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The Crown Jewels Regency Mysteries #1
The Missing Diamond
In Regency London's glittering ballrooms, a well-made match can mean the difference between power and ruin.
London, 1813: With his reputation and inheritance on the line, Lord Percy is determined to win the heart of the coveted diamond of the season. When that beautiful woman vanishes, his failure seems all but certain.
Unless, that is, he can find her.
Lady Grace is devastated when her best friend disappears. Society may be willing to believe the worst, but Grace knows her friend would never run off without leaving her a clue.
Someone kidnapped her - but who?
With the clock ticking, Lord Percy and Lady Grace find their best hope lies in working together. But strong wills, brash decisions, and pesky sparks aren't the only things standing in their way.
Can they trust each other in a society where people will do anything to rise to the top?
Find out in The Missing Diamond.
London, 1813: With his reputation and inheritance on the line, Lord Percy is determined to win the heart of the coveted diamond of the season. When that beautiful woman vanishes, his failure seems all but certain.
Unless, that is, he can find her.
Lady Grace is devastated when her best friend disappears. Society may be willing to believe the worst, but Grace knows her friend would never run off without leaving her a clue.
Someone kidnapped her - but who?
With the clock ticking, Lord Percy and Lady Grace find their best hope lies in working together. But strong wills, brash decisions, and pesky sparks aren't the only things standing in their way.
Can they trust each other in a society where people will do anything to rise to the top?
Find out in The Missing Diamond.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 27, 2024
About the author
Lynn Morrison
68 books268 followersLynn Morrison lives in Oxford, England and Venice, Italy with her husband, two daughters and three cats. Originally from the US, she has also lived in Italy, France and the Netherlands. It’s no surprise then that she loves to travel, with a never-ending wishlist of destinations to visit. She is as passionate about reading as she is writing, and can almost always be found with a book in hand. You can find out more about her on her website LynnMorrisonWriter.com.
You can chat with her directly in her Facebook group - Lynn Morrison’s Not a Book Club - where she talks about books, life and anything else that crosses her mind.
You can chat with her directly in her Facebook group - Lynn Morrison’s Not a Book Club - where she talks about books, life and anything else that crosses her mind.
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April 27, 2024As soon as I heard a new season of Bridgerton is coming out this summer, I knew it was time for me to try my hand at writing a regency mystery. I absolutely love the regency period, short as it was, and had no trouble coming up with the start of an idea. I roped my longtime friend and developmental editor Anne into cowriting this series with me. I hope you all enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed writing it together.
December 21, 2024
Disappointing. I don’t mind if the mystery plot in my romance novels is a bit basic but it turns out the mystery is supposed to be the star of the show here. The romance is the slow burn kind that is going to develop over a few (yet unpublished when I was reading this one) books.
It’s such an obvious rip-off the Bridgerton, with its Diamond of the season and a meddling queen.
I don’t have high expectations of Kindle Unlimited regency romance novels, but at the very minimum I’d like to have a proper happy ending and not whatever that was. I thought I was watching a movie, but it turned out it was a just a pilot episode of a TV show (that probably isn’t going to get picked up anyway).
It’s such an obvious rip-off the Bridgerton, with its Diamond of the season and a meddling queen.
I don’t have high expectations of Kindle Unlimited regency romance novels, but at the very minimum I’d like to have a proper happy ending and not whatever that was. I thought I was watching a movie, but it turned out it was a just a pilot episode of a TV show (that probably isn’t going to get picked up anyway).
May 8, 2024
We're in the middle of the Regency period in England. Early on we're introduced to Roland, Lord Percy, who has returned from military service after becoming the heir to his grandfather the Duke of Northumberland, and to debutantes and best friends Lady Grace Tilbury and Lady Charity Cresswell who are being received by Queen Charlotte at the beginning of the London season.
Queen Charlotte chooses Charity as her favorite, the "diamond of the first water." Roland, pressured by his grandfather to marry and produce an heir, makes a bet at White's that he can marry the "diamond" by the end of the season.
Then Charity disappears, her father seeks help from Queen Charlotte, and she calls in Roland and Grace and orders them to work together secretly to find Charity before she is ruined.
Along the way we are introduced to supporting characters, including non-typical servants and street urchin siblings, who will likely figure in the promised sequel.
First in a new series and time period by author Lynn Morrison and her editor and new collaborator Anne Radcliffe. Well written, enjoyable, keeps the reader guessing, although somewhat improbable in places. My thanks to the authors, publisher and NetGalley for providing an advance review copy.
Queen Charlotte chooses Charity as her favorite, the "diamond of the first water." Roland, pressured by his grandfather to marry and produce an heir, makes a bet at White's that he can marry the "diamond" by the end of the season.
Then Charity disappears, her father seeks help from Queen Charlotte, and she calls in Roland and Grace and orders them to work together secretly to find Charity before she is ruined.
Along the way we are introduced to supporting characters, including non-typical servants and street urchin siblings, who will likely figure in the promised sequel.
First in a new series and time period by author Lynn Morrison and her editor and new collaborator Anne Radcliffe. Well written, enjoyable, keeps the reader guessing, although somewhat improbable in places. My thanks to the authors, publisher and NetGalley for providing an advance review copy.
June 21, 2024
OK, we all know what we are going to get when we read read romance novels. No matter what happens, the lady and love interest end up together. This entire novel we see Grace and Roland working together to save lady charity from kidnappers. They have burgeoning feelings for each other, and yet at the end, they do not end up together. The possibility is still there I think? It's not really clear at the end if Roland is marrying charity in church or not however, it's entirely and wholly unsatisfying to have such an intelligent lady and decent love interest not wind up together. What the heck?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2024
I have a secret. Sometimes... I read something that's not urban fantasy. It's rare, but it happens. And on my off-genre read... I've found a true gem to share with you all. 😍
I'm hip deep in Bridgerton (season 1, so no spoilers please!) and I was in the mood for a regency mystery. And boy, did I find one!
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑴𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑫𝒊𝒂𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒅 was exactly the book I didn't know I needed. The writing is sublime, the mystery is clever and the romance is swoonworthy. Mark my words, this is going to be a huge hit!
If you love Bridgerton and historical mysteries, then grab your copy! It is even in Kindle Unlimited!
I'm hip deep in Bridgerton (season 1, so no spoilers please!) and I was in the mood for a regency mystery. And boy, did I find one!
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑴𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑫𝒊𝒂𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒅 was exactly the book I didn't know I needed. The writing is sublime, the mystery is clever and the romance is swoonworthy. Mark my words, this is going to be a huge hit!
If you love Bridgerton and historical mysteries, then grab your copy! It is even in Kindle Unlimited!
February 9, 2025
If you love Bridgerton, especially the Queen Charlotte character of Bridgerton, this might be for you.
Grace’s best friend, Charity, is named “The Diamond” of the season by the Queen and has many suitors. When Charity disappears from a ball, the Queen charges Grace and one of Charity’s suitors, Lord Percy, with finding her.
Grace and Percy have a few moments, but the Queen wants him and Charity together. There’s no resolution on that front after Charity is found. You must read on to see what happens next.
This is the alternate regency England of Bridgerton, so you must embrace that setting.
Grace’s best friend, Charity, is named “The Diamond” of the season by the Queen and has many suitors. When Charity disappears from a ball, the Queen charges Grace and one of Charity’s suitors, Lord Percy, with finding her.
Grace and Percy have a few moments, but the Queen wants him and Charity together. There’s no resolution on that front after Charity is found. You must read on to see what happens next.
This is the alternate regency England of Bridgerton, so you must embrace that setting.
September 15, 2024
3 stars
Cute
Cute
May 29, 2024
If, like me you have a weakness for period fiction à la Georgette Heyer and mysteries, this book is sheer delight. Lynn Morrison and Ann Ratcliffe have recreated the Regency era for the modern reader without losing themselves in the details. The Missing Diamond is a gem!
June 5, 2024
In Regency London's glittering ballrooms, a well-made match can mean the difference between power and ruin. When Lord Percy’s pursuit of the season's most beautiful debutante is jeopardized by the lady’s mysterious disappearance, he must join forces with Lady Grace, who is equally determined to find her missing friend. As they navigate society's intrigues and face strong wills and brash decisions, they must decide if they can trust each other to uncover the truth and save their reputations.
I am always excited when a new Regency mystery appears. However, this one didn’t feel as though it was actually set in the Regency period. It felt like a glamorized version of the Regency. At the end, there are historical notes where the authors say they feigned ignorance about how a waltz was really performed, but movie and tv shows do the same thing so they’re in “good company”. This really rubbed me the wrong way.
The premise itself had potential, but I didn’t feel like anyone treated Charity’s disappearance with any kind of seriousness. As far as the romance, I was not rooting for Grace and Lord Percy to get together.
Overall, this was just not the book for me and I doubt I’ll continue the series. I would recommend it to readers who are not looking for historical accuracy in their Regency mysteries.
I received an advance copy via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own.
I am always excited when a new Regency mystery appears. However, this one didn’t feel as though it was actually set in the Regency period. It felt like a glamorized version of the Regency. At the end, there are historical notes where the authors say they feigned ignorance about how a waltz was really performed, but movie and tv shows do the same thing so they’re in “good company”. This really rubbed me the wrong way.
The premise itself had potential, but I didn’t feel like anyone treated Charity’s disappearance with any kind of seriousness. As far as the romance, I was not rooting for Grace and Lord Percy to get together.
Overall, this was just not the book for me and I doubt I’ll continue the series. I would recommend it to readers who are not looking for historical accuracy in their Regency mysteries.
I received an advance copy via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own.
April 23, 2025
WTF Was That Ending? -1 Stars If I Could
I went into The Missing Diamond expecting a fun Regency mystery with a touch of romance. The setup was promising: a missing debutante, a reluctant hero, and a determined best friend. But wow... that ending. Just... no.
The story had potential, but it felt like it was trying too hard to be the next Bridgerton meets Agatha Christie. Instead, it ended up being a confusing mess. The characters lacked depth, the plot was all over the place, and the pacing dragged. I kept waiting for something—anything—to happen, but it never did.
And then the ending. Or should I say, the lack thereof? It felt like the book just stopped mid-sentence. No resolution, no payoff, just a blatant setup for the next book. I don't mind a series, but I expect each installment to have its own complete arc. This felt like a cash grab.
Honestly, I can't recommend this one. It left me frustrated and disappointed. -1 stars if I could.
I went into The Missing Diamond expecting a fun Regency mystery with a touch of romance. The setup was promising: a missing debutante, a reluctant hero, and a determined best friend. But wow... that ending. Just... no.
The story had potential, but it felt like it was trying too hard to be the next Bridgerton meets Agatha Christie. Instead, it ended up being a confusing mess. The characters lacked depth, the plot was all over the place, and the pacing dragged. I kept waiting for something—anything—to happen, but it never did.
And then the ending. Or should I say, the lack thereof? It felt like the book just stopped mid-sentence. No resolution, no payoff, just a blatant setup for the next book. I don't mind a series, but I expect each installment to have its own complete arc. This felt like a cash grab.
Honestly, I can't recommend this one. It left me frustrated and disappointed. -1 stars if I could.
May 13, 2025
For starters, it's only part of a book.
OK, all the women are hateful. And most of the men. The concept of the book, that people will murder in order to sully the reputation of a girl, who then has her life ruined. ( I know, but even though these things did happen, the author makes it worse. )
The author makes it even more tawdry and distasteful. I imagine we're building on the Bridgerton craze? But the entire book is hateful. And there's some really rampant misogyny, where he says to Grace. "You've already messed me up once tonight; this time keep your mouth shut." Yeah I don't think so buddy.
OK, all the women are hateful. And most of the men. The concept of the book, that people will murder in order to sully the reputation of a girl, who then has her life ruined. ( I know, but even though these things did happen, the author makes it worse. )
The author makes it even more tawdry and distasteful. I imagine we're building on the Bridgerton craze? But the entire book is hateful. And there's some really rampant misogyny, where he says to Grace. "You've already messed me up once tonight; this time keep your mouth shut." Yeah I don't think so buddy.
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April 28, 2024As an editor, my favourite work is helping authors invent fictional people that are relatable and have dimension. Well, this was my chance to do my favourite thing. I've worked with Lynn on the bones of her mysteries for years, and she's been after me to work on writing my own for the entire pandemic. So I didn't fight her too hard when she told me we were writing a regency story and I had better watch Bridgerton!
September 30, 2024
This was a two star read by the ABSOLUTE skin of its teeth. The characters were trite, boring and tropey beyond belief. The mystery wasn't mysterious and the plot stretched believability well beyond where it should. I'm thankful this was a series from Kindle Unlimited as I will not be returning to it.
June 30, 2024
I received a copy from Marketing Chair Press through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
When Roland Percy’s father dies in a drunken accident, he’s forced to leave the military and return home. Under his grandfather’s threats, he must marry and produce an heir as soon as possible. Roland is set on courting the diamond of the season, Charity Cresswell, but things go awry when she goes missing. Everyone thinks she’s run away to elope with a secret lover, but Grace Tilbury knows her best friend must have been abducted. Now it’s up to Grace and Roland to find Charity before her virtue is destroyed in the eyes of society. As Grace and Roland grow closer, their romantic candle has been lit, leaving a whole new set of problems on their hands.
When I saw this book, I knew I had to read it. A regency era romance turned cozy mystery? Sign me up! If you’re looking for a book that’s heavy in the romance department, this may not be the book for you because it’s a very slow burn. However, it really works for the story. I think that when the romance gets kicked into full gear in book two, all the work put into the romance’s beginning is going to pay off in a huge way. What a scandal that will be, though! Phew. I’m already ready for book two.
That said, this was a super fun read. I really enjoyed all of the characters. Even the evil characters were interesting and well-written! We are introduced to many characters, but it’s done slowly and never feels overwhelming. One of the things I really like is that no matter how briefly we see a character, they are really well planned out and it feels almost like we’re meeting and talking to them ourselves. It was also fun to see Roland learn that not only are women just as capable as men, but also see how much society holds women back as he gets to know Grace.
The mystery itself was fun to follow. Who abducted Charity, or did she really sneak away with a secret lover to elope? We see all the angles and see a lot of fun interactions as Grace and Roland investigate things. There are Bridgerton vibes mainly because Queen Charlotte gets involved thanks to Charity being her carefully selected diamond of the season, which does add to the story. I did figure out who did what because it made the most sense given the circumstances, but it was still really fun to see how it played out.
All in all, this was such a great read. My only real issue with the story is how it ends. It was so abrupt that I actually thought the advanced copy I received had accidentally cut off the ending! I actually said, that’s it?! It does leave off on a small cliffhanger of sorts, so I’m sitting on the edge of my seat while waiting for the next installment. It’ll be interesting to see how the next book plays out and what mystery will be thrown into the mix since this is listed as a regency mystery series. I just hope that the ending of the next book will be less abrupt.
When Roland Percy’s father dies in a drunken accident, he’s forced to leave the military and return home. Under his grandfather’s threats, he must marry and produce an heir as soon as possible. Roland is set on courting the diamond of the season, Charity Cresswell, but things go awry when she goes missing. Everyone thinks she’s run away to elope with a secret lover, but Grace Tilbury knows her best friend must have been abducted. Now it’s up to Grace and Roland to find Charity before her virtue is destroyed in the eyes of society. As Grace and Roland grow closer, their romantic candle has been lit, leaving a whole new set of problems on their hands.
When I saw this book, I knew I had to read it. A regency era romance turned cozy mystery? Sign me up! If you’re looking for a book that’s heavy in the romance department, this may not be the book for you because it’s a very slow burn. However, it really works for the story. I think that when the romance gets kicked into full gear in book two, all the work put into the romance’s beginning is going to pay off in a huge way. What a scandal that will be, though! Phew. I’m already ready for book two.
That said, this was a super fun read. I really enjoyed all of the characters. Even the evil characters were interesting and well-written! We are introduced to many characters, but it’s done slowly and never feels overwhelming. One of the things I really like is that no matter how briefly we see a character, they are really well planned out and it feels almost like we’re meeting and talking to them ourselves. It was also fun to see Roland learn that not only are women just as capable as men, but also see how much society holds women back as he gets to know Grace.
The mystery itself was fun to follow. Who abducted Charity, or did she really sneak away with a secret lover to elope? We see all the angles and see a lot of fun interactions as Grace and Roland investigate things. There are Bridgerton vibes mainly because Queen Charlotte gets involved thanks to Charity being her carefully selected diamond of the season, which does add to the story. I did figure out who did what because it made the most sense given the circumstances, but it was still really fun to see how it played out.
All in all, this was such a great read. My only real issue with the story is how it ends. It was so abrupt that I actually thought the advanced copy I received had accidentally cut off the ending! I actually said, that’s it?! It does leave off on a small cliffhanger of sorts, so I’m sitting on the edge of my seat while waiting for the next installment. It’ll be interesting to see how the next book plays out and what mystery will be thrown into the mix since this is listed as a regency mystery series. I just hope that the ending of the next book will be less abrupt.
May 22, 2024
The Missing Diamond,
by Lynn Morrison & Anne Radcliffe
Book 1, The Crown Jewels Regency Mysteries
Rating: 4.5⭐️
Fake courtships, a mysterious abduction to solve under sworn secrecy for fear of a reputation’s total ruin and an unlikely pair of amateur sleuths joining forces all marry together a captivating regency-era novel.
I was swept up immediately, twirling upon the dance floors of regency London’s high society ballrooms and tonish withdrawing parlours, held firm in a thrilling chokehold from start to completion. Intent on finding the missing Lady Charity Cresswell - the Season’s declared Diamond beyond compare - to prevent her scandalous ruination, FMC Lady Grace and Lord Percy, the missing Charity’s suitor, are sent to investigate by none other than Queen Charlotte herself.
Although there are elements of romance in this book, it’s most definitely not a fluffy flowery read. Jam-packed with intrigue and an unrequited yearning betwixt the MCs, there’s more focus on loyalty and the importance of fulfilling one’s societal obligations versus love. Powerfully built characters with engaging rapport and a rag-tag collection of supporting cast kept me invested and swiping those pages. With a “who done it” and why conundrum the suspense was strong in this beauty! I was left guessing until the very end.
I await with bated breath, the second instalment from A Crown Jewels Regency Mystery series; The Ruby Dagger, released this June.
✨Pre-order✨
The Missing Diamond ahead of the May 30th release:
https://mybook.to/MissingDiamond
Available for purchase on Kindle and Audible, Free on KU.
Many thanks to authors Lynn Morrison & Anne Radcliffe, Marketing Chair Press and NetGalley for the complimentary ARC.
My review is given freely and without incentive.
by Lynn Morrison & Anne Radcliffe
Book 1, The Crown Jewels Regency Mysteries
Rating: 4.5⭐️
Fake courtships, a mysterious abduction to solve under sworn secrecy for fear of a reputation’s total ruin and an unlikely pair of amateur sleuths joining forces all marry together a captivating regency-era novel.
I was swept up immediately, twirling upon the dance floors of regency London’s high society ballrooms and tonish withdrawing parlours, held firm in a thrilling chokehold from start to completion. Intent on finding the missing Lady Charity Cresswell - the Season’s declared Diamond beyond compare - to prevent her scandalous ruination, FMC Lady Grace and Lord Percy, the missing Charity’s suitor, are sent to investigate by none other than Queen Charlotte herself.
Although there are elements of romance in this book, it’s most definitely not a fluffy flowery read. Jam-packed with intrigue and an unrequited yearning betwixt the MCs, there’s more focus on loyalty and the importance of fulfilling one’s societal obligations versus love. Powerfully built characters with engaging rapport and a rag-tag collection of supporting cast kept me invested and swiping those pages. With a “who done it” and why conundrum the suspense was strong in this beauty! I was left guessing until the very end.
I await with bated breath, the second instalment from A Crown Jewels Regency Mystery series; The Ruby Dagger, released this June.
✨Pre-order✨
The Missing Diamond ahead of the May 30th release:
https://mybook.to/MissingDiamond
Available for purchase on Kindle and Audible, Free on KU.
Many thanks to authors Lynn Morrison & Anne Radcliffe, Marketing Chair Press and NetGalley for the complimentary ARC.
My review is given freely and without incentive.
May 18, 2026
Disappointed and confused on the other reviewers who loved this. This isn’t really a romance novel, at all. It’s definitely more of a mystery, which is fine, but I was expecting romance. Also, it feels unfinished given it ends on a cliffhanger, which I found irksome since I don’t intend the read the rest of the series. I was easily distracted and the plot dragged on unnecessarily.
Plot: the diamond of the season is kidnapped and the duke and her bestie set out on a mission to find her. My issue is that the kidnapped woman never really has a response to literally being kidnapped. Also, we don’t get any information on how she was kidnapped, what her experience has been like while she was held hostage, like, what did she endure daily? What was she thinking? How did she feel about this? Is she trying to escape? Is she tied up? Is she being mistreated? No one has been able to find her so exactly why is that? We get no information , we only learn about her friend and the duke from their perspectives. It’s like the kidnapped woman is an afterthought, but that’s the plot, a major theme that brings the duke and her friend together. It feels weird to not have more information on the kidnapped woman, and what she’s going through while being held captive. The whole story is her friend and the duke trying to find her. With no excitement or really mystery or action or danger! Despite the book opening with a maid falling to her death from the balcony. That was the most exciting alarming part, but that’s happened within the first chapter and then the novel fell flat. So idk it was consistently exciting. Overall. Boring, tbh. Meh.
Plot: the diamond of the season is kidnapped and the duke and her bestie set out on a mission to find her. My issue is that the kidnapped woman never really has a response to literally being kidnapped. Also, we don’t get any information on how she was kidnapped, what her experience has been like while she was held hostage, like, what did she endure daily? What was she thinking? How did she feel about this? Is she trying to escape? Is she tied up? Is she being mistreated? No one has been able to find her so exactly why is that? We get no information , we only learn about her friend and the duke from their perspectives. It’s like the kidnapped woman is an afterthought, but that’s the plot, a major theme that brings the duke and her friend together. It feels weird to not have more information on the kidnapped woman, and what she’s going through while being held captive. The whole story is her friend and the duke trying to find her. With no excitement or really mystery or action or danger! Despite the book opening with a maid falling to her death from the balcony. That was the most exciting alarming part, but that’s happened within the first chapter and then the novel fell flat. So idk it was consistently exciting. Overall. Boring, tbh. Meh.
April 30, 2026
I really struggled with this one. It was fine, but I kept getting annoyed. If felt like the authors (or one of them) is really into the Bridgerton show and was copying some of the things from it, and it was things that annoyed me from the show. I'm sorry, but the queen has more important things to do with her life (like running a country) than to pick the "diamond of the season" and be all up in her business. It just felt like the experience of regency historical fiction was mostly from the show and not understanding the subgenre. There were also some modern ways people were doing things. Oh! and Grace kept thinking about the "poor servants" and it felt very "I'm different from other gentry because I care about our servants" and it came across very performative. I don't know... I probably won't keep up with the series. The potential romance wasn't quite enough to keep me that intrigued either (although it's very very slow burn and they don't end up in any kind of relationship at the end of this).
THIS IS NOT A ROMANCE fyi. I saw a couple reviews disparaging expectations from romance and this is not that. This is a cozy historical mystery with romantic undertones. NOT A ROMANCE!
THIS IS NOT A ROMANCE fyi. I saw a couple reviews disparaging expectations from romance and this is not that. This is a cozy historical mystery with romantic undertones. NOT A ROMANCE!
January 5, 2026
Overall: 3⭐️
Concept/Premise: 3🤯
Writing/Style: 3✍️📝
Plot/Storyline: 3🎢
Subtext/ Themes: 4🔎📖
Execution/ Editing: 3🧐
World-building: 3🏞
Characters: 3.5🧙♀️🧚🧝♀️
Relationships: 3😍🥰
Spice/Romance: -🍆🌶
Impact/Vibes: 3💓〰️
Genre: Regency romantic suspense
There was something slightly off-center about the set up of the story that made it seem infeasible. It started very Bridgerton-esque, but with the added mystery component, there was something disconnected. The tone was neither romantic or witty or dark enough, but sat in some middle ground. One minute it was all stolen glances and scandalous dances and then it was like “oh yeah, someone is missing”.
Hannah needed to be more intrepid and already engaged in some kind of sleuthing or deduction to make her involvement make sense. A girl goes missing and there isn't any kind of official investigation? Just some random girl and lord asking banal questions that lead nowhere? If her parents thought she was eloping, why didn't someone go after her? If they suspected kidnapping, why did they just let things go?
I liked the development of the relationship with Hannah and Roland, but it was all slow and plodding and wishy-washy. The mystery aspect was so cavalierly handled, and the resolution of that seemed too quickly wrapped up. Part of me is interested to see how the second book is going to manage to keep Roland and Hannah connected, but I'm not chomping at the bit to keep reading.
Concept/Premise: 3🤯
Writing/Style: 3✍️📝
Plot/Storyline: 3🎢
Subtext/ Themes: 4🔎📖
Execution/ Editing: 3🧐
World-building: 3🏞
Characters: 3.5🧙♀️🧚🧝♀️
Relationships: 3😍🥰
Spice/Romance: -🍆🌶
Impact/Vibes: 3💓〰️
Genre: Regency romantic suspense
There was something slightly off-center about the set up of the story that made it seem infeasible. It started very Bridgerton-esque, but with the added mystery component, there was something disconnected. The tone was neither romantic or witty or dark enough, but sat in some middle ground. One minute it was all stolen glances and scandalous dances and then it was like “oh yeah, someone is missing”.
Hannah needed to be more intrepid and already engaged in some kind of sleuthing or deduction to make her involvement make sense. A girl goes missing and there isn't any kind of official investigation? Just some random girl and lord asking banal questions that lead nowhere? If her parents thought she was eloping, why didn't someone go after her? If they suspected kidnapping, why did they just let things go?
I liked the development of the relationship with Hannah and Roland, but it was all slow and plodding and wishy-washy. The mystery aspect was so cavalierly handled, and the resolution of that seemed too quickly wrapped up. Part of me is interested to see how the second book is going to manage to keep Roland and Hannah connected, but I'm not chomping at the bit to keep reading.
February 4, 2026
3.5 stars.
This was surprisingly entertaining. The missing diamond is actually the girl who was decreed as the Diamond during Queen Charlotte's Debutant Ball and the heroine's best friend. The heroine is one of my favourite kind, a bit clumsy and intellectual.
I wasn't sure about the hero at the beginning. He was recalled from the war front by his grandfather, the Duke, after the untimely death of his father. He was depicted as a bit rough around the edges and made an outrageous bet regarding the Diamond at White's on his first day back in town that set everything in motion.
The H/h were commanded by Queen Charlotte to find her missing Diamond and threatened with consequences that both wanted to avoid. Their investigations drew them together and into the public eye with predictable effect.
I think I would consider this book a historical romantic mystery. There is no HEA yet and it'll be interesting to see how the relationship continues given what happened at the end of this book.
This was surprisingly entertaining. The missing diamond is actually the girl who was decreed as the Diamond during Queen Charlotte's Debutant Ball and the heroine's best friend. The heroine is one of my favourite kind, a bit clumsy and intellectual.
I wasn't sure about the hero at the beginning. He was recalled from the war front by his grandfather, the Duke, after the untimely death of his father. He was depicted as a bit rough around the edges and made an outrageous bet regarding the Diamond at White's on his first day back in town that set everything in motion.
The H/h were commanded by Queen Charlotte to find her missing Diamond and threatened with consequences that both wanted to avoid. Their investigations drew them together and into the public eye with predictable effect.
I think I would consider this book a historical romantic mystery. There is no HEA yet and it'll be interesting to see how the relationship continues given what happened at the end of this book.
October 21, 2024
3.5–a promising start. Some weird logical leaps in plotting. I would have liked a bit more chemistry with our leads but I think it will come in time. The queen seemed to be more of a player than I expect in novels set in the time period. I haven’t decided yet if it is working. Going to stick with the series.
March 21, 2026
Read 40% and stopped. Boring. Andy kept falling asleep.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2024
I was looking forward to this one as it's my favourite trope mystery and romance combined. However it just didn't live up to my expectations. The idea was fine and it was well written but it just didn't quite work. The mystery was a bit lame and the romance never felt like it really happened. It also ended abruptly in what might be called a bit of a cliff hanger. I realise that things will progress more as the series develops but it still didn't work quite as well as others have and the Queen Charlotte business wasn't historically accurate for 1813 which put me off a bit. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily..
November 30, 2025
Decent story, but not very original and the “love story” part is only mediocre. So many editing errors! Missing words, extra words, words in the wrong order, incorrect punctuation… it was distracting. I’m a freelance editor so I notice these things, but they become rather obvious as the book progresses.
June 9, 2024
What a waste of time
Could not believe the ending. Maybe I should change that to no ending. Enjoyed the story until the end. I'm not sure what the point was..buy the next one? Won't happen!!!!
Could not believe the ending. Maybe I should change that to no ending. Enjoyed the story until the end. I'm not sure what the point was..buy the next one? Won't happen!!!!
November 5, 2024
Horrible Ending
Absolutely ruined a good book by ending it so stupidly. BUYER BEWARE! You will be upset! Not worth even free!
Absolutely ruined a good book by ending it so stupidly. BUYER BEWARE! You will be upset! Not worth even free!
April 13, 2026
I have never seen Bridgerton (yes, I know, shocking, but I'm not really a TV person... I'll probably get to it eventually), so all the comparisons that other people are making here are somewhat meaningless to me.
Kind of a unique situation, a cozy Regency mystery that ISN'T a murder! (I mean... there IS a murder, of a maid, but nobody gives a shit about that except in passing, especially when there's a kidnapped noblewoman to search for!) But don't get too excited, because all the regular tropes are definitely present. We've got our standard spunky pure-hearted debutante who isn't looking for romance, and our honorable, strong, and silent love interest who is NOT LIKE the other upperclass douchebag men. Not that I really mind these tropes, but let's not pretend that we've never seen them before.
I enjoyed the book on the whole, but I was kind of annoyed by the slow-burn romance. This might partially be because recently I read the latest "Miss Mifford" book and I recalled how fun I find that series. It's not JUST because the author is capable of actually writing funny banter now and then -- it's because the romance takes 1 book and the next book is about a different couple. Yes, they are ridiculous fluff, but I have to admit that I don't read Regency cozies because of the genre's literary ambition, so I don't care.
My patience for ultra-slow-burn romance very much hinges on whether the characters and mysteries are interesting enough that I don't mind that the romance progresses extremely slowly. Here... I don't MIND the characters, they're fine I guess, but they aren't unique in any way and I don't think I like that Queen Charlotte is so involved in the plot. I usually prefer real historical figures to not be important characters in silly novels, especially if I don't feel like the author did much (if any) historical research before including them.
So far, I'm willing to go on to the next book, but at the same time, I really hope this is not longer than maybe 4 books total. Guess we'll see.
As an aside, it seems obvious to ME that the solution to everyone's problems should be I hope this is what ultimately happens, and also that it doesn't take too long (and that if that's NOT what happens, that what DOES happen is at least as satisfying to me as that would have been).
Kind of a unique situation, a cozy Regency mystery that ISN'T a murder! (I mean... there IS a murder, of a maid, but nobody gives a shit about that except in passing, especially when there's a kidnapped noblewoman to search for!) But don't get too excited, because all the regular tropes are definitely present. We've got our standard spunky pure-hearted debutante who isn't looking for romance, and our honorable, strong, and silent love interest who is NOT LIKE the other upperclass douchebag men. Not that I really mind these tropes, but let's not pretend that we've never seen them before.
I enjoyed the book on the whole, but I was kind of annoyed by the slow-burn romance. This might partially be because recently I read the latest "Miss Mifford" book and I recalled how fun I find that series. It's not JUST because the author is capable of actually writing funny banter now and then -- it's because the romance takes 1 book and the next book is about a different couple. Yes, they are ridiculous fluff, but I have to admit that I don't read Regency cozies because of the genre's literary ambition, so I don't care.
My patience for ultra-slow-burn romance very much hinges on whether the characters and mysteries are interesting enough that I don't mind that the romance progresses extremely slowly. Here... I don't MIND the characters, they're fine I guess, but they aren't unique in any way and I don't think I like that Queen Charlotte is so involved in the plot. I usually prefer real historical figures to not be important characters in silly novels, especially if I don't feel like the author did much (if any) historical research before including them.
So far, I'm willing to go on to the next book, but at the same time, I really hope this is not longer than maybe 4 books total. Guess we'll see.
As an aside, it seems obvious to ME that the solution to everyone's problems should be I hope this is what ultimately happens, and also that it doesn't take too long (and that if that's NOT what happens, that what DOES happen is at least as satisfying to me as that would have been).
May 16, 2024
I’m a great fan of Ms Morrison’s prior series, the Dora and Rex 1920’s Mysteries - check it out if you’ve not read any of those books! - so I was interested to read more about Grace, who was mentioned briefly in the latest Dora adventure, The Cold Cryptic Case. I was tentatively expecting this book to be similar to Dora and Rex’s books and it kind of is, but also kind of isn’t 😆
Well, it didn’t take me long to get caught up in the intrigue of the missing diamond and invested in Grace and Lord Percy’s characters! This series is written in the regency period, roughly 100 years prior to Dora and Rex’s stories, where women have even less freedom or choice than in Dora’s time. Great writing by the authors depicted this and (most of) the men’s attitude towards women in this period. Despite the restrictions, Grace manages to walk the line between what’s expected of her and what she wants/needs to do to find her missing friend. I love the friendship Grace and Charity have and Grace’s loyalty and dedication to her friend - but at the same time I’d love to see Grace be able to further a relationship with Roland (Lord Percy)! As things are left at the end of this book, it’s not looking likely, but we shall see how everything pans out in future books in this series! Very much looking forward to finding out 😁 I also love that both Grace and Roland have strong, more friendship than mistress/master relationships with their respective servants, Elsie and Thorne. This says a lot for their depth of character and endeared me even more to them both.
So, to the plot! Queen Charlotte tasks Roland and Grace with finding her diamond of the season, the missing Charity, before all of their reputations are tarnished, in differing ways. Neither Grace nor Roland are particularly happy to have to work together towards this end, especially with the caveat of what the queen has decreed will happen if they don’t find her diamond, but as their investigation progresses they both learn a little more about each other and become aware that they need each other in order to succeed. The intrigue is well written and builds up, along with the mystery and tension as the story progresses. I had no clue who was behind it all for most of the story and only cottoned on when Grace did! A really entertaining read, which has set up the background and scene for future books in this series. This particular plot line is wrapped up nicely at the end, but with other threads left hanging as to how things will progress regarding Grace, Roland and Charity. I’m intrigued to read more 😁
Well, it didn’t take me long to get caught up in the intrigue of the missing diamond and invested in Grace and Lord Percy’s characters! This series is written in the regency period, roughly 100 years prior to Dora and Rex’s stories, where women have even less freedom or choice than in Dora’s time. Great writing by the authors depicted this and (most of) the men’s attitude towards women in this period. Despite the restrictions, Grace manages to walk the line between what’s expected of her and what she wants/needs to do to find her missing friend. I love the friendship Grace and Charity have and Grace’s loyalty and dedication to her friend - but at the same time I’d love to see Grace be able to further a relationship with Roland (Lord Percy)! As things are left at the end of this book, it’s not looking likely, but we shall see how everything pans out in future books in this series! Very much looking forward to finding out 😁 I also love that both Grace and Roland have strong, more friendship than mistress/master relationships with their respective servants, Elsie and Thorne. This says a lot for their depth of character and endeared me even more to them both.
So, to the plot! Queen Charlotte tasks Roland and Grace with finding her diamond of the season, the missing Charity, before all of their reputations are tarnished, in differing ways. Neither Grace nor Roland are particularly happy to have to work together towards this end, especially with the caveat of what the queen has decreed will happen if they don’t find her diamond, but as their investigation progresses they both learn a little more about each other and become aware that they need each other in order to succeed. The intrigue is well written and builds up, along with the mystery and tension as the story progresses. I had no clue who was behind it all for most of the story and only cottoned on when Grace did! A really entertaining read, which has set up the background and scene for future books in this series. This particular plot line is wrapped up nicely at the end, but with other threads left hanging as to how things will progress regarding Grace, Roland and Charity. I’m intrigued to read more 😁
December 19, 2024
Worth the time
Character development was nicely established, though I do believe the plot line could’ve been tighter. I thought the authors presented a good mystery, well researched: the title is reflection of their research. The characters are believable to a point, though Roland seems gentler than one would expect a member of the aristocracy to be. The presence of the “Sprouts“ seems to be misplaced for most of the story, however, the end indicates that their role will be more central to the story as time goes on. I appreciated that there was not too much description… I would rather be swept away by the story than bogged down with extensive details about architecture andball gowns. I thought the story might’ve benefited with more possible suspects to add to the suspense. At a decisive point in the story it is obvious who has committed the crime. However, it is the ability to look forward to the second book in the series that intrigues the reader, beckoning us to stay on board for the next book to discover out how Grace will adjust and find the personal freedom that she is searching for, and witness promised punishment/justice as Queen Charlotte suggests.
This is a relatively quick read. The pace keeps the plot moving forward at a generally brisk pace. I did not feel the need to skim. I did not feel that the authors included any filler, but instead got right to the point… And the explanations provided by secondary characters offered new insights into the challenges facing Grace and Roland.
If I were able, I would give this 3.5 stars. The novel is not one of great depth, but it is entertaining. There is no questionable language,gore, or sexual content… Which I greatly appreciate. I enjoyed the story enough that I will start the second one right away. As the first book in the series, I felt the authors made a good showing, and would recommend this story.
Character development was nicely established, though I do believe the plot line could’ve been tighter. I thought the authors presented a good mystery, well researched: the title is reflection of their research. The characters are believable to a point, though Roland seems gentler than one would expect a member of the aristocracy to be. The presence of the “Sprouts“ seems to be misplaced for most of the story, however, the end indicates that their role will be more central to the story as time goes on. I appreciated that there was not too much description… I would rather be swept away by the story than bogged down with extensive details about architecture andball gowns. I thought the story might’ve benefited with more possible suspects to add to the suspense. At a decisive point in the story it is obvious who has committed the crime. However, it is the ability to look forward to the second book in the series that intrigues the reader, beckoning us to stay on board for the next book to discover out how Grace will adjust and find the personal freedom that she is searching for, and witness promised punishment/justice as Queen Charlotte suggests.
This is a relatively quick read. The pace keeps the plot moving forward at a generally brisk pace. I did not feel the need to skim. I did not feel that the authors included any filler, but instead got right to the point… And the explanations provided by secondary characters offered new insights into the challenges facing Grace and Roland.
If I were able, I would give this 3.5 stars. The novel is not one of great depth, but it is entertaining. There is no questionable language,gore, or sexual content… Which I greatly appreciate. I enjoyed the story enough that I will start the second one right away. As the first book in the series, I felt the authors made a good showing, and would recommend this story.
November 21, 2024
I loved this book. It is the perfect blend of regency' ball room and a cozy mystery.
What can be done when a crime is committed and the Ton has decided to look the other way? Because why save a debutante when the crime committed against her render her ruined in the eyes of society?
Charity was proclaimed the diamond of the season by Queen Charlotte. All the eligible batchelor are vying for her and in their rank is the heir of a Dukedom, earl Roland. Sadly, Charity thunder is short lived when she end up kidnaped in the middle of a ball.
Grace, Charity's best friend, is set to find out what happened to her friend. She has always lived in her friend's shadows and she was happy for it, being a bluestocking.
Earl Roland's father just past away and he became the heir to a dukedom. His grand-father called him back from the war and order him to find a wife to produce a heir to assure the survival of their family name. Roland isn't very please and decide to marry for duty and set his sight of the diamond of the season.
Queen Charlotte doesn't appreciate that someone has messed with her authority. Her dignity compel her to go to the bottom of this crime. She give lord Roland and Grace the mission to find her diamond of the first water or suffer the consequence.
It is the beginning of this story. The characters are presented and set into the story. We get glimpses of how the plot will develop in future installments. Even if it is juste the introduction of Grace, Roland and Charity's story, it is enjoyable and entertaining! It succeeded in setting the table and open my appetite for the rest of it!
What can be done when a crime is committed and the Ton has decided to look the other way? Because why save a debutante when the crime committed against her render her ruined in the eyes of society?
Charity was proclaimed the diamond of the season by Queen Charlotte. All the eligible batchelor are vying for her and in their rank is the heir of a Dukedom, earl Roland. Sadly, Charity thunder is short lived when she end up kidnaped in the middle of a ball.
Grace, Charity's best friend, is set to find out what happened to her friend. She has always lived in her friend's shadows and she was happy for it, being a bluestocking.
Earl Roland's father just past away and he became the heir to a dukedom. His grand-father called him back from the war and order him to find a wife to produce a heir to assure the survival of their family name. Roland isn't very please and decide to marry for duty and set his sight of the diamond of the season.
Queen Charlotte doesn't appreciate that someone has messed with her authority. Her dignity compel her to go to the bottom of this crime. She give lord Roland and Grace the mission to find her diamond of the first water or suffer the consequence.
It is the beginning of this story. The characters are presented and set into the story. We get glimpses of how the plot will develop in future installments. Even if it is juste the introduction of Grace, Roland and Charity's story, it is enjoyable and entertaining! It succeeded in setting the table and open my appetite for the rest of it!
May 11, 2024
The Regency period, where the ton are the elite and a highborn young woman’s reputation was everything, as debutantes set out to capture a husband, who could give their families status, rather than a love match, is the setting for this first book in a new series.
This is no light, frothy regency romance, but rather a book packed with strong characters (who you will want to learn more about) and plenty of intrigue. When Queen Charlotte’s “diamond” goes missing, most are happy to believe that she has eloped. However, Charity’s friend Grace is certain there is much more to her disappearance and is determined to discover what has happened to her.
Lord Percy, who had set his sights on marrying the “diamond” finds himself working with Grace to solve the mystery of how Charity could have vanished and to rescue her with her reputation intact.
Grace and Lord Percy are ably aided in their endeavours by her maid and his manservant. These characters are interesting in themselves and you feel you would like to know more about them and to set their roles developed, as the series continues.
Over the course of the book you gradually become aware of how Charity may have gone missing, but the reasons for this and the culprit, do not become clear until the end, keeping you guessing and invested.
I definitely recommend that you read the bonus scenes at the end of the book look forward to seeing how these feed into further books in the series.
Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed this book, having been drawn into it quickly and very much look forward to the next.
This is no light, frothy regency romance, but rather a book packed with strong characters (who you will want to learn more about) and plenty of intrigue. When Queen Charlotte’s “diamond” goes missing, most are happy to believe that she has eloped. However, Charity’s friend Grace is certain there is much more to her disappearance and is determined to discover what has happened to her.
Lord Percy, who had set his sights on marrying the “diamond” finds himself working with Grace to solve the mystery of how Charity could have vanished and to rescue her with her reputation intact.
Grace and Lord Percy are ably aided in their endeavours by her maid and his manservant. These characters are interesting in themselves and you feel you would like to know more about them and to set their roles developed, as the series continues.
Over the course of the book you gradually become aware of how Charity may have gone missing, but the reasons for this and the culprit, do not become clear until the end, keeping you guessing and invested.
I definitely recommend that you read the bonus scenes at the end of the book look forward to seeing how these feed into further books in the series.
Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed this book, having been drawn into it quickly and very much look forward to the next.
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