What do you think?
Rate this book
Casebook of Barnaby Adair #8
The Meriwell Legacy
#1 NYT-bestselling author Stephanie Laurens returns with her favorite sleuths to unravel a tangled web of family secrets and expose a murderer.
When Lord Meriwell collapses and dies at his dining table, Barnaby and Penelope Adair are summoned, along with Inspector Basil Stokes, to discover who, how, and most importantly why someone very close to his lordship saw fit to poison him.
When Lord Meriwell dies at his dining table, Nurse Veronica Haskell suspects foul play and notifies his lordship’s doctor, eminent Harley Street specialist Dr. David Sanderson. In turn, compelled by a need to protect Veronica who is at Meriwell Hall as David’s behest, David calls on his friends Barnaby and Penelope Adair for assistance.
However, as the fateful dinner was the first of a house party being attended by the local MP and his family, the Metropolitan Police commissioners also consider the Adairs’ presence desirable, and consequently, Barnaby and Penelope accompany Stokes to Meriwell Hall.
There, they discover a gathering of the Meriwell family intended to impress the visiting Busseltons so that George Busselton, local MP, will agree to a marriage between his daughter and Lord Meriwell’s eldest nephew, Stephen. But instead of any pleasant sojourn, the company find themselves confined to the hall and grounds while Stokes, Barnaby, and Penelope set about interviewing everyone and establishing facts, alibis, and the movements of those in the house.
To our investigators’ frustration, while determining the means proves straightforward, and opportunity reduces their suspect list, motive remains elusive, and their list of suspects stays stubbornly long.
Then the killer strikes again, but even then, the investigators are left with the same suspects and too many potential reasons for the second death.
What did the killer hope to gain?
More importantly, will he kill again?
At last, the investigators stumble on a promising clue, yet following it requires sending to London for information, and their frustration builds. As the clock ticks and they doggedly forge on, they uncover more and more facts, yet none allows them to identify which of their prime suspects is the murderer.
Will they get the breakthrough they need, one sufficient to exonerate the innocent?
When the answer arrives, they discover that the Meriwell family legacies are more far-reaching than anyone realized, and that the crimes involved and the motivation for the murders is far more heinous than anyone imagined.
A historical novel of 78,000 words interweaving mystery and murder with a touch of romance.
When Lord Meriwell collapses and dies at his dining table, Barnaby and Penelope Adair are summoned, along with Inspector Basil Stokes, to discover who, how, and most importantly why someone very close to his lordship saw fit to poison him.
When Lord Meriwell dies at his dining table, Nurse Veronica Haskell suspects foul play and notifies his lordship’s doctor, eminent Harley Street specialist Dr. David Sanderson. In turn, compelled by a need to protect Veronica who is at Meriwell Hall as David’s behest, David calls on his friends Barnaby and Penelope Adair for assistance.
However, as the fateful dinner was the first of a house party being attended by the local MP and his family, the Metropolitan Police commissioners also consider the Adairs’ presence desirable, and consequently, Barnaby and Penelope accompany Stokes to Meriwell Hall.
There, they discover a gathering of the Meriwell family intended to impress the visiting Busseltons so that George Busselton, local MP, will agree to a marriage between his daughter and Lord Meriwell’s eldest nephew, Stephen. But instead of any pleasant sojourn, the company find themselves confined to the hall and grounds while Stokes, Barnaby, and Penelope set about interviewing everyone and establishing facts, alibis, and the movements of those in the house.
To our investigators’ frustration, while determining the means proves straightforward, and opportunity reduces their suspect list, motive remains elusive, and their list of suspects stays stubbornly long.
Then the killer strikes again, but even then, the investigators are left with the same suspects and too many potential reasons for the second death.
What did the killer hope to gain?
More importantly, will he kill again?
At last, the investigators stumble on a promising clue, yet following it requires sending to London for information, and their frustration builds. As the clock ticks and they doggedly forge on, they uncover more and more facts, yet none allows them to identify which of their prime suspects is the murderer.
Will they get the breakthrough they need, one sufficient to exonerate the innocent?
When the answer arrives, they discover that the Meriwell family legacies are more far-reaching than anyone realized, and that the crimes involved and the motivation for the murders is far more heinous than anyone imagined.
A historical novel of 78,000 words interweaving mystery and murder with a touch of romance.
307 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 18, 2024
164 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Laurens
208 books5,593 followersStephanie Laurens was born in Sri Lanka, which was at the time the British colony of Ceylon. When she was 5, her family moved to Melbourne, Australia, where she was raised. After continuing through school and earning a Ph.D. in Biochemistry in Australia, Stephanie and her husband moved to Great Britain, taking one of the last true overland journeys from Katmandu to London.
Once in London, Stephanie and her husband both began work as research scientists in Kent. They lived in an area surrounded by history. Their own cottage was built in the 16th century, while next door were the protected ruins of an early Roman villa, and nearby was a 14th century castle.
After four years in England, Stephanie and her husband returned to Australia, where she continued to work in cancer research, eventually heading her own research laboratory. One evening Stephanie realized that she did not have any more of her favorite romance novels to read. After years of thinking about writing her own novel, during nights and weekends for the next several months, she began crafting her own story. That manuscript, Tangled Reins, was the first of her books to be published. After achieving a level of success with her novels, Stephanie "retired" from scientific research and became a full-time novelist. Her novels are primarily historical romances set in the Regency time period.
Stephanie and her husband live on peaceful acreage on the outskirts of Melbourne. If she isn't writing, she's reading, and if she's not reading, she's tending her garden.
Once in London, Stephanie and her husband both began work as research scientists in Kent. They lived in an area surrounded by history. Their own cottage was built in the 16th century, while next door were the protected ruins of an early Roman villa, and nearby was a 14th century castle.
After four years in England, Stephanie and her husband returned to Australia, where she continued to work in cancer research, eventually heading her own research laboratory. One evening Stephanie realized that she did not have any more of her favorite romance novels to read. After years of thinking about writing her own novel, during nights and weekends for the next several months, she began crafting her own story. That manuscript, Tangled Reins, was the first of her books to be published. After achieving a level of success with her novels, Stephanie "retired" from scientific research and became a full-time novelist. Her novels are primarily historical romances set in the Regency time period.
Stephanie and her husband live on peaceful acreage on the outskirts of Melbourne. If she isn't writing, she's reading, and if she's not reading, she's tending her garden.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 18, 2024
Wildly engrossing mystery!
Wow! What an intense mystery! Veronica is a nurse in the Meriwell household when Lord Meriwell dies by poison during a house party with his family and the family of a woman that one Meriwell member wanted to marry. Veronica is able to call in the doctor who was the Meriwell physician and warn him the symptoms that tell of a poisoning. David, the doctor, calls in his friend Barnaby, along with Barnaby's wife Penelope and Inspector Stokes to help him keep Veronica safe, as well as determine who killed Lord Meriwell. Then while they are all investigating, another person dies. This is how twisted and complicated all of this action is! Will they be able to figure out who did all this or will this be the one mystery that Barnaby and everyone does not solve? This one keeps you guessing until the very end!
The pace is fast and the tone is intense with an action and character oriented storyline that has no steam, only hand holding. The characters are vibrant and engaging. We have many repeat characters, but very well drawn new characters as well. You can read this story on its own, but I recommend you read all 7 of the previous books before this one. Things will make much more sense if you do. Enjoy these fascinating historical mysteries.
Wow! What an intense mystery! Veronica is a nurse in the Meriwell household when Lord Meriwell dies by poison during a house party with his family and the family of a woman that one Meriwell member wanted to marry. Veronica is able to call in the doctor who was the Meriwell physician and warn him the symptoms that tell of a poisoning. David, the doctor, calls in his friend Barnaby, along with Barnaby's wife Penelope and Inspector Stokes to help him keep Veronica safe, as well as determine who killed Lord Meriwell. Then while they are all investigating, another person dies. This is how twisted and complicated all of this action is! Will they be able to figure out who did all this or will this be the one mystery that Barnaby and everyone does not solve? This one keeps you guessing until the very end!
The pace is fast and the tone is intense with an action and character oriented storyline that has no steam, only hand holding. The characters are vibrant and engaging. We have many repeat characters, but very well drawn new characters as well. You can read this story on its own, but I recommend you read all 7 of the previous books before this one. Things will make much more sense if you do. Enjoy these fascinating historical mysteries.
August 29, 2024
This is part of a historical detective series that sprung from one of Laurens' historical romances, #8 in the Casebook of Barnaby Adair, and it is primarily, essentially, a detective story. Any romance is limited to that between the Adairs (think Regency high ton Nick and Nora Charles) which is distinctly happily marital, and some very far on the side secondary character romances. These are decidedly lacking in smut too. That would be fine if the detective story plot were stronger. Alas it's way too obvious from the beginning just who the murderer is and largely why even though our ace detectives, the Adairs and Inspector Stokes from Scotland Yard, are on the case. I had to give it only 3 stars due to the very weak murder investigation conducted. It was still fun to read and had a great well-orchestrated finale. And of course weddings for several side characters.
July 30, 2024
A mystery isn’t that great when I can pick out the killer within a few paragraphs of being introduced to them.
July 21, 2025
This was a very engrossing mystery. I always enjoy a new Barnaby Adair novel because I love the working relationship between Barnaby, Penelope, and Stokes. They work so well together and their dynamic means that they solve mysteries that seem unsolvable, making links and connections, dissecting relationships, and uncovering secrets.
The mixture of repeat characters from previous novels in the series, and new characters worked well, as it meant that not everything was new, so less time setting up the story and relationships of the main characters. It’s not overtly a romance, but more of a mystery but there is always some kind of underlying romance in these books which Penelope will inevitably try to get involved with or encourage.
I could pick out the murderer from fairly early on in the story, but it was still interesting to see how the investigation uncovered what was going on and dismissed the red herrings. It’s certainly an escapist read. The title was apt, with the mystery based around a family legacy and protecting a family name, so that was a nice touch. The ultimate motive for the murders was a shock, but quite a pleasant shock given that I thought I knew who the murderer was from very early on.
I always enjoy Laurens’ work and this was no exception. It’s a light read, with a murder at its heart, less emphasis on the romance than in some of Laurens’ other books, but I quite liked that in this story, it worked well with just the romance in the background. Stephanie Laurens remains one of my go-to authors for enjoyable and light reading.
The mixture of repeat characters from previous novels in the series, and new characters worked well, as it meant that not everything was new, so less time setting up the story and relationships of the main characters. It’s not overtly a romance, but more of a mystery but there is always some kind of underlying romance in these books which Penelope will inevitably try to get involved with or encourage.
I could pick out the murderer from fairly early on in the story, but it was still interesting to see how the investigation uncovered what was going on and dismissed the red herrings. It’s certainly an escapist read. The title was apt, with the mystery based around a family legacy and protecting a family name, so that was a nice touch. The ultimate motive for the murders was a shock, but quite a pleasant shock given that I thought I knew who the murderer was from very early on.
I always enjoy Laurens’ work and this was no exception. It’s a light read, with a murder at its heart, less emphasis on the romance than in some of Laurens’ other books, but I quite liked that in this story, it worked well with just the romance in the background. Stephanie Laurens remains one of my go-to authors for enjoyable and light reading.
January 2, 2026
After reading my previous book (Snobs by Julian Fellowes), I was wanting to stay in the rich people in the UK sort of world. Looked at my current handy TBR stack, saw this, knew it had been waiting for awhile, so I was like yea, ok! SL always gives me a good little mystery, characters I know and love, and a comfortable world that feels real, and easy to imagine.
I was not disappointed. The mystery was tight, the clues, and the suspect characters kept me guessing almost until the end, when everything was coming together. Then I was like, aha! Felt that thrill of satisfaction, just like our Pen and Barnaby and Stokes. I also liked David, the doctor, and Veronica, his nurse, they were a smart, and helpful addition to the cast. One lil thing I loved was the teeny addition of Roscoe's aiding them, if only through correspondence. I loved his book, and his other small appearances, so it was cool that he popped up again.
Hurrying off to start the next volume now!
I was not disappointed. The mystery was tight, the clues, and the suspect characters kept me guessing almost until the end, when everything was coming together. Then I was like, aha! Felt that thrill of satisfaction, just like our Pen and Barnaby and Stokes. I also liked David, the doctor, and Veronica, his nurse, they were a smart, and helpful addition to the cast. One lil thing I loved was the teeny addition of Roscoe's aiding them, if only through correspondence. I loved his book, and his other small appearances, so it was cool that he popped up again.
Hurrying off to start the next volume now!
July 22, 2024
English Country Murder
A welcome addition to the Penelope and Barnaby casebook (plus Stokes!). This is again a detailed multi-layered account of a straight forward murder with many levels of deceit, hence twists and turns in the plot. If it is too good to be true - be suspect! But then you have to figure how and why the murderer did it. The ending had a couple of ‘pat’ moments - with the lost son turning up in the nick of time, but it was a very enjoyable read. Escapism read - they don’t have to be read in order, but it certainly helps with the progression - Penelope has had her second child so over 7 years have passed from the first book. I love watching her mind work through the problems and the characters.
A welcome addition to the Penelope and Barnaby casebook (plus Stokes!). This is again a detailed multi-layered account of a straight forward murder with many levels of deceit, hence twists and turns in the plot. If it is too good to be true - be suspect! But then you have to figure how and why the murderer did it. The ending had a couple of ‘pat’ moments - with the lost son turning up in the nick of time, but it was a very enjoyable read. Escapism read - they don’t have to be read in order, but it certainly helps with the progression - Penelope has had her second child so over 7 years have passed from the first book. I love watching her mind work through the problems and the characters.
January 2, 2025
An enjoyable investigation.
My first read for 2025 is complete, and I really enjoyed this new addition to the Casebook of Barnaby Adair. I found the characters to be interesting and engaging, and the setup for the murder short, but informative. This is done in the style of a closed room mystery, with the suspects never leaving the premises for the duration (if this is a trope you enjoy), with only those involved in the investigation arriving. Could have been a five star book but, the characters blurbed on the back take a backseat to Barnaby & Co, instead of them being the driving force like in Murder at Mandeville Hall. Otherwise, loved it.
4.5 stars
My first read for 2025 is complete, and I really enjoyed this new addition to the Casebook of Barnaby Adair. I found the characters to be interesting and engaging, and the setup for the murder short, but informative. This is done in the style of a closed room mystery, with the suspects never leaving the premises for the duration (if this is a trope you enjoy), with only those involved in the investigation arriving. Could have been a five star book but, the characters blurbed on the back take a backseat to Barnaby & Co, instead of them being the driving force like in Murder at Mandeville Hall. Otherwise, loved it.
4.5 stars
July 25, 2024
This book is different from Stephanie Laurens usual books because it’s not a traditional romance with a murder mystery attached. It’s the other way around. The bulk of the story is the murder mystery with a very little romance to add flavour.
I really enjoyed reading the story, I worked out early on who was the “baddie” but I was blown away when they discovered the motive for the murders.
It was great to catch up with Barnaby, Penelope and Stokes. I hope Curtis gets his story too. He seems like a very interesting man.
I really enjoyed reading the story, I worked out early on who was the “baddie” but I was blown away when they discovered the motive for the murders.
It was great to catch up with Barnaby, Penelope and Stokes. I hope Curtis gets his story too. He seems like a very interesting man.
August 14, 2024
I always enjoy reading the Barnaby Adair books and this was no exception. The book was a little different from the norm in that it was more about investigating murder and less about romance! My one grouch would be that it was obvious to me who the murderer was right from the beginning! I kept thinking there might be a twist in the plot but there wasn't. Still a good read and I look forward to the next in the series.
January 15, 2025
I am annoyed that I wasted my time reading this book. I love her other books and I’ve even liked the other ones with these same characters. I guess I was hoping that bad guy wouldn’t be the one that was so obvious from the very very beginning. But nope, the obvious choice was the bad guy. I guess I kept reading to see what motivated the murders and at least that was something different. But I still wouldn’t recommend it. Total waste of time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2025
I KNEW IT!!!!
I don’t know how. I don’t know why, but - I knew it!! I listened to the audiobook version of this title.
I enjoyed this frustrating case! It was really well written, fabulously narrated and very lifelike. Not a simple “here are all of the clues, go ahead and arrest”, they really did have to work for this result with good old fashioned policing.
Once again just Stokes and the Adair’s! Very engrossing!
I don’t know how. I don’t know why, but - I knew it!! I listened to the audiobook version of this title.
I enjoyed this frustrating case! It was really well written, fabulously narrated and very lifelike. Not a simple “here are all of the clues, go ahead and arrest”, they really did have to work for this result with good old fashioned policing.
Once again just Stokes and the Adair’s! Very engrossing!
July 23, 2024
A fast paced thriller
This is one.of the Adairs mysteries. A murder takes.our couple.and.their friend Inspector Stokes.to Surrey to solve a murder and.protect a.family.name.
As with this series there is a happy sweet love story. A great light read with some.familiar characters
This is one.of the Adairs mysteries. A murder takes.our couple.and.their friend Inspector Stokes.to Surrey to solve a murder and.protect a.family.name.
