The Matter of the Secret Bride

Rosalind Thorne Mysteries #8

by Darcie Wilde

Set in Regency London, this charming Jane Austen-inspired mystery series features Rosalind Thorne, a resourceful young woman with a talent for helping ladies of the ton with their most delicate and pressing predicaments. But now she’s faced with a task of royal proportions. Literally. KingGeorge IV is petitioning Parliament for a divorce from his queen on the grounds of her adultery. But rumor has it that the king secretly married Maria Fitzherbert—long before he married the queen. Now Mrs. Fitzherbert has been robbed—and she’s frantically calling on Rosalind for help. Because what those thieves took is proof that she and King George did really marry. That single piece of paper could destroy Mrs. Fitzherbert and her family—or it could prove the king guilty of bigamy. Rosalind races to investigate. With her is ex-Bow Street officer, Adam Harkness, with whom Rosalind shares a complex and rapidly intensifying bond. But a case of theft soon turns to murder . . . Josiah Poole, a disreputable attorney specializing in helping debtors—and who was seen entering Mrs. Fitzherbert’s house—is found brutally murdered. Mrs. Fitzherbert has debts. Could she have staged the theft, and employed Mr. Poole to sell the marriage certificate? Or is the truth even more complicated? Mrs. Fitzherbert’s daughters have secrets of their own. And Poole himself had no shortage of enemies. With suspicious coincidences mounting, and more danger encroaching, Rosalind and Adam must move quickly to unravel a history-making mystery that might just lead them straight to the palace itself . . .  

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

448 pages, Hardcover

First published December 24, 2024

About the author

Darcie Wilde is a pseudonym for Sarah Zettel, author of mysteries, science fiction, romance and Young Adult fiction, including the New York Times Notable Book Fool’s War and the bestselling Rosalind Thorne mysteries A Useful Woman. She also writes under the names Delia James, Sarah Zettel, Jennifer Hawkins C. L. Anderson and Marissa Day.

Darcie writes her classically styled (not to mention stylish) mysteries as well as adventurous romances from a university town in a certain northern-midwestern state that has been known to bear some passing resemblance to a mitten. When not writing, she’s reading, cooking, hiking, swimming, climbing things, embroidering other things, raising her rapidly growing son and trying to convince her cat — Buffy the Vermin Slayer — not to do any further damage to the furniture.

Reviews

[mikaela (spinebreaker) · Rating 4 out of 5]

TL;DR: 3.5 stars - Not enough Adam and Rosalind time and a little bit too political drama-y of a mystery but I'll forgive it because I'll do anything for this romance to move along.

The mystery here proves to be well crafted as usual, but convoluted indeed, taking twists and turns and using details that could easily overwhelm the casual reader. I personally found it to be more than a little confusing, and a bit too dependent on the ins and outs of courtly politics for my tastes. It also crowded the book, making it difficult for any real character development, especially because the POV changes to side characters were many.

Although I appreciate a good slow burn romance, 8 books is starting to feel too slow. There is hardly any development for Adam and Rosalind's relationship until the epilogue, which proves unsatisfying, and they hardly interact through the entirety of the book. It's starting to become frustrating, especially when other character romances are progressing on page.

However, Wilde's pacing for reveals and her writing skill is obvious, and the mystery, though confusing, kept me reading. I'm very attached to this series, so even though I didn't love the installment, I was happy to be back with Rosalind and Adam. I hope the next book will bring us back closer to their immediate circle and allow for a little bit more time with them.

[eyes.2c · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah! Rosalind Thorne and friends!

Rosalind is asked for discretion and help by the King’s longtime mistress and possible wife Mrs Maria Fitzherbert.
Mrs Fitzherbert’s morganatic marriage to King George could be exposed if it falls into the wrong hands.
George is suing for divorce from Princess Caroline and the two camps are firmly and riotously dividing the nation.
No sooner has Rosalind said yes to Mrs Fitzherbert, one of the main background players is murdered. What follows is more death, secrets, and planned elopements. The game is definitely afoot!
As well, Rosalind is involved with ex Bow Street runner Adam Harkness but marrying him will mean her loss of independence that she’s fought so hard for.
All her gathered put together family of close knit friends play important roles, supporting Rosalind in full—Alice, Amelia, George.
Looming in the background is Lady Jersey and Countess Levine, both of whom could easily destroy Rosalind’s hard won role.
Intriguing and gratifying read!

A Kensington Press ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.

[Read-n-Bloom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great mystery by Darcie Wilde. Loved the story and writing! Very intense and suspenseful, but not overwhelmingly disturbing. Just a little more than a cozy mystery. I love that Rosalind Thorne is the detective. A woman and in that day?! I loved Rosalind’s and Adam’s romance . So much love, respect and understanding. I have read this author before but I think this one is my favorite and most interesting. Thank you #NetGalley, publishers, and author for opportunity to read #TheMatteroftheSecretBride . My thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

King George IV is petitioning Parliament for a divorce from his queen on the grounds of her adultery. But rumour has it that the king secretly married Maria Fitzherbert long before he married the queen. Now Mrs. Fitzherbert has been robbed and she’s frantically calling on Rosalind for help. Because what those thieves took is proof that she and King George did really marry. That single piece of paper could destroy Mrs. Fitzherbert and her family—or it could prove the king guilty of bigamy. Rosalind & ex-Bow Street officer, Adam Harkness, take the case but a case of theft soon turns to murder. Josiah Poole, a disreputable attorney specializing in helping debtors, who was seen entering Mrs. Fitzherbert’s house is found brutally murdered.
Another well written & well researched book. I really like both Rosalind & Adam& their very slow burn romance. There are plenty of twists, turns & red herrings & I was kept guessing, which is always a bonus. The characters are very well portrayed & I love how the dynamics between characters have developed throughout the series. The epilogue left me wanting the next book in the series too
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Melissa’s Bookshelf]

The Matter of the Secret Bride plunges the reader into a complex mystery involving the King of England, a divorce, & secret marriage. Rosalind Thorne is a gently bred lady who solves mysteries for the ladies of the ton and her latest case involves the highest echelons of society. The King is seeking a divorce from the Queen for adultery, however rumors abound that he was previously married to an unsuitable woman & is still married to her.

Mrs. Fitzherbert is the woman in question & when her marriage certificate to the King is stolen, she enlists Rosalind’s help to retrieve it before it causes irreparable damage. As two factions arise, one supporting the King and the other the Queen, the race to find the marriage certificate is fierce especially when the man who supposedly took it winds up murdered. It’s up to Rosalind, her love interest Adam Harkness formerly of Bow Street, & her friends to find the certificate before it’s too late.

This is the eighth book in the Rosalind Thorne mystery series & my first book by Darcie Wilde. I enjoyed her writing style & the descriptions of Regency England. It was reminiscent of an Anne Perry mystery. I’m wishing though I’d been more familiar with the series before picking up this book. I found myself behind the eight ball so to speak in understanding all the characters & their relationships as well as following the mystery with lots of moving parts. It took me several chapters before I finally felt comfortable with everything & by that time, the mystery was well under way. The last 25% of the book was when everything came together & I was finally invested in the mystery & finding out who the murderer was. While I had my suspicions, the ending was a definite surprise.

If you’re a fan of Anne Perry or like feminist female protagonists, you might enjoy this series. I highly recommend starting with the first book in the series to fully appreciate the characters. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own & voluntarily provided.

[QNPoohBear · Rating 4 out of 5]

London is abuzz with the news of the King's plan to divorce his wife but there's a rumor going around that King George IV was already married- to twice widowed, Catholic, Maria Fitzherbert, thus making him ineligible for the throne. The people's sentiment is with the queen. John Townsend of Bow Street is for law and order; cracking down on any whiff of rebellion. Enter Rosalind Thorne, a useful woman. Business is doing well with the benefit of a patroness. Alice and Amelia spend their nights together at Amelia's flat while Rosalind's love, Adam Harkness, late of Bow Street, spends his nights at her flat. The matter of the King's marriage and divorce has nothing to do with them- until it does. When Rosalind receives a summons from Mrs. Fitzherbert, she's curious and eager to assist the wronged woman. Maria is convinced her marriage certificate (with George) has been stolen and she wants Rosalind to find it! Maria wants nothing for herself and doesn't care about her own reputation but she has two wards, the daughters of her heart, whose young reputations would be ruined by scandal and the girls removed from their loving mother's care. She's sent them to the country, to her eldest brother, for safety but soon they return to pledge support for their mother. Rosalind senses something else is afoot with the eldest daughter Minnie, who seems to have formed an attachment to an unsuitable suitor. Could she be involved in the missing document case? Rosalind sends Amelia to pose as a servant in the household to find out. Amelia is not amused by the flirtations of footman Faller but isn't ruling him out as a conspirator. While Adam is out and about, the dead body of one Mr. Poole, solicitor to those gentlemen shut up in the sponging house, tossed out onto the road. The coroner, Sir David, asks Adam to investigate but only for a few days before he needs to hold the inquest. Once again Adam's case intersects with Rosalind as Mr. Poole was spotted sneaking into Mrs. Fitzherbert's garden. The stakes are incredibly high in this case. Adam could lose another job, be arrested by his former Bow Street boss and Rosalind could gain notoriety that could ruin her reputation. With the help of Alice and George Littlefield, Rosalind must stay one step ahead of the press and the gossips if she wants to solve this case and survive with her reputation in tact.

Wow! This was a convoluted mystery but I couldn't put it down. While I knew the history of George IV and Maria Fitzherbert and his attempt to divorce his legal wife, Carolina, I was eager to know how Rosalind and Adam were going to survive this one and who the murderer would turn out to be. I did NOT guess correctly at all and was surprised by the identity of the murderer. I was also pleased with the turn of events in the epilogue which seemed to conclude the story. (However, Darcie Wilde has said she's writing another one now). If you're tired of the will they /won't they slow burn, skip to the epilogue. However, I suggest reading Rosalind's reasons for her stubbornness. What I couldn't stand about this book is the author's lazy descriptions of the characters' looks. Every time she wrote Black man or White man, I wanted to take a red pen and cross it out. Plus White man makes it seem like it's a name and not a description. How about something more like dark skinned or pale, pasty man who appears to spend more time in his office indoors than out on the streets chasing criminals.

I relate a lot to Rosalind. She's very strong and determined to be independent. I admire her for staying the course and doing what her heart tells her is the right thing to do. IF she gives in and marries, she ceases to be a legal person. Her husband, yes even Adam, would have legal rights over her body, her money, her property, her possessions and even any children they might have. If he is killed - a very real fear - she could be left with nothing. If she dies, he gets her money and can leave it to a second wife and not to her children should she have any. The married women's property act is about 50 years away and women are a century away from even having the vote. There's nothing on earth that would induce me to marry if I were an independent woman of that time. While I like Adam, he's so sweet and earnest, and I like them together, I think Rosalind needed to keep her distance before she fell in love. Now it's too late and I hope their little work around is enough.

When we last saw him, Adam flounced from Bow Street because his morals wouldn't allow him to see innocent men condemned just for gathering and griping about the unjust laws of the land. He has clashed with his boss one too many times. John Townsend is a social climber and "toad eater." He was once close to the King when the King was Prince of Wales but the King has distanced himself now he's the official crowned monarch. Townsend would do anything to get back in the good graces of the King. How far would he be willing to go? Well, since he was a real person, we know he's not a murderer, but it does sound as if he arranged to have Poole steal the marriage certificate. It's a good thing Adam quit, however, now he's up against a powerful man who may now have the ear of the most powerful person in the kingdom. My heart is racing and Adam and Rosalind race against the clock. Townsend could be a very dangerous enemy. He's sexist and doesn't understand Rosalind at all. He can't imagine a world with an intelligent woman who sincerely wants to help other women with their problems. Townsend imagines Rosalind as a sort of witch who has woven a spell over Adam and Townsend doesn't like it. He's jealous because she's smarter and more imaginative than he is and she does have the ear of some of the most powerful women in the country - yet she doesn't want it.

Josiah Poole was a nasty character. He enjoyed working as a solicitor for once wealthy men now in debtors' prison and also people (men?) who could help further his own aims. He was not above lying, stealing and cheating to get what he wanted. It sounds like he must have a contact in Mrs. Fitzherbert's house who helped him steal the marriage certificate. At first he was going to hand it to Townsend who was willing to pay for it but I think Poole got greedy and wanted to sell it to the highest bidder instead. He was a greasy, slimy sort of person. I was surprised to learn there was a Mrs. Poole and a family. None of them seem surprised Mr. Poole has been killed. The question is "What's he done?" not "OMG! Who would do such a thing and why?" Yes they seem well aware of his reputation even though his wife claims he didn't do business at home. Mrs. Poole is a hard woman. She's seen a lot and has not had a happy life. Her answers to Rosalind's questions are evasive and perhaps even false. Her brother, Mr. Considen, is very ill with an unnamed condition (presumably white lung, a type of consumption from working in the textile mills with locked windows breathing in all that cotton fluff. First it makes you cough, then it makes you vomit and finally you die.) He seems protective of his sister but I think he's too weak to leave the house and kill his brother-in-law.

Also in the house is Letitia Poole, Mr. Poole's daughter from his first wife. Now here we have a similar situation to Mrs. Fitzherbert and the King. Mrs. Poole the first left. Are they divorced? Is the second marriage valid? Unclear. Letitia is a young lady of marriageable age yet she doesn't wish for an arranged marriage neither she nor the young gentleman's family even wants. Her father plans to barter her away for money and doesn't value her at all. Her stepmother SHOULD stick up for her but Letitia is in an awkward position as the stepdaughter. She's quiet and observes things because no one knows she's there. Her brothers are still in the nursery and cannot protect her from their father's cruel machinations. This household sounds very toxic! The only one who mourns Mr. Poole is the maid, Judith. She worships Mr. Poole and may have been in love with him. She's rather silly and mistaken in his character but to her, he's a Robin Hood figure.

Mrs. Fitzherbert's household, on the other hand, is quite congenial. She's older now, wiser and doesn't give a care about her own reputation. Yes, she's still wistful and partly in love with George but she knows it cannot be. She hangs on to the marriage certificate for the sake of her daughters. She's a practical woman and knows the gutter press has launched a smear campaign against her making her own to be a money grubbing fortune hunter who would ruin the country by forcing George to abdicate because Catholics cannot inherit the throne. Honestly, his brothers aren't any better but if Mrs. Fitzherbert's marriage is legal, it would throw the country into chaos. The masses support the queen even over the king. She's the lawful wife and the mob rule is forcing people to swear allegiance to the queen. Poor Mrs. Fitzherbert can't go out and has sent her daughters away. She's a loving mother who is devoted to these two children of her heart. She's more aware of what goes on in the hearts and minds of teenage girls and young ladies than it seems. She knows what Minnie is up to but not how to stop it. Mrs. F is under a lot of stress and it's no wonder she needs Rosalind's help. I quite like this woman.

Minnie is a typical drama queen in her early 20s. She longs for adventure and romance in London and exile to the country to her biological father's home and exile to the Continent is tantamount to torture. I don't blame her but she needs to get away from the toxic environment of London and needs to be more mindful of her reputation and her sister's. Mary Ann is ready to make her debut and if Minnie elopes, that would ruin Mary Ann's chances. The younger sister seems to be more practical and worried about her elder sister's plans. Burrowes, Mrs. Fitzherbert's maid, seems to know more than she's telling but for the sake of the investigation, she must be sacked and Amelia put in her place. (Temporarily). I wonder why Rosalind didn't go back and find Burrowes and consult her. Minnie loves Mr. Dawson, a dashing hero of Waterloo without a penny to his name. He's deep in debt and rumor has it, owes his freedom to Mr. Poole. ding ding! Unsuitable Mr. Dawson surely must be involved in the theft of the missing marriage certificate.

Tom Faller, Mrs. Fitzherbert's footman, is flirtatious and always dogging Amelia's footsteps. She knows he's not to be trusted but is he just trying to have a dalliance with the new maid or is there something more to him than meets the eye? Amelia is sure he's up to something and he could have been the one to steal the marriage certificate or at least open the doors for Poole.

I like Alice a lot more now her novel is completed and Amelia has moved out. Alice is still silly sometimes but she's a loyal friend to Rosalind and quick to pitch in and help out. This time Alice is the voice of reason and the practical one! She understands better than Rosalind what is at stake and all Rosalind has to lose but she supports her friend because that's what friends do. Alice is also happier now Amelia is no longer employed in their home. They can be free to conduct their romance in their private quarters, hidden away at night. I'm not sure anyone would realize or care what was going on! I like Amelia now too. She's grown in confidence and is eager for an adventure. She willingly jumps in to help out and investigate. Amelia is shrewd and and adept at dealing with flirtatious footmen. Alice's brother George is cheerful, amiable and willing to put correct behavior over his job. He's lucky his editor is understanding. No tabloid journalism for George. He spins the story to one about social justice rather than sordid scandal.

The tabloid journalist to contend with is Ronald Ranking. He's more wise and tenacious than most and is eager for a story. He won't stop until he has a story and would print rumors, gossip and lies if he must. With his pen he could destroy many reputations, including Rosalind. Adam's enemies are at Bow Street. Not only Townsend is against him but Stephen Lavender, a narrow-minded man who only sees the job in front of him. Together they will root out any political dissenters and make an example of them. John Stafford is on their side as well but he's more thoughtful and understands nuances. He just wants to solve this case and find the missing document. He's partly responsible for the loss since he helped orchestrate the theft! Fortunately for Adam, he still has friends in Bow Street. His best friend, Sampson Gauthier is as congenial and unconventional as ever and eager to help Adam find the missing marriage certificate.

Rosalind has her enemies as well. Her activities catch the attention of Lady Jersey, the most august patroness of Almack's and London's biggest gossip. Lady Jersey (this one, Sally) is staunchly pro-queen and if Rosalind offered her services to Mrs. F why that's just not acceptable. Sally Jersey's wagging tongue could ruin Rosalind's reputation. Rosalind has powerful allies as well. Alice's friend, Mrs. Dowding, who invented the gossip sheet, takes a liking to Rosalind. Mrs. Levitton, Rosalind's patroness, is still eager to thumb her nose at the ton and support Rosalind. The Countess Lieven takes an interest in Rosalind too but no one can tell her intentions. She's at odds with Sally Jersey but which one is more powerful and if they are on the same side, they could ruin Rosalind for good.

There's a lot going on but it all comes together in the end. I'm satisfied with the way things are left but I'll probably see what happens in the next book.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Long time readers will be so pleased with the development in this book! It can be read as a stand alone, but Rosalind’s character growth is so much more satisfying having read the previous books. Rosalind struggled with her task here, and so did I, wondering how on earth she was going to solve the mystery and get herself out of trouble. Fortunately, our favorite useful woman is very clever!

[Barb in Maryland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series! The mysteries are always tricky, the time frame (we are now in the early years of George IV's reign) is interesting, and our two main characters, Rosalind Thorne and Adam Harkness, are fabulous, and oh so human.
This time Rosalind agrees to help her most important client yet--Maria Fitzherbert, the woman who, in 1785, married the king when he was merely a 21-year old prince, heir to the throne. Mrs. Fitzherbert's copy of the marriage certificate from that ill-fated ceremony has been stolen, and she wants Rosalind to recover it, discretely of course.
There are so many players involved it is difficult to keep track of them all. The twists and turns kept me guessing for most of the book. The most interesting thing, for me, was watching Rosalind worrying that she couldn't solve the case and retrieve the missing certificate, while also worrying that her reputation for discretion has already been ruined by having her name linked to Mrs Fitzherbert.

Longtime readers will enjoy seeing a big step forward in the romance between Rosalind and Adam. I also enjoyed seeing Alice and George Littlefield, as well as Rosalind's former maid, Amelia,who has an important part to play.
I will be on hand for the next book, whenever that may be.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you prefer series or standalone novels? I like both!

King George IV is trying to get a divorce from his queen. This has caused great strife in London. It has also brought back up rumors that King George was married previously to Maria Fitzherbert and that is his true bride. Rosalind Thorne is known for helping women through difficult situations. She is summoned by Mrs. Fitzherbert and told that her marriage certificate to King George did exist and has been stolen. Who stole it and why?

My thoughts on this novel:
• I enjoyed this mystery in this novel. I have read before about the rumors of Mrs. Fitzherbert. It was interesting to get to know her as a character and wonder how history would have been changed if this document were to be released to the public. With murder, riots, romance, and more, this was a great mystery that kept me reading.

• Ex Bow Street Runner, Adam Harkness, helps Rosalind with her investigation. Rosalind and Adam had a nice slow burn romance in this novel. It made me wonder about them. I need to read more of this series to find out!
• There are other friends that help Rosalind, including Amelia who poses as a lady’s maid to gather intel from inside Mrs. Fitzherbert’s home. I loved reading Amelia’s perspective.

• This novel is set in 1820 in London.

• There were a lot of characters thrown at the reader at once in the beginning of the novel. It got better once the action picked up. This is the eighth novel in the Rosalind Thorne series, but the first one I’ve read. This can be read as a standalone, but just be aware that there are a lot of characters at first. I need to go back and read the rest of this series.

• I loved the ending of this novel. There is also a great author’s note that points out that most of the story about Mrs. Fitzherbert was true. She really did have a signed marriage certificate kept in a lock box, but it wasn’t stolen (that we know of).

Overall, The Matter of the Secret Bride by Darcie Wilde is a riveting well-written Regency historical mystery that involves real life historical people from that time as well as intriguing fictional investigators. I recommend this novel for all lovers of historical mystery.

Book Source: Review copy from Kensington Books as part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour. Thank-you! Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review was first posted on my blog at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2025...

[rendezvous_with_reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

I jumped into the Useful Woman Mystery series with this one, the third book. Let me just start by mentioning the cover's appeal. It reminds me so much of those gothic mystery novels from the 1970s that I cut my teeth on as a girl. Does anyone else remember Dorothy Daniels?  In any case, the herione of this series is Rosalind Thorne, who despite her reduced cirmcumstaces, supports herself by being a "useful woman" to members of the ton when they have problems that need resolved. 


The author pulls a very interesting bit of real-life history into Rosalind's orbit,  creating an intriguing mystery.  King George IV is seeking a divorce from Caroline of Brunswick on grounds of adultry. But before he married Queen Caroline, without the permission of his father, the previous king, he had secretly married Maria Fitzherbert, a Catholic. Now the marriage certificate which Mrs. Fitzherbert kept as proof and insurance, has been stolen. If it falls into the wrong hands, it would disqualify the king from serving and prove him to be a bigamist. It would also ruin Mrs. Fitzherbert and the opportunity for her daughters to marry well into society, thus her reason for hiring Rosalind to discreetly find the certificate. 


The author creates complex enough mystery to keep you guessing and rapidly turning the pages. Rosalind is aided by a cast of found family, including a former Bow Street runner, Adam Harkness, who serves as a romantic interest,  though the focus of the novel is more on mystery than romance. I enjoyed this as a stand-alone novel, but I can see how rewarding it would be to read the previous two books and see how this group of friends formed. The author provides an atomospheric read that lovers of Regency England will enjoy.

I received a gifted copy of this book from the author, Kensington Books, and Austenprose PR.

[Shaina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Darcie Wilde for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for The Matter of the Secret Bride coming out December 24, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

King George IV is petitioning Parliament for a divorce from his queen on the grounds of her adultery. But rumor has it that the king secretly married Maria Fitzherbert—long before he married the queen. Now Mrs. Fitzherbert has been robbed—and she’s frantically calling on Rosalind for help.

Because what those thieves took is proof that she and King George did really marry. That single piece of paper could destroy Mrs. Fitzherbert and her family—or it could prove the king guilty of bigamy.

Rosalind races to investigate. With her is ex-Bow Street officer, Adam Harkness, with whom Rosalind shares a complex and rapidly intensifying bond. But a case of theft soon turns to murder . . .

Josiah Poole, a disreputable attorney specializing in helping debtors—and who was seen entering Mrs. Fitzherbert’s house—is found brutally murdered. Mrs. Fitzherbert has debts. Could she have staged the theft, and employed Mr. Poole to sell the marriage certificate? Or is the truth even more complicated? Mrs. Fitzherbert’s daughters have secrets of their own. And Poole himself had no shortage of enemies.

With suspicious coincidences mounting, and more danger encroaching, Rosalind and Adam must move quickly to unravel a history-making mystery that might just lead them straight to the palace itself . . .

I really enjoyed this author’s writing! I love regency era mysteries. This is a really fun series and I think Rosalind is a strong, intelligent character. I think this book was slightly on the long side. I think there was a bit of repetition with the plot points. I would’ve liked to see a little more fun between Rosalind and Adam. Things were pretty serious. Bring the King into the story was interesting. Overall, I enjoyed it. I’ll definitely keep reading this series!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys regency mysteries!

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm giving this 3.75 stars
I felt pretty lost reading this because it is the eighth book in the series.

Rosalind Thorne has a knack for helping ladies of the ton with their most delicate and pressing predicaments.

King George IV is petitioning Parliament for a divorce from his queen on the grounds of adultery.
But rumor has it that he secretly married Maria Fitzherbert long before he married the queen.

Miss Fitzherbert has been robbed and is now seeking the help of Rosalind. The thieves took the proof of her marriage to George. It could destroy her and her family and prove that King guilty of bigamy.

With the help of ex-Bow Street officer, Adam Harkness, they race to investigate the theft that soon turns to murder.

With suspicious coincidences mounting and danger growing near, Rosalind and Adam must move quickly to solve the mystery that might just lead them straight to the palace.

[Marie Girulat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author, Kensington Publishing and Austen Prose PR for the gifted book.

As the eighth riveting installment in the beloved Rosalind Thorne Mysteries series, this book boasts a delightful cast of characters who come together to solve an exhilarating mystery inspired by real occurrences. While it can be enjoyed independently, exploring the previous installments will enrich your understanding of the characters' fascinating backstories, and I can’t wait to dive into them.

In this enthralling tale, Rosalind Thorne and Adam Harkness join forces to recover the stolen secret marriage certificate of Mrs. Fitzherbert and King George IV—an item that holds potentially explosive political implications for the nation. With her loyal friends by her side, Rosalind skillfully navigates a maze of suspects and uncovers hidden truths along the way.

The author's vivid and engaging writing style pulls you in, making this book impossible to put down. The gripping blend of murder, political intrigue, and rich historical detail captivates and keeps your heart racing as you piece together the intricate puzzle.

For anyone who appreciates Regency-era historical mysteries featuring relatable and expertly crafted characters, this book is a must-read. I eagerly anticipate what thrilling adventures lie ahead for Rosalind and Adam!

[GONZA · Rating 3 out of 5]

As much as the story was not bad at all, I realized that I was just looking for further glimpses of the story between Rosalind and Adam. Maybe I should enjoy in the ending as if it were final because at this rate and at this slow pace maybe in 20 years they will be married, but it's not like it's really necessary, I'm content now.

Per quanto la storia non era affatto male, mi sono accorta che stavo solo cercando ulteriori scorci della storia tra Rosalind ed Adam. Forse dovrei gustarmi in finale come se fosse definitivo perché di questo passo e con questa lentezza forse tra 20 anni si sposeranno, ma non é che sia proprio necessario, ormai mi accontento.

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Darcie Wilde took her writing inspiration from Jane Austen. A story with mystery and secrets to be solved, including a secret wife of King George IV. Filled with not only the solving of a mystery, but plenty of action, the backstory of this tale will capture the attention of readers with Miss Rosalind out to solve the mystery while still navigating high society. Although a bit slow at first, this story is one that readers will likely end up enjoying if they stick with it.

Series: Rosalind Thorne Mysteries
Genre: mystery, thriller, historical, Regency, romance
Publisher: Kensington Books
Publication date: December 24, 2024
Number of pages: 458

Books in the series:
1-A Useful Woman
2-A Purely Private Matter
3-And Dangerous to Know
4-A Lady Compromised
5-A Counterfeit Suitor
6-The Secret of the Lost Pearls
7-The Secret of the Lady’s Maid
8-The Matter of the Secret Bride

Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

[Eileen Lynx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story. Very interesting that it’s based on a true story.

[ChamberBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not the book in this series but it was not too bad reading it "late" though it did make me want to start from the first book!

I really enjoyed Rosalind's character, as she is a type of "sleuth" in the Victorian ages! I love a good murder mystery and the fact that it's during a different era made it even more fun and intriguing!

The story is a little long so some things felt like they went on a little long but it was still a wonderful story and I can't wait to read more from this author!

And though I was given a copy of this book to review, all thoughts are my own.

[Nikki Chi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just adore this series; mysteries of polite society, solved by conversation and a combination of characters across social strata. They’re brilliant, I love them and always pre-order.

[Suzan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a clever and complex mystery. It was based on actual events, making it even more intriguing.

Rich in atmosphere and period detail, it was obviously well researched. The glimpse of Iife and customs in early 1800s London was fascinating.

The characters were really well developed, and the slow burn romance between Rosalind and Adam was nice, but definitely took a backseat to the mystery.

This is book 8 in the series and the first one I’ve read, but now I definitely want to check out the previous books.

I received a copy from the author, publisher, and Austenprose via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cozy book to curl up and read on a cold, wintery night.

This is book three in the A Useful Woman Mystery series. I read this one easily, even not having read the first two.

Set during the Regency period, in London, this story is a mix of historical fiction, mystery, and romance. Our main character, Rosalind Thorne, helps ladies of the "ton" with most delicate matters. She's like a modern-day fixer for celebrities.

Rosalind takes on a case that involves the King's rumored secret marriage and she wonders if she's taken on too much when two people are found dead over this matter, and her reputation ends up at stake.

The historical aspect of the story was very interesting. I did not know about this period of history, King George IV's attempt to divorce the queen, and his secret marriage to a Mrs. Fitzherbert. It made for a great story of intrigue, m$rder, and mayhem.

I really enjoy stories set during this period with strong female characters who buck normal social conventions, and Rosalind Thorne is a great character. The romance throughout this story between Rosalind and her business associate, Adam Harkness, was so sweet, especially at the end of the story.

Add this to your reading list if you enjoy Regency era stories, with some mystery and romance.

[Chelsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy a historical novel when I find that it is based on true events or people. This novel was about the scandal of King George IV trying to obtain a divorce from the queen based on her being an adulterer. The document proving otherwise has been stolen and Mrs. Fitzherbert has called upon Rosalind and ex-Bow street officer Adam to discretely investigate the matter and as quickly as possible. As Adam does the boots on the ground research, Rosalind comes up with a plan to get someone on the inside to hopefully obtain information from those who see and hear everything that happens in the house every single day. But as the two work to find who had the motive, it seems those who they need to inquire to, are found dead. As bodies pile up and word starts getting out about the theft, Rosalind and Adam know they don't have much time to figure this out. As the townsfolk make clear whose side they believe, Rosalind once again comes up with a public scheme to flush out the culprit. I enjoyed the tangled web this story wove as we uncovered who did it and why? Thank you to the author and Austenprose PR for the complementary ebook. This review is of my own opinion and accord.

[Carol lowkey.bookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this latest book in the Rosalind Thorne mystery series. The mystery, loosely inspired by history, was compelling, and fans of the series will be thrilled by the significant progress Rosalind and Adam make toward their HEA. I highly recommend it to readers who enjoy Jane Austenesque Regency-era historical fiction and mysteries.

I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher; all opinions are my own.

[K McKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series goes from one strength to the next. I am a longtime reader of the series, which is sometimes listed as two separate ones despite having the same characters. This book may be my favorite of the lot. The writing is beautifully done as always, with the characters continuing to grow and change in completely believable ways. The side characters never feel like an afterthought, and the relationships at the core of the books are one of their main strengths.

Rosalind gets caught up in high politics as well as high society in this one, as royal rumors and political machinations collide around the woman Rosalind is engaged to help. Add family drama and unscrupulous actors and you get this very compelling story. Personal developments abound for our main characters as well, and longtime readers especially will appreciate the ending and anxiously await the next book. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy. All views are entirely my own and are freely provided.

[Libby · Rating 4 out of 5]

A convoluted mystery firmly rooted in real historical events during Regency England. As always, I enjoyed the period details and the character's interactions. Recommended for series fans.
Review based on an eARC received through NetGalley.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Matter of the Secret Bride is the 8th book in the Rosalind Thorne Mysteries series by Darcie Wilde. Guess which book I started this series with? You got it...this one! I do admit I have most of the previous books in my TBR pile, but hadn't read them yet. I'm happy knowing that I didn't spend money on books I wouldn't like, because I really enjoyed this one. Starting a book just a few days before Christmas just wasn't the brightest idea, because I didn't have much reading time. But when I found time to read, this was an engaging historical mystery.

In 1820 London, Rosalind Thorne is a young woman possessing a particular talent helping women of the ton with delicate problems they would prefer to keep quiet. But her newest situation is royally important. Seriously. King George IV is petitioning Parliament for a divorce from his queen on the grounds of her infidelity. But rumor has it that the king secretly married Maria Fitzherbert long before he married the queen! Now Mrs. Fitzherbert frantically needs Rosalind's help, as she has been robbed, and the thief took the proof that she and King George really did marry. If the proof gets out, it can mean the ruin of Mrs. Fitzherbert's family, and the proof of the king's bigamy. Rosalind rushes to investigate, and with her is ex-Bow Street officer, Adam Harkness, with whom Rosalind shares a growing bond. The situation goes from bad to worse when the case of theft soon leads to murder. Josiah Poole, a disreputable attorney specializing in helping debtors, was seen entering Mrs. Fitzherbert’s house, and now he has been brutally murdered. Could Mrs. Fitzherbert, who has debts, staged the theft and employed Mr. Poole to sell the marriage certificate? Or could the truth possibly be even more complicated? Mrs. Fitzherbert’s daughters have secrets of their own, and Poole himself had no shortage of enemies. Things become more dangerous, and Rosalind's livelihood is also being threatened. They must solve the case before all comes tumbling down!

Apparently the author writes her stories with a basis of historical fact, which made this story quite interesting! This is a bit of history that I actually had a little knowledge about. This story stands alone, so it can be enjoyed without reading the previous novels. However, I recommend reading from the start of the series, if possible, as I missed the nuances of Rosalind and Adam's growing relationship, along with the history of the supporting characters, most namely Amelia, Alice and George. Rosalind was a fascinating character. She apparently was on her own from a young age and was making a living helping out women of the ton who had "delicate issues" that needed to be resolved. (I really can't wait to go back and see how she started and what kinds of situations she handled!) Apparently she has an excellent reputation, since she was summoned by Mrs. Fitzherbert, who obviously had close ties - very close - to the king. The story was interesting when Rosalind began searching for the thief, but things really revved up with the murder of Mr. Poole. Rosalind was assisted by her paramour, Adam Harkness, who was formerly a Bow Street runner, but now works as an assistant to the coroner. I'm extremely interested in finding out the details as to his break with Bow Street. The relationship between Rosalind and Adam comes to a crucial point here, and I was pleased with the outcome. Supporting characters Alice (a newspaper reporter turned author) her brother George (also a newspaper writer) and Amelia (an assistant to Rosalind, and romantic partner to Alice) were all interesting and really helped move the story along. Mrs. Fitzherbert, being an actual historical figure, made the story more real. I enjoyed the author's afterword explaining the situation between Mrs. Fitzherbert and the king. I look forward to reading the next installment in this series, and also to catching up with all I missed. I'll just make sure not to read at Christmas time!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[Barbara Rogers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Barbara’s rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars
Series: RosalindThorneMysteries #8
Publication Date: 12/24/24
Period: Regency London
Number of Pages: 448

London is awash in political intrigue with everyone choosing sides in the divorce proceedings between King George IV and his Queen. Some will go to any lengths to help their side win – even murder. Rosalind Thorne, a useful woman who makes her way in the world by assisting ladies with delicate problems, wants no part of any political intrigue. However, it is dumped in her lap and she has to deal with it. If Rosalind is dealing with it, so are her close friends, and it was a delight to visit with them.

I thought the mystery of the disappearance of Mrs. Fitzherbert’s proof of her marriage to the king was good, but things quickly spun out in so many tangents that it was hard to keep up with it all - and I love convoluted mysteries. All the factions pulling one way or another was almost like buckshot – going in every direction. Because there was so much buckshot, I found it difficult to ‘feel’ the stress, doom, and sense of urgency Rosalind felt for herself and her friends.

I enjoyed the page time with Rosalind and Adam and was glad to see there was some movement there – even if it did wait until the epilogue. This romance has been entirely too slow-burn for my taste and it still isn’t satisfyingly settled even after eight books.

I was disconcerted by the portrayal of Stephen Lavender in the book. He was a real-life, renowned Bow Street principal officer frequently in the news because of the cases he solved. This story portrays him in a very unflattering light, so I’m not sure if this author just chose a name from history and didn’t do much research on him – or if she thoroughly researched him and just got a different view. There is another author who writes a historical mystery series based on his real-life cases and the two presentations of the man are very different.

Overall, I enjoyed the mystery and will probably read the next book to see how Adam and Rosalind’s relationship grows (or doesn’t). The mystery had a great premise, but too many tentacles to keep them all straight. It also appeared to me this author might have some sort of hang-up with race, though I fail to see what it might be. Upon introduction, every character is given a race or color, and those labeled ‘white’ get the word with the capital ‘W’. If you are an avid fan of historical mysteries, as I am, you will probably enjoy the basic mystery but will lament the labyrinthine twists and turns it takes. As for me, I wouldn’t read the book a second time and probably wouldn’t purchase it as a gift for a friend without giving explanations.

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Won a hardback copy of this novel via a Goodreads giveaway. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

I'm a big fan of Jane Austen as well as Agatha Christie, and that's what this book felt like to me--Regency and a solid mystery wrapped into one. I haven't read any of the other Useful Woman stories before, so I wasn't totally familiar with background details/context, but I found it wasn't too challenging to keep up. In that sense, Wilde did a great job conveying just enough key bits so that I didn't feel I was lost or missing important points.

Starting at this book (#8 in the series) meant I also wasn't familiar with the typical level of Adam and Rosalind romance/tension. I understand other, long-time readers felt this aspect was lacking, and though I can't compare it to previous versions, I'd still say this part did indeed feel a bit faint; 1/4 more of what we get would have been better, if not more, as it's essentially too faint as of now to really feel like there's much romance. (I think in total there's only a handful of scenes that center Adam and Rosalind and really only one that addresses their love for each other.)

