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Captain Lacey #17
A Darkness in Seven Dials
March 1820
When James Denis is arrested for murder and lands himself in Newgate, it falls to me to prove his innocence. I have nowhere to start but in a dark street in Seven Dials and the name of the unknown man Denis is supposed to have killed.
I soon find myself beleaguered by enemies from Denis’s past, secret societies, and a host of people who want Denis to hang. In addition I receive word from a mysterious young woman I haven't heard from in years who now seeks my help.
When James Denis is arrested for murder and lands himself in Newgate, it falls to me to prove his innocence. I have nowhere to start but in a dark street in Seven Dials and the name of the unknown man Denis is supposed to have killed.
I soon find myself beleaguered by enemies from Denis’s past, secret societies, and a host of people who want Denis to hang. In addition I receive word from a mysterious young woman I haven't heard from in years who now seeks my help.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2024
About the author
Ashley Gardner
48 books691 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
May 23, 2024
Not as good as it could be
These characters started out, 17 books ago, excellent and “different”. Unfortunately the author spreads herself too thin between several other series and sadly has allowed Grenville to dry up… even Denis has become stodgy.
Hopefully, 18 will perk up
These characters started out, 17 books ago, excellent and “different”. Unfortunately the author spreads herself too thin between several other series and sadly has allowed Grenville to dry up… even Denis has become stodgy.
Hopefully, 18 will perk up
August 29, 2025
Solid mystery that kept me guessing, I just expected more drama around Denis from the description. I had hoped for more of his layers to unfold, like in A Death in Norfolk. Instead I had Lacey brainstorming with Denis more than Grenville and a new villain to watch for. I need Lacey and Denis facing death and confiding in one another, or maybe confiding in one another while Denis has to kill someone as Lacey grapples with his conscience. But the possibility of Denis seeing another human as an actual person and not as something of use to him is intriguing.
May 22, 2024
I’m in awe with this latest Captain Lacey installment and read it in one sitting. The story this time centered on the sort of antagonist and quasi villain, James Denis. Denis has been arrested for murder, carted off to Newgate and I was rooting the entire story for Captain Lacey to save Denis from the hangman.
The story left me on the edge of my seat as Gabriel set out to prove Denis’ innocence of the murder. Along the way we got more glimpses of sone intriguing characters from Denis’ household, especially the granite-like, deadly Mr. Gibbons. Dewy was so delightful and I wanted know why Denis helped Mr. Stout return to England.
It seemed like old times when Grenville briefly teamed up with Gabriel to investigate the murder and clear Denis’ name. Thankfully, there was only a brief mention of Marianne and she had no page time. I cheered at Grenville’s outrage when one of the duchesses refused to invite Grenville’s disgraceful wife to a social event. Serves him right for trying to foist his scandalous trollop onto society.
Sigh. I wish Gabriella would trot back to France with Emile and let Gabriel enjoy his new family with Donata, Peter, and baby Anne. They've had their reunion but Gabriella is not staying in her father's life. It will just hurt Gabriel when Gabriella goes back to France, marries and have her own family, and he loses her all over again.
I'm loving the beautiful relationship growth with Donata and Gabriel. I especially love how he confides everything with Donata and she is trusting him more. I treasure the family the6 have created and want more time with just the four of them, sans Gabriella.
I hope to know more about Lady’s background and wish that there will be a budding romance with her and Denis. I'm glad he found her daughter and she's safe with her adoptive family and won't be apart of their lives.
Excellent read,
The story left me on the edge of my seat as Gabriel set out to prove Denis’ innocence of the murder. Along the way we got more glimpses of sone intriguing characters from Denis’ household, especially the granite-like, deadly Mr. Gibbons. Dewy was so delightful and I wanted know why Denis helped Mr. Stout return to England.
It seemed like old times when Grenville briefly teamed up with Gabriel to investigate the murder and clear Denis’ name. Thankfully, there was only a brief mention of Marianne and she had no page time. I cheered at Grenville’s outrage when one of the duchesses refused to invite Grenville’s disgraceful wife to a social event. Serves him right for trying to foist his scandalous trollop onto society.
Sigh. I wish Gabriella would trot back to France with Emile and let Gabriel enjoy his new family with Donata, Peter, and baby Anne. They've had their reunion but Gabriella is not staying in her father's life. It will just hurt Gabriel when Gabriella goes back to France, marries and have her own family, and he loses her all over again.
I'm loving the beautiful relationship growth with Donata and Gabriel. I especially love how he confides everything with Donata and she is trusting him more. I treasure the family the6 have created and want more time with just the four of them, sans Gabriella.
I hope to know more about Lady’s background and wish that there will be a budding romance with her and Denis. I'm glad he found her daughter and she's safe with her adoptive family and won't be apart of their lives.
Excellent read,
May 26, 2024
I am a big fan of Captain Lacey, but this was a bit perfunctory. It seemed like more of a way to check in with your favorite characters than a mystery to solve.
This is Book 17 in the Captain Lacey series. You need to have read the earlier books before reading this one.
This is Book 17 in the Captain Lacey series. You need to have read the earlier books before reading this one.
June 29, 2024
March 1820. James Denis, criminal mastermind is arrest for murder, which Captain Lacey is convinced he is innocent of,and aims to prove it. Lacey is approached by a Lady from the past needing help in finding her daughter, adopted at birth.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its very likeable main characters supported by a cast of varied personalities. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its very likeable main characters supported by a cast of varied personalities. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
May 18, 2026
A good story in an interesting series.
September 23, 2026
4.0 ***
Hoopla audio
Hoopla audio
October 13, 2024
-Captain Gabriel Lacey, the inquisitive hero of this series, has, in the past, been very involved with an underworld character by the name of James Denis. Though Denis is typically the one that does favors for others, for a price that’s not usually measured in money, Lacey has also done much for Denis in return. Because of Denis’ extensive contacts, which include “favors” for men high in the government, Denis has managed to avoid being charged with any acts that could send him to prison. Denis is also extremely calculating, and any act that he does is done only with much pre-planning.
-While Lacey was relaxing at home and having a leisurely breakfast, a visitor called upon Lacey. It was Gibbons, the butler of James Denis, who said that he has need of Lacey’s immediate presence. Lacey knows that when Denis calls, one must respond and he accompanies the closed mouth Gibbons, but they pass the home of Denis and continue on. To Lacey’s amazement, they go to Newgate Prison, where Lacey is finally told that Denis is in prison as the prime suspect in a murder.
-All those with money who end up in Newgate are afforded a premium cell, where they are able to move in furnishings, and have servants take care of them, which is what Denis has done. Though Gibbons and some of the other servants who know of the past success of Lacey want Lacey to immediately work on freeing Denis, Denis seems very cool, and wants Lacey to stay out of it, as Denis says that he knows that he will be out very soon.
-The story behind the murder raises several questions. There’s a district in London, which used to be a high end district, but is now considered a fearsome section with the worst element living there and which is known as Seven Dials. Denis had a home in that area. In the middle of the previous night, just off from Denis’ home, Denis was found standing over a man’s body, holding a knife that was wet with blood. The person lying dead was killed by a stab wound. Right nearby were Bow Street Runners, and one of them who was in the area, Spendlove, had made it his goal to find some infraction committed by Denis which would allow him to be arrested, and Spendlove felt he now hit the jackpot.
-It was odd that Denis did not want Lacey to get involved, but Lacey was the type that felt that there was a right and wrong, and Lacey is sure that Denis would never commit a murder in a way that would allow himself to be caught so easily.
Despite Denis’ request for Lacey to stay away, Lacey has now committed himself to locating the real killer.
-Lacey’s close friend, Grenville, joins him. The man who was murdered had access to certain clubs which would be difficult for Lacey to enter. Grenville, being at the top of society’s social scene, would be easily able to get into places that would be completely blocked for Lacey. Others get involved, such as Bartholomew, Lacey’s butler; Pomeroy, the Bow Street Runner who used to serve under Lacey when they served in the army together; and Brewster, the man who used to work for Denis, but now works exclusively to protect Lacey from harm.
