A Gentleman in Search of a Wife

The Lord Julian Mysteries #5

by Grace Burrowes

Lord Julian Caldicott accepts a request to search for the missing wife of Mr. John Tait. Evelyn Tait disappeared five years ago, and as Julian attempts to follow a cold trail, he meets with resistance, lies, and suspicion from those who should seek most eagerly to aid him. Matters grow more complicated when the investigation drives a wedge of silence between Julian and his dear friend Hyperia West.

Julian battles his own past, unexpected enemies, and Hyperia’s disapproving brother while searching for the prodigal wife, and just when he’s tempted to give up in disgust, he realizes the lady is in serious danger. She needs not only to be found, but also to be rescued from imminent peril, no matter the cost to Julian or to the dreams he’s dared to begin to cherish.

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

258 pages, Paperback

Published May 29, 2024

About the author

Grace 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.

Reviews

[Merry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book and rate it 3.75* (gosh I can really slice and dice those stars). I enjoyed that Lord Julian is starting to move past his time in prison and the dead brother. The mystery.... YOU WAITED 5 YEARS to look for your wife (that was a high hurdle for me to overcome). The resolution I would never have seen that one coming. The first half of the book was a bit slow laying out the plot for the mystery. The second half is where I became more vested in the book. I enjoyed the side story with Hyperia and her brother. The romance moved along slowly. The resolution was good but let me repeat FIVE YEARS....

[Izzie (on pause) McFussy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ Likable for reasons other than the mystery. It felt like a character study more than a whodunnit, but that worked for me. There was also an ample portion of Atticus and a prodigious amount of HyperJules to satisfy my sweet tooth.

The pace was slow, the mystery low key, and the solution easy to solve. I suspect Burrowes deliberately left hints (in this and previous books) so the reader gets ahead of Julian. Kind of like the excitement in knowing the final Jeopardy question before the contestants buzz in.

Quibble:
🔍 Burrowes does not stick to standard mystery rules.

[Grisette · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

For me a good book normally includes how comfortable I found the reading and this usually points to whether I enjoyed the writing style. Writing styles that are witty, make me laugh, or those that are so very beautiful and lyrical that the emotions are palpable will definitely win me over. Writing styles that are tedious, difficult, overly purple, or simply bad, will repulse me.

All this to say that this series and author feel like an oddball in my normal standards for books. Because the writing style, while witty and pro, is also at many times a bit difficult to follow esp. as the characters digress and their conversations/ thoughts grow disjointed (though of course, each of these digressions/ disjointedness always have a purpose in the plot). Add to that, the fact that the series is essentially an ultra-cozy mystery genre (by that I mean there are no bloodshed and life threatening dangers in any of the little essentially domestic conundrums investigated by the Hero), and by all my normal preferences I should not be enjoying this series as much as I do!!

I think great characterisation in this series is the main element that really saves the series for me. I have such immense sympathy for the main character, Julian Caldicott - GB has a real knack for making him inspire so much empathy from readers 👍👍. And while the plot of this book, Book 5 in the series, was as unnervatingly cozy as the rest of the series, it demarcated itself by,

(a) being a pivotal book in the series with Julian being not only much more happy in his skin, but also embracing wholeheartedly his sleuthing hobby, and being so sweet when declaring (over and over ❤) out loud his love for Hyperia; and

(b) having a very sweet, quite surprising resolution to the puzzle at hand. Though seriously, how could Tait and Hyperia not have recognised her?? 🤔. I did at one moment think this could have been the solution but I discarded it because come on, how is it possible? Yet despite the over-stretched nature of this final twist, I thoroughly enjoyed it and how GB wrote it all. More oddball than this, I cannot fathom lol 😅😁!

So to date, I do think this is the best plot I have read in the series. And I am so encouraged to continue on following the adventures of Lord Julian.

P.S.1 Those sisters 😬😨😱

P.S.2 One thing that I really love with GB is that all her characters, be it from her romances or her cozy mysteries, form part of the same universe. And so when one scene in the book introduced the St. Sevier character, I knew there must be another book somewhere. Thus, I was so surprised to discover that GB had another Historical Cozy Mysteries series with a lady sleuth, namely the Lady Violet series. Now, I am so giddy to check this series too 😊!

[Barb in Maryland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always so nice to visit with Lord Julian, Hyperia, Lady Ophelia, and friends.
This time Hyperia asks Julian to help her friend and neighbor, John Tait, whose wife Evelyn left him five years ago. After talking with Tait, Julian accepts the job and sets out on an almost impossible task. Evelyn seems to have vanished.
Of course, Julian keeps digging away. But a foolish promise by Julian leads to a rift with Hyperia, who is having problems of her own.
There's a rather dramatic twist to both Hyperia's troubles with her brother, and the Tait mystery, leading to a lovely ending all around.

I.m ready for the next one! A Gentleman of Unreliable Honor and a Christmas story, A Gentleman Under the Mistletoe.

[DENISE I. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Missing for FIVE years (and you finally decide to look for her?!)
- why did she (really) leave?
- Where is she? Does anyone know?
- What’s up with the h love lady? Is he going to lose her before he gets her back? [partially his fault!]

I am generally about figuring out “who done it” before the end of the story. I didn’t on this one AND the clues were there!

I love the author’s style of leading the reader into what starts as a simple request, into a thought provoking journey on “how far off the rail” relationships can fall? I enjoyed the journey. Just couldn’t quite understand what took him sooooo long (5 YEARS?!) to finally seriously look for his wife!!

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5⭐️

The 5th addition to the Lord Julian mystery series and another to love.

This one finds Julian asked by his lady love to help a friend find his wife (alive or dead) who has been missing for 5 years. Lots of frustrations for him as he deals with a cold trail, unhelpful siblings and a husband who is decidedly not a saint.

My only quibbles here were that the denouement seemed a bit far fetched, and Julian’s lady love could be a bit irritating at times. But neither of these things took away from my overall enjoyment of the book.

Another winner from Ms. Burrowes.

My sincere thanks to the author for providing the free early arc of A Gentleman in Search of a Wife for review. The opinions are strictly my own.

[Pat McManus · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable book for ladies of a certain age who need some light reading - not nearly as good as the St. Cyr series, but based in the same time period, regency England. Grace Burrowes has written a ton of books!

[HR-ML · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 1 : 4 stars
" 2.....3 stars
" 3.....3.5 stars
" 4.....4 stars
" 5.....3 stars


Mystery-rom book #5. Gave 3 stars. Julian
gained more stamina and confidence.

The mystery was rather dry.

Julian will be in charge of the duke's business
and households while his brother Arthur & his
beloved Osgood plan to tour the Continent.
Meanwhile Millicent and son are adjusting to
living in the duke's household. Julian's tiger
Atticus is being taught to read and provides
comic relief.

Hyperia's brother Healy as usual acted rude
toward Jules. We learned Healy was illogical,
too quick to anger & "needed to tend his own
garden" first. Jules rescued Hyperia and they
had a heart-felt convo. Jules proposed but she
said the timing was off b/c of her recent bad
news and disillusionment by another.

[Olya · Rating 1 out of 5]

And I am done with this series and with this author. The book dragged, the ending was beyond ridiculous, the whole Hyperia will she won't they trope is getting annoying to the point where you don't care any more.

[Olga Godim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it. Once again, someone asked Lord Julian for help - to find his missing wife - and Julian obliged. Of course, he found that misplaced wife. He also discovered why she was missing and who was responsible.
Julian is such a wonderful character: smart, compassionate, and utterly honorable. Besides his investigations, I also enjoy his slowly burning romance with his sweetheart Hyperia. Their relationship unfolds gradually throughout this series. I hope they marry in the end - they are so good to each other.
Other people in this book are not too nice, just the opposite. Envy and greed twist people's psyche, make them mean. Even worse, those two horrible emotions often make people outright evil. Perfidy, backstabbing, treachery - they all have their roots in envy and greed. When Lord Julian uncovers such wickedness, reading his stories becomes a very satisfying experience.

[Linda Lassman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy this series so much, and this one is every bit as good as the 4 that preceded it--maybe even better! I adore Julian and Perry and Julian's family, and especially the relationship between Julian and Perry. I can hardly wait for the next book in the series.

[Linda Brugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another mystery with repartee and twists

It's just so much fun to climb into a Lord Julian mystery. He narrates the story in a distinctive voice. I occasionally must ask Kindle for the meaning of a dated or British word, but the wit of this courtesy Lord is too fine to miss.

[eyes.2c · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful episode in the Lord Julian Caldecott mysteries. Julian is asked by Hyperia to try to find out what’s happened to her friend Mr. Tait’s wife. Evelyn Tait’s been missing for five years. Julian agrees somewhat reluctantly. He does wonder about Hyperia and her friend. Mmmm!
Danger for Hyperia comes from a completely different direction. The Evelyn Tait’s whereabouts is complicated, tricky and surrounded by much subterfuge. Is she dead, disappeared into the continent. Where is she?

[Cody · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book that never really finds it's footing thanks to a ridiculous premise that has an even sillier reveal. 3/5 stars.

This series is kind of hit or miss for me. I enjoy the characters, but mysteries have been up and down. I've mentioned in some of my previous reviews that this series skews more towards the cozy. Meaning, you're there more for the characters and world than anything else. I saw some other reviewers mention this plot errs on the side of silly, and I felt the same before reading. I can safely say they were right. The beginning was setup well, especially posing the question as to how and why looking for your wife after 5 years is odd. Unfortunately, it went downhill from there. Even if you're able to look beyond that, there's more moments that further irk you. Now it isn't all bad. The writing is the same quality of others, the characters are well drawn, and the world is well described. That just didn't save it from the rest.

To add just a little more than I what I said above about the plot, the reveal is simply one of the silliest I've ever read. While parts of the plot reveals were well done, there is absolutely no way (and I mean no way) any human being would not recognize what was revealed. You'd actually have to be an absolute idiot. I won't say more to avoid spoilers.

The writing and characters were good in this. Chapters don't feel too long, and neither does the book, which is perfect. I always enjoy Julian, Ophelia, and Hyperia. I will say that Julian and Hyperia are moving a bit too slowly for me. I understand why, but I feel there's not enough going on there. Also, is Arthur ever going to leave for France? I feel like he's been almost leaving for 2 books!

So, as I enjoyed some of the book, the plot just never worked for me. I couldn't believe in the basic premise, and while there were some well written moments, it had too many problems. If you're into the series, you'll obviously read this book and series. If not, there are some good moments to be found here, but temper your expectations going in.

Quick hits:
+ The writing is so digestible.
+ The characters are always a treat (please give me more Ophelia).
- The plot has a shaky premise that has some good moments but never takes off.
- An absolutely ridiculous reveal at the end that soured me at the end.

[Marcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ridiculous solution

This was on par with the other Julian stories…except for the ridiculous solution to the mystery. Highly unbelievable and a copout.

[MichelleH H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so hooked on this series. It’s so well written.

As with all great mystery series, the mystery or rather in this case referred to as an investigation, shares equal importance with the recurring characters. Well, sometimes it’s almost equal. You expect the H&h to grow and change, getting closer and stronger in their own lives and with each other. And they do that here.

However, nothing feels typical here to me. I loved these characters from book one. The damaged Hero. The lovely older brother who deserves some happiness in his life, but continues to handle his responsibilities dutifully. The near soulmate of a heroine who is much more than the role of a romantic partner would be (but we’re heading that direction slowly oh so slowly.) Also the resident sharp as a tack opinionated helpful Godmother/Great Aunt. And something Burrowes excels at, the intelligent (out of the mouth of babes) little kid. I yearn for them all to find their happily ever after.

You won’t get this series if you don’t start at the beginning. It took me a while to get into this investigation, I’d made up my mind early on. Well that got turned on its head. I ended up appreciating this mystery quite a bit more than I expected. I’m so glad there’s more books left in the series still.

Nearly all of her series are just as deeply human and heartfelt. I have my favorites. But as with her Lady Violet series and some others, this one is inhabited by more mature individuals and about much more than the 18 year old debutant and yet another earl. All of her stories have characters who have been around the block a few times. Their relationships are affected by their experiences and feel real. The series is highly recommended.

[Pamela Shropshire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hyperia has a gentleman friend (not a euphemism, in this case) named John Tait whose estranged wife disappeared 5 years ago. After all this time, he finally has decided he must know her whereabouts and to offer her an annulment or separation if that’s what she wants. Hyperia asks Julian to try to find the wife, Evelyn. Julian agrees to talk to Tait, who in turn makes Julian promise not to tell Hyperia all his misdeeds because he doesn’t want to lose her regard. Julian wonders if Tait and Hyperia are more than merely friends but of course, doesn’t have the nerve to ask her.

Many secrets in this one, but all ends happily for the estranged couple, and a hopeful one for Julian and Hyperia.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in the Lord Julian series. All four of the first books were well written and entertaining reads. This one is exceptional. It will keep you guessing until the very end.
It was interesting to see more of the relationship between Julian and Hyperia. I also loved that a character appeared in this book from one of Ms. Burrowes earlier series and that Lord Julian knew him.

[Nancy Haddock · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Though there was a lot of back and forthing to interview people for the investigation, that didn't make the story drag as it sometimes can. I adore these characters, enjoyed the settings, and the plot unfolded at a great pace. I'm eager to read the next book in the series!

[Mary Helen Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book.

Ms. Burrows knows how to write about the Regency period and a good mystery to solve. This was a delightful story that I read in one day, I can't wait for the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book and series.

[Lori Manning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Series

This series has great characters. The mysteries are center stage love the romance. The romance is a slow simmer. This is a fun series!

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

John Tait is not my favorite side character ever BUT he served his purpose in terms of Julian and Hyperia so that's all fine.

[Eileen Lynx · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little bit too sweet. But I will finish the series. I listened to the audiobook which is not listed here.

[Anne-Mammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

As this series develops, we get to know and appreciate the main characters and the way they think. It is great to see Lord Julian gradually getting over his time in prison in France as well as to watch his relationship with Hyperia blossom and yet never quite coming to a peak. I have to say that Julian's insights as he reads between the lines of the events and people he encounters continue to baffle me at times. When he finally explains what led him to solve the mystery, someone says "you are very observant"! well indeed but we cannot share this quality as we only see what he chooses to share with us readers.
As mysteries go, I did not find this particular one very exciting or even believable- hence only 4 stars- but as I mentioned before, it's the second characters and references to previous mysteries which are interesting. I really like Lady Ophelia, the Godmother, the elder brother the Duke and of course, the little urchin, now promoted to be Julian's tiger: Atticus. Unfortunately, we see very little of him in this book.
The death of Harry, Julian's brother, continues to haunt him, but I can't help but feel that therein lies a strand of the story still to be developed. His body has never been found....
I have pre ordered the next story and look forward to reading about more investigations from Lord Julian Caldicott and his friends and family. Such an interesting and engaging group of people!

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 library copy

[Nadine · Rating 4 out of 5]

a typical Lord Julian novel. it has to be noted that the wife in the title is another man's wife. and while Julian certainly wishes to keep his Hyperia their relationship is under quite a strain in this book, maybe unnecessarily... the solution wasn't very credible, but who cares? I don't

[Spiderorchid · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series gets better with every book. I really enjoy the mysteries, but my favourite part is actually the character development and psychology. You don't always get this in historical novels or cozy mysteries, but Burrows not only did excellent historical research, she also took the time to flesh out the characters and to make them believeable. I especially admire how she handled the aftermath of the war. Every character is interesting and has realistic flaws and good sides. And the dynamic between Hyperia and Julian is wonderful.
Recommended!

[Julia Hebner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shaky plot twist

Burrows delivers well assembled layers of clues with a surprise conclusion to the mystery. But seriously -- one vital element of the plot is so far outside reality as to render the whole story laughable. No spoiler here as the book is part of a series and if a reader enjoyed the first books, they will still find much to enjoy in this one.

[Barbara Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: Lord Julian Mysteries #5
Publication Date: 5/24/24
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: 258

I always enjoy books by this author and have particularly enjoyed this series because the male lead is a hero in every way, but doubts himself and is insecure about many things because of his experiences during Napoleon’s war. As a result of being held and tortured in a French prison, he came home from the wars with scars both inside and out. His hair is pure snow-white though it had been dark brown (we’ve seen a tad of improvement there). His eyes can’t stand the light and he must wear tinted glasses outdoors. He has lost his manly 'humors', but there is a tiny sign they might return. Now, to add insult to injury, his brother, Arthur, a duke, is leaving for an extended visit to the continent and he is leaving Julian in charge of the Duchy while he is gone.

As Julian has solved one mystery after another, his interest and focus have begun to return. He enjoys untangling a puzzle; to do that, he must be out where people are rather than holed up inside a dark room. Since he is getting a reputation for solving the unsolvable, he is being asked more and more frequently to take on mysteries. This time, it is the love of his life – and his very best friend – Hyperia (Perry) West who is asking. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? Well, she is asking him to find the wife of one of her friends, and that friend is a tad flirtatious. Is there – or has there been - a ‘thing’ between Perry and her friend, John Tait? Jealousy rears its ugly head.

John’s wife disappeared five (YES – FIVE) years ago. Theirs was a tumultuous relationship, but they seemed to be in love. What caused her to leave? Where is she now? Is she still among the living? Would she be willing to return? Why would he wait five years to begin to look for her? Hmmm – read the book and all those questions – and others – will be answered.

This is a slow-paced, low-key, investigation – but a good one. The first half of the book was a slower pace, but the last half picked up and was much more interesting. For me, the book was more about changing/growing relationships and character growth than the nicely done mystery accompanying it. We also got some nice tidbits that will set up a storyline or two in the future concerning Perry’s brother. Of course, we also got the part at the end revealing what Julian’s next case would be. That book, A Gentleman of Unreliable Honor, will come out toward the end of September.

If you enjoy a good mystery accompanied by a wonderful group of characters who grow, and relationships that grow and change, then you should enjoy this book and this series. Each book can be read as a standalone as the mystery is concluded within the book. However, in my opinion, to get the most enjoyment and appreciation for the books and the series, you should read all of the books – in order. Happy Reading.