As with this series there is a happy sweet love story. A great light read with some.familiar characters
July 25, 2024
Murder mystery in detail
A family patriarch is murdered and investigators Stokes and both Adairs work on the case at the estate. Lots of intersting details and conclusions- almost no romance although possibility in the background. Excellent story just not as enjoyable as the usual Laurens books. Still glad to meet old friends again.
A family patriarch is murdered and investigators Stokes and both Adairs work on the case at the estate. Lots of intersting details and conclusions- almost no romance although possibility in the background. Excellent story just not as enjoyable as the usual Laurens books. Still glad to meet old friends again.
September 2, 2024
This is the latest with Barnaby and Penelope Adair, with Inspector Stokes. I suspected the murderer early on, but he was appallingly good at presenting a respectable front over his rotten-to-the-core evil. Would have like a further epilogue (maybe 6 months down the road) regarding the outcome of Seven Dials business.
September 24, 2025
This book was an intricate mystery with some characters who were congenial and others who were abhorrent. The author made sure that it wasn't easy to distinguish the two. I loved the twists and turns, as well as the stumbling blocks, that the author laid out. This book was an excellent mystery.
November 3, 2025
A worthy addition to the Casebook series finds the Adairs and their good friend Stokes of Scotland Yard trying to determine who could have committed murder at a country house party dinner. One of the things I like about this series is the ideas that our main characters must not only determine the usual who, how and why but must also address the "Where is the proof?" aspect of the solution.
July 22, 2024
The Adairs as Back!
The continuation of this series has been long awaited and does not disappoint. Ms. Laurens latest novel is well thought out and written, keeping us tantalized until the very end. I am looking forward to the next installment.
The continuation of this series has been long awaited and does not disappoint. Ms. Laurens latest novel is well thought out and written, keeping us tantalized until the very end. I am looking forward to the next installment.
July 27, 2024
Didn't realize how much I missed these characters!! I really had no idea who done it! Very good read from Stephanie Laurens, but they all are. I really liked these characters, the mystery and the plot. Looking forward to reading the next installment of this series.
August 7, 2024
Another great Barnaby Adair whodunit that I never imagined until the clues starting coming out at the end.
As always, this story kept me guessing and turning pages.
Love all the characters coming together to solve the mystery.
As always, this story kept me guessing and turning pages.
Love all the characters coming together to solve the mystery.
September 27, 2024
Finally!
It''s been several years since the last Barnaby Adair book & I was so happy to find this one. They are their usual entertaining selves, solving crimes so expertly. Loved the book! I hope there are more in the near future!
It''s been several years since the last Barnaby Adair book & I was so happy to find this one. They are their usual entertaining selves, solving crimes so expertly. Loved the book! I hope there are more in the near future!
October 24, 2024
Enjoyable
I was thrilled to read another Casebook story. I wasn't disappointed either the dynanic duo, along with Stokes, are a well-oiled machine. Stephen Meriwell gave them a run for their money up to the very end. It was so entertaining and intriguing 🤣 😅
I was thrilled to read another Casebook story. I wasn't disappointed either the dynanic duo, along with Stokes, are a well-oiled machine. Stephen Meriwell gave them a run for their money up to the very end. It was so entertaining and intriguing 🤣 😅
November 5, 2024
I‘m a great fan of this series, I enjoy unraveling the mysteries with Barnabe, Stokes and Penelope. This one I more or less guessed the culprit but wasn’t sure until the end. Very nicely done. Great read.
July 19, 2024
its so hard to make friends as an adult you gotta respect penelopes strategy of making them by solving murders together
July 20, 2024
Love the suspense but lacking in romance. I always read every Stephanie Laurens writes. Great story. So good to see the development of David Sanderson’s character!!!!
July 22, 2024
I wish Griselda and the Montagues had had roles! And even I can see where they would fit well. Sigh. And basically there just isn’t appreciable conflict in this.
July 26, 2024
a must read
As always Stephanie has brought an intriguing story to life and brought us up to date on much loved characters
As always Stephanie has brought an intriguing story to life and brought us up to date on much loved characters
Read
September 15, 2024I'll try this again, probably, but it simply couldn't hold my interest this time around.
November 11, 2024
Full of suspects and clues like the old
Like the old Perry Mason shows first one then another seems to be the perfect suspect-surprised again to the end.
Like the old Perry Mason shows first one then another seems to be the perfect suspect-surprised again to the end.
November 12, 2024
Loved this story . . . and I have missed the way Stokes', Barnaby's & Penelope's minds work to solve the mystery.
February 27, 2025
Exciting ending to a satisfactory mystery.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews