What do you think?
Rate this book
A Lady's Guide to Murder
THE NEXT RIDICULOUSLY FUN AND DELIGHTFULLY ROMANTIC BOOK FROM FELICITY GEORGE.
'A gorgeous, captivating Regency romance' SOPHIE IRWIN, on A Courtesan's Worth
Two sworn enemies. One inconvenient truce. What could possibly go wrong?
When the beloved Duke of Severn passes away under suspicious circumstances, rumours are alight that it was because of his young, rebellious, and outspoken wife, Henrietta. Especially once she goes on the run...
But she's not alone.
Theodore Hawke, a ruthless journalist and her sworn enemy, shortly follows behind - determined to be the first to get the scoop.
With no other option, Henrietta proposes a deal. If he helps her uncover the true identity of her late husband's killer, he can publish whatever he likes.
But when their inconvenient truce begins to cause inconvenient feelings, it's not just Henrietta's reputation at stake - but her heart too...
YOUR FAVOURITE AUTHORS LOVE FELICITY
'Irresistibly sexy ... I adored every scintillating page' Jessica Bull
'A dark and seductively dangerous Regency world - think Bridgerton meets Moulin Rouge - where everything, especially love, has a high price' Emma Orchard
'A smart story, compelling writing and a big smile on any reader's face when they finish' Jodi Ellen Malpas
'A gorgeous, captivating Regency romance' SOPHIE IRWIN, on A Courtesan's Worth
Two sworn enemies. One inconvenient truce. What could possibly go wrong?
When the beloved Duke of Severn passes away under suspicious circumstances, rumours are alight that it was because of his young, rebellious, and outspoken wife, Henrietta. Especially once she goes on the run...
But she's not alone.
Theodore Hawke, a ruthless journalist and her sworn enemy, shortly follows behind - determined to be the first to get the scoop.
With no other option, Henrietta proposes a deal. If he helps her uncover the true identity of her late husband's killer, he can publish whatever he likes.
But when their inconvenient truce begins to cause inconvenient feelings, it's not just Henrietta's reputation at stake - but her heart too...
YOUR FAVOURITE AUTHORS LOVE FELICITY
'Irresistibly sexy ... I adored every scintillating page' Jessica Bull
'A dark and seductively dangerous Regency world - think Bridgerton meets Moulin Rouge - where everything, especially love, has a high price' Emma Orchard
'A smart story, compelling writing and a big smile on any reader's face when they finish' Jodi Ellen Malpas
327 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 10, 2025
15 people are currently reading
273 people want to read
About the author
Felicity George
6 books42 followersFelicity George is a writer and teacher from Toronto, where she lives with her husband, her two teenage children, a large cat, and a tiny dog. A lifelong devotee of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer, Felicity adores a happily-ever-after.
Connect with Felicity:
On Instagram: @felicitygeorge_romance
On Bluesky: @felicitygeorge.bsky.social
On X: @FGeorgeRomance
On Facebook: @FelicityGeorgeRegencyRomance
Connect with Felicity:
On Instagram: @felicitygeorge_romance
On Bluesky: @felicitygeorge.bsky.social
On X: @FGeorgeRomance
On Facebook: @FelicityGeorgeRegencyRomance
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 10, 2025
I've been low-key grousing lately about "cozy" books without enough plot. Well, A Lady's Guide to Murder has plenty of plot to go along with the romance, and I had a ton of fun reading it!
Henrietta is a young duchess in a marriage of convenience with an older, progressive duke. Well, he may be in a marriage of convenience, but she's actually in love with him and agreed to a sexless marriage in the hopes of eventually changing his mind. (When a man says he's not that into you, you should take him at his word, Henrietta.) Theo is a muckraking gossip journalist who catches Henrietta in an indiscretion that nearly ends in scandal. He's especially disappointed because he both admires the duke for his political leanings and idolized Henrietta from afar.
Five years later, Henrietta's husband is murdered (it's not a spoiler; please read the title of this book!) and she's framed for the crime. She and Theo join forces to investigate and find the real culprit and clear her name. And along the way, they fall in looooove!
This book is nonstop action (seriously, it starts with Theo discovering Henrietta in a torrid embrace with a man who is not her husband) and I was glued to the page. Does it get a little OTT with the coincidences by the end? Sure! But to me, that's honestly part of the charm of a sexy romp like this one. I will 100% go (and have gone) on the record of saying I'd rather have a little bit of bonkers than too much of nothing. And yeah, I said it was a sexy romp - this is the sexiest Felicity George I've read yet, and I was into it.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
Henrietta is a young duchess in a marriage of convenience with an older, progressive duke. Well, he may be in a marriage of convenience, but she's actually in love with him and agreed to a sexless marriage in the hopes of eventually changing his mind. (When a man says he's not that into you, you should take him at his word, Henrietta.) Theo is a muckraking gossip journalist who catches Henrietta in an indiscretion that nearly ends in scandal. He's especially disappointed because he both admires the duke for his political leanings and idolized Henrietta from afar.
Five years later, Henrietta's husband is murdered (it's not a spoiler; please read the title of this book!) and she's framed for the crime. She and Theo join forces to investigate and find the real culprit and clear her name. And along the way, they fall in looooove!
This book is nonstop action (seriously, it starts with Theo discovering Henrietta in a torrid embrace with a man who is not her husband) and I was glued to the page. Does it get a little OTT with the coincidences by the end? Sure! But to me, that's honestly part of the charm of a sexy romp like this one. I will 100% go (and have gone) on the record of saying I'd rather have a little bit of bonkers than too much of nothing. And yeah, I said it was a sexy romp - this is the sexiest Felicity George I've read yet, and I was into it.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
May 7, 2026
I need to find someone as obsessed with me as Theo is with Henrietta.
September 13, 2025
DNF'd at 70%
I'm sure this book is fine if you read historical romance, but I feel the marketing did it a disservice. I picked up this book knowing nothing about it, and due to a combination of factors (the cover, the title, the blurb, where it was shelved in the book shop) thought it was a cosy mystery with a romance subplot, or at least that the mystery would play a much larger part than it did. I quickly realised that this was not the case, but attempted to persevere despite not being a romance reader. If anyone is considering picking up this book under the impression that it is a mystery, as I did, be warned: this is not a mystery at all, it is a steamy romance wherein a murder serves as background set dressing and a narrative device to drive the protagonist and her love interest together. If that appeals to you, go forth and enjoy but do not make the same mistake that I did.
I'm sure this book is fine if you read historical romance, but I feel the marketing did it a disservice. I picked up this book knowing nothing about it, and due to a combination of factors (the cover, the title, the blurb, where it was shelved in the book shop) thought it was a cosy mystery with a romance subplot, or at least that the mystery would play a much larger part than it did. I quickly realised that this was not the case, but attempted to persevere despite not being a romance reader. If anyone is considering picking up this book under the impression that it is a mystery, as I did, be warned: this is not a mystery at all, it is a steamy romance wherein a murder serves as background set dressing and a narrative device to drive the protagonist and her love interest together. If that appeals to you, go forth and enjoy but do not make the same mistake that I did.
April 20, 2025
idiotic premise, atrocious writing
September 23, 2025
Have you ever seen the move The Fugitive? But make it Regency Romance, it doesn't sound like it will work does it? But it really did!
When our dear Lady Henrietta loses her husband and suspicion is cast on her, she resolves to solve the murder herself with the help of a truth hunting journalist that has been her sworn enemy for years!
I really enjoyed Theo and Henrietta, I loved their banter and the way they opened each other's eyes to the world. Not everything you see is at it seems.
The only thing that didn't work that well for me was the spice in this, it felt a bit awkward and didn't flow right for me. But it did not take away from my love of the story asthe story held it's own and the spice was a minor cog.
I look forward to reading more from this author!
When our dear Lady Henrietta loses her husband and suspicion is cast on her, she resolves to solve the murder herself with the help of a truth hunting journalist that has been her sworn enemy for years!
I really enjoyed Theo and Henrietta, I loved their banter and the way they opened each other's eyes to the world. Not everything you see is at it seems.
The only thing that didn't work that well for me was the spice in this, it felt a bit awkward and didn't flow right for me. But it did not take away from my love of the story asthe story held it's own and the spice was a minor cog.
I look forward to reading more from this author!
May 10, 2026
beautiful writing, but the twists and turns from 70% onwards feel like a whiplash.
also, i found this out mere seconds before typing this review, but apparently this was marketed as a mystery; i can assure you that this is a romance novel, the likes of Bridgerton and others of its kind. not knowing the marketing has done me a service. knowing the marketing will do you a disservice.
also, i found this out mere seconds before typing this review, but apparently this was marketed as a mystery; i can assure you that this is a romance novel, the likes of Bridgerton and others of its kind. not knowing the marketing has done me a service. knowing the marketing will do you a disservice.
July 7, 2025
There’s been a lot of mystery added to historical romance lately, and I have to say I’m here for it!
Felicity George’s latest released today, A Lady’s Guide to Murder, and it’s a shift from her regular historical romances, but the murder mystery only ads to the excitement and drama of the romance!
Henrietta is the model of a respectable Duchess, and she needs to be since an indiscretion early her marriage has put her in the sites of the gossip mongers. Because of is not all she needs to worry about now with her husband, dead and her looking like the prime suspect in his murder!
Coddled by her family, she’s she strikes out on her own, determined to solve the mystery of who would want to kill the people’s Duke? Without many allies, she seeks assistance from a surprising character- her gossip writer foe, Theo Hawke!
Together they travel across the countryside, don disguises, and unravel the truth!
This was such a fun and adventurous romance, and it kept me on my toes, both for the mystery and the eventual HEA!
Felicity George is one of my must read historical romance authors, and this added mystery, only made the romance more exciting! I’m always recommending George’s books, and now I have a new one I heartily recommend!
Thanks to Felicity George for my review copy!
Felicity George’s latest released today, A Lady’s Guide to Murder, and it’s a shift from her regular historical romances, but the murder mystery only ads to the excitement and drama of the romance!
Henrietta is the model of a respectable Duchess, and she needs to be since an indiscretion early her marriage has put her in the sites of the gossip mongers. Because of is not all she needs to worry about now with her husband, dead and her looking like the prime suspect in his murder!
Coddled by her family, she’s she strikes out on her own, determined to solve the mystery of who would want to kill the people’s Duke? Without many allies, she seeks assistance from a surprising character- her gossip writer foe, Theo Hawke!
Together they travel across the countryside, don disguises, and unravel the truth!
This was such a fun and adventurous romance, and it kept me on my toes, both for the mystery and the eventual HEA!
Felicity George is one of my must read historical romance authors, and this added mystery, only made the romance more exciting! I’m always recommending George’s books, and now I have a new one I heartily recommend!
Thanks to Felicity George for my review copy!
April 30, 2026
This book took me A MONTH to finish. I read the first chapter and I was like 'I am going to love this' and I was unfortunately mistaken. The only reason I didn't give up on this book is because I only got halfway through the book I was reading before so I felt that I had to read this.
There was regard for the mystery in the book for about 20% of it and the rest was just soppy romance. And of course I knew there would be romance but I thought that it would be a fun subplot and I also thought that I would not audibly say 'ew' whilst reading this book.
Let's talk about Henrietta, the most plain character. I honestly hated reading about her. Her main personality trait was that she had five brothers, a fact we got told at least four times. Like, girl was a pick me. I also felt that she hated all other women. She had no other female friends and also only spoke about men. I UNDERSTAND that within that time period, internalised misogyny would have been rife but it didn't match the whole 'independent woman' paragraphs that appeared in everyone of the last chapters just in different words. It was honestly contradicting; it never really felt like she believed it, especially not for other women.
Also, we were told that she believed in equality for all classes but that was just not shown. She literally called women without titles 'plain'. Additionally, why was Jim King's 14-year-old daughter under her employment? I know that she was receiving an education AND that Jim King insisted that she become a maid but surely Henrietta could have refused the prospect that the girl had to labour for an education.
Where was the chemistry? If there is going to be a romance as the main plot the characters could at least have personalities outside of their status. I would say that Theo and Henrietta were just as boring as each other. The enemy part was SO forced and it just annoyed me. I felt like Henrietta was a brat, like, yes girl, a gossip writer will write about the fact that he saw you kiss another man who isn't your husband, not expecting there to be any other reason except infidelity behind it. And it hardly seemed to impact her life but she made it out to be like this horror story and Theo, as a working class boy who had literally experienced the work house, also apologised like it was awful. They just seemed selfish honestly. And I hated how lovey-dovey it was like, ew.
The mystery did start to pick up at about 75% of the book but I genuinely didn't care anymore. Why was Perceval just low-key redeemed after being horrible to Henrietta? And why was Jane (I think that was Perceval's fiance's name) literally written to be like a robot? It was so unnatural.
I felt like all the characters were two dimensional; the only characters I were intrigued by were James, Eliza, Desiree and Jim but they were all pushed to the side so we could get fed this relationship between Henrietta and Theo.
To give Felicity George credit, she obviously knew her historical context and raised issues (even in a way that was ineffective for me). I did read the whole book, so there is that. This just really was not MY cup-of-tea.
There was regard for the mystery in the book for about 20% of it and the rest was just soppy romance. And of course I knew there would be romance but I thought that it would be a fun subplot and I also thought that I would not audibly say 'ew' whilst reading this book.
Let's talk about Henrietta, the most plain character. I honestly hated reading about her. Her main personality trait was that she had five brothers, a fact we got told at least four times. Like, girl was a pick me. I also felt that she hated all other women. She had no other female friends and also only spoke about men. I UNDERSTAND that within that time period, internalised misogyny would have been rife but it didn't match the whole 'independent woman' paragraphs that appeared in everyone of the last chapters just in different words. It was honestly contradicting; it never really felt like she believed it, especially not for other women.
Also, we were told that she believed in equality for all classes but that was just not shown. She literally called women without titles 'plain'. Additionally, why was Jim King's 14-year-old daughter under her employment? I know that she was receiving an education AND that Jim King insisted that she become a maid but surely Henrietta could have refused the prospect that the girl had to labour for an education.
Where was the chemistry? If there is going to be a romance as the main plot the characters could at least have personalities outside of their status. I would say that Theo and Henrietta were just as boring as each other. The enemy part was SO forced and it just annoyed me. I felt like Henrietta was a brat, like, yes girl, a gossip writer will write about the fact that he saw you kiss another man who isn't your husband, not expecting there to be any other reason except infidelity behind it. And it hardly seemed to impact her life but she made it out to be like this horror story and Theo, as a working class boy who had literally experienced the work house, also apologised like it was awful. They just seemed selfish honestly. And I hated how lovey-dovey it was like, ew.
The mystery did start to pick up at about 75% of the book but I genuinely didn't care anymore. Why was Perceval just low-key redeemed after being horrible to Henrietta? And why was Jane (I think that was Perceval's fiance's name) literally written to be like a robot? It was so unnatural.
I felt like all the characters were two dimensional; the only characters I were intrigued by were James, Eliza, Desiree and Jim but they were all pushed to the side so we could get fed this relationship between Henrietta and Theo.
To give Felicity George credit, she obviously knew her historical context and raised issues (even in a way that was ineffective for me). I did read the whole book, so there is that. This just really was not MY cup-of-tea.
August 3, 2025
A fun regency romance/murder mystery!
Henrietta has been the perfect duchess for years, just as she was bred to be. Well, despite for one vulnerable moment that ended up all over the scandal sheets, thanks to the insufferable reporter Theo Hawke. The two have been disdainfully glaring at each other from a distance for years, until Henrietta's husband suddenly dies under mysterious circumstances and she is the number one suspect.
Henrietta is forced to flee to avoid prosecution and find out who really wanted her beloved husband dead. Despite their unorthodox relationship, Henrietta loved the Duke and wants to see his true killer brought to justice. And Theo loves a good story and the pursuit of the truth -- so he is hot on her heels. Their shared goals led to a reluctant truce that has them both realizing the were wrong about each other in so many ways.
Tender and engaging from start to finish -- will definitely keep an eye out for more from this author!
Henrietta has been the perfect duchess for years, just as she was bred to be. Well, despite for one vulnerable moment that ended up all over the scandal sheets, thanks to the insufferable reporter Theo Hawke. The two have been disdainfully glaring at each other from a distance for years, until Henrietta's husband suddenly dies under mysterious circumstances and she is the number one suspect.
Henrietta is forced to flee to avoid prosecution and find out who really wanted her beloved husband dead. Despite their unorthodox relationship, Henrietta loved the Duke and wants to see his true killer brought to justice. And Theo loves a good story and the pursuit of the truth -- so he is hot on her heels. Their shared goals led to a reluctant truce that has them both realizing the were wrong about each other in so many ways.
