A Vicious Machination

Beatrice Hyde-Clare #12

by Lynn Messina

As eager as Beatrice, Duchess of Kesgrave, is to meet her husband’s newly discovered illegitimate half sister, she does not want it to happen like in the keeper's house at Newgate. Yes, that Newgate, the abject prison filled with squalor and misery to which Verity Lark has been consigned for murder. Found standing over the slain corpse of an old tormentor with a still-warm pistol in her hand, she is obviously guilty. It is an open-and-shut case with little for an unduly curious duchess to investigate. Except it all seems a little too simple and straightforward. The Runner, for example, who apprehended Miss Lark at the scene of the crime—it’s awfully convenient that he just happened to be in the neighborhood at the very moment the gun discharged. Something else has to be at work here, such as a sinister figure lurking in the shadows to direct the action. Convinced of Miss Lark’s innocence, Bea can conceive of no other explanation. Or is the prisoner really just the victim of a horrible stroke of bad luck? The question plagues Bea as she struggles to figure out the answer to her most confounding riddle yet, for the stakes are higher than ever and distressingly personal.

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

296 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 28, 2024

About the author

Lynn Messina is author of more than a dozen novels, including the best-selling Fashionistas, which has been translated into sixteen languages, and a series of Regency romance novels. Her essays have appeared in Self, American Baby and the New York Times Modern Love column. She lives in New York City with her sons.

Reviews

[Dalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started to read Beatrice Hyde-Clare mysteries Series a few weeks ago and I was hooked. I loved the MCs so much, Bea, the shy spinster, who finds her backbone when investigating murders and Damian, the arrogant Duke, who finally finds his match.
I read all the books back to back and couldn’t stop till the latest book of their amazing series: A Vicious Machination.
Lynn Messina writes twisty murder mysteries with lots and lots of red herrings that keep you guessing until the very end. While tackling serious subjects, the author always manages to slip in plenty of wit and humor along with side stories to make the darker topic more tolerable.
The writing is easy to read and get into. Bea and her Duke are engaging and fun characters. I love the way Bea and Kesgrave's relationship has evolved through the series and it's so fun to read their interactions and their witty banter. The secondary characters add to the fabric of the story ( aunt Vera, lady Abercrombie, Fiona…)

The plot is super interesting. The world of BHC collide with the world of Verity Lark, another wonderful series by Lynn Messina. Verity Lark is accused of murder and it’s up to her outrageousness to save her with her amazing investigative skills !!!

I absolutely love this series but now my Beatrice binge is at an end and I can’t wait to read her next adventure.
I highly recommend Beatrice Hyde-Clare mysteries series to readers who enjoy a cozy, charming, light-hearted and entertaining murder investigation.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jeannine · Rating 5 out of 5]

How does Lynn Messina do it? Lynn Messina writes twisty murder mysteries that keep you guessing until the very end and still manages to pepper every scene with humor. I imagine her cracking up as she writes, even though some of the subject matter in these books is heavy.

In A Vicious Machination, the Beatrice Hyde-Clare series continues to overlap with the Verity Lark series. Verity Lark, the reporter who has excoriated Beatrice in the past in a gossip column who also happens to be the half-sister of Bea's husband, is in jail for murder. Bea feels she and her husband, Damen, Duke of Kesgrave, must investigate and prove her innocent. Though Damien and Verity have met in a past book, Bea meets Verity for the first time in Newgate Prison.

The murder victim ran the orphanage where Verity grew up. She had been selling children into slavery and blackmailing members of the orphanage's board of directors as well. Verity exposed the scheme and ruined everyone involved, so suspects for the murder are numerous. Over the course of two days, Bea and Damien interview suspects and hone in on the guilty party. The finale is an action scene where Damien and Verity's beau (is that the right term?) play major roles.

In addition to the fascinating investigation, we see Bea continue to deal with discomfort over her new roles as Duchess and impending motherhood,. These scenes are both sweet and funny with secondary characters like Bea's Aunt Vera and Lady Abercrombie appearing briefly. There's a hint that action will move to the Kesgrave country estate soon.

As always, the pace is fast. Though this installment is under 300 pages, it is packed!

[eyes.2c · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family responsibilities and Murder!

Verity Lark (the Duke of Kesgrave’s half-sister) is being held in Newgate Prison charged with the murder of Agnes Wraithe, dreadful ghoul and former headmistress of the orphanage Verity and her friends were mistreated in.
It’s up to the Beatrice, the “Murder Duchess” or rather “Her Outrageousness” (monikers given Bea by the popular press) to prove her innocence. (Probably in exchange for shooting lessons!) The solving of this murder is important because Verity is family, although the acknowledgment is tentative on Verity’s side, and will be a distraction for the Duchess. Bea’s lately spent much of her time wondering how she’s going to cope overseeing the Duke’s grand residence at Haverhill Hill, where she and the Duke are due to stay shortly.
The Dowager Duchess becomes involved, as does of course Kesgrave.
I love the relationship between the Duke and Duchess. How he really sees and appreciates her, the way he affectionately calls her Brat, how he allows Beatrice to be herself. Their affection for each other is evident from the moments stolen in the library, the carriage. Oh my!
This murder though has been impressively planned down to the last second. The who is hampered by the number of people being blackmailed by the murder victim—The Wraithe!
Another throughly enjoyable and witty Bea Hyde-Clare, “Her Outrageousness” mystery!

A Book Whisperer ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.

[Sharyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an EARC for book 12, and now book 13. Between reading these, I have read book #1 in the series, as well as all the Verity Lark series, so how much fun is it that the 2 series' have finally intersected in #12 and 13.
In #12, Beatrice's husband meets his half-sister, Verity Lark. In this book, Beatrice finally meets Verity, but in Newgate Prison. Beatrice must prove Verity is not a murderer.
Beatrice, the Duchess of Kesgrove, has solved many murders in her short married life. Her husband, the Duke, is a wonderful character who loves her and helps her solve the murders.
The banter is adorable. We see how Beatrice thinks things through, and the villain was quite a surprise!
I presume in the next book Beatrice and Verity will finally spend time together, and the Duke will get to know his sister.
I am looking forward to it.
Thanks to the Book Whisperer, Netgalley, and the publisher for my EARC.
This is my honest opinion. I highly recommend reading Verity's story also.

[Alisha]

I was intrigued by the premise of this book, bringing together two strong female characters from separate series, but I think I was expecting them to spend a bit more time together. I was prepared for them to form an uneasy alliance that ends up terrifying everyone around them, and I think that would have been really fun. However, this is an investigation run by Bea as usual, with Verity at the center of it but also very much off-stage for the majority of the book. Will we in future see them operating together? Maybe so, but this volume isn't where it happens.
There were some chuckle-worthy moments, and the book was fairly fast-paced. If you are a Beatrice Hyde-Clare fan you will enjoy this latest volume. A knowledge of prior books in the series is vital.

Thanks to Netgalley and Book Whisperer for this digital review copy.

[QNPoohBear · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Lynn Messina, Book Whisper and NetGalley for the free advanced reading copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not affected by the giveaway.

The Duchess of Kesgrave is eager to help her beloved husband become closer to the half-sister he never knew but she never expected to meet Verity Lark in Newgate! When Bea tries to befriend her husband's sister she discovers Verity has been arrested for murdering the cruel woman who made the lives of Verity, her friends and fellow orphans a misery. Verity was caught with the smoking gun, literally! Verity's friends know she would never kill anyone, not even the Wraithe. Verity prefers the written word and if she did plan to kill the Wraithe, she'd make sure Agnes Wraithe knew just who it was that ended her life. Bea agrees and sets out on a wild chase to discover the nefarious plot she believes was set to entrap Verity. Who would conduct such a vicious machination? Was it a shadowy figure who hired a gunman to shoot Miss Wraithe and the Runner to find her? Or could it be the shadowy figure killed Miss Wraithe and then hired the Runner? Perhaps the shadowy figure hired the Runner to both kill Miss Wraithe and discover Miss Lark in a damning situation?

TRIGGER WARNING: This has to come first. Don't read this book if child abuse is a trigger for you. This book contains mentions of lots and lots of disgusting abuse of privilege and power used against impoverished orphaned children. I don't even like children and found the stories Verity has uncovered and Bea discovers completely reprehensible. If you've read her books, you know some of it but not all of it.

Warning #2: One suspect uses the term "feeble-minded". The main characters use more sympathetic, modern terms. The period correct term is used twice in one scene.

Woah! This may be the twistiest mystery yet. It kept me guessing until JUST before Bea figured it out. There was a clue that gave me an inkling earlier but I thought it might be someone else. Then the clue was dropped that allowed me to realize who it must be but I didn't guess WHO exactly. It was a bit of a shocker. I didn't really like the catch a killer scene. I understand why it had to be that way - Bea is "with cherub" and needed to be safe but I think there could have been a safe way for Bea to do it herself. It's more fun and outrageous that way.

Oh gosh I love Bea. I can relate to her being an introverted book nerd and in her head all the time. Poor Bea. She hasn't known her beloved Damien that long - less than a year! (It's been a fortnight since the last murder!) He has demonstrated how much he loves her and is devoted to her. He adores her and loves her wholeheartedly. However, part of her is still that emotionally starved little girl no one wants waiting for the other shoe to drop. How cruel of her parents' lawyer to threaten her with the orphanage! The threat traumatized her and turned her into an anxious little mouse, afraid to speak up lest she get sent away. She has transferred some of that fear to Kesgrave. He's a Duke! She wonders if he's getting bored with her and her investigations now. He points out she broke a marriage vow right away. Her last investigation was on behalf of his former mistress and Bea is a notorious figure in the press, hardly Duchess material. Now she's possibly carrying the heir to the Dukedom, her behavior must be beyond reproach as Duchess of Kesgrave and mother of a future duke. All this goes through her head at rapid pace and she can't help worry about how her husband feels now. She's also feeling blue because this case involves child abuse. Her own childhood trauma was NOTHING compared to what the children of Fortescue's went through.

Fortunately Damien is the most swoonworthy of Regency romance dukes! He truly does love Bea with all his heart and soul. He knows her better than she knows him. He can read her face like a book and knows what she's thinking. Damien is very sweet and explains to Bea what she's thinking and why she shouldn't be thinking it. (In more ways than one...) I find it hilarious that she's turned on by his pedantry and he knows it and therefore, starts on one of his lists just to cheer her up. ("HMS Goliath, HMS Audacious, HMS Majestic"... ) The Duke of Kesgrave only pretends to be a Darcy. Like Darcy he was brought up to think highly of himself and his position. He has wealth and status and could be a total jerk (ahem like Darcy... don't hate me! Read the book!) but he's a kind, caring man. Deep down he too is emotionally insecure at times due to his traumatic childhood. "Whatever, I'm over it!" is what he would say now but he's not. His parents' cruelty and uncle's despicable behavior left a mark and he's determined NOT to be like them. Kesgrave is unfailingly kind and caring towards others. He knows just how to cheer people up and is intuitive about how Verity must feel.

Verity doesn't appear much in the book but she is the focus and the center of the investigation. I agree that she preferred to make Agnes Wraithe's life miserable and ruin the lives of the Forestcue's Orphan Asylum board members. They all deserved it and she enjoyed making them miserable. Murder isn't her style and why now? She's too smart to succumb to blackmail and she even had a plan in mind. She would willingly out herself as Robert Lark rather than pay one cent of blackmail, especially to the woman who made her childhood miserable. What does she have to lose? She still has Twaddle-Thumb, although she promised to stop writing about the Duchess, and she has other identities she can use and create more. Verity is holding her own in Newgate and trying not to let her fear and worry show. Bea notes Verity is without means or protection. An unmarried, middle class woman will never be saved from the gallows. Indeed, as Lord Colson discovers, Lord Sidmouth, the Home Secretary, won't lift a finger to help, not even in thanks for all Lord Colson has done. (Apparently, Courtesans are not in danger of being hanged but nosy, meddling spinsters are fair game?!)

Lord Colson Hardwicke, the disgraced second son of a Marquess, is impressed by Verity's intelligence and determination. Bea can see Colson is utterly besotted with Verity and thinks he must be a better person than his reputation because Verity is a good judge of character. Bea guesses what everyone who read A Lark's Conceit knows already but only some of it! Bea's not as clever as Verity. The Dowager Duchess of Kesgrave is back in her grandson's good books. She is trying hard to make amends to "the child" Mary Price, La Reina's illegitimate daughter who now calls herself Verity Lark. It took too long for her to share the story of how she met Verity. It was a bit frustrating for me because I knew the story and didn't know why she didn't lead with it! Unfortunately for the Dowager, every attempt she makes to help Verity ends up making the situation worse. No good deed goes unpunished!

Agnes Wraithe was an unimaginative, punitive, small-minded, evil woman. She has come down in the world since her days of running an orphans asylum, thanks to Verity. She didn't have the brains to figure out Robert Lark's true identity, let alone to come up with a plan to frame Verity for murder. She doesn't even really know who Verity IS exactly - her worst enemy. Was she working with someone or did someone use her for their own evil purposes? It's odd that a Runner should just happen to appear on the scene to find Verity holding the murder weapon. Cyrus Thimble had to be a part of the vicious machinations behind Verity's arrest. Was Thimble coerced? Did he owe money to the killer? He claims he was responding to a summons but who in that neighborhood can afford to hire a Runner?

Did Miss Wraithe still have dealings with Lord Condon, Fortescue's disgraced patron? Could he be the killer. I think he is. He lost the most and has the most to gain. While he's living large on his estate in Ireland, he's in exile and cannot return to London and life among the ton. I hope he is the killer. He needs to be punished for what he did to those children. I don't even like children and what he did made my stomach turn. The girls had the worst of it. It's sick how men do not see females as beings with thoughts, feelings and emotions.

Even though Lord Condon is supposedly in Ireland, he has the means to return to London or hire a hit man to do the dirty deed for him. I think Lord Condon hired Cyrus Thimble to kill Agnes Wraithe and frame Verity. At the very least, I think he's the one who came across Robert Lark's identity. He must have had a letter from someone who figured it out or had so much time to think and stew, he figured it out on his own. That makes him a dangerous enemy! His representative in London, Edmund Ellis, is a sycophant and a fool. He has ethics which is normally good but in this case he won't give up information needed to solve a murder without getting something in return. Bea figures out a way around Ellis's ethical concerns. I admit that scene is funny even if I don't like the character.

Cyrus Thimble doesn't seem very smart. I think he was hired by the shadowy figure but is not the shadowy figure. He doesn't have a motive to be the shadowy figure. Why would he kill Miss Wraithe? He's an officer of the law and it is his duty to follow the law and bring lawbreakers to Bow Street to start the justice process. Not much of what he says makes sense, practically speaking. He's no match for the Duchess and Duke of Kesgrave though. He provides a number of new suspects though, besides himself. It's a longshot but could one of the neighbors have been so fed up with Miss Wraithe's terrorizing their children they decided to put a stop to it, permanently? I HIGHLY doubt that. Perhaps Miranda Jones's father wanted Miss Wraithe to suffer the way little Miranda did and therefore I would guess he would manufacture a story to have her arrested and thrown in prison but not actually resort to murder. That simply doesn't make sense. Who do those in power accuse first? The ones without power. No, this case surely involves a plot to frame Verity so why would the neighbors do that when their beef was with Miss Wraithe after she was fired from Fortescue's?

The investigation turns to the disgraced board members of Fortescue's at the time of Miss Wraithe's tenure. Not only did they turn a blind eye to her abuse, they perpetuated abuse of their own upon the children. Stop reading the book here if you started but can't stand to read about children being harmed! Charles Wigsworth claims to be a man of science but he is a man of science much in the way Victor Frankenstein is a scientist. Wigsworth is playing around with laughing gas and other gasses to try to invent anesthesia decades before the actual discovery. All he wants is glory and fame, recognition from actual men of science. That's not too much to ask is it? Of course it is when one becomes obsessed to the point of ignoring his family and everything else. Of course it's too much when personal gain overrides ethics! I wasn't as horrified by what he did as Bea is but the man is NOT a man of science. The children didn't understand the risks vs. the reward! They had no one to study the issue and decide if the risk was worth it to assist with a major medical breakthrough. No, Wigsworth took advantage of the children who had no protectors and used them as human guinea pigs until something went wrong. I'm sure he's understating the situation too. Wigsworth simply didn't care who he tested his gas on.

Another board member, Alicia Beveridge, lives near Mayfair with her husband and children. She's a feather wit, a ninny, a shallow woman who cares more for fripperies that enhance her own comfort than for orphaned children. Her husband is a cheapskate who keeps her on a short leash and it sounds like she needs it. If she had credit cards, they would be maxed out. There was no reason for her to steal money from poor children so she wouldn't have to do without things these children never had. She tries to make herself out to be the victim. She sounds like a child. Mrs. Beveridge is typical of the ultra wealthy who don't want to give up their own comforts so someone else can have basic necessities. Still, she was the only one who befriended Miss Wraithe, tried to listen sympathetically and learn what made Miss Wraithe tick. Given this knowledge, perhaps Mrs. Beveridge is the shadowy figure? I don't think she has the brains to do it but perhaps her husband murdered Miss Wraithe to put an end to his wife's misery and to protect his reputation? After all, it's his money he's withholding that caused his wife to steal from the orphans in the first place.

Alicia confides in her dearest friend, Harriet "Feathers" Featherstone-Haughton. She confided private information to Feathers. Did Alicia learn of Robert Lark's true identity? Did she tell Feathers? Did Feathers leak the news to someone else? Her husband, maybe? He sounds like a slimy worm. Caroline Knowles has a secret but I don't think she's the murderer. Her secret isn't so bad in proportion to the others. She feels proper remorse for what happened and understands why what she did was bad. She's a lonely young widow who made a mistake that ended in tragedy. She doesn't seem to be suffering too much but her secret mistake did cause her to break her engagement. I don't see why she would murder Miss Wraithe and frame Verity NOW. It doesn't seem logical.

Pritchard Dibin is the most interesting board member. One report says he's a doddering old man who fell asleep and drooled through board meetings. Our intrepid sleuths think otherwise. Perhaps he has a medical condition? There are signs though that he had a motive for murder and the brains to put a dastardly scheme into place. Of all the board members, he's the one with a current motive. He doesn't have a solid alibi and his story seems a little fishy to me. I don't want him to be the murderer because he's a family man and seems like a caring father and grandfather.

One final suspect is a man named Hottenroth who is worse than even Lord Condon. That man was truly evil. Trigger warning again! Giles Hottenroth was truly evil. He deserved a fate worse than death. His family didn't deserve to suffer though. Now HIS crime makes me sick to my stomach and I was shocked that it came up in a series that's usually fairly light. Someone could be out to avenge his downfall and the family's come down in the world.

I just adore this series and am still hoping Bea and Verity will team up for the next investigation before the Season ends and the Kesgraves go off to the country. The Duke of Kesgrave and Lord Colson won't be able to keep up LOL!

I hope there are many more adventures to come for Bea and Kesgrave, Verity and Colson too!

[Danielle - drops.everything.and.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I continue to be a fan of the Beatrice Hyde-Clare and the Verity Lark mystery series and in this newest instalment, which sees Beatrice and Verity come face to face, consequently, really uniting both series.

In this book, Verity has been arrested and charged with the murder of the woman who ran the orphanage where she grew up. Locked up. in the infamous Newgate Prison, Beatrice goes to visit Verity there after learning about the arrest in order to help exonerate Verity. What commences is an investigation that exposes blackmail, corruption, and some awful medical experiments. Of course, Beatrice being Beatrice slowly unravels the truth and the murderer is revealed.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book but any recommendation to read this book comes with the caveat that the previous books in the series, along with the Verity Lark series, should be read. The level of detail in the book, the requirement to know the background of the characters, and the references to events in previous books ensures that A Vicious Machination is not a standalone and could present a challenge to anyone for whom this book is the first introduction to the Hyde-Clare/Lark universe.

I continue to enjoy the growing relationship between Beatrice and her husband, the Duke of Kesgrave, along with their banter. We continue to see Beatrice growing into her role of Duchess, albeit with some apprehension about being able to manage the country estate that they will be heading to in the near future (and possibly the location of some future murders for Beatrice to solve??).

Very enjoyable book for fans of the series and I'm excited to see what comes next!

Thanks to NetGalley and the author for an eARC of the book. All opinions are my own.

[TrixieB · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well that was unexpected.

I've been a fan ever since book 1. And all of the things I appreciate in the books were absent here.

There was no sassy chemistry between them. He called her brat a couple times but it was just off.

Like the last book he was really abusive to her and she again apologized. He's being a peevish jerk.

Aunt Vera is working to repair their relationship, yet she said something more scathing than she ever said before.

THERE'S NO FLORA!

The clues to solving the mystery are really obvious and no one does anything. If you are going to give us the way to figure this out so quickly, how can you allow your very talented detective to miss it???

Both Bea and Verity show zero competence. The denouement excludes Bea as the men need to protect the pregnant woman?? It was gross.

Everyone is laughing at Bea's obvious anxiety, except when her asshole husband is gaslighting her about it.

None of the charm or comradeship that are the hallmarks of this series.

Authors are people. They are allowed to not always be perfect. But this really is a stunning disappointment from a good author. And we have two books in a row where Bea is verbally attacked by her husband and that's not a trend I like.

Oh and we just offhandedly comment on the fate of last book's victim but show no compassion for a woman who's had her life savings stolen?? So many people in this book are vile and they receive zero repercussions.

Fingers crossed for the next one, because I truly do love this series.

[Elizabeth S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Verity Lark is in a heap of trouble. Anxious to meet Verity, the duke's half-sister, who writes a gossip column for the newspaper under the synonym of Mr. Twaddle Thum (although Beatrice doesn't know that yet), the Duchess of Kesgrave, accompanies the Dowager Duchess of Kesgrave, her husband's grandmother, to Verity's residence. They find the servants in a frantic and frightened state, but are finally able to wheedle out of them that Verity has been accused of murder, caught standing over the body with a gun in her hand, and is now in the hellhole of Newgate prison. Thus Beatrice sets out to solve yet another murder.

Verity and the friends she lives with grew up in an orphanage, subjected to the horrible cruelty of Agnes Wraithe, the headmistress. Verity and her cohorts had recently exposed the cabal at the orphanage, which led to the expulsion of the lot of them. Cut off from her ill-gotten funds, The Wraithe sought to blackmail Verity, exposing the fact that she wrote for the newspaper, pretending to be a man. On the surface, revenge seemed to be the motive. But it was obvious from the beginning that Verity was innocent of the crime, and that something far more sinister was going on.

I don't have the words to describe how good this series is. So intelligently written, with one of the most unusual, but appealing, romances I've ever read. How delightful that there are more books to come in this series!

[Emma Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clearly, CLEARLY the best in the series by a MILE and restored my faith in the Beatrice Hyde-Clare mysteries.

Verity Lark, the Duke’s half-sister is thrown into Newgate for a murder she didn’t commit. She published an article about a female blackmailer and was then found at the scene of the crime, holding the weapon. Beatrice is dead set on proving Verity’s innocence even though the list of suspects - everyone who was paying off this woman - is the longest she’s dealt with yet.

Amazing, everything about this.

- The plot is riveting!! Every suspect is so unique with his of her own secret . There are period details and even the mention of a scientific discovery I thought was so interesting.

- Even though some disturbing things are mentioned, the author doesn’t dwell on them, this book’s tone is really well-balanced. The story very much advocates for prison and orphanage reform.

- Beatrice and Kesgrave’s romance is lovely, flirty and fun. I loved spending time with them. He is so in awe of his wife’s talents and she loves that he’s a duke and yet so in touch with the realities of the world. I love them!

- Verity is a Sherlock type of detective. She’s brilliant and Beatrice is very impressed with her methods. I know she has a spin-off series I can’t wait to read it too!

I’ve only read the first 6 books in the series and this is #12 but I jumped ahead a little because this is a NetGalley ARC. Thank you, NetGalley and Book Whisperer for this!

[Sheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

While it’s still mostly enjoyable to visit with Bea and Damian, Bea’s tendency to weave a likely motive for each and every suspect, regardless of whether there is any evidence, is getting old. You’d think she’d have learned by now to get evidence before jumping to conclusions; and yet Kesgrave still thinks she is this wondrous sleuth. It just struck me that Bea is, in fact, just like the reader (and maybe that is why we connect with her). As a reader of a mystery, we are sorting through suspects and motives just as Bea does. By the time she figures it out, so have we. She is a surrogate, so to speak, for us. And yet, even with this “grand epiphany”, I’m still getting weary of this series. I feel like nothing much has happened in a while. Even the mystery this time around was a bit lackluster. Clearly I’m in the minority as this has an overall very high rating (at the time I review this). It wasn’t bad; it just wasn’t great. The audio was decently narrated, as usual.

[Marina Nicolás · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

I have to admit that I did not make any previous research when I stumbled upon this book and started reading it. I realised soon enough that it was part of a series (a very lengthy one, in fact) that I had never read, unfortunately. Despite this, I found the book enjoyable and fun, and although I clearly lacked a myriad of backstory it only made me more keen to read the previous releases.
Bea is witty and smart and this is the perfect book (and saga, please do not repeat my mistakes and start from the beginning!!) for those who want a little bit more mystery and adventure from their period romances.

[Deborah L. Sefton · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-4.0 stars I really enjoy the Bea series and this is no exception. With the accused being Verity Lark, Damian's newly discovered half sister solving the mystery is so much more important. I do recommend reading the first 3 Verity Lark books and at least a few of the preceding Bea books to really understand what is going on. I love when Bea and Damian work together as they do in this book. There were so many suspects it took a while to get thru them all and I didn't figure out the real culprit until Bea did in the book. The names Messina gives people are absolutely hysterical (Twaddlethumbs being my absolute favorite but this book had some close seconds...) I know the 2 series are going forward separately but I really want to see Bea and Verity work together someday. That being said, this was a fun mystery and I will keep reading both series!

[Gail A Ostrove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twists and turns in finding the killer

They were able to free the Duke's half sister Verity from New gate prison and find the true culprit. With the help of Colson. Even Mrs. Bembridge helped. As Feathers was brought to the magistrate for her crime.

[Nan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yep. Loved it. Another home run. Keep them coming!!!

[Amena · Rating 5 out of 5]

impressed as ever

I am impressed as ever by the clever interweaving of relationships and clues while also delving deeper into the story between Bea and her duke.

[Barbara Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: A Beatrice Hyde-Clare Mystery #12
Publication Date: 6/28/24
Period: Regency London
Number of Pages: 287

A QUICK NOTE HERE: Amazon says this is the 12th book in the series and Goodreads says it is the 13th. The difference is at the 7th book where the author wrote a mystery featuring Beatrice Hyde-Clare’s cousin Flora as the investigator. Goodreads counts that as book seven and Amazon doesn’t include it in the series listing at all. This may not matter to you, but I keep up with the series and the book number within the series and I thought others might as well.

Ahhhh – this quick, entertaining, witty mystery was just the pick-me-up I needed. Bea and the Duke are always so entertaining and fill their investigations with banter, sly observations, leaps of logic, informative friends and family, and dogged determination. This series is intertwined with the new Verity Lark series, so the last couple of books in each series have had crossover stories/appearances. BTW – if you haven’t tried Verity’s series, you should – it is as interesting and entertaining as this series. Just a quick bit of background – Verity is the sister of the Duke – but he never knew she existed until just a short while ago. I think she is his full sister, but I may not remember correctly. At any rate, his father and her mother had not married when Verity was born and she was put into an orphanage where she suffered a horrible childhood. She and her two close friends managed to live through their childhood and have gone on to create successful lives for themselves – and they’ve exacted revenge on all of those cruel, uncaring individuals who were involved with the orphanage.

While the Duke of Kesgrave has briefly met his sister, Bea has not. She very much wants to meet her, but Kesgrave isn’t sure whether he wants a relationship or not – and neither is Verity. What Bea did not want to do was meet Verity for the first time with Verity imprisoned at Newgate – accused of murder. Oh! My! With Kesgrave away until the evening, Bea knows someone has to go to the prison to see what can be done. So, Her Outrageousness, the Duchess of Kesgrave, proceeds to the prison for an interview with Verity.

Miss Agnes Wraithe, the murder victim, is one of the vilest creatures ever and she sincerely deserves the nickname – The Wraith – given to her by Verity and her friends. Did she deserve to be shot? I vote YES! But, did Verity do it? I vote NO, and so do Bea and Kesgrave – and anyone else who knows Verity. Will Bea and Kesgrave be able to find the proof they need? It definitely won’t be easy because Verity was found standing over the body with the gun in her hand. OOPS!

There are plenty of suspects and none of them are innocent victims of anything – but are they murderers? Bea and Kesgrave eliminate one red herring after the other until there are no more red herrings – just the murderer.

I enjoyed watching Bea and Kesgrave zip all over London interviewing suspects, following leads, participating in witty banter, and ultimately solving the case. I hope you will love it as well. I’ve always loved that Bea is referred to as Her Outrageousness, but she also has a new sobriquet in this book – The Murder Duchess. I don’t care for that one and I hope it doesn’t stick. I’m already anxiously awaiting the next book in the series! Happy Reading.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion...

This is book 13 of the Beatrice Hyde-Clare series, a cozy historical series that I quite enjoy. I love the relationship of Beatrice and her husband, the Duke of Kesgrave. It is definitely a light read, cozy series, and there is warmth and familiarity to the characters and stories. I am not reading these for the comfort, fun, and coziness of it - not for high drama, angst, or dark twisty emotions. Let's be clear about that.

In this series, Kesgrave and Beatrice are loving husband and wife, coming to grips with impending parenthood. Kesgrave however is caught in a bit of personal drama as he has recently discovered the existence of an older sister born out of wedlock, Verity Lark, and has been involved one of her adventures. Unfortunately this means the coming together of two series, as this is presumed to be told in the separate series about Verity Lark (gnashes teeth as I find this a bit frustrating since I was not wanting to read another series... but now I may be forced to as these two worlds now co-mix). This also causes some familial turmoil between Kesgrave and his grandmother, the Dowager Duchess as he confronts her about her knowledge about his sister's existence and her childhood.

Beatrice, being the curious soul that she is, wants to know more about Verity Lark and inveigle an introduction, especially thinking that she is involved someone in the cessation of the printed gossip about Bea's involvement in murder investigations. But she is also cautious, being aware of Kesgrave's sensitive feelings about the situation, and his own fears about the dangers Bea has faced, and not wanting to upset him excessively. However, she ends up being entangled in another murder mystery, now involving Kesgrave's sister, Verity Lark.

Lark has been accused of the murder of a former childhood nemesis, after being found literally over the body, holding the murder weapon, and has been incarcerated in Newgate prison. Beatrice and Kesgrave join forces with Lark's friends to exonerate her, uncovering more about the misdeeds of those who were charged to care for unwanted children and orphans like Lark.

This is not a true melding of the two stories as Bea, Kesgrave, and Verity do not work together and it does not end in a cozy family relationship. But this does reveal more about Verity and her friend's childhood and what they may have suffered through the misdeeds of the board that ran the orphanage, which reveals a number of villains - though the murderer in the end is not expected.

Cozy, sweet, and comforting, with an underlying mystery that is refreshed by new relationships - even though I am a bit annoyed by the co-mixing of two story worlds. But really, at least it makes sense. I just did not intend on continuing with the Verity Lark series after reading the first book - but now I feel I have to because of it mixing with Bea and Kesgrave's world....

Kind of how I feel about Grey's Anatomy and Station 19 - love Grey's.... not into firefighters... but forced at times to watch the spin off because it overlaps Grey's.... so mildly interested, but still a bit irked, kwim?

3.75 stars out of 5

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thank NetGalley and Potatoworks Press for an advance reader copy of A Vicious Machination. All opinions and comments are my own.

Verity Kent, the Duke of Kesgrave’s half-sister is in Newgate Prison, accused of murdering the wicked overseer of Fortescue’s Asylum for Pauper Children, the wretched adoption home that reporter “Robert Lark” had exposed in articles detailing the corruption, illegal activity -- and worse -- occurring there. In doing so, the stories had also sealed the social fate of several other prominent members of society, members of the asylum’s governing board (important for later, as we have built-in murder suspects). Well, gentle readers, if you think for a moment that Beatrice, Duchess of Kesgrave, the “murder duchess” as she comes to be known in the book, is going to stand by and let her husband’s sister be so horribly ill-used, you’ve got another think coming.

And so, we’re off in A Vicious Machination, Lynn Messina’s 12th Beatrice Hyde-Clare book. By now all the characters are well-established, so be advised that the authors will give readers a synopsis of Verity’s exploits in her books, so if you haven’t read them (and why not?), you’re getting spoilers.

The reason for the murder? Could it be blackmail, one of the oldest reasons for dispatching a hated enemy? But, which one of Agnes Wraithe’s targets did the deed? Well, if you think it’s that simple, you haven’t read a Lynn Messina book. All is satisfactorily untangled, and a twisted skein it truly turns out to be. With justice served, Lord Colson will ride post-haste to get Verity out of prison.

Oh, must mention that Bea is so very happy that she has had a respite from the hated Mr. Twaddle-Thum during this time of travail. Hmmmm, wonder why that is?

A Vicious Machination continues the Beatrice Hyde-Clare tradition of Regency historical mysteries accurate to time and place (well, as close as Bea can come, that is, given her character, intelligence, and wit). Now, if I could have less of the soul-searching about how inadequate she feels as a duchess, I’d be very much happier. Next one should be interesting -- “the cherub” will be a little further along. We’ll see how that’s being handled.

[L.D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Vicious Machination
(Beatrice Hyde Clare )
Lynn Messina


Beatrice Hyde Clare is the newlywed Duchess of Kesgrave. Due to a series of events the Duke and Duchess have only recently learned of his having a sister. Verity Long, her husband Damien’s illegitimate half-sister has been arrested and thrown in Newgate Prison.

Verity stands accused of the murder of Fortescue’s disgraced orphanage director M. Wraithe
She was captured at the scene by Cyrus Thimble, a Runner, with the gun in hand and taken to Newgate.
Over the course of the next 14 chapters, we shadow Beatrice and Kesgrave, as they attempt to help Verity. There are 17 total chapters.

This is my first Beatrice Hyde Clare mystery, for those thinking of jumping into the deep end of this series… don’t. I wasn’t able to follow along without some sense of loss. Having previously read the Verity Lark series first, I did understand some of the situation—the child cruelty angle for instance. But I think I expected too much since I had been able to so easily follow Verity’s series. The actual mystery seems solid and if you’ve read the other books in the series, it's probably great addition.

For me, one of the things that made me interested in reading A Vicious Machination is because it seemed Verity and Beatrice would be involved as more of a unit while getting to know both Beatrice and Damien. While that was not the case, the book was still full of twists and the unexpected therefore keeping my attention. Upon finishing I compiled a list of “my issues” I then re-read the story with these points in mind. While that helped me clear up a few things… I am still left with some questions. None of these questions have anything to do with the major case points though. Although I can’t see myself re-reading this book again for pleasure it was a nice read. Again, the mystery element is solid. I just needed more background knowledge and to reset my expectations.
3***



Thank you to Netgalley, Ms. Messina, and the publisher for the ARC.

[Shaina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Lynn Messina for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for A Vicious Machination coming out June 28, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

As eager as Beatrice, Duchess of Kesgrave, is to meet her husband’s newly discovered illegitimate half sister, she does not want it to happen like this: in the keeper's house at Newgate.

Yes, that Newgate, the abject prison filled with squalor and misery to which Verity Lark has been consigned for murder. Found standing over the slain corpse of an old tormentor with a still-warm pistol in her hand, she is obviously guilty.

It is an open-and-shut case with little for an unduly curious duchess to investigate.

Except it all seems a little too simple and straightforward. The Runner, for example, who apprehended Miss Lark at the scene of the crime—it’s awfully convenient that he just happened to be in the neighborhood at the very moment the gun discharged. Something else has to be at work here, such as a sinister figure lurking in the shadows to direct the action. Convinced of Miss Lark’s innocence, Bea can conceive of no other explanation.

Or is the prisoner really just the victim of a horrible stroke of bad luck?

I love this author and definitely need to check out more of her books. I haven’t read all of the books in the series, but I didn’t think it was hard to get into this book. It was a lot of fun. It was filled with historical drama and mystery. I have read one of the Verity Lark books, so that was cool to see the characters do a crossover. I loved the characters. I thought Beatrice was a witty and strong character who knew how to solve mysteries. I definitely would check out more books in the series!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fun historical mysteries!

[Sarah Abelson Eelkema · Rating 4 out of 5]

For fans of: Veronica Speedwell & Lady Sherlock mysteries
Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌘
Genre: Historical Mystery
Violence: 🪓
Spice: 🔥
TW: suicide mentioned

Synopsis: Who doesn’t love a cross-over episode novel?! Eager to meet her newly-discovered sister-in-law, Beatrice Hyde-Clare never pictured their 1st meeting at Newgate. Found standing over the body with gun in hand, Verity Lark is the obvious suspect. But Bea wonders: is the solution too tidy?

Thoughts: I’m a devoted fan of 19th century lady sleuths & rank Beatrice high in my roster. She demonstrates her brilliance as an investigator in her keen observations & gift for synthesizing data. Add to that: clever mysteries, arch narrative style, punchy dialog, & romance with a pinch of spice? *chef’s kiss* A Vicious Machination showcases Messina’s writing chops. The investigation seems straight forward: interview (with smile-inducing dialog) the likely suspects (entertaining characters, whether good or nefarious) until you arrive at the most likely culprit. In reality, Messina hints at the solution from Bea’s very first discussion, if only I can squirrel away the details as Bea does, until a coherent picture emerges. This ability to play fair with the reader yet stump detail-oriented mystery aficionados? Masterful mystery writing. Have I mentioned I love these books? Wasn’t sure if I had conveyed my adoration…

I highly recommend the Verity Lark series as well, though you needn’t have read it to enjoy this book. Verity’s 4th novel is due out October 25, 2024.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the latest Beatrice Hyde-Clare mystery, Beatrice is prevented from meeting her husband’s recently discovered half-sister because Verity Lark has been arrested for murder and sent to Newgate prison. The evidence points to Verity being guilty, but the case and the evidence are too neat for a lady detective like Beatrice Hyde-Clare. As she continues to investigate the murder of her half-sister-in-law’s childhood bully, Beatrice realizes that something else must be behind this arrest and so she sets out to prove Verity’s innocence. With high and personal stakes in this particular investigation, readers will solve the case with Beatrice, Verity, and a host of familiar and unfamiliar faces. As far as historical mystery series go, the Beatrice Hyde-Clare and Verity Lark series are absolutely fascinating and incredible, and this first direct overlap between the two series meets all expectations. The characters and the mystery itself are, of course, incredibly detailed and complex, and readers will enjoy solving the case for Verity’s innocence as the novel progresses. An excellent continuation of the series, fans of the two series will definitely enjoy the latest book and the interactions between the two female protagonists, perhaps paving the way for future joint investigations in future books.

Thanks to NetGalley and Book Whisperer for the advance copy.

[Deidre · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's the crossover-event Bea & Verity fans have been waiting for in "A Vicious Machination," lucky number 13 in the Beatrice Hyde-Clare Mystery series. The first face-to-face meeting of intrepid sleuths Bea and her somewhat sister-in-law Verity Lark!

Verity has been framed for murder of Agnes Wraithe, the corrupt former headmistress of an orphanage who was also a despicable blackmailer. Bea and Kesgrave set out to prove Verity's innocence before they decamp to their country estate and enjoy their impending parenthood.

Now, I haven't read any of the Verity Lark books, but I gather her love interest is Lord Colson because he's the only other character that helps "Her Outrageousness" at all significantly sus out the real killer. So, the crossover is 80/20 at best.

The questioning of multiple suspects became a bit tedious for me and the number of characters referenced was hard to follow, especially for someone who has only read 9 out of the 13 books.

I'm upset that book ended without a scene of Verity being reunited with the Kesgraves after she was exonerated. Perhaps that will be in the next Verity Lark adventure? It felt like the payoff was left out which was disappointing.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A Vicious Machination" is the twelfth book in Beatrice Hyde-Clare series by Lynn Messina. Set in Regency England, it features former spinster Beatrice Hyde-Clare, now the Duchess of Kesgrave, her husband Damien, the Duke, and Verity Lark, recently discovered to be Damien's illegitimate half-sister. Verity is a newspaper reporter who was raised in an orphanage and has recently published an expose of the cruelty of the headmistress, Agnes Wraithe, and the corruption of the orphanage's board members. When Wraithe is murdered, Verity is accused and ends up in Newgate prison. Beatrice and Damien work to free her with the help of Damien's grandmother, the Dowager Duchess and Verity's good friend, Lord Colton.. There are a number of twists and turns on the way to a solution.

I really enjoyed the plot and characters. The book is best read after either the previous book in the series, "A Murderous Tryst," or books in the separate spinoff series of Verity Lark books, all of which I recommend.

The book is scheduled for publication on June 28, 2024. My review is based on an advance review copy received through NetGalley and BookFunnel.

[Mystica · Rating 4 out of 5]

The setting is one I like. England at a crossroads but many people hardly able to survive. The aristocracy had it on a platter - money, freedom, laws and judiciary which would invariably rule in their favour.

The Duchess of Kesgrave Bea , recently wed, is an investigator of repute. She is trying to reconcile the illegitimate half sister of her husband with the family, but finds herself in the middle of a drama. Miss Lark, the half sister was found at a murder scene weapon in hand by a Bow Street runner who just happened to be passing by. An open and shut case particularly since the victim and the suspect had terrible history between them.

Bea realises she is against a formidable enemy but she is resourceful and brave. Unraveling a plethora and a history of blackmail on the part of the victim leaves many, many suspects in line. Each has to be investigated but time is running out.

Meticulous detection is the key and the Duke and Duchess work closely to see that justice is done. The story also highlights the appalling conditions in orphanages, and the abuses that children faced by the very people who were in charge of them.

[Eunice R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I found the narrative a slow start with all the many introductions of the characacters' whose who, the logjam eventually began to flow. It became rather amusing to the point of outright laughter for me, and then the lure of curiostiy took over for figuring out the emeshing plethora of potential murderer culprits. Be sure to hold your breath for Miss Verity Clark.

Once again, the reader will meet Beatrice Hyde-Clare, aka, The Duchess Kesgrave, with her fine detecting skills, accompanied by her loving Duke husband, who together, work out all the intricacies. As this is Book XII in the Beatrice Hyde-Clare Mysteries series, the reader will also meet other familiar personages from previous books. All-in-all, I found this mystery to be satisfactory, good clean fun.

~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~

June 2024

Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

In A Vicious Machination, the Beatrice Hyde-Clare mysteries, continues to intertwine with the Verity Lark series. Verity Lark is the illegitimate half-sister of Damien, the Duke of Kesgrave, Bea's husband. She is also a reporter whose alter ego is the infamous Mr. Twaddle-Thum, Bea’s nemesis. Variety is accused and jailed for murder. Bea and Damien delved into the investigation to prove Verity's innocence. Although Damien and Verity have crossed paths in an earlier book, Bea encounters Verity for the first time in Newgate Prison.

The murder victim was the head of the orphanage where Verity spent her childhood. She was part of a plot to sell children into slavery along with members of the orphanage board and would eventually extort them. Verity exposed the plot, making everyone a potential suspect in the murder.

Meanwhile, Bea continues to navigate her new roles as a Duchess and expectant mother, injecting humor and warmth into the narrative. Quirky characters like Aunt Vera and Lady Abercrombie add to the intrigue.

I really enjoyed the story and the characters. This book is best read after reading the previous book in the series, A Murderous Tryst or Verity Lark's spin-off series, both of which I would recommend. I can’t wait to see what the next installment has in store as Bea and Damien prepare for the move to their country estate.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Book Whisper for an eARC of the book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

As eager as Beatrice, Duchess of Kesgrave, is to meet her husband’s newly discovered illegitimate half sister, but didn’t expect it to be in Newgate where Verity Lark has been consigned for murder. Found standing over the slain corpse of an old tormentor with a still-warm pistol in her hand, she is obviously guilty. It is an open-and-shut case with little for an unduly curious duchess to investigate. Except it all seems a little too simple and straightforward. Convinced of Miss Lark’s innocence, Bea investigates.
Another delight, whilst it could be read on its own this series is so good plus it features Verity Lark & her spin off series is so good too. I loved Bea & Kesgrave & thoroughly enjoyed this cosy mystery. There are plenty of suspects who are all hiding something, there are twists & turns & of course red herrings – all of which had me quickly turning the pages. A well written engrossing mystery
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Lori S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

As we meet our protagonist, Beatrice Hyde-Clare, again, she's involved in a new mystery that hits close to home. In this book the intersection of the BHC and Verity Lark series grows considerably as Verity has been arrested and charged with murder. Bea still hasn't met Verity yet and it's in her effort to make the acquaintance that she learns of the charge. It isn't long before she's in deep, impulsively, taking on some seriously risky behavior as she moves her investigation along. Meanwhile she earns a bit of wrath from Damien for putting herself in danger. We meet several of the usual characters from both series and the book continues and we enjoy all we've come to know of this series.

I personally like just about everything I've read by Lynn Messina, including some of her earlier series. This one is no different and I was completely satisfied by the end. I rate this book four stars and thank Netgalley and Book Whisperer for giving me and free copy of this book. I've added this review voluntarily.