On the other hand, I found the plot to be complex and rewarding. At first I wasn't sure about the book's length—439 pages is a whole lot of time to have to fill. But Wilde did a fantastic job of laying out all the possibilities without making me feel as though I were reading anything unimportant or irrelevant. She also brought everything together seamlessly!

Even more so than the fantastic, intricate plot, I found myself marveling, multiple times while I was reading, at how difficult life was back then for people, particularly women and other marginalized groups (for instance, LGBTQIA+ folks--Alice and Amelia were a great addition to this storyline!). Part of this is due to her deft handling of Rosalind's concerns around her business and marriage, but also the endless gossip and power plays, and the expectations and enforcement of social classes, gender, and etiquette. I felt so stifled every time another person (e.g., Lady Jersey) came to call, which was perfect because it meant I both felt for Rosalind as well as understood her emotions! In addition to the wonderful plot, this was the heart of the book for me: really feeling as if I were there, back in time, in a specific upper class milieu, having to contend with the tedious and overwhelming aspects of such a life while simultaneously reveling in the lovely simplicity of taking tea and other Britishisms while experiencing Recency London.

Overall, a very enjoyable read!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Matter of the Secret Bride by Darcie Wilde is an enthralling addition to the Rosalind Thorne Mysteries, combining Regency-era elegance with a richly layered mystery. Wilde immerses readers in the political and social intrigue of early 19th-century England, crafting a story brimming with suspense, secrets, and wit.

The plot centers on a high-stakes investigation involving a stolen marriage certificate belonging to Maria Fitzherbert, a document that could shake the foundations of the monarchy. Rosalind Thorne, a "useful woman" to the ladies of London’s ton, is tasked with recovering this elusive item. Her mission becomes perilous when a man connected to the case is found murdered, drawing Rosalind and her steadfast ally, Adam Harkness, deeper into a tangled web of deception and danger.

Wilde's portrayal of Rosalind is nothing short of inspiring. Her intelligence, resourcefulness, and poise make her a compelling heroine who navigates society’s rigid constraints with grace and determination. The slow-burning tension between Rosalind and Adam adds a captivating layer to the story, offering both heart-stopping moments and tender exchanges that leave readers yearning for more.

The narrative is rich with historical detail, capturing the nuances of Regency London in vivid color. From glittering ballrooms to shadowy legal offices, Wilde transports readers to a world teeming with intrigue. The novel’s complexity, with its interwoven subplots and political ramifications, demands close attention but rewards with a deeply satisfying story.

Darcie Wilde masterfully blends mystery, romance, and history, delivering a novel that keeps readers guessing until the very end. The Matter of the Secret Bride is a must-read for fans of intelligent, atmospheric mysteries with a strong female lead. Rosalind Thorne’s journey will leave readers eagerly anticipating her next adventure.

[Ginny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent entry in this Regency-set mystery series, featuring a wonderful cast of main and supporting characters trying to solve a mystery, inspired by actual events!

#TheMatteroftheSecretBride is set during a time when King George was trying to divorce his wife, Princess Caroline. For years, rumors had circulated that George had married a Catholic widow, Maria Fitzherbert, when he was a prince, prior to his unhappy marriage to Caroline of Brunswick.

The story begins with Rosalind Thorne receiving a request from Mrs. Fitzherbert to call on her. The widow requests Rosalind’s assistance in finding her marriage certificate, which has been stolen. Trying to locate the missing certificate proves to be a complex assignment, involving lawyers, debtors, the leadership of Bow Street, Mrs. Fitzherbert’s two wards (Minney and Mary Ann), the aristocracy (including the King and patronesses of Almacks: Lady Jersey and Countess Lieven), the press and mobs in the streets supporting the princess.

Rosalind has help trying to unravel the many motives to determine the thief from her beau, former Bow Street Runner Adam Harkness, and her reliable circle of friends, including Alice Littlefield, George Littlefield and Sanderson Faulks.

Based on a fascinating and disruptive episode in English history, this well researched tale rings true, immersing the read in the social conventions of the era as well as describing the potential serious repercussions for the country should the marriage lines fall into the wrong hands. It’s always a pleasure to spend time with Rosalind and friends as they try to solve another cleverly plotted mystery. The meaningful relationships depicted among the main characters adds a wonderful depth to this series.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #Kensington for the ARC.

[hjreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5

"She wants to maintain her pride and her personal dignity," said Rosalind at last. The lengths to which men would go to preserve their pride were much talked about. What was less acknowledged was that women would go just as far. Perhaps even farther, because sometimes their pride was their only real possession.

Rosalind knew she wouldn't be embarking on a regular inquiry when she had been requested by King's former mistress... and secretly contracted wife, Mrs. Fitzherbert. As King George IV is preparing to take to trial in an attempt to divorce the Queen, the marriage certificate to Fitzherbert conveniently goes missing. Rosalind is put to the test as she races against the rumourmill and streetmobs, declaring support for the Queen. Her love and former Bow Street Runner Mr. Harkness in tow, Rosalind is thrust into the precarious rights a woman has and investigates just how far they are willing to keep the status quo.

A perfect cozy historical mystery to start off the year! I always like learning little tidbits of historical gossip...because King George IV and Maria Fitzherbert, a twice-widowed Catholic, DID have a marriage contract, and she DID keep her marriage certificate. Whew, chileee....

Learning about feme sole vs feme covert, the rights of a single woman vs the a married woman now legally "hidden" or merged with the existence of a husband, was equally as interesting. Widowed women had more freedom and often took over businesses of their late husbands....kind of morbidly funny to think about that the girlies were happier without their menfolk around.😭😭

We finally get to see Rosalind and Adam take the next step of their relationship in a way that stays true to themselves. ❤️❤️❤️

Can't wait to see what Darcie Wilde has next in store for us!!!