Tender and engaging from start to finish -- will definitely keep an eye out for more from this author!
November 17, 2025
I found this to be an odd mixture of styles in one book. The description given suggests that it is a Regency cosy murder mystery with accompanying romance. At the start there is very little that is fun about the story when you have Henrietta locked into a marriage to an older, self absorbed man who is encouraging her to commit adultery when she went into the marriage loving him.
After his murder she becomes a suspect and develops a highly unlikely partnership, that leads to romance, with a very low born gossip columnist.
There is a brief period in the middle of the book where the interactions between the two main characters develops some humour, but for the most part the plotting is quite intense. There is an explanation given for the fairly heavy style after the story ends and while this is quite understandable I feel the overall theme would have been best avoided by the author.
After his murder she becomes a suspect and develops a highly unlikely partnership, that leads to romance, with a very low born gossip columnist.
There is a brief period in the middle of the book where the interactions between the two main characters develops some humour, but for the most part the plotting is quite intense. There is an explanation given for the fairly heavy style after the story ends and while this is quite understandable I feel the overall theme would have been best avoided by the author.
April 1, 2025
What a fantastic story! I have loved all of Felicity George's books and this DOESN'T disappoint. Two sworn enemies thrown together to find out who murdered Edmund, The Duke of Severn - Henrietta's husband. When Theodore Hawke determines to solve the mystery and prove the Duchess's guilt, he doesn't expect Henrietta to put up a fight. Thrown together, the chemistry builds between them as they continue their search for Edmund's killer. We meet villains and heros and are left gasping as Henrietta and Theo's passion for one another builds to a climax. This book has everything and sizzles as you would expect from the pen of Felicity George. It's one of those wonderful books that swept me along and although I wanted to read to the end, I didn't want the story to end. I think this may her best yet!
April 12, 2025
4.5 loved this! Fast paced but took the time to really draw out the characters. Loved the political background it’s set against and the actual mystery was intriguing. At times it suffers for deus ex machina-like twists but not to the detriment of the overall story. The steam is hot and good and a delight to read. Felicity George is doing some of the best new HR out there and I’m ready for folks to talk about it!
June 1, 2025
I really wanted to enjoy this book. The premise sounded brilliant, I enjoyed the author's previous works, and my first love is historical crime fiction/thrillers. But, and I hate to say this, it was loaded with posh waffle, and I took an instant disliking to the female protagonist who admits to cheating on her husband in the first few pages! I couldn't, sadly, go on.
December 5, 2024
I was so delighted to receive this gorgeous proof of Felicity George's new romance mystery, A Lady’s Guide To Murder. I was lucky to read an early version, so I already know it’s a scorching romance combined with a very satisfying mystery. Come 2025, romance and mystery readers are in for a treat!
January 4, 2026
Oh what fun! This was a true nail-biter and such a captivating read. I loveeeeed the romance in this and the twists in the murder mystery aspect had me HOOKED. Cannot recommend this book enough! what a perfect way to start the new year!
April 24, 2025
3.5 a light but entertaining mystery/romance.
July 2, 2025
I have never read this author before and l can honestly say she is brilliant there are enough red herrings in the book that you don’t work out who the murderer is until the very end fantastic
August 3, 2025
Brilliantly written characters. Theo and Henrietta were perfect together and how delightful was Mrs Ford.
September 7, 2025
WOW!!!!! If Bridgerton was a murder mystery. I loved it and never wanted to put the book down.
November 14, 2025
I loved this book! A great murder mystery in which a duchess and journalist team up to discover the truth.
November 20, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I was excited to pick it up and i have not felt that in a while. Im happy i thought to buy it lol
November 30, 2025
Decent setting and a good plot until she started donning disguises and breaking into houses.
The plot started to fall apart after the lake scene and i skim read after that.
The plot started to fall apart after the lake scene and i skim read after that.
January 18, 2026
I really enjoyed this book, loved the main characters, the mystery, the romance, spice, the twist & turns.
Did Not Finish
January 25, 2026Dnf at page 178. Time read: 3 hours and 42 minutes.
I just don’t find the story interesting at all. I had a guess at who it would be, not the why, and I flicked through and found I was right.
I just don’t find the story interesting at all. I had a guess at who it would be, not the why, and I flicked through and found I was right.
October 26, 2025
A fun, lighthearted read.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews