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Casebook of Barnaby Adair #9
Dead Beside The Thames
#1 NYT-bestselling author Stephanie Laurens returns with a confounding case that sees her favorite sleuths acting to save a friend wrongly accused of murder.
When a detested viscount is found murdered by the banks of the Thames and Charlie Hastings becomes the prime suspect, Barnaby and Penelope Adair join forces with Stokes to discover the real story behind the unexpected killing.
Charlie Hastings is astonished to find himself accused of murdering Viscount Sedbury. Admittedly, Charlie had two heated altercations with Sedbury in the hours preceding the man’s death, but as Charlie is quick to point out to Stokes – and to Barnaby and Penelope – there are a multitude of others in the ton who will be delighted to learn of Sedbury’s demise.
As Penelope, Barnaby, and Stokes start assembling a suspect list, Charlie’s prediction proves only too accurate. Yet the most puzzling aspect is who on earth managed to kill Sedbury. The man was a hulking brute, large, very strong, and known as a vicious brawler. Who managed to subdue him enough to strangle him?
As the number of suspects steadily increases, the investigators are forced to ask if, perhaps, one of their suspects hired a killer capable of taking Sedbury down. With that possibility thrown into the calculations, narrowing their suspect list becomes a futile exercise.
Their pursuit of the truth leads them to investigate the many shady avenues of Sedbury’s life, much to the consternation of Sedbury’s father, the Marquess of Rattenby. Rattenby does not want Sedbury’s distasteful proclivities exposed for all the world to see, further harming the other family members who Sedbury has taken great delight in tormenting for most of his life.
In the end, the resolution of the crime lies in old-fashioned policing coupled with the fresh twists Barnaby and Penelope bring to Scotland Yard’s efforts.
And when the truth is finally revealed, it raises questions that strike to the very heart of justice and what, with such a victim and such a murderer, true justice actually means.
A historical novel of 62,500 words interweaving mystery and murder with a touch of romance.
When a detested viscount is found murdered by the banks of the Thames and Charlie Hastings becomes the prime suspect, Barnaby and Penelope Adair join forces with Stokes to discover the real story behind the unexpected killing.
Charlie Hastings is astonished to find himself accused of murdering Viscount Sedbury. Admittedly, Charlie had two heated altercations with Sedbury in the hours preceding the man’s death, but as Charlie is quick to point out to Stokes – and to Barnaby and Penelope – there are a multitude of others in the ton who will be delighted to learn of Sedbury’s demise.
As Penelope, Barnaby, and Stokes start assembling a suspect list, Charlie’s prediction proves only too accurate. Yet the most puzzling aspect is who on earth managed to kill Sedbury. The man was a hulking brute, large, very strong, and known as a vicious brawler. Who managed to subdue him enough to strangle him?
As the number of suspects steadily increases, the investigators are forced to ask if, perhaps, one of their suspects hired a killer capable of taking Sedbury down. With that possibility thrown into the calculations, narrowing their suspect list becomes a futile exercise.
Their pursuit of the truth leads them to investigate the many shady avenues of Sedbury’s life, much to the consternation of Sedbury’s father, the Marquess of Rattenby. Rattenby does not want Sedbury’s distasteful proclivities exposed for all the world to see, further harming the other family members who Sedbury has taken great delight in tormenting for most of his life.
In the end, the resolution of the crime lies in old-fashioned policing coupled with the fresh twists Barnaby and Penelope bring to Scotland Yard’s efforts.
And when the truth is finally revealed, it raises questions that strike to the very heart of justice and what, with such a victim and such a murderer, true justice actually means.
A historical novel of 62,500 words interweaving mystery and murder with a touch of romance.
178 pages, Paperback
First published October 17, 2024
124 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Laurens
210 books5,596 followersStephanie Laurens was born in Sri Lanka, which was at the time the British colony of Ceylon. When she was 5, her family moved to Melbourne, Australia, where she was raised. After continuing through school and earning a Ph.D. in Biochemistry in Australia, Stephanie and her husband moved to Great Britain, taking one of the last true overland journeys from Katmandu to London.
Once in London, Stephanie and her husband both began work as research scientists in Kent. They lived in an area surrounded by history. Their own cottage was built in the 16th century, while next door were the protected ruins of an early Roman villa, and nearby was a 14th century castle.
After four years in England, Stephanie and her husband returned to Australia, where she continued to work in cancer research, eventually heading her own research laboratory. One evening Stephanie realized that she did not have any more of her favorite romance novels to read. After years of thinking about writing her own novel, during nights and weekends for the next several months, she began crafting her own story. That manuscript, Tangled Reins, was the first of her books to be published. After achieving a level of success with her novels, Stephanie "retired" from scientific research and became a full-time novelist. Her novels are primarily historical romances set in the Regency time period.
Stephanie and her husband live on peaceful acreage on the outskirts of Melbourne. If she isn't writing, she's reading, and if she's not reading, she's tending her garden.
Once in London, Stephanie and her husband both began work as research scientists in Kent. They lived in an area surrounded by history. Their own cottage was built in the 16th century, while next door were the protected ruins of an early Roman villa, and nearby was a 14th century castle.
After four years in England, Stephanie and her husband returned to Australia, where she continued to work in cancer research, eventually heading her own research laboratory. One evening Stephanie realized that she did not have any more of her favorite romance novels to read. After years of thinking about writing her own novel, during nights and weekends for the next several months, she began crafting her own story. That manuscript, Tangled Reins, was the first of her books to be published. After achieving a level of success with her novels, Stephanie "retired" from scientific research and became a full-time novelist. Her novels are primarily historical romances set in the Regency time period.
Stephanie and her husband live on peaceful acreage on the outskirts of Melbourne. If she isn't writing, she's reading, and if she's not reading, she's tending her garden.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 27, 2025
I really enjoy the Barnaby Adair mysteries – they’re something different from Stephanie Laurens. This book, and the others in the series, are primarily murder mysteries rather than romances. The characters are vibrant, and the mystery engaging, with so many suspects it was difficult to know where to turn.
‘Dead Beside the Thames’ is one of my favourites in the series. Viscount Sedbury is pulled from the Thames having been murdered and there is a massive list of potential suspects from his own family to members of the ton, to people who he manipulated and hurt lower down the social order. It is a complex mystery with a satisfying ending, different to others in the series and I really enjoyed it.
Barnaby and Penelope Adair are fascinating characters, and I love how they work together and with Stokes, each with their own way of investigating, which comes together to assist in solving the crimes. I wish we had more of Stokes’ wife, Griselda. She hasn’t featured in the last few books, and in this one we just get a comment that she is entering confinement with her child. I hope she appears in the next book of the series!
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series because I love the investigative team of Penelope, Barnaby, and Stokes. They solve many different murders, but I think the series is about to enter a new phase which is really exciting. If you love a historical mystery based in the Regency and early Victorian periods, then this could be the series for you!
‘Dead Beside the Thames’ is one of my favourites in the series. Viscount Sedbury is pulled from the Thames having been murdered and there is a massive list of potential suspects from his own family to members of the ton, to people who he manipulated and hurt lower down the social order. It is a complex mystery with a satisfying ending, different to others in the series and I really enjoyed it.
Barnaby and Penelope Adair are fascinating characters, and I love how they work together and with Stokes, each with their own way of investigating, which comes together to assist in solving the crimes. I wish we had more of Stokes’ wife, Griselda. She hasn’t featured in the last few books, and in this one we just get a comment that she is entering confinement with her child. I hope she appears in the next book of the series!
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series because I love the investigative team of Penelope, Barnaby, and Stokes. They solve many different murders, but I think the series is about to enter a new phase which is really exciting. If you love a historical mystery based in the Regency and early Victorian periods, then this could be the series for you!
October 18, 2024
I think there can be no doubt that this series of Barnaby's casebook is much less entertaining that Ms Laurens' main Cynsters novels. This particular story plodded on with not many developments. I became a bit bored as Penelope's "usual sources" and Barnaby's "lads" little by little discovered the culprit. What's more, the fact that the victim was thoroughly disreputable and awful did not to my mind warrant the culprit's guilt to be swept under the carpet. It would have been more satisfying to have him stand trial and have a verdict of self defence. At no time was there an impending sense of gloom or menace, a feeling that the sleuths might be in danger. There is one lose strand which is not resolved. We hear that Griselda, Inspector Stokes' wife, is expecting a happy event and having a difficult time, but no more is made of this. In fact in the epilogue I was expecting Stokes' last visit to announce a birth, but no. Maybe we have to wait for the next novel. A pity.
October 22, 2024
Wonderfully complex mystery
Charlie becomes a person of interest in the murder of a nasty viscount. So after being visited by Inspector Stokes, Charlie quickly heads to see Barnaby and Penelope. He ends up investigating along with them. But the more they investigate, more they realize how much this will affect a huge number of people.
The pace is fast and the tone is uncertain with a character centered storyline that has no steam at all. The characters are vibrant and engaging. The complex mystery requires a lot of detailed investigation. This was an especially difficult mystery in many different aspects, but what do you do when you want to thank the murderer, not arrest them? Read this to find out how Stephanie Laurens capably handles this!
Charlie becomes a person of interest in the murder of a nasty viscount. So after being visited by Inspector Stokes, Charlie quickly heads to see Barnaby and Penelope. He ends up investigating along with them. But the more they investigate, more they realize how much this will affect a huge number of people.
The pace is fast and the tone is uncertain with a character centered storyline that has no steam at all. The characters are vibrant and engaging. The complex mystery requires a lot of detailed investigation. This was an especially difficult mystery in many different aspects, but what do you do when you want to thank the murderer, not arrest them? Read this to find out how Stephanie Laurens capably handles this!
January 18, 2025
This is a cute, cozy, historical mystery novella. I hadn’t read any of the earlier books in the series, but it was easy to follow the storyline. The story begins when a quiet, introverted young man of the ton becomes the prime suspect after Viscount Sedbury, a brute of a man known widely for his cruelty and willingness to inflict pain on others, is found murdered. The young man, Charlie, had stopped Sedbury from whipping a boy who tried to stop Sedbury from accosting his young sister. Charlie goes to his friends the Adairs, who are high society investigators, to try to prove his innocence and to find the actual murderer.
October 3, 2025
Pardon me while I puke. Listening to Napoleon Ryan doing female voices make the words of drag queens sound like Shakepearean drama. Dear publisher hire a male and a female narrator. I actually hated his narration even when he was speaking as a man. His attempt to create multiple male voices was ridiculous. Plausibility has left the building. I will check the narrator of audiobooks that I listen to in the future to avoid this sound. I hated the words so much that I could not stand to finish the book. The mystery itself was about as exciting as watching paint dry. Kristi & Abby Tabby
October 19, 2024
Excellent in All Ways!
This story by far, was the most confounding for our intrepid trio. What do you do when absolutely everyone, including their own family hates and fears the murder victim. Where the victim has spent their entire life in the pursuit of being the most despicable, vile being to walk the earth - a true monster. With too many potential suspects to even comprehend, Barnaby, Penelope and Stokes, along with all their resources, must pull together to make sense of this baffling case. A must read!
This story by far, was the most confounding for our intrepid trio. What do you do when absolutely everyone, including their own family hates and fears the murder victim. Where the victim has spent their entire life in the pursuit of being the most despicable, vile being to walk the earth - a true monster. With too many potential suspects to even comprehend, Barnaby, Penelope and Stokes, along with all their resources, must pull together to make sense of this baffling case. A must read!
January 7, 2026
Onward with Pen and Barnaby, and Stokes, let's see what mystery awaits!
Done! Another great entry in the Casebook series! I really liked that they were back in London for this one, no country manors or grand estates. It had a bit of a darker, grimmer feel because of that, where they're investigating things in the slums, and the grittier side of life. I always enjoy getting to peek into that part of the time period, it's an interesting change from the ballrooms and rich life, and I love seeing our characters working in that world, seeing how they adapt their methods and manner to gain trust and information. Quite different to how they have to act in their investigations on the aristo side.
As always, great to see my beloved characters again, investigate along with them, and get to spend more time in that world. Eagerly awaiting my delivery of the next volume! Should be in a day or two :D
Done! Another great entry in the Casebook series! I really liked that they were back in London for this one, no country manors or grand estates. It had a bit of a darker, grimmer feel because of that, where they're investigating things in the slums, and the grittier side of life. I always enjoy getting to peek into that part of the time period, it's an interesting change from the ballrooms and rich life, and I love seeing our characters working in that world, seeing how they adapt their methods and manner to gain trust and information. Quite different to how they have to act in their investigations on the aristo side.
As always, great to see my beloved characters again, investigate along with them, and get to spend more time in that world. Eagerly awaiting my delivery of the next volume! Should be in a day or two :D
October 20, 2024
english murder and mayhem
I thoroughly enjoy Barnaby and Penelope - but some of their cases are gruesome. This one was highly unsavory, but mostly offstage. But very worrisome for all involved. I was aware of the outcome, but delighted with the rather unusual treatment and self defense decision. Justice in no small sense. And the couple are highly regarded and will be asked for many more cases, not just the aristocracy. Good. news for readers.
I thoroughly enjoy Barnaby and Penelope - but some of their cases are gruesome. This one was highly unsavory, but mostly offstage. But very worrisome for all involved. I was aware of the outcome, but delighted with the rather unusual treatment and self defense decision. Justice in no small sense. And the couple are highly regarded and will be asked for many more cases, not just the aristocracy. Good. news for readers.
January 7, 2025
This time the Adairs and Inspector Stokes are tasked with finding who murdered a violent monster of a man universally feared and hated who also happens to be a Marques' heir. While depravity and violence are at the heart of the murder, they are merely alluded to here and I applaud how well the author handled. That left a perfectly fine murder mystery centered on detecting a murder when too many suspects and too few actual clues. Justice was indeed served.
November 1, 2024
I've enjoyed reading Stephanie Laurens' books for years, and this one is no different. I really liked these characters and the plot. I had an idea who the supposed villain could be, besides the elite described. Proven wrong, I was. So looking forward to reading the next installment of this wonderful series. Just love a good who dunnit!!
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April 16, 2025Loved it!
I'm great fan of the Adairs. I like the turn of events in this story. It isn't often the right of a wrong prevails. The dead man was a throwback to the days of old when a man of means/an aristocrat was allowed to get away with abusive behavior despite the rights of others.
I'm great fan of the Adairs. I like the turn of events in this story. It isn't often the right of a wrong prevails. The dead man was a throwback to the days of old when a man of means/an aristocrat was allowed to get away with abusive behavior despite the rights of others.
August 20, 2025
This just gets better and better. I listened to the audiobook version of this title read by Napoleon Ryan.
The Adair’s and their little armies are helping Stokes in so many different ways that, they’re making Scotland Yard look really good!
I do enjoy how this series is developing, with new and interesting characters.
The Adair’s and their little armies are helping Stokes in so many different ways that, they’re making Scotland Yard look really good!
I do enjoy how this series is developing, with new and interesting characters.
October 30, 2024
One of the best
I love the Adair/stokes mysteries but this was definitely one of the most interesting. Not a lot of people from the past showing up, but enough to keep everything feeling familiar. Definitely worth a read
I love the Adair/stokes mysteries but this was definitely one of the most interesting. Not a lot of people from the past showing up, but enough to keep everything feeling familiar. Definitely worth a read
November 19, 2024
I like how the cases are solved believably for that era, no sudden inventions to catch the criminal, plain good police work with a lot of hard work. I also like the romance threaded through the mystery. Great series.
November 30, 2024
I really miss Griselda and Violet. And Montague. Hope they will be included in future Barnaby books. However I do appreciate Barnaby's network (a.k.a. Baker Street Irregulars) and expansion of their roles.
June 19, 2025
Dead Beside the Thames
Great love it. I am waiting for more. Do not make us wait to long. All her books and series are wonderful. Love Stokes and all the male characters. We need the stories of Jonathon and Brian please.
Great love it. I am waiting for more. Do not make us wait to long. All her books and series are wonderful. Love Stokes and all the male characters. We need the stories of Jonathon and Brian please.
September 24, 2025
I am enjoying the investigations that Inspector Stokes, Barnaby, and Penelope Adair engage in. I don't want to put them down once I have started the book. The mystery is intriguing, and the characters are engaging. I have been satisfied with the whole series.
October 8, 2025
A peer is found dead by the docks. As they look into this death they find there is no one that is sad he is gone. They must find out what happened so that innocent people are not thought to have killed him.
November 13, 2025
excellent mystery
Disgusting villain; glad to see justice arranged. Watching for clues and enjoying the intelligent conversations in Laurens books is a treasure of good reading time.
Disgusting villain; glad to see justice arranged. Watching for clues and enjoying the intelligent conversations in Laurens books is a treasure of good reading time.
October 18, 2024
the barnaby adair books have the same emotional effect as a stack of quilts. this one isnt well folded
November 25, 2024
One of her better books. Good characters and a good story, if a little slow.
February 24, 2025
Good mystery. Enjoyed!
March 10, 2025
Terrific series
May 8, 2025
Excellent mystery! Had me guessing throughout the book! L
May 27, 2025
I love the Casebook series, as it always keeps me on the edge of my seat trying to guess the villain.
This story had the "victim" as the villain, and the actual killer as a peripheral victim.
This story had the "victim" as the villain, and the actual killer as a peripheral victim.
August 17, 2025
Good read
As always I enjoyed following the Adairs, and Stokes’ case here. Good to see the foundlings taking part in the investigation. Enjoy!
As always I enjoyed following the Adairs, and Stokes’ case here. Good to see the foundlings taking part in the investigation. Enjoy!
August 28, 2025
Liked
I liked reading this book and enjoyed the characters along with a believable story line but my only bugbear was that it ended very quickly.
I liked reading this book and enjoyed the characters along with a believable story line but my only bugbear was that it ended very quickly.
November 6, 2025
A worthy addition to the Casebooks written with Ms Laurens usual polished style.
January 25, 2026
Not bad.
November 25, 2024
An Intriguing Twist in the Barnaby Adair Series
Stephanie Laurens delivers yet another gem with this Barnaby Adair book—my favorite of the series so far! Unlike a typical murder mystery, this story keeps you on your toes with a refreshing and clever twist that sets it apart.
Having read nearly all of Laurens’ books, I’m consistently impressed by her ability to craft rich historical romances intertwined with suspenseful mysteries. Her Cynster series holds a special place in my heart, but this story highlights her knack for blending genres seamlessly.
This book kept me engaged from start to finish, balancing romance, intrigue, and unforgettable characters. If you enjoy historical mysteries with a romantic edge, I highly recommend it!
Stephanie Laurens delivers yet another gem with this Barnaby Adair book—my favorite of the series so far! Unlike a typical murder mystery, this story keeps you on your toes with a refreshing and clever twist that sets it apart.
Having read nearly all of Laurens’ books, I’m consistently impressed by her ability to craft rich historical romances intertwined with suspenseful mysteries. Her Cynster series holds a special place in my heart, but this story highlights her knack for blending genres seamlessly.
This book kept me engaged from start to finish, balancing romance, intrigue, and unforgettable characters. If you enjoy historical mysteries with a romantic edge, I highly recommend it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews