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Murder is such a nasty business…

Mikaela Forsythe has returned from safari in Africa with her great aunt, and Lily.

The continent survived, but not so the victim in a new murder investigation that she is asked to undertake – that agreement she made with Sir Avery of the Special Services Agency to save Brodie’s life.

A particularly sensitive case, the victim is a close friend of the Prince of Wales, and a man who apparently led a double life.
Questions only mount as the trail to find the murderer leads to Brussels, then Frankfurt, and uncovers an affair with an exotic actress, a clandestine scheme, smugglers, and the disappearance of a priceless diamond.

Who really was Antony Collingwood? What was the scheme that got him killed? Did it involve the Prince of Wales?

Murder and scandal threaten to undermine the succession to the throne. And there is a further complication.
Sir Avery insists that Angus Brodie assist Mikaela in this very delicate investigation that could have far-reaching consequences.

Their first meeting since the sudden ‘change’ in their relationship and her return from Africa, is less than cordial. There are difficult feelings to work through.

In addition, it seems that Brodie has not changed at all, in spite of his new role with young Rory, that requires infinite patience and understanding -- two characteristics that Brodie arguably is not known for. At least as far as Mikaela is concerned.
After a heated conversation, she tells him exactly what he can do with his expertise and the instructions from Sir Avery to work together, and she is determined to continue the investigation on her own.

Angus Brodie is forced to confront an immovable force – Mikaela, in order to follow the orders he’s been given from Sir Avery, and to confront the fact that he might just have been wrong in that previous argument that sent her off to Africa and out of his life.

As the investigation exposes both to secrets, danger, and choices, what will Brodie and Mikaela discover is most important as smugglers and assassins are determined to stop them at all cost?

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 20, 2024

217 people are currently reading
101 people want to read

About the author

Carla Simpson

39 books172 followers

Carla Simpson also writes as Quinn Taylor Evans.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Barbara Rogers.
1,754 reviews208 followers
August 11, 2024
Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: Angus Brodie and Mikaela Forsythe #9
Publication Date: 8/20/24
Period: Victorian – 1891 -- London, Paris, Germany
Number of Pages: 259

The cliffhanger at the end of book #8 left us wondering what would happen to Brodie and Mikaela after their huge blow-up. Would they overcome their monumental differences and continue their lives together – both working and private – or was the author headed off in some new direction? Of course, logic says the differences will resolve and the series will continue. This book resolves that cliffhanger – and then leaves us with another. I do not like cliffhangers and have deducted a star in the ratings for that. I hope that isn’t to be a ‘ploy’ often used by this author as I enjoy her writing and this series.

To save Brodie’s life in the previous book, Mikaela agreed to undertake a future mission for Sir Avery Stanton and the Special Services Agency. Now that she’s returned from her safari, Sir Avery holds her to that agreement and has a mission for her. It isn’t just any old mission, it is at the request of Prince Edward Albert and involves the disappearance of Sir Anthony Collingwood. Collingwood is a personal friend to Prince Albert, an important member of the Queen’s privy council, a retired soldier who served with distinction, and a holder of many state secrets, and he has disappeared into thin air.

Neither Mikaela nor Brodie knew the other had been called in on this mission and tried their best to dissuade Sir Avery from using both of them. That strategy didn’t work as Prince Albert himself was at the meeting, putting both of them on the task. With no choice, they set about learning what happened to Sir Anthony, but that part of the mission didn’t take long. However, what they found led them on a chase across Europe from Paris to Frankfurt. With danger lurking in every corner, they had to learn to work together or perish. They must rely on and trust each other to survive and return to England from these foreign shores. Can they do that?

This was an excellently researched and well-written story with compelling characters, dire situations, and bad actors from all over the globe. Mikaela and Brodie seem to have come to an understanding, so I hope things progress well from there because I am not a fan of continual strife between the main characters. As I mentioned earlier, I am not a fan of cliffhangers and this story ended in one – or at least sort of one because I don’t believe it will have much impact on their next case. But who knows? At any rate, I deducted a star for it.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,542 reviews14 followers
August 17, 2024
Being completely honest when I started this book and all throughout reading it I had one thought running through my mind emotional blackmail. I very much did not like how the relationship between Mikaela and Brodie played out in the previous book and how it continues through this one. I don’t like the addition of Rory after they’ve finally settled into marriage and these cliffhanger endings are a huge annoyance in my view. I feel like these issues are things that could have and should have been settled before they married.
Is the story good yes. The premise is compelling, the mystery complex and engaging and the chase across the continent exciting while also terribly dangerous. Does that make up for the other things I don’t know. I’m a character person. The reason I like a series and continue investing time and emotions into it is because I find the characters compelling and want to know more of their stories. With these last two books I’m finding it very difficult to understand why the author is playing with our emotions in this way. Will I read the next book yes. Will I read past that if there is another? That depends on whether or not the emotional blackmail ends. 3.5/5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Stephanie Pâquet.
133 reviews2 followers
August 23, 2024
To say I love this series and characters is the understatement of the year: I devoured the whole series this summer...even if it is far from being a "light summer read"! I am happy I only had to wait two weeks between finishing book 8 and book 9 "A Deadly Scandal" coming out because I don't deal well with cliffhangers. I do agree with many other reviews on Goodreads that the cliffhangers aren't necessary. The author's books are excellent enough and there is no need to leave us with cliffhangers: I'll read the next book even if everything is resolved. I'm there for the mysteries and excellent chemistry between Angus Brodie and Mikaela Forsythe!
As with every other book from the series, the mystery/detective work was excellent and so well-done. You don't get lost into details and it keeps you intrigued, the book was hard to put down to get much needed sleep. Book 8 ended with Mikaela and Brodie not being on the best terms and those issues are resolved in Book 9. Their misunderstanding makes sense, as they are two very different people, fiercely independent. Sometimes, when I watch a tv series or read a book series, I roll my eyes at a couple's unnecessary rift- a breakup or misunderstanding is put there only for shock value or to "slow down the pace". It is NOT the case here, and I find that for once, I am agreeing with the main couple insecurities.
Even if the books in this series are closed door romance, there is steaminess, sexiness and innuendoes. I absolutely love this about Mikaela and Brodie, they are totally in love with each other and even if they are out on a dangerous case, they flirt, they get close... It's highly entertaining to read.
So, that was another excellent installment in this series. My only issue was that the book ended again with an unnecessary cliffhanger. That only removes half a star to a perfect score for me, so 4.4/5.
126 reviews
January 26, 2025
The journey continues….

New villains and new “friends. An old acquaintance who had asked for family help. As with these stories, the frantic pace from the start is part of the catch
As Mikayla struggles to fulfill her promise to Sir Avery in return for his help for Brody, she has moments of uncertainty due to being back working with him. The villains appear to be plentiful all after the plans for a project wanted by their governments, and the whole plan is to return them to the British government from who they were taken. Very deep in intrigue, secrets, and trying to mend holes in personal relationships for all to end, well, in a cliffhanger, of course. A splendid addition to the series. Can,t wait to see how the story continues.
Profile Image for Tanvi.
575 reviews5 followers
August 6, 2024
Since I dove in the middle of the series, I had no background about the characters, however overall I liked the book.

The writing was smooth and the characters were smart but also felt a little opinionated and at odds with each other, but that's maybe because of what happened in the previous books.

The overall mystery is good, but I would recommend reading the previous books first to gather enough background.

I received an advance copy of the book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
12 reviews
November 30, 2025
Twisted

Fun, with all different locations the story led us to it very enlightening. The train travel would have been so exciting, and new.
Profile Image for Nanna.
1,218 reviews4 followers
August 8, 2024
Wow, what an intense, suspenseful, mystery with lots of under currents between Mikaela and Brodie. I have to say to get the most out of these books you must read them in order. In each book you learn more about all the characters especially the relationship between our couple. Brodie is street smart, has raise himself up from nothing to owning his own business. Mikaela and her sister were raised by their eccentric great aunt with money and privilege. Both of them have very strong opinion and lock horns a lot. Each is very independent and smart which leads to many heated discussions or arguments. In the last book we were left at the end not knowing if Mikaela and Brodie were every going to speak to each other let only work together. After the case they had a horrible argument, both saying things in anger that neither should have. Brodie left not saying where he was going and Mikaela joined her Great Aunt, Lady Montgomery and Lily on a trip to Africa! Neither has spoken since then, now they have been ordered by Sir Avery to take a case together ordered by Price Albert himself! Neither want to but Mikaela made a deal with Sir Avery which saved Brodie’s life. Now they must work together as they will be in European Counties of France, Germany and Brussels away from any one they usually use on their cases. They have been tasked with finding where Sir Collinswood is? He has been missing since a party at the prince's country house. Collinswood is a retired military with the title of First Lord of the Admiralty, the case is highly secret as some government papers are missing. Oh, my can these two put the pass behind them and work together? How will they handle the hurt both have done to the other? Is their marriage over? So many question and to find the answers you need to get a copy and start reading. These two need to solve their problems while working on the hardest case they have had without their helpers. We get to meet up with Alex Sinclair and Munro and a little with Lily and her wonderful aunt. But this book is mostly about Mikaela and Brodie their feeling and how they feel and what they want the most. I do not read books with cliff hungers so I was very disappointing that this one left us with a small one but one never the less one. I love this series and have read all the books. So yes, I am waiting to see what book ten is about. I did take a star off for it. I have read a lot of this authors books and she has never done this before. Time will tell. I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion (a long one) and am freely giving it.
514 reviews8 followers
August 28, 2024
Mykaela Returns

I found this novel a little cumbersome and hard to jump eagerly into it. Despite that, if you are a fan to this series, then you would want a refresher of why Mykaela parted ways with Brodie. Why did she go on that African safari with her Aunt Antonia and Lily, her ward? This novel picks up after her return and she and Brodie behave like strangers. Both are stubborn to a fault. The new case they are obligated to take by Sir Avery of the Special Services Agency is interesting, but not as interesting as how the author will thaw the freeze between our favorite MC’s. And much to our despair, the novel ends mid sentence of Brodie’s reveal to Mykaela. Ugh 😩. High note…the next novel holds more promise…who is Rory’s father…Lily’s chasing the identity of a serial killer. Now that’s what I’m talking about.
I have received an ARC from OHB and I’m leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Stephanie Herron.
742 reviews11 followers
August 6, 2024
Mikeala and Brodie are back together working a case for Sir Avery. They had a falling out and now have to decide how to work together again and if their marriage can make it. Both have strong opinions and wills so it's a challenge for them to find a way to compromise in order to figure out why Sir Collingswood would betray his country and sell secrets. The case has them following clues across France, Brussels and Germany trying to stay ahead of those that don't want them to get the secret papers back. There are the usual characters that add to the background of the story and it has a bit of romance thrown in to balance out the action and adventure of the mystery. As always, the author leaves the reader with clues and ready for their next mission of righting wrongs.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Monica.
400 reviews8 followers
August 4, 2024
At the end of the last book, the reader was left wondering if Mikaela and Brodie would have another investigation together. Both are tasked with helping England’s secret agency even though neither truly wants to do so.

This time, Mikaela and Brodie must use their investigative skills on the European continent. That means they are much more on their own without their usual resources. They must rely more on each other and build their trust again.

I always love these books and all of the characters. There is less of our favorite great-aunt but she is still involved in helping.

Ready for more adventures in the series!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
69 reviews2 followers
August 13, 2024
As we know from the last book in the series, Mikaela and Brodie have been painfully estranged. They are now being forced into another case together by Sir Avery, the spymaster Brodie works for and to whom Mikaela owes a favor. A member of the Prince of Wales' circle has disappeared from Sandringham, and the pair are sent to solve his disappearance. Things become complicated, national security is once again involved and the pair need to manage to work together in spite of the issues in their own relationship. I didn't find the plot to be as fast paced as previous books in the series, but enjoyed the story nevertheless. Mikaela and Brodie are interesting people and I liked spending time with them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Dominique Englebert.
565 reviews5 followers
August 21, 2024
When obsession mingles with espionage
Plans for a flying machine have been stolen. The First Lord of the Admiralty has disappeared without a trace during a party hosted by the Prince of Wales at Sandringham. Brody and Mikaela are tasked by Sir Avery to recover the plans. Mikaela hopes that this mission will fulfil her obligation to Sir Avery for saving Brody’s life in a previous case. In this instance, she will have to work with Brody, although their relationship is quite stormy after she left with her great-aunt to Africa. However, when bodies begin to pile and danger is all around them, they will have to set their dissentions aside and collaborate.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for NelleRenn.
986 reviews
August 10, 2024
Mikaela and Brodie have another adventure as they solve this murder. I felt sorry for both of them as in the beginning it took them a long time to resolve their feelings from the previous book in this series. I enjoy the interaction of all the characters in these novels. There seems to be good guys, bad guys, and those that straddle the line. I feel that it is important to read this series in order. I look forward to the next one as there is a cliffhanger at the end, even if the current murder is solved.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jessa.
197 reviews1 follower
August 17, 2024
This was a great read. It’s the 9th book of a series, but it did well as a standalone read. I would absolutely love to go back and read the other books to see the journey of the two main characters. Mikaela, the female lead, is wonderfully independent and self-sufficient, which isn’t always the case during the time period the story was set at. In fact, there wasn’t any helpless females in the book so that was fantastic. Brodie (male lead) was adorable. The investigation was intriguing and kept me interested throughout the book. Again, a great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Patricia.
610 reviews1 follower
August 28, 2024
Brodie and Mikaela are working together again despite the fact that neither of them really wants to do that, but the Prince of Wales and Sir Avery want them both on a case that could involve some top-secret documents. They chase the information across the channel to France and then to Germany, along the way some healing happens, but there is still some strain between them.
I love the way the work together, they complement each other very well.
There is a bit of a cliffhanger at the end, but the case is solved.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Pat Robinson.
854 reviews10 followers
August 8, 2024
Brodie and Mikala are so very different and that is what makes these stories so delicious! This is #9 in the series and watching them grow and mature through it all so enchanting. The author weaves this tale of “scandal” so beautifully that it is difficult to put down! As always , there is a “tiny” cliffhanger and I will admit I screamed when the author left us hanging with this one. Reading this story is like revisiting old friends and look forward to the next one!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,294 reviews11 followers
August 17, 2024
This was my first in this series, and it had me wanting to read the past 8 books. Mikaela and Brodie are complex people, and their relationship is on a bit of a rocky foundation. However, they are forced to solve the latest mystery that has them gallivanting around Europe and gives them a chance to slowly heal their break.

The writing style of this author is very descriptive both of the places and emotions. The mystery was intriguing, and we are left with a cliffhanger in the end about Brodies "son."

Cannot wait to catch up and read the finale.
77 reviews
October 11, 2024
Another wonderful read…

Angus Brodie and Mikaela Forsythe are strong characters with realistic personalities. Carla Simpson has taken time to develop them into two very different people who work, live, fight and solve crimes together and use their individual strengths to succeed. They do it, not for the heroics but because it’s right to protect those who may not be able to protect themselves. It’s because of the characters in these books, their friends and family and enemies alike that I love these books. Simpson is an excellent writer. I look forward to book 10!
Profile Image for Roslyn Stillman.
547 reviews14 followers
August 11, 2024
This book is the 9th in the series but the background is well covered for those who have not read any of this series before. Every time a new book in this series comes out, I put everything down to read it and this one is one of my favourites. The characters are always well developed and the storyline kept me turning the page. This one had the added excitement of travel to other countries, without their usual backup. It had twists and turns, mystery, adventure, humor and angst. I received this as an ARC from Booksprout and freely give my review.
Profile Image for Suzette.
3,622 reviews23 followers
August 20, 2024
Carla Simpson continues to provide readers with an investigative story they can sink their teeth into. Mikaela and Brodie are reunited to go on an international manhunt to track down a murderer and retrieve stolen documents. The story is written in the author’s usual quick witted dialogue. The plot is fast paced and interesting. Readers will love this new installment of the series and look forward to the next one.
Profile Image for Michelle.
323 reviews
August 21, 2024
I was cursing myself at the end of the last book, that I began to read a series that was still being written. Our newlyweds were in a bad place. Not anymore & their relationship and the way they work together is better. I like how they both realized they needed to change a few things. I even like the addition of Rory. It's a nice mish mosh of a family. There were several laugh out loud parts, there were a couple of parts I was misty eyed. It's a great series!
33 reviews
October 30, 2024
ah! no you didn’t!!

I found this writer by accident when I was book hunting. Book 1 hooked me, book 2 catch me and book 3 addicted me. Great characters with a lovely story line. At times you want to scream at Brody other times at Mikaela. Laugh, love and cry with these lovely stories! Onto book 10 from a cliff hanger with book 9! I love the writing. Thank you Carla Simpson for writing a book
403 reviews3 followers
August 18, 2024
A decent and enjoyable mystery story. The characters have been in the other books in this series so it's in your best interest to read those before you read this book. Without that, your reading pleasure will feel disjointed and off not allowing you to fully experience the craftiness of this story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Gina.
2,385 reviews31 followers
August 19, 2024
After being separated for several months, Mikaela and Brodie are brought together for a new assignment. Things are stilted between them. But working closely brings honesty and forgiveness. Their lives are in peril as they try to solve a couple of murders and get their hands on the plans for a weapon that can be destructive. A well thought out mystery with romance and suspense.
1,909 reviews18 followers
August 25, 2024
Excellent

Great series! Terrific stories and outstanding characters! My only complaint involves the last few books of this series! Each has had a cliffhanger ending! I hate this and feel mislead by the author, especially when the next book is months away from release! This is not a nice way to treat the readers who have become attached to this outstanding series of books!
1,221 reviews15 followers
August 30, 2024
Enjoyable Historical Mystery

Brodie and Mikaela had an argument that split them apart, but now, they must work together to solve a case of murder. Could they reconcile their differences as they work to find a killer? They would take us on an adventure as they sought to find a killer, dangerous to the Crown. I enjoyed this story and would recommend it to those who like historical mysteries.
119 reviews1 follower
October 10, 2024
Stolen documents, mutrdrr. Etc

Sir Avery has called Mikado a for a sensitive situation. When she arrives at his office, she finds Brodie there. And they ate to work together posing as man and wife. They object to no avail. They travel to Paris and find another body. This fast moving plot takes them to Brussels and Frankfurt and reconciliation.



689 reviews
October 12, 2024
A Tragic Affair/Murder/Stolen Documents

Trying to recover certain stolen documents belonging to the government, it seems a game of cat & mouse traveling into foreign countries not knowing whom they can trust & whom not. Not giving up on their case Brody & Lady Forsyth are at ease with themselves in spite of the danger & acquaintances.
Profile Image for Maryann.
489 reviews10 followers
August 22, 2024
Getting better

Fell into this series and got to adore Amazon Prime. I've read all of them. The main characters are well-written and just plain fun to read about. A fan for the foreseeable future.
467 reviews1 follower
August 26, 2024
Absolutely Smashing!

Mikaela and Brodie get roped into an intrigue brought on by entertainments provided by Prinny. Murder, spies, missing documents and international travel take the fearless duo on a hair raising journey to save the Crown embarrasment.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews

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