-This appears to be a most puzzling case, but Lacey does what he must in order to make headway. Along the way, he discovers that Denis is not the only underworld ruler controlling London, but there’s another man who is feared just as much. Despite Denis’ assertions to the contrary, Denis was very much in need of Lacey’s services.
-While Lacey is confronting this mystery with its own assortment of dangers, a woman from his past comes to him for help. He only knows her as “Lady”, and, though this case does not intersect with the other, it brings along a potential for future troubles for the Captain.
-This is a series in which the author has crafted a setting with characters that have a great deal of depth, with each having their own strengths and weaknesses. Over the course of this series, these characters have easily seemed to come alive, which makes the reading of these novels ever more enjoyable.
-This is another very well plotted case, which introduces us to another side of Denis, and which also brings in another villain who is much to be feared. It’s highly entertaining throughout, as, besides the mystery, the troubles he faces in his personal life, as side issues which occupy his thoughts, like his 18 year old daughter being engaged to a Frenchman, who will be taking away Lacey’s daughter for her to live in France, along with Lacey’s reaction as a father who feels no one is good enough for his daughter, makes this a highly entertaining series.
-While Lacey was relaxing at home and having a leisurely breakfast, a visitor called upon Lacey. It was Gibbons, the butler of James Denis, who said that he has need of Lacey’s immediate presence. Lacey knows that when Denis calls, one must respond and he accompanies the closed mouth Gibbons, but they pass the home of Denis and continue on. To Lacey’s amazement, they go to Newgate Prison, where Lacey is finally told that Denis is in prison as the prime suspect in a murder.
-All those with money who end up in Newgate are afforded a premium cell, where they are able to move in furnishings, and have servants take care of them, which is what Denis has done. Though Gibbons and some of the other servants who know of the past success of Lacey want Lacey to immediately work on freeing Denis, Denis seems very cool, and wants Lacey to stay out of it, as Denis says that he knows that he will be out very soon.
-The story behind the murder raises several questions. There’s a district in London, which used to be a high end district, but is now considered a fearsome section with the worst element living there and which is known as Seven Dials. Denis had a home in that area. In the middle of the previous night, just off from Denis’ home, Denis was found standing over a man’s body, holding a knife that was wet with blood. The person lying dead was killed by a stab wound. Right nearby were Bow Street Runners, and one of them who was in the area, Spendlove, had made it his goal to find some infraction committed by Denis which would allow him to be arrested, and Spendlove felt he now hit the jackpot.
-It was odd that Denis did not want Lacey to get involved, but Lacey was the type that felt that there was a right and wrong, and Lacey is sure that Denis would never commit a murder in a way that would allow himself to be caught so easily.
Despite Denis’ request for Lacey to stay away, Lacey has now committed himself to locating the real killer.
-Lacey’s close friend, Grenville, joins him. The man who was murdered had access to certain clubs which would be difficult for Lacey to enter. Grenville, being at the top of society’s social scene, would be easily able to get into places that would be completely blocked for Lacey. Others get involved, such as Bartholomew, Lacey’s butler; Pomeroy, the Bow Street Runner who used to serve under Lacey when they served in the army together; and Brewster, the man who used to work for Denis, but now works exclusively to protect Lacey from harm.
-This appears to be a most puzzling case, but Lacey does what he must in order to make headway. Along the way, he discovers that Denis is not the only underworld ruler controlling London, but there’s another man who is feared just as much. Despite Denis’ assertions to the contrary, Denis was very much in need of Lacey’s services.
-While Lacey is confronting this mystery with its own assortment of dangers, a woman from his past comes to him for help. He only knows her as “Lady”, and, though this case does not intersect with the other, it brings along a potential for future troubles for the Captain.
-This is a series in which the author has crafted a setting with characters that have a great deal of depth, with each having their own strengths and weaknesses. Over the course of this series, these characters have easily seemed to come alive, which makes the reading of these novels ever more enjoyable.
-This is another very well plotted case, which introduces us to another side of Denis, and which also brings in another villain who is much to be feared. It’s highly entertaining throughout, as, besides the mystery, the troubles he faces in his personal life, as side issues which occupy his thoughts, like his 18 year old daughter being engaged to a Frenchman, who will be taking away Lacey’s daughter for her to live in France, along with Lacey’s reaction as a father who feels no one is good enough for his daughter, makes this a highly entertaining series.
June 24, 2024
Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: Captain Lacey #17
Publication Date: 5/21/24
Period: Regency – 1820 London
Number of Pages: 275
This was a delightful addition to the Captain Lacey series. I have read each book as they were released into the world and I’ve loved each of them. Not only does this one have a mystery with twists and turns, it presents some intriguing possibilities for future plots – maybe even a new ongoing villain. We’ll just have to wait and see.
The thing we all thought would never happen – HAPPENED! Not only was James Denis arrested for murder, but he was found standing over the body with the bloody knife in his hand. Of course, those of us who read this series know he isn’t guilty – as does Captain Lacey. That, however, doesn’t dampen Bow Street Runner Spendlove’s elation and joy at finally getting Denis into Newgate.
Much to Denis’s dismay, Captain Lacey begins to investigate only to find himself in danger. How did the victim come to be where he was found? With Denis’s cunning, how did he manage to allow himself to be caught standing over the body with the murder weapon in his hand?
As we learn more about the victim, Lacey finds himself under attack. Is it the murderer or is it Denis’s new archenemy – or are they one and the same? I can’t wait to see where that storyline goes. Will Mr. William Archer take over as the villain of the series or will Denis send him on to his great reward? Another intriguing storyline could include Lady as Denis's love interest. Will he allow it or will he admire her from afar? Will she be used against him in the future? I would certainly bet on it.
This was a quick, fun read with an interesting mystery with a bit of a twist. I enjoyed seeing more of Denis’s men and learning a bit about them rather than them staying window-dressing and used for nothing other than a handy set of fists. Of course, I loved Donata and Lacey and that he tells her absolutely everything and always keeps her as his first priority.
If you are looking for a nice mystery with interesting characters and lovely twists and turns, then you might want to give this book a read.
Series: Captain Lacey #17
Publication Date: 5/21/24
Period: Regency – 1820 London
Number of Pages: 275
This was a delightful addition to the Captain Lacey series. I have read each book as they were released into the world and I’ve loved each of them. Not only does this one have a mystery with twists and turns, it presents some intriguing possibilities for future plots – maybe even a new ongoing villain. We’ll just have to wait and see.
The thing we all thought would never happen – HAPPENED! Not only was James Denis arrested for murder, but he was found standing over the body with the bloody knife in his hand. Of course, those of us who read this series know he isn’t guilty – as does Captain Lacey. That, however, doesn’t dampen Bow Street Runner Spendlove’s elation and joy at finally getting Denis into Newgate.
Much to Denis’s dismay, Captain Lacey begins to investigate only to find himself in danger. How did the victim come to be where he was found? With Denis’s cunning, how did he manage to allow himself to be caught standing over the body with the murder weapon in his hand?
As we learn more about the victim, Lacey finds himself under attack. Is it the murderer or is it Denis’s new archenemy – or are they one and the same? I can’t wait to see where that storyline goes. Will Mr. William Archer take over as the villain of the series or will Denis send him on to his great reward? Another intriguing storyline could include Lady as Denis's love interest. Will he allow it or will he admire her from afar? Will she be used against him in the future? I would certainly bet on it.
This was a quick, fun read with an interesting mystery with a bit of a twist. I enjoyed seeing more of Denis’s men and learning a bit about them rather than them staying window-dressing and used for nothing other than a handy set of fists. Of course, I loved Donata and Lacey and that he tells her absolutely everything and always keeps her as his first priority.
If you are looking for a nice mystery with interesting characters and lovely twists and turns, then you might want to give this book a read.
June 29, 2026
I suffer from chronic illness and chronic pain. I’ve been going through an awful pain flare over the most of June, and I searched through my audiobooks, trying to find one to allow me to concentrate my mind on something other than what my body was enduring. Captain Lacey, Ashley Gardner/Jennifer Ashley, and James Gillies were my answer. I listened to the series almost end-to-end, with just a couple of short breaks. The mysteries are well written, the characters are wonderful, especially Captain Lacey, and the narration is fantastic. Thank you to both the author and the narrator for my mental respite. I look forward to any future book but hopefully not in the same circumstances.
June 22, 2024
Loved it!
Every time I read a new Captain Lacey book, I feel like I am meeting up with good friends that I haven't seen in a long time. Ashley Gardner has a very real talent for making her characters come alive! If you like a good "who done it" mixed with humor you will enjoy the latest adventures of Gabriel Lacey and the ever faithful Brewster. It kept me guessing and I didn't even come close to figuring it out. Couldn't put it down, but at the same time, didn't want it to end. Thank you Ashley Gardner!
Every time I read a new Captain Lacey book, I feel like I am meeting up with good friends that I haven't seen in a long time. Ashley Gardner has a very real talent for making her characters come alive! If you like a good "who done it" mixed with humor you will enjoy the latest adventures of Gabriel Lacey and the ever faithful Brewster. It kept me guessing and I didn't even come close to figuring it out. Couldn't put it down, but at the same time, didn't want it to end. Thank you Ashley Gardner!
May 22, 2024
17 stories and still Terrific
I have anxiously awaited each new release since I read the first book in the series, THE HANOVER SQUARE AFFAIR.
Each succeding Captain Lacey has never failed to keep the reader's attention because of the expanding story lines adding
, new characters and intriguing plots with unexpected solutions.
Thanks so much, Ashley, for so many enjoyable reading experiences.
I have anxiously awaited each new release since I read the first book in the series, THE HANOVER SQUARE AFFAIR.
Each succeding Captain Lacey has never failed to keep the reader's attention because of the expanding story lines adding
, new characters and intriguing plots with unexpected solutions.
Thanks so much, Ashley, for so many enjoyable reading experiences.
May 24, 2024
Captain Lacey is such a wonderful character — uncompromising, loyal, honourable and a true gentleman. Adore the series and gobble up each one that comes out. This plot revolves around Lacey’s nemesis accused of murder and his unfailing attempts to track down the real killer. It has as usual many twists with always complicated secondary characters.
Once again fabulous plot and unforgettable people.
Once again fabulous plot and unforgettable people.
January 2, 2025
I'd say it's not the best mystery of the series, but it still was a great book. My opinion may be biased, because James Denis (mysterious and ambivalent) is one of my favourite characters and, after reading the blurb, I probably was expecting him to have a higher profile in the story. I'm also a bit sad to have read the last book in the series (up to now); I'll miss the certainty that I'll enjoy a book even before opening it.
June 9, 2024
Another winner!!!
I don’t know how she does it! I read several series and with most, I get bored as the same story is told in a different location with new but old characters.
Not so with this author regardless of her different series. Main character is always evolving and more is shred about the past for all the characters. Can’t wait for the ne t!
I don’t know how she does it! I read several series and with most, I get bored as the same story is told in a different location with new but old characters.
Not so with this author regardless of her different series. Main character is always evolving and more is shred about the past for all the characters. Can’t wait for the ne t!
July 7, 2024
A Grate Tale
I enjoy this series immensely and follow this author in all her books. I cannot wait for the next one in no any of the series. Cap Lacey always wins out. His wife is a great addition to the series giving insight to the domestic arrangements. Mr Dennis is always an enigma and a rogue that one can like.
I enjoy this series immensely and follow this author in all her books. I cannot wait for the next one in no any of the series. Cap Lacey always wins out. His wife is a great addition to the series giving insight to the domestic arrangements. Mr Dennis is always an enigma and a rogue that one can like.
July 26, 2025
James Denis is arrested for murder. Half of London cheers, and the other half is in despair. Gabriel Lacey is asked to get the evidence to convict Denis. As he investigates, he discovers that none of the evidence supports Denis as the culprit. This was a wonderful story with all my favorite characters and an intriguing plot.
May 28, 2024
This wasn't my favorite of the Captain Lacey mysteries. There was neither enough of Donata nor of Grenville, and the man Gabriel is trying to save from a murder conviction is only marginally sympathetic. But the gritty streets of 1820 London are still there and the solution to the murder comes as close to modern gang warfare as I've seen in a Regency setting.
May 28, 2024
Very good
This was a little slow to get going but when it did it was excellent. As time passes in these books we are finding a little more about James Denis each time, but it is a very little. Still it's one of the things that keeps me reading.
This was a little slow to get going but when it did it was excellent. As time passes in these books we are finding a little more about James Denis each time, but it is a very little. Still it's one of the things that keeps me reading.
May 29, 2024
Excellent mystery
Nice story of murder and mayhem. Mr Denis is in trouble and Captain Lacey goes to his aid. Nice mystery that lets the reader work along with Captain Lacey to find out the whys and wherefores of the crime. Interesting visit in this author's English world again.
Nice story of murder and mayhem. Mr Denis is in trouble and Captain Lacey goes to his aid. Nice mystery that lets the reader work along with Captain Lacey to find out the whys and wherefores of the crime. Interesting visit in this author's English world again.
May 30, 2024
Love the Captain Lacey series. James Denis is one of the most captivating characters ever written. I’ve read all of this series and can’t wait for the next book. The Under the Stairs is also fantastic. Ashley Gardner is one of my favorite authors.
August 3, 2024
Another great mystery with the resourceful, redoubtable Captain Lacey! Glad that he's back in London--the mysteries in 'furn places' are fun, but he's at his best in London's sordid streets. I also enjoyed the secondary mystery featuring Lady, a delightful character from a previous book.
August 6, 2024
I enjoyed the book, but will someone tell this obviously American author that English people do not take cream in tea; that is for coffee. Milk is taken in tea in England - in the 19th century as in the 21st century.
October 5, 2024
enjoyed…
I enjoyed getting reacquainted with Lacey and the rest of the family and team. I wonder if Lacey, his family plus Grenville and Marianne are ever going to make that trip to France? Maybe for Gabriella’s wedding?
I enjoyed getting reacquainted with Lacey and the rest of the family and team. I wonder if Lacey, his family plus Grenville and Marianne are ever going to make that trip to France? Maybe for Gabriella’s wedding?
April 19, 2025
Another great Captain Lacey. He seems to be involved more and more with his former arch enemy, not entirely sure where that is going. But he doesn't solve a mystery without being mixed up with Denis. Hmmm...
January 5, 2026
fantastic
What a fantastic series - the characters, the storylines the writing. please continue with this most excellent Captain Lacey series. But how much do we love Greenville and James Denis!
What a fantastic series - the characters, the storylines the writing. please continue with this most excellent Captain Lacey series. But how much do we love Greenville and James Denis!
May 22, 2024
Too short.
It's like meeting up with old friends with every book. My only complaint is that it was too short. Looking forward to the next one.
It's like meeting up with old friends with every book. My only complaint is that it was too short. Looking forward to the next one.
May 23, 2024
I love the Captain Lacey books I hope here are more to come
May 25, 2024
I love this series and the characters. Having Denis arrested for murder was a great plot. I always look forward to the next installment of this series. An Excellent Read!
May 27, 2024
enjoyable story
Albeit short it was an enjoyable tale Captain Lacey series is one of my favorite and this one did not disappoint, highly recommend it
Albeit short it was an enjoyable tale Captain Lacey series is one of my favorite and this one did not disappoint, highly recommend it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews