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The Lord Julian Mysteries #6
A Gentleman of Unreliable Honor
He's cheated death...
Lord Julian Caldicott is summoned by his estranged mother to search for old love letters she has misplaced. Julian soon realizes the letters along with other items of sentimental value have been stolen. The thief is preying on wealthy women, purloining mementos both dear and scandalous. If the missing items become public, many reputations will be ruined, including the duchess's.
...but dishonor might yet defeat him.
Julian embarks on the investigation despite having no clues, too many suspects, and his distant and difficult mama at the center of the whole intrigue. In the midst of these frustrations, Julian's ducal brother takes ship for France, adding more duties to his lordship's already full plate. Before Julian can bring the culprit behind the thefts to justice, he must first come to terms with old betrayals that could yield new and deadly fruit.
Lord Julian Caldicott is summoned by his estranged mother to search for old love letters she has misplaced. Julian soon realizes the letters along with other items of sentimental value have been stolen. The thief is preying on wealthy women, purloining mementos both dear and scandalous. If the missing items become public, many reputations will be ruined, including the duchess's.
...but dishonor might yet defeat him.
Julian embarks on the investigation despite having no clues, too many suspects, and his distant and difficult mama at the center of the whole intrigue. In the midst of these frustrations, Julian's ducal brother takes ship for France, adding more duties to his lordship's already full plate. Before Julian can bring the culprit behind the thefts to justice, he must first come to terms with old betrayals that could yield new and deadly fruit.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 11, 2024
290 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
About the author
Grace Burrowes
190 books2,913 followersGrace Burrowes started writing as an antidote to empty nest and soon found it an antidote to life in general. She is the sixth out of seven children, raised in the rural surrounds of central Pennsylvania. Early in life she spent a lot of time reading romance novels and practicing the piano. Her first career was as a technical writer and editor in the Washington, DC, area, a busy job that nonetheless left enough time to read a lot of romance novels.
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")
Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)
To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")
Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)
To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
October 26, 2024
The following Haiku on the Fly can be accompanied by rhythmic finger snapping:
Boring boring bore
Make no mistake, eye glazing.
Dullsville daddy-o
Srsly, the story was so tedious I had an out of body experience and channeled a 1950s beatnik.
This is the second book in the series that I rated two stars. I’m packing it in. Except, on November 1st, Lord Julian’s holiday mystery drops, A Gentleman Under the Mistletoe. Will stick around for that one, but my bags are already packed.
⚠️Bonus rant about what didn’t work (just about everything)—very spoilery⚠️
🫖 Coming in second place to boredom was vagueness:
🫧🫧🫧The story took place at a house party, the same as the first book with the array of usual and unusual amusements: pall-mall, cards, formal dinners, Scottish games, and a grand ball. Sounds like fun, right? Fuhgeddaboudit. Julian never partook. He had trays sent to his room. Pall-mall and cards were relegated to background noise. The games were rained out. As for the ball, “The grand ball came and went…”
🫧🫧🫧Other than the duchess, Dorothea, who had red hair, the characters were described by body type. They’re small and curvy, big or strong or growing into their strength. I have a bone to pick with this. Burrowes’ lack of facial details deliberately obscured the identity of one of the baddies. Coincidentally, like the setting, it was also the same technique used to hide the villain in plain sight in the first book. I gave it a pass the first time but not again. Julian had ascribed his mother’s observation skills worthy of a reconnaissance officer. So how come the duchess didn’t recognize her music teacher when she ran into him a few years later escorting another widow? She didn’t because the plot would have collapsed like a house of cards.
🫧🫧🫧A farfetched and convoluted reason for three thefts which involved documents that may or may not have been written by dead guys (before they died, not after). But hey, villains gotta do what villains gotta do.
🫧🫧🫧While it was heartwarming to see Julian and his mother take tentative steps to mending their estrangement, it was never stipulated what caused it. Without knowing why, it didn’t leave Julian in a good light.
🫧🫧🫧For the life of me, I can’t sort out Julian and Hypernia’s relationship arc. He had dispirited animal spirits. She feared childbirth. What was the delay to marry? It was a match made in pre-reptile Eden. Still, he had thoughts about bearing an heir if his nether region ever defied gravity again. But then where would that leave Perry? But-But-But! At the house party they discreetly spent time in each other’s rooms which sparked surprisingly hushed gossip. No one called for a minister. Yet, by the last page without an official proposal, Julian referred to Perry as his fiancée. 🤷🏻♀️
Boring boring bore
Make no mistake, eye glazing.
Dullsville daddy-o
Srsly, the story was so tedious I had an out of body experience and channeled a 1950s beatnik.
This is the second book in the series that I rated two stars. I’m packing it in. Except, on November 1st, Lord Julian’s holiday mystery drops, A Gentleman Under the Mistletoe. Will stick around for that one, but my bags are already packed.
⚠️Bonus rant about what didn’t work (just about everything)—very spoilery⚠️
🫖 Coming in second place to boredom was vagueness:
🫧🫧🫧The story took place at a house party, the same as the first book with the array of usual and unusual amusements: pall-mall, cards, formal dinners, Scottish games, and a grand ball. Sounds like fun, right? Fuhgeddaboudit. Julian never partook. He had trays sent to his room. Pall-mall and cards were relegated to background noise. The games were rained out. As for the ball, “The grand ball came and went…”
🫧🫧🫧Other than the duchess, Dorothea, who had red hair, the characters were described by body type. They’re small and curvy, big or strong or growing into their strength. I have a bone to pick with this. Burrowes’ lack of facial details deliberately obscured the identity of one of the baddies. Coincidentally, like the setting, it was also the same technique used to hide the villain in plain sight in the first book. I gave it a pass the first time but not again. Julian had ascribed his mother’s observation skills worthy of a reconnaissance officer. So how come the duchess didn’t recognize her music teacher when she ran into him a few years later escorting another widow? She didn’t because the plot would have collapsed like a house of cards.
🫧🫧🫧A farfetched and convoluted reason for three thefts which involved documents that may or may not have been written by dead guys (before they died, not after). But hey, villains gotta do what villains gotta do.
🫧🫧🫧While it was heartwarming to see Julian and his mother take tentative steps to mending their estrangement, it was never stipulated what caused it. Without knowing why, it didn’t leave Julian in a good light.
🫧🫧🫧For the life of me, I can’t sort out Julian and Hypernia’s relationship arc. He had dispirited animal spirits. She feared childbirth. What was the delay to marry? It was a match made in pre-reptile Eden. Still, he had thoughts about bearing an heir if his nether region ever defied gravity again. But then where would that leave Perry? But-But-But! At the house party they discreetly spent time in each other’s rooms which sparked surprisingly hushed gossip. No one called for a minister. Yet, by the last page without an official proposal, Julian referred to Perry as his fiancée. 🤷🏻♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2024
Regency mystery/ light romance, 3.5 stars.
This was hard to review due to mixed feelings.
I read all previous books in this series.
Julian had been a intelligence office in war. He was a POW of
the French, kept in the dark, and had insufficient food and
water. And mentally tormented. His brown/ chestnut hair
turned white. He had memory issues and wore colored specs
for his sensitivity to the sun. He was sexually impotent. His
hair turned blond, & now light chestnut in places.
Jules forged a new relationship w/ his duke bro. Arthur.
Jules and his mother were not close.
His mother summoned Jules to a house party to find several
personal letters. As a widow, she'd had a romance, but not
a liaison, with a man who taught her the flute. 2 others
met men as widows had missing items, was there a pattern?
a blackmail attempt?
Julian & his sweet Hyperia worked together on this mystery.
As did his tiger Atticus. The romance took a backseat. The
author has tempted her readers for too many books with
this romance and she has not delivered- shame on her. The
most we got this time- the MCs slept overnight in the same
bed- all innocent. At least Jules got the best sleep in a long
time! The author has had several books for Jules to properly
woo & win Hyperia & to prove how much he cherishes her.
I'm not just talking sex- that would seal the deal- I'm
talking emotional closeness. Why be stingy w/ love? Off my
soap-box.
Jules had a memory lapse & a loudmouth chided him, and
Jules' mother acted like a mama grisly and recounted how
brave Jules her military son was for his country & ingrates
like this man & several others chimed in & told him to leave
the room!
Art & Osgood finally set sail for a tour of the Continent.
There were 2 fakers in the story, and the author went way
too easy on the guy who cheated the soldiers.
This was hard to review due to mixed feelings.
I read all previous books in this series.
Julian had been a intelligence office in war. He was a POW of
the French, kept in the dark, and had insufficient food and
water. And mentally tormented. His brown/ chestnut hair
turned white. He had memory issues and wore colored specs
for his sensitivity to the sun. He was sexually impotent. His
hair turned blond, & now light chestnut in places.
Jules forged a new relationship w/ his duke bro. Arthur.
Jules and his mother were not close.
His mother summoned Jules to a house party to find several
personal letters. As a widow, she'd had a romance, but not
a liaison, with a man who taught her the flute. 2 others
met men as widows had missing items, was there a pattern?
a blackmail attempt?
Julian & his sweet Hyperia worked together on this mystery.
As did his tiger Atticus. The romance took a backseat. The
author has tempted her readers for too many books with
this romance and she has not delivered- shame on her. The
most we got this time- the MCs slept overnight in the same
bed- all innocent. At least Jules got the best sleep in a long
time! The author has had several books for Jules to properly
woo & win Hyperia & to prove how much he cherishes her.
I'm not just talking sex- that would seal the deal- I'm
talking emotional closeness. Why be stingy w/ love? Off my
soap-box.
Jules had a memory lapse & a loudmouth chided him, and
Jules' mother acted like a mama grisly and recounted how
brave Jules her military son was for his country & ingrates
like this man & several others chimed in & told him to leave
the room!
Art & Osgood finally set sail for a tour of the Continent.
There were 2 fakers in the story, and the author went way
too easy on the guy who cheated the soldiers.
September 29, 2024
Lord Julian has a mystery to solve at the request of his mother. This one was heartfelt as we get to the bottom of Julian’s relationship wit the Dowager Duchess.
Some letters of the Duchess’ have gone missing. Julian travels to the house party she’s at along with his godmother and Hyperia. Atticus is of course by his side.
Other guests belongings have disappeared!
Lively mystery with some nasty undertones.
Some letters of the Duchess’ have gone missing. Julian travels to the house party she’s at along with his godmother and Hyperia. Atticus is of course by his side.
Other guests belongings have disappeared!
Lively mystery with some nasty undertones.
September 19, 2024
This is the sixth book in the Lord Julian Mystery series.
Lord Julian is called to a house party by his mother who is missing some love letters. He also finds that several other widows at the party are missing items.
He continues his courtship with Hyperia and his brother leaves on an extended tour of Europe.
There are a lot of interesting supporting characters in the book, with interesting side stories.
It is an interesting, entertaining read.
I can't wait for the next one in the series.
Lord Julian is called to a house party by his mother who is missing some love letters. He also finds that several other widows at the party are missing items.
He continues his courtship with Hyperia and his brother leaves on an extended tour of Europe.
There are a lot of interesting supporting characters in the book, with interesting side stories.
It is an interesting, entertaining read.
I can't wait for the next one in the series.
November 8, 2024
Is there anything more life affirming than a Grace Burrowes book? This has a great plot and I really liked how the romance played this time even though it’s still on hold. What a gift.
June 16, 2025
An enjoyable entry with a mystery that's better than recent entries. 4/5 stars.
Quick hits first, full review to follow!
Quick hits:
+ Consistently good writing, and fast paced.
+ A better mystery overall. Not perfect, but better than recent entries.
+ Some good character moments I felt satisfied with.
+/- An ending that's a bit hard to put together.
- The mystery takes a while to really move.
Full review:
I needed a more laid back read after some chonkers, and this fit that perfectly. These are typically good palette cleansers. The mysteries are usually nothing special, or anything to knock your socks off. This entry however (similar to another earlier in the series) has a more solid mystery, and a good focus on important character work which gave backstory on the characters we already know. While this book certainly wasn't perfect, and I wouldn't recommend going in with high expectations, it was enjoyable as a lighter read (as is the series) and can be recommended as such.
The writing is similar to the rest of the series. It moves quickly, with a good mix of history to fit your fancy. That's great in a mystery because you want the chapters to feel important and driving the plot forward. You aren't going to find anything lyrical, but it doesn't need to be. You won't be disappointed in that regard.
The plot is very small and home grown. I was excited to pick this one up because I wanted to learn more about Julian and his mother. The story slowly gets more complex as it moves. It never becomes overly big, but it adds enough layers to keep you invested in the answer (especially as the randomness to the crime increases). While I thought the overall reveal was nice and pretty good against the whole series, it had a couple of pieces which felt a bit far fetched, especially with the evidence we had. It does make sense however, so only docking it a little.
The characters are definitely the strong suit of this book. If I'm being honest, I was a bit worried early on. It felt like the dynamics were going to be very cliche. I'm happy to say that wasn't the case. There was a bit of nuance added here, and some important backstory revealed that gives much more context into the people we know. The newer characters were solid, and none were bad enough that I can remember. But I was especially happy with how Julian and his mother's relationship went. I'm invested in seeing where that goes in the future.
This is definitely one of the better entries in the series in my opinion. It's not amazing, nor will it blow you away with it's intricate mystery. It's a solid romp for Julian, and distinct enough to be memorable and a highlight. I wouldn't recommend for hardcore mystery fans, but for those looking for a palette cleanser, this could be a good pickup.
Quick hits first, full review to follow!
Quick hits:
+ Consistently good writing, and fast paced.
+ A better mystery overall. Not perfect, but better than recent entries.
+ Some good character moments I felt satisfied with.
+/- An ending that's a bit hard to put together.
- The mystery takes a while to really move.
Full review:
I needed a more laid back read after some chonkers, and this fit that perfectly. These are typically good palette cleansers. The mysteries are usually nothing special, or anything to knock your socks off. This entry however (similar to another earlier in the series) has a more solid mystery, and a good focus on important character work which gave backstory on the characters we already know. While this book certainly wasn't perfect, and I wouldn't recommend going in with high expectations, it was enjoyable as a lighter read (as is the series) and can be recommended as such.
The writing is similar to the rest of the series. It moves quickly, with a good mix of history to fit your fancy. That's great in a mystery because you want the chapters to feel important and driving the plot forward. You aren't going to find anything lyrical, but it doesn't need to be. You won't be disappointed in that regard.
The plot is very small and home grown. I was excited to pick this one up because I wanted to learn more about Julian and his mother. The story slowly gets more complex as it moves. It never becomes overly big, but it adds enough layers to keep you invested in the answer (especially as the randomness to the crime increases). While I thought the overall reveal was nice and pretty good against the whole series, it had a couple of pieces which felt a bit far fetched, especially with the evidence we had. It does make sense however, so only docking it a little.
The characters are definitely the strong suit of this book. If I'm being honest, I was a bit worried early on. It felt like the dynamics were going to be very cliche. I'm happy to say that wasn't the case. There was a bit of nuance added here, and some important backstory revealed that gives much more context into the people we know. The newer characters were solid, and none were bad enough that I can remember. But I was especially happy with how Julian and his mother's relationship went. I'm invested in seeing where that goes in the future.
This is definitely one of the better entries in the series in my opinion. It's not amazing, nor will it blow you away with it's intricate mystery. It's a solid romp for Julian, and distinct enough to be memorable and a highlight. I wouldn't recommend for hardcore mystery fans, but for those looking for a palette cleanser, this could be a good pickup.
September 29, 2024
Lovely. I really love this series. In this book, Lord Julian's mother asks him to find a few old letters that had gone missing from her traveling desk. She is at a house party, and Julian joins the party to search for the letters. His investigation, after a few bumps and detours, takes him in a totally unexpected direction, while he is assisted by his beloved Hyperia and his loyal tiger Atticus.
Julian's romance with Hyperia also proceeds apace. In this installment, they are becoming even closer than before. The readers have no doubt now that our lovers will end up together. I wish to read about their wedding at last - both Hyperia and Julian deserve their HEA. Unfortunately, the author still dithers, so I have no choice but to keep reading this series. The next installment - about Christmas - will come out in November. I can't wait.
Note: I think that after I'm done with my pile of library books, I want to re-read this series from the beginning.
Julian's romance with Hyperia also proceeds apace. In this installment, they are becoming even closer than before. The readers have no doubt now that our lovers will end up together. I wish to read about their wedding at last - both Hyperia and Julian deserve their HEA. Unfortunately, the author still dithers, so I have no choice but to keep reading this series. The next installment - about Christmas - will come out in November. I can't wait.
Note: I think that after I'm done with my pile of library books, I want to re-read this series from the beginning.
September 21, 2025
Can't get enough!
Julian, Hyperia, Atticus - love them all! Love the regular cast and the characters in this particular story. House party settings are always interesting and the plot unfolded at a good pace. I don't know off hand how many books are in this series, but I hope there are bunches and more to come!
Julian, Hyperia, Atticus - love them all! Love the regular cast and the characters in this particular story. House party settings are always interesting and the plot unfolded at a good pace. I don't know off hand how many books are in this series, but I hope there are bunches and more to come!
January 22, 2025
Another fun read.
September 29, 2024
Loved this book where the H has honest conversations with his mother, enhancing their relationship. The mystery involved many others who had been hurt. The baddie is finally unmasked, this and other reveals made the book very, very good.
September 22, 2024
I received an ARC version of this and couldn’t wait to be immersed in the next “chapter” for Lord Julian. A Gentleman of Unreliable Honor is classic Grace Burrowes in all the best ways! Grace created multifaceted characters, exceptional dialogue, nuanced relationships and a great plot. It’s a book you want finish as quickly as possible to see how the story ends and also want to savor for as long as possible because of the great characters. This is must read if you love compelling writing!
September 30, 2024
This might be the best of the series so far
If you haven’t read the first 5 books, pause and go back and read them before you read this one. The evolution of the characters and their relationships with one another is so satisfying in this episode. The mystery was well developed and left me guessing between a couple of characters for much of the solving of the mysteries.
The themes of family and love however were marvelously executed. I find myself wanting this series to never end. I will be sad when Grace Burrowes decides the story is finished being told. I hope that doesn’t happen for a very long time.
If you haven’t read the first 5 books, pause and go back and read them before you read this one. The evolution of the characters and their relationships with one another is so satisfying in this episode. The mystery was well developed and left me guessing between a couple of characters for much of the solving of the mysteries.
The themes of family and love however were marvelously executed. I find myself wanting this series to never end. I will be sad when Grace Burrowes decides the story is finished being told. I hope that doesn’t happen for a very long time.
October 10, 2024
Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: The Lord Julian Mysteries #6
Publication Date: 9/11/24
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: 288
It is NOT a good time for Lord Julian to receive a summons to solve a mystery. His only surviving brother’s imminent departure for the continent means he wants/needs to spend that time with him. What if he decides not to return to England? While his brother is away, Julian has to run all Waltham ducal matters and Julian needs to be learning that – not solving mysteries. Except, it is his mother who has summoned him – the mother who doesn’t like him – but still, his mother, so he goes.
When he arrived he learned his mother was missing several old love letters – that were not from his father. He also learned that several other items of sentimental value are missing from other ladies attending the house party. These are all items the ladies received after they were widows, but each was from an inappropriate partner and thus could cause a scandal or gossip for the ladies. Julian immediately assumes the items will be used for blackmail – but when no demands are received, he has to reevaluate. What could anyone other than a blackmailer want with those items?
Julian has a house full of suspects – guests, servants, merchants – anyone with access to the house. Julian, and his stalwart companions – Lady Ophelia, Lady Hyperia, and the ever-delightful Atticus – will interview, search, evaluate, and finally figure out the villain. You will think you know it all as you read – but do you? Can any of them be trusted?
I was glad to see some reconciliation between Julian and his mother, but I was no closer to understanding the rift. However, I wondered if most of it wasn’t due to Juian’s insecurities. One of his thoughts lends credence to that. “I decided that my mother held me in low esteem and then found every piece of evidence necessary to support my conclusion and ignored evidence that did not.” I look forward to future developments with Julian’s mother, Leander (Julian’s nephew), and dukely brother.
I look forward to each new Lord Julian book and was delighted to learn that we will be getting a Christmas book that Julian informed the author she must write. YAY!
Series: The Lord Julian Mysteries #6
Publication Date: 9/11/24
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: 288
It is NOT a good time for Lord Julian to receive a summons to solve a mystery. His only surviving brother’s imminent departure for the continent means he wants/needs to spend that time with him. What if he decides not to return to England? While his brother is away, Julian has to run all Waltham ducal matters and Julian needs to be learning that – not solving mysteries. Except, it is his mother who has summoned him – the mother who doesn’t like him – but still, his mother, so he goes.
When he arrived he learned his mother was missing several old love letters – that were not from his father. He also learned that several other items of sentimental value are missing from other ladies attending the house party. These are all items the ladies received after they were widows, but each was from an inappropriate partner and thus could cause a scandal or gossip for the ladies. Julian immediately assumes the items will be used for blackmail – but when no demands are received, he has to reevaluate. What could anyone other than a blackmailer want with those items?
Julian has a house full of suspects – guests, servants, merchants – anyone with access to the house. Julian, and his stalwart companions – Lady Ophelia, Lady Hyperia, and the ever-delightful Atticus – will interview, search, evaluate, and finally figure out the villain. You will think you know it all as you read – but do you? Can any of them be trusted?
I was glad to see some reconciliation between Julian and his mother, but I was no closer to understanding the rift. However, I wondered if most of it wasn’t due to Juian’s insecurities. One of his thoughts lends credence to that. “I decided that my mother held me in low esteem and then found every piece of evidence necessary to support my conclusion and ignored evidence that did not.” I look forward to future developments with Julian’s mother, Leander (Julian’s nephew), and dukely brother.
I look forward to each new Lord Julian book and was delighted to learn that we will be getting a Christmas book that Julian informed the author she must write. YAY!
August 8, 2025
Lord Julian continues to be vastly entertaining
Once again, the author presents a multifaceted mystery for Lord Julian to solve.
I’ve come to be very comfortable with, and very much enjoy, the characters in the Lord Julian series. In this latest installment, we are introduced to Lord Julian‘s mother. It is in this book that they have an opportunity to address tensions that have been in place between them for a very long time.
We also enjoy the regulars, including Hyperia and Atticus.
As for the challenges that face Lord Julian in the retrieval of stolen personal items of some of the guests at a house party and the identity of the thief, the author is able to weave a tale that has more than one moving part, and it is in this manner of plot development that Burrowes is able to provide twists and turns that we don’t expect, keeping the reader in suspense.
Perhaps the ending wasn’t what I expected. So often justice seems to warrant a “pound of flesh,“ however in this instance, the author allows Lord Julian to use the perpetrator’s “sins” against him for the good of others… An interesting twist in the storyline.
While Julian and Hyperia’s relationship continues to grow, the central theme of this book seems to be family: the importance of family, despite challenges of getting along; the ability to depend on family, which is as it should be; and an understanding that family, which may not be in a traditional sense—as seen with Leander—is not something that depends on bloodlines… It also depends on heart ties. That sometimes we are related by blood, but other times we are able to choose our family because of the love ties that join us together.
These books are so easy to read; the text moves so smoothly, like a conversation with a close friend.
I look forward to the next book in the series.
Once again, the author presents a multifaceted mystery for Lord Julian to solve.
I’ve come to be very comfortable with, and very much enjoy, the characters in the Lord Julian series. In this latest installment, we are introduced to Lord Julian‘s mother. It is in this book that they have an opportunity to address tensions that have been in place between them for a very long time.
We also enjoy the regulars, including Hyperia and Atticus.
As for the challenges that face Lord Julian in the retrieval of stolen personal items of some of the guests at a house party and the identity of the thief, the author is able to weave a tale that has more than one moving part, and it is in this manner of plot development that Burrowes is able to provide twists and turns that we don’t expect, keeping the reader in suspense.
Perhaps the ending wasn’t what I expected. So often justice seems to warrant a “pound of flesh,“ however in this instance, the author allows Lord Julian to use the perpetrator’s “sins” against him for the good of others… An interesting twist in the storyline.
While Julian and Hyperia’s relationship continues to grow, the central theme of this book seems to be family: the importance of family, despite challenges of getting along; the ability to depend on family, which is as it should be; and an understanding that family, which may not be in a traditional sense—as seen with Leander—is not something that depends on bloodlines… It also depends on heart ties. That sometimes we are related by blood, but other times we are able to choose our family because of the love ties that join us together.
These books are so easy to read; the text moves so smoothly, like a conversation with a close friend.
I look forward to the next book in the series.
September 25, 2024
When Dorothea, Duchess of Waltham, asks her son, Lord Julian Caldicott, to locate some missing love letters, he answers the call, crashing a house party where the letters were last seen. Despite the fact that his relationship with his mother is strained, to say the least, he attempts to use his extraordinary investigative skills to locate the missing items, which soon expand to include a missing locket and missing gloves, all connected to past paramours, each of which would cause public embarrassment for the widows involved. With scant evidence to go on, it is truly a challenge, but aided by his own true love, Lady Hyperia (Perry) West, and his tiger in training, Atticus, Julian pushes on, even when his mother strangely demands that he abandon the investigation. As in all great mysteries, while most of the evidence is plainly visible along the way, the pieces don’t get assembled into a coherent, reasonable conclusion until the very end of the book. Ms. Burrowes writes great fiction, with fleshed out characters, and wonderful side stories (like Julian’s ducal brother sailing off to France, the building love story between Julian and his Perry, the training and maturation of the former street urchin, Atticus, and the disposition of young Leander, a recently discovered by blow), that draw the reader into the lives of the characters. This could conceivably be read as a standalone, as Ms. Burrowes provides enough back story to keep a new reader from being lost in the weeds, but I strongly suggest reading the entire series, as each and every Lord Julian Mystery is wonderful! This book was provided by the author without any requirement for a review, positive or otherwise. All opinions are 100% my own.
November 4, 2024
Another lovely outing with Lord Julian Caldicott, younger brother to Arthur,the Duke of Waltham. In this episode Julian is called to the side of his mother to help her retrieve some letters. Sentimental, possibly embarrassing letters. Who could have taken them? Who knew where she kept them?
All in all, a nicely convoluted puzzle to solve, encumbered by Julian's uneasy relationship with his mother.
Also complicating Julian's life is the immanent departure of Arthur--bound for France and points beyond on a well-deserved vacation with his good friend Osgood Banter.
I do like Julian, and I liked seeing Hyperia West again and watching their romantic relationship evolve and progress. Lady Ophelia, godmother extraordinaire, was there when it counted, but otherwise had only a small part to play.
There's a nice cast of house party guests, some of whom as suspects, some of whom are victims of the same sneak thief.
Not a spoiler--it all ends well: thief revealed, consequences dealt with, and, as a bonus, a warmer relationship between Julian and his mama.
Next up--A Gentleman Under the Mistletoe: A Cozy Regency Holiday Mystery!
All in all, a nicely convoluted puzzle to solve, encumbered by Julian's uneasy relationship with his mother.
Also complicating Julian's life is the immanent departure of Arthur--bound for France and points beyond on a well-deserved vacation with his good friend Osgood Banter.
I do like Julian, and I liked seeing Hyperia West again and watching their romantic relationship evolve and progress. Lady Ophelia, godmother extraordinaire, was there when it counted, but otherwise had only a small part to play.
There's a nice cast of house party guests, some of whom as suspects, some of whom are victims of the same sneak thief.
Not a spoiler--it all ends well: thief revealed, consequences dealt with, and, as a bonus, a warmer relationship between Julian and his mama.
Next up--A Gentleman Under the Mistletoe: A Cozy Regency Holiday Mystery!
June 8, 2025
I am thoroughly enamoured with Lord Julian.
Ex army scout, youngest brother of a duke although his missing brother died in the Napoleonic wars, now recovering slowly from his captivity, Julian has been keeping himself and Hyperia -Perry busy, with his little investigations. Nothing criminal but vexing for those involved.
In this his mother has had some letters stolen whilst at a house party, mainly embarrassing as they came from a flirtation the Duchess had when newly widowed, and as his mother has asked for help Julian must go, even though their relationship isn't strong. But two other ladies who when widowed also had brief flirtations and each has now also had momentous stolen.
Helped by Atticus his tiger cum valet cum conscious, and Perry who he freed from their relationship when leaving for war, Julian does his best to find the items, but is distracted as the Duke his brother is leaving to travel Europe and Julian will have to run the rival estates in his behalf.
Not a great reader.of whodunit s but find this gentle regency pace enjoyable.
Ex army scout, youngest brother of a duke although his missing brother died in the Napoleonic wars, now recovering slowly from his captivity, Julian has been keeping himself and Hyperia -Perry busy, with his little investigations. Nothing criminal but vexing for those involved.
In this his mother has had some letters stolen whilst at a house party, mainly embarrassing as they came from a flirtation the Duchess had when newly widowed, and as his mother has asked for help Julian must go, even though their relationship isn't strong. But two other ladies who when widowed also had brief flirtations and each has now also had momentous stolen.
Helped by Atticus his tiger cum valet cum conscious, and Perry who he freed from their relationship when leaving for war, Julian does his best to find the items, but is distracted as the Duke his brother is leaving to travel Europe and Julian will have to run the rival estates in his behalf.
Not a great reader.of whodunit s but find this gentle regency pace enjoyable.
October 8, 2024
Napoleonic spy turned domestic sleuth must thwart a blackmailer
Historical author Grace Burrowes continues to delight with her Napoleonic mystery books, The Lord Julian Mysteries. A GENTLEMAN OF UNRELIABLE HONOR is book six in this enchanting mystery series. Burrowes is best known for her gentle historical romances (which I love to snuggle into like a cozy pair of beloved winter slippers), but I adore her mystery books even more. New readers could dive into A GENTLEMAN OF UNRELIABLE HONOR without reading the prior books, but why deprive yourself of the enjoyment of watching this series unfurl like a flower?
Burrowes continues to be a reliable author for me. This book is engaging enough to have kept me engrossed during a natural disaster that decimated my city, which is high praise. A GENTLEMAN OF UNRELIABLE HONOR blends historical mystery with a touch of romance, and the result is a charming series sure to delight.
4 out of 5 stars to A GENTLEMAN OF UNRELIABLE HONOR by Grace Burrowes
Burrowes continues to be a reliable author for me. This book is engaging enough to have kept me engrossed during a natural disaster that decimated my city, which is high praise. A GENTLEMAN OF UNRELIABLE HONOR blends historical mystery with a touch of romance, and the result is a charming series sure to delight.
See my full review at Fresh Fiction https://freshfiction.com/review.php?i...
Historical author Grace Burrowes continues to delight with her Napoleonic mystery books, The Lord Julian Mysteries. A GENTLEMAN OF UNRELIABLE HONOR is book six in this enchanting mystery series. Burrowes is best known for her gentle historical romances (which I love to snuggle into like a cozy pair of beloved winter slippers), but I adore her mystery books even more. New readers could dive into A GENTLEMAN OF UNRELIABLE HONOR without reading the prior books, but why deprive yourself of the enjoyment of watching this series unfurl like a flower?
Burrowes continues to be a reliable author for me. This book is engaging enough to have kept me engrossed during a natural disaster that decimated my city, which is high praise. A GENTLEMAN OF UNRELIABLE HONOR blends historical mystery with a touch of romance, and the result is a charming series sure to delight.
4 out of 5 stars to A GENTLEMAN OF UNRELIABLE HONOR by Grace Burrowes
Burrowes continues to be a reliable author for me. This book is engaging enough to have kept me engrossed during a natural disaster that decimated my city, which is high praise. A GENTLEMAN OF UNRELIABLE HONOR blends historical mystery with a touch of romance, and the result is a charming series sure to delight.
See my full review at Fresh Fiction https://freshfiction.com/review.php?i...
October 1, 2024
Dự án Đường Sắt Tốc Độ Cao Bắc - Nam: Hiện Thực Hóa "Ăn Sáng Hà Nội, Ăn Trưa Sài Gòn"
Viễn cảnh "Ăn sáng Hà Nội, ăn trưa Sài Gòn" nhờ đường sắt tốc độ cao có thể trở thành hiện thực với dự án đường sắt tốc độ cao Bắc - Nam.
Theo báo cáo tiền khả thi, tàu có tốc độ thiết kế 350 km/h sẽ đưa hành khách từ Hà Nội đến TP.HCM trong 5 giờ 20 phút.
Dự án này sẽ giúp cạnh tranh với hàng không và đường bộ, với vé tàu dự kiến rẻ hơn 75% so với vé máy bay. Ngoài ra, dự án còn mang lại nhiều lợi ích kinh tế, đô thị hóa và phát triển du lịch, dự kiến khai thác từ năm 2033.
Xem thêm tại: https://starstreams.tv/
Viễn cảnh "Ăn sáng Hà Nội, ăn trưa Sài Gòn" nhờ đường sắt tốc độ cao có thể trở thành hiện thực với dự án đường sắt tốc độ cao Bắc - Nam.
Theo báo cáo tiền khả thi, tàu có tốc độ thiết kế 350 km/h sẽ đưa hành khách từ Hà Nội đến TP.HCM trong 5 giờ 20 phút.
Dự án này sẽ giúp cạnh tranh với hàng không và đường bộ, với vé tàu dự kiến rẻ hơn 75% so với vé máy bay. Ngoài ra, dự án còn mang lại nhiều lợi ích kinh tế, đô thị hóa và phát triển du lịch, dự kiến khai thác từ năm 2033.
Xem thêm tại: https://starstreams.tv/
December 30, 2024
At long last, Julian's mother makes an appearance. The central mystery here was very much in the cozy line (no murder, only missing items) and I solved 90% of it half way through the book. However, as usual, the relationships in this series pulled me through, specifically Julian's evolving understanding of his family dynamics. Looking forward to continuing the series with A Gentleman Under the Mistletoe
June 23, 2025
Lord Julian disappointed me in this book. Oh, he solved the puzzle alright and it was more complicated than it seemed at first. I was pleased to see him reach an emotion-filled rapprochement with his mother, the Duchess. Also pleased with the progress of his affaire de coeur with Hyperia and to note that he is still gently educating Atticus. But he disappointed me at the very end when he gave Hyperia a lock of his hair, without her ever having asked for it. Seems pretty arrogant to me! It might have been appropriate before he went off to war—and to have taken a lock of hers in exchange—but not at this point in their relationship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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November 27, 2025What can I say other than that the books in this series are always a treat. The characters are complex and interesting, and in many cases, very likeable and usually very human, and the plots are twisty enough to make one wonder if one has really figured it out or not... (Yes, I did pinpoint the bad guy in this one... but like Lord Julian, I needed proof).
Always a delightful read, and here Lord Julian's forced proximity with his presumably estranged mother makes for a touching resolution.
I treated myself to this book on a train journey and was delighted. I'll see how long I can hold out before reading the next.
Always a delightful read, and here Lord Julian's forced proximity with his presumably estranged mother makes for a touching resolution.
I treated myself to this book on a train journey and was delighted. I'll see how long I can hold out before reading the next.
October 3, 2024
Wonderfully realistic,nuanced characters and interactions
Life through Julian's eyes is wonderfully revealing of his intelligence, experience, upbringing, wisdom, humility, vulnerabilities, and of the people he interacts with and the language and social milieu of his time.
The interspercing of his thoughts and feelings with his and others' words and actions kept me experiencing the story moment by moment as he lived it. I love the immediacy this narrative style gives the reading experience. I know that I will enjoy rereading this series.
Life through Julian's eyes is wonderfully revealing of his intelligence, experience, upbringing, wisdom, humility, vulnerabilities, and of the people he interacts with and the language and social milieu of his time.
The interspercing of his thoughts and feelings with his and others' words and actions kept me experiencing the story moment by moment as he lived it. I love the immediacy this narrative style gives the reading experience. I know that I will enjoy rereading this series.
November 3, 2024
Grace Burrows is a delight to read
And Lord Julian is a delight to read about. You really need to read this series in order for so many reasons. His gradual return to health and well being, his relationships with significant others that develop or heal, our growing knowledge of the regular cast. I have been reading a lot of JAFF, with varying results. It when I picked up this book it was like drinking a fine wine after being served wines from the good to the mediocre. Highly recommended!
And Lord Julian is a delight to read about. You really need to read this series in order for so many reasons. His gradual return to health and well being, his relationships with significant others that develop or heal, our growing knowledge of the regular cast. I have been reading a lot of JAFF, with varying results. It when I picked up this book it was like drinking a fine wine after being served wines from the good to the mediocre. Highly recommended!
December 30, 2024
I had really mixed feelings about starting this book. The mother has always been so cold, and Julian so lost since the end of the Napoleonic War, that I dreaded it would end up with more darkness going on in to the future without end. The problem is I truly enjoy Grace’s writing and story telling. I mustered up my courage and started reading. I stayed up well into the night. It was a great book. My faith in the author’s abilities to turn lemons into lemonade never ceases to amaze me. The characters grew and learned as the plot developed. It was all I could hope for an author to achieve.
January 12, 2025
4 1/2 stars
Julian has been asked by his mother to join her at a house party and find some lost love letters. With Arthur leaving in just a few days he doe not want to go but Hyperia convinces him to meet with his mother. Once again he is off to find a villain, or is it three as two other ladies also have missing sentimental articles. The mystery is good, the farewell to Arthur sad for Julian, but amazing for Arthur and Hyperia and Julian become even closer. It is the strides he and his mother make towards harmony that elevates the story.
Julian has been asked by his mother to join her at a house party and find some lost love letters. With Arthur leaving in just a few days he doe not want to go but Hyperia convinces him to meet with his mother. Once again he is off to find a villain, or is it three as two other ladies also have missing sentimental articles. The mystery is good, the farewell to Arthur sad for Julian, but amazing for Arthur and Hyperia and Julian become even closer. It is the strides he and his mother make towards harmony that elevates the story.
January 17, 2025
One of my favorite new mystery series along with Petteril's Thief.
Julian is requested to help find his mother's stolen letters. I enjoyed the familial relations and only figured out the bad guy, for most of it I had the wrong person as his helper. I also liked the focus on retribution instead of punishment.
Julian is requested to help find his mother's stolen letters. I enjoyed the familial relations and only figured out the bad guy, for most of it I had the wrong person as his helper. I also liked the focus on retribution instead of punishment.
March 11, 2025
This series, which I have binged, all follow the same deeply appealing pattern. I am extraordinarily stressed right now, between work and the world at large. These mysteries are light and fun; the puzzle is never a murder but rather a non-violent, strange occurrence that suggests someone has behaved in an unethical, illegal or otherwise untoward manner. Lord Julian is kind, careful, and smart. His friends and family are the same. [Same review for books 3-6 because I read them one after another in fugue, trying to stave off stress].
December 20, 2025
I seem to perpetually wish this series were just a tad bit more clever than it is. This one probably isn’t the least clever of the bunch, but reading them consecutively, the minor failing has somehow compounded, and I just can’t bring myself to give it 4 stars as well. lol. The cast is otherwise likable though. So if one of my libraries ever gets the next book in audio, I will likely still read it. Hopefully it will be far enough off that my annoyance with this one aspect will have faded in memory. 🙂
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