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Can they stitch together fragile trust and unravel a sinister tapestry in time to save the Christmas season?

Northumberland, 1813: Lord Roland and Lady Grace arrive in Northumberland expecting to celebrate the Christmas season. Instead, they are drawn into a frantic search for a group of local children who have disappeared overnight.

Roland’s grandfather urges them to leave the matter to the townspeople, but when they learn this is just the latest in a string of so-called runaways, they suspect something far more sinister is afoot.

With determination and compassion, Roland and Grace work to weave together the fragile threads of trust between them and the community. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they uncover a disturbing pattern that hints at a web of deception.

Just when they believe they are close to unmasking the culprit, someone they hold dear is taken in the dead of night.

Roland and Grace are forced to decide—how much they are willing to risk to bring the criminal to justice?

264 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2024

550 people are currently reading
95 people want to read

About the author

Lynn Morrison

80 books232 followers
Lynn Morrison lives in Oxford, England along with her husband, two daughters and two cats. Originally from the US, she has also lived in Italy, France and the Netherlands. It’s no surprise then that she loves to travel, with a never-ending wishlist of destinations to visit. She is as passionate about reading as she is writing, and can almost always be found with a book in hand. You can find out more about her on her website LynnMorrisonWriter.com.

You can chat with her directly in her Facebook group - Lynn Morrison’s Not a Book Club - where she talks about books, life and anything else that crosses her mind.

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5 stars
257 (55%)
4 stars
155 (33%)
3 stars
47 (10%)
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3 (<1%)
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Starfire.
1,372 reviews32 followers
March 2, 2025
Despite how long it took me to finish this book, I did actually enjoy it - I really love spending time with Grace, Roland, Thorne, Elsie and the sprouts, and this was no exception. Plus, the little teaser at the end for Charity & Peregrine's series was a lovely bonus.

This instalment had a very different vibe to it than the previous three, which makes sense when I read Ms Morrison's comment that it was originally just meant to be a Christmas novella, but it somehow grew into a full-blown novel when she wasn't looking. But while the mysteries in the previous books were highly political, this was much closer to home, relating purely to Roland's family and its history.

One thing I didn't enjoy about it - and this is no doubt a side effect of its planned position as a final instalment novella - is just how much of the relationship tension in this book .

I did like

So all in all, yes, a good finale for the Crown Jewels Mysteries set - and I'm very much looking forward to the first book in Charity's series coming out later this year.
Profile Image for Jill.
116 reviews2 followers
November 24, 2024
Ahh, we’ve come to the end of our readers journey with Grace and Roland 😢 but what a wonderful end it is! No spoilers, but I was so happy with the way things panned out for them 🥰
Anyhoo, they’re embarking on a seemingly straightforward, probably dull and expected to be unpleasant stay in Alnwick, with the Breaker. Which, unsurprisingly with these two, turns out to be less than straightforward and not dull at all, though definitely unpleasant at times. There are plenty of challenges for them to overcome, both in regard to the mystery of the missing children and also personally. I very much enjoyed their investigation and the deeper layers of the puzzle that were uncovered in the process. I was well caught up in it all 😁
Mystery aside, I did love that Grace in particular got to know Roland’s grandfather a little better and discovered more to him than a miserable, angry curmudgeon - though he was still that at times! Old family secrets and shame were revealed and some wrongs were put to rights.
As always, the writing, history, mystery, descriptions and character developments are superb and I loved everything about this final instalment. And my sadness at this series ending was tempered by the reveal that we’re going to be treated to Charity’s adventures next! Very much looking forward to those - and I have my fingers crossed that sometime in the future we may get adventures with Thorne . . . I’d love for him to have an hea. In the meantime, I shall (possibly not so) patiently await what shenanigans the authors conjure up for the lovely Charity 😁💖

Profile Image for Debbie Lacey.
337 reviews7 followers
November 25, 2024
This 4th and final book in Percy's and Grace's story was everything I wanted for their finale even if it is a bittersweet read. Expect a solid mystery and a heartwarming tale wrapped up in one, not to mention a touch of romance, witty banter, and humor. For reasons that become obvious very quickly, Grace is not as physically involved in this adventure, but she is very much present, and her more subdued role allows Thorne to play a larger part. All of our favorite characters, including the Sprouts, are a part of the story, and for once, neither the Queen nor the Prince are manipulating the couple. The story also provides a great introduction to the spin-off series with Grace's best friend, Charity, due to release in 2025.

Percy and Grace are finally at Percy's ancestral home in the cold harsh climes of Northumberland, Alnwick Castle. How interesting that the setting is not fictional but the second largest inhabited castle in the UK and home to the real Percy family. Fact meets fiction, or vice versa. Either way, it is a testimony to the research that Lynn Morrison and Anne Radcliffe devote to this and every book in this series, adding to the depth and enjoyment of each one.

I highly recommend this book but encourage you to read the series from the beginning in order to fully appreciate the character development, as well as the background for Charity's story.
Profile Image for Maria.
222 reviews6 followers
November 15, 2024
The plan is for Roland and Grace to spend time at Alnwick, before travelling together, but we all know what happens to best laid plans…

Our daring couple are looking forward to being a married couple and travelling, before the time comes for Roland to take over from his grandfather. They deserve a break after all their danger and adventures. Somehow though, the couple seem to attract mysteries that must be solved. Children in the area are disappearing and, at the same time, the duke is not himself and there is a family mystery to investigate. All the while Grace has to find her feet in her new role/household and deal with worries of her own. As if this isn’t enough to contend with, events escalate, upping the stakes.

Seeing Grace and Roland in different circumstances, allows us to get to know them even better. Thorne, Elsie and The Sprouts return and some new, very likeable, characters are introduced. The mysteries keep you guessing, and sometimes on the edge of your seat. This is another triumph in this series of Regency mysteries and I loved it!
Profile Image for Kellye.
125 reviews
November 16, 2024
I received an advanced copy of the book in return for my honest review.

This was a fitting end to the series of the Crown Jewels story. I would not read it as a stand alone story. To get the most from the adventures, you need to read the entire series.

Roland and Grace are not looking forward to an extended sojourn with Roland’s grandfather, but they understand their duty. Unsurprisingly, they find some new mysteries to solve, some which reach deeply into their family history. There is greater development of the characters and while I see there is at least one spin off series planned, I really hope that at some point we get a happily ever after for Thorne as well.

This was probably my favorite of the series, perhaps because so many loose ends were tied up. They definitely have a happily ever after with a growing family and deepening relationships among their extended group.

The mysteries solved were satisfying and not too easily solved. This is a good read on a cozy and chilly day when you want to soak up the warmth of a good story.
96 reviews1 follower
November 24, 2024
This book is the third in a story arc, and finds Lady Grace and Lord Roland as a well-integrated team, respectful of each other and always willing to help people in need, as is well described in the blurb. Two or even three puzzles beg to be solved - and it seems the ducal honor may be at stake - but the going is hard and the clues few. Great story, and a wonderful ending as well! - I love this series, and although these characters are ending their tale for now, the series continues with another familiar character at the center, and I can't wait. - I received an advance copy and freely leave this honest review.
Profile Image for Jane litherland.
4,109 reviews75 followers
December 1, 2024
Captivating mystery by Lynn Morrison and Anne Radcliffe. It draws you into its spell immersing you into Northumberland 1813 Christmas season. There’s a new town and mystery to discover that is chilling that has nothing to do with the fact that it is December in the United Kingdom . There’s mystery afoot and Roland and Grace are the ones to get to the bottom of the so called runaways tag after a frantic search for a group of local children disappear overnight . Gripping well written mystery that draws you into its and keeps hold to conclusion . Excellent mystery and the characters and descriptions are apt and on point
Profile Image for Lizz Taylor.
1,414 reviews16 followers
November 18, 2024
A continuation of the Crown Jewels Regency series finds Roland and Grace visiting Northumberland for the holidays. They find themselves in a mystery with young children going missing. Are they runaways or is there a sinister plot targeting the children? Also, Roland's grandfather is acting odder than usual adding to the stress of the situation. Surprising family secrets are revealed. This can be read as a standalone but for those of us who have been invested in the characters since the first book, this is a wonderful continuation of the series.
55 reviews
December 1, 2024
This fourth book in the Crown Jewels Regency Mysteries is a sequel to what originally seemed to be a trilogy featuring Lady Grace Tilbury and Lord Roland Percy. Now married, the setting, the nature of the crimes, and to some extent the relationships of the characters have changed from the earlier books. This book can easily stand alone, but reading the earlier books would flesh out the major and supporting characters, and could help as preparation for the authors' next planned trilogy or more in the Crown Jewels series. Highly recommended.
270 reviews1 follower
November 18, 2024
Mysteries and secrets abound in Northumberland. Roland and Grace have arrived to spend Christmas at Castle Alnwick. I love the characters - both from prior books and new to this one. Like the other books in this series the story got to a point where I just had to stop everything and find out what was going to happen next. Definitely a page turner. This is a really well researched historical mystery. Put it on your December reading list.
142 reviews
November 22, 2024
Lady Grace and Lord Percy go to Alnwick Castle, home of the Duke. The mystery this time is missing children from several villages. Are the children run aways or has someone taken them?. On the lighter side there seems to be a romance forming
This is another exciting book that makes you turn pages rapidly to see what’s next. I loved the ending. Despite a clue or 2 I was surprised and delighted by it. Hopefully the “next” book is published soon.
272 reviews5 followers
November 27, 2024
Captivating read!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The latest instalment of The Crown Jewels Regency Mysteries is as intriguing as the previous three! This time we are at the ancestral home of Roland and discover family secrets long buried but that hold sway over current events. The characters reveal more of themselves. Lady Grace has a secret! The mystery is fast paced with lots of action and the conclusion is both a celebration of life and a bittersweet goodbye. Loved it!
Profile Image for Dominique Englebert.
565 reviews5 followers
March 9, 2025
A masterful fourth book
After their marriage, Grace and Roland depart to Northumberland to spend their first holiday as a couple with the old duke, who seems to decline rapidly. However, rumours of disappearing children force Roland to investigate.
Unfortunately, children trafficking is no modern plague, but an all-time problem whenever unscrupulous individuals profit from their vulnerability.
333 reviews
November 22, 2024
Really enjoyed this installment of Grace and Roland. They are visiting the Breaker, Roland's grandfather, for the winter before embarking on their travels to see the world. Grace has always wanted to go on adventures. But, there is trouble afoot, and it's up to Grace and Roland to figure out exactly what is going on.
356 reviews
December 2, 2024
I love everything I've ever read that was written by Lynn Morrison, but this series, written by Lynn Morrison and Anne Radcliffe, exceeds my highest expectations. In my opinion, The Emerald Threads, this 4th volume of the series, is the best, but they're all well-written, with well-developed characters, an intriguing mystery, and family drama. Read them all. You'll be glad you did!
28 reviews
December 7, 2024
The best yet!!! Lady Grace and Lord Roland Percy are an awesome pair!!!! They now have twins and will
Be staying at Alnwick Castle after the Duke dies since
Lord Roland is now the heir to the dukedom. They solve the mystery of the missing children of the village and find family secrets that have been kept hidden for many years.

So excited about the new series coming in 2025 with Lady Charity and Lord Fitzroy in the Brillance and Betrayal.

I received and advance copy of this book for
My honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
686 reviews
December 19, 2024
A Secret in More Ways Than One!!

On a trip to the homeward castle many things have changed & there is a secret to guess. And then another secret of someone long ago
turns into a mystery. But children are missing and it’s a chase to find out where they are & how they went missing. When one of the sprouts goes missing it’s a search to the end with now a “Mystery Room”
1,506 reviews16 followers
December 5, 2024
There's more to the old Breaker than meets the eye, but not something to be proud of unfortunately. A family of shameful secrets brought to the fore. But sometimes it is better bled out than left inside to fester.

Exciting and well enjoyable read, as always. Great stuff!!
430 reviews6 followers
November 21, 2024
Loved it, the characters have grown and it is fun to have them in a different local.
4 reviews
February 3, 2025
the monster

A continuation of Roland and Grace’ “adventures.” Well developed story, and I hope the authors develop Throne’s character. He is an interesting fellow.
35 reviews
April 7, 2025
Great read, very enjoyable, and the icing on the cake
Profile Image for Lois.
1,103 reviews3 followers
November 25, 2024
I'm lucky enough to be a beta reader for this series and this book blew me away. It's the best yet and I loved it. I've never had a cozy mystery make me both laugh and cry before.

The fourth and final book in this trilogy - it obviously ran away with itself, is a brilliant send off to the series. The plot is woven over three generations and the result of poor decisions. Children are missing and there are no clues to their whereabouts. Secrets and lies abound and it's up to Roland and Grace to untangle the past in order to secure the future. Great characters and an intriguing plot made this one of my favourite 'cosies' of the year
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

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