter Haggard (Haggs) because there is a small mystery to solve.

A portrait of Haggs’s father has been defaced and Haggs has asked Lord Peteril to discover who did it. Luckily, the artist who painted the portrait, a Frenchman named Claude St. Etienne, is also there to paint a portrait of Haggs. The artist can repair the picture, but why would anyone deface and damage the portrait in the first place since Haggs’s father was beloved by all who were in attendance?

Solving the mystery of the portrait doesn’t take long at all – but then there is a murder. Oops! Did the person who defaced the portrait also commit the murder? Surely not! If not, who else might it have been and were the two things related?

This was a fun, entertaining read with two lovely mysteries and equally lovely characters. I would have liked to see more progress in April’s language skills after several months, but there doesn’t seem to be a lot happening there nor in her ladylike behavior. So, it will be interesting to see what happens in the next book, Petteril’s Wife, which will be released later this spring.

[Reader (Show me, don't tell me) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I look at the picture of the author of this book and I smiled. It's like hearing someone's genuine laughter and right away one smiled or start laughing too without know what the heck the laughter is about. I read this book and the first three in such a short time, I felt like a starving waif - I was- It's been a while since I've read a real historical story written like one.

My fave historical writers are quite busy writing (I hope) and publication dates are pending. So boy, oh boy, was I glad when I browsed across Mary Lancaster on my fave buying site. Now she's made my short list of 'historical writers sensible to the knowledge and understanding of writing historical stories'. Yes. Yes. And Yes.

All that said, all 4 books in the Petteril Mysteries are amazingly enjoyable. I read all of them but will just write one review. 5 stars for each book.

Lord Petteril happened upon a thief in his house who may or may not have saved his life. From then on he's had a sidekick. And what a sidekick! Throughout their journeys/adventures together, many aspects of period English society's biases, prejudices and how they are dealt with within the context of the times. I read this one so fast, I kept going back to random pages to read again.

I am very glad that Mary Lancaster did not see fit to take the short cut of 'modernizing' the story but pretty much kept the telling, the living, the discourses of it in the period it was about. This attention to historical writing gives life and credulity to the characters. I hear them, I can imagine them and I am seeing them in their space and time. And at the end of it I say, 'thank God I'm living in 2024' yet I enjoyed my trips back in time through the pens of writers like Mary Lancaster.

Jolly Good Writing. Jolly Great Reading :).

[Book Babes & Novel Nerds Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grossed out by what a manwh*** he’s become

April does everything for him and I have read lots of books where the time period puts a huge delay on the romance and that’s fine I can be patient when the stories amazing. But every book lately he’s suddenly into another woman 2 seconds after meeting them and even smiled at the widow while thinking of April and THEN shamefully bragged about how he liked how SHE ( the widow ) looked when she smiled back at him WHILE he’s thinking of another woman who truly loves him. This happened last book too where he considered marrying another girl he’s into to get past the “stuff” with April after she you know what ( I’m assuming you do since this is the next book ) and it was disgustingly out of character so I was really hopeful this one would be better but it’s actually worse he’s just into any skirt and doesn’t care at all about April and it’s become so bad. I loved his character because he purposefully did not care about any of the society stuff, and April saved his life, and was a strong character on her own, and he flaunted others expectations and took her in and made her his assistant just to treat her like garbage, ignore her wishes, flirt with any skirt he sees, and use investigations as hook up dates and I’m beyond upset that I even gave this book a chance but I hd loved the first 2 so much I can’t believe how far gone off the rails it’s gotten. I honestly am creeped out by him now and hope April does better. Like he doesn’t consider her feelings or treat her as an equal even in private anymore and I’ve read plenty of books where the entire point is at least the guy treats his woman like an equal despite society standards yet he uses them as an excuse to be a gross h++rny coward. I DNF and won’t be reading or buying any more works.

[Fanosse23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lord Petteril is on his way to his estate, but is asked by Lady Haggard to stop by her house party. His assistant April is with him and not happy about this unexpected stop. When they arrive Lady Haggard and guests are upset over finding someone has defaced the portrait of her deceased husband, Sir Weston Haggard. Lady Haggard asks for his helping in determining who is the guilty party.

Another mystery for Lord Petteril to solve in his distinctive, and unique quirky style. Once again things are not what they might seem and that is what I love about this series, often I am able to determine who is guilty but this series keeps me guessing until the culprit is announced.

Another added bonus is the unaddressed relationship between April and Petteril, she remains anxious about what the future holds for her when Petteril marries or becomes involved with someone romantically. At this point, where they might be heading is another delightful mystery waiting to be solved.

I cannot say enough about this charming mystery series, Petteril and April are different and interesting characters, there is always some twists and turns along the way, but Lord Petteril will solve whatever dilemma he is tasked to resolve with April’s assistance.

I received an advance copy of this book from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily, all thought and opinions are my own.

[Littlebookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fourth book in the Petteril mysteries, Piers and April set out to investigate a vandalized portrait, as a favour for Pier's friend Sir Peter, at his country estate, the house guests in attendance all suspects. Though when a body is found, the stakes are raised.

Another engaging and cosy mystery from Mary Lancaster. I enjoyed the twists and turns in the plot and slowly unravelling the guests' various secrets.

By now Piers and April feel like old friends, with whom it is a joy to catch up with. April started off a little grumpy in this one, but only because she is afraid that Piers intends to leave her with Sir Peter's stepmother. Both had their own separate potential romantic interests in this instalment, their own relationship not really progressing any further from the last book, though as always there were some sweet scenes between them, the mutual trust and affection between them as strong as ever, even if mostly unspoken. As I have mentioned in a previous review, given the vast difference in their stations it will be interesting to see how the author progresses their relationship in future books.

Overall, whilst not my favourite of the series, another highly enjoyable addition.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read the previous novels in this series, I found this book just as entertaining and intriguing as those that went before, and although the plots are interlinked, this mystery can be read as a standalone. As Lord Petteril and his unconventional assistant make their way to Lady Haggards' country house party, their main purpose being to discover the person responsible for defacing a portrait, the mix of characters and the process of elimination kept me on tenterhooks. When faced with the final countdown, the question is, was a crime committed, or were the players so caught up in their own feelings of guilt that it became difficult to sift the wheat from the chaff? Ultimately, the novel closes on a positive note and young April gets to see another day serving the man she best admires. I received a copy of this entertaining and intriguing novel as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

On their way to his country estate, Piers Witham, Viscount Petteril, and his assistant April are stopping at Lady Haggard’s house party to determine who defaced the portrait of her late husband. Possible perpetrators, and possible motives, are pondered, the suspect changes. The clues and the story hold your attention. The answer seems to have been discovered several times, but the answer to the mystery isn’t revealed until the end of the story. This is another interesting and entertaining Lord Petteril Mystery. The plot is well-written and engaging. There is drama and secrets, and apparently some danger. The characters are interesting. Piers’s cousin is a delight. April is a bit moody because she thinks Piers is leaving her with Lady Haggard (he did mention it before). Of course, in the end, April leaves with her favorite person. I am really enjoying the Lord Petteril Mysteries. I look forward to the next one.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[PR · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best of the five! A well written romance/mystery...very puzzling.

Enjoyed this one.
Characters well rounded and three dimensional. Love how the main characters are growing and changing in their respective roles and in their relationship to one another. Where WILL it go? What's next?
These books are interesting, fun, sometimes even funny...
The stories are intriguing and the solutions very satisfying. One does not easily...or at all!...predict the end results. This author plots so well one does not know until the end what the outcomes will be.
Very satisfying, fast, easy read that is a nice vacation from more intense and challenging fare.
I recommend these to anyone who desires am pleasurable read.

[Carol Bisig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Petteril!

I "I love this series! Petteril is portrayed as a relatable, lonely human in this story, and I found myself rooting for him, but not with this lady. I enjoyed the mystery. However, I do have one issue with the story - April's character doesn't seem to be progressing as much as I would like. Her language still resembles that of a little pickpocket, despite the fact that it's time for her to become more ladylike. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the mystery and would highly recommend it.
Thank you,
carolintallahassee

[eyes.2c · Rating 5 out of 5]

This time Piers and April are on their way to another of Pier’s properties but have called in to see an old friend. A house party is underway. A portrait has been defaced, and then the painter is found dead with his head caved in.
Of course no-one knows what to do with April, including Piers. Aprils all for absconding.
The tension between these two is ratcheting up in ways they both don’t want to think about. Pier’s cousin Gussie is there as is a man who bullied him when he was a boy. Hope has much to learn.
Once more, incredibly enjoyable.

[June Calvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Petteril's Portrait is excellent!

Mary Lancaster has another winner in Petteril's Portrait, the latest in her Lord Petteril mystery series. The mystery was hard to solve and then an even greater mystery arose! April almost left him, and his complicated feelings for her still intrigue the reader. If I weren't enjoying each story so much, I would wish she would end the series so we can see how she solves this relationship dilemma.
Highly recommend!

[Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

Every book in this series has been a delight to read and this book was certainly no exception. The interaction between the main characters, April and Lord Petteril is full of compassion and rife sometimes with misunderstanding, but that in no way interferes with their uncanny ability to go right to the heart of the current problem or puzzle whether it be robbery or murder. I cannot recommend this book and the entire series highly enough!

[Lynette Olway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this series. Can’t wait to read the next in series. Can we have a date for the release of Petteril’s wife. Number 5 in series. Am also enjoying reading all the other Mary Lancaster books. Have been going through them one after the other. Historical details seem so accurate and I love all the characters and their stories .

[Danielle Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

well written mystery

So far this has been a clean storyline.

The mysteries are week thought out and executed. Mary is a fantastic writer and the words just flow smoothly and naturally.

I love the relationship between him and April. It will be interesting how this all okays out.

[Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

As far as the story of Piers and April goes, I felt this book was treading water a bit, but the mystery was just intriguing enough to keep me interested. I also felt that April didn't contribute so much to the final solution as in previous books, which was a shame as I felt it would've raised her profile amongst Lord Petteril's immediate friends and family.

[Jeriann Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lord Petterill solves another crime

With the help of April, the young woman he rescued from the mean streets of London, Piers, Lord Petterill solves the desecration of a portrait that led to a murder. April is also cleaning up nicely and turning quite fetching.

I rate this definitely worth the read.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another engaging read in this series. Petteril and April have an unusual relationship, he is the viscount and she is his assistant. Having lived in the East End, April is very streetwise and determined to improve her education. April makes some keen observations in their investigations. They obviously care about each other but it’s difficult to see how this will pan out, given their different stations in life. There is a mystery to solve concerning a portrait and there are several possible culprits. Once I start reading the stories in this series, I find them difficult to put down. I’m looking forward to the next one.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Throughly enjoyed reading Piers and April's latest murder mystery. A portrait artist is found dead in his studio killed by an unknown assailant in the dead of night. It is up to Piers and his trusty assistant April to find out the true who the artist really murdered and by whom.

[Linda Brugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Series Just Gets Better

Such a perfect combination of mystery and romance. There's always more than one of each. As Ape becomes April and Letter it becomes a more comfortable lord, there is mischief afoot.

[Sue Gaebler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series does not disappoint. The characters are well drawn, complex and likable. I have enjoyed the trajectory of the relationship of Lord Petteril and April both working and personal. The mysteries are well done. Am looking forward to the next.