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A young woman has been murdered at the prime of her life, striking fear into the hearts of women across London and anguish into the heart of her dear fiancé.

There are no answers, only a single red rose left on the young woman’s body, the calling card once used for a cold-blooded killer who left a trail of dead women across the East End years ago.

Could the Whitechapel murderer be stalking the streets of London once more?

For Mikaela and Brodie, the crime is highly personal. The victim was an accomplished musician who gave lessons to ladies of society, including their ward, Lily. As more victims come to light and the police remain empty-handed, Mikaela’s great aunt insists that they take up the inquiry case before the murderer can strike yet again.

The clues trickle in and it seems the killer may have already chosen their next victim. Unbeknownst to Mikalea and Brodie, street-wise and fearless Lily has been running her own little investigation, only this time she hasn’t returned home.

And what should arrive instead? A red rose along with a she shouldn’t have interfered.

291 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 29, 2024

243 people are currently reading
91 people want to read

About the author

Carla Simpson

40 books172 followers

Carla Simpson also writes as Quinn Taylor Evans.

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5 stars
580 (61%)
4 stars
287 (30%)
3 stars
66 (7%)
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7 (<1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Stephanie Pâquet.
133 reviews2 followers
November 12, 2024
I love this series so much, I had made a note, on October 29th, in my agenda, so not to miss when the latest book would be available. Again, it did not disappoint. The characters we have come to love are still fully fledged and likeable because the great writing makes us understand them. Angus Brodie & Mikaela Forsythe's relationship is amazing, I love how they respect and love each other. I recommended that series to many of my Scarlet and the Duke fellow fans who were sad to see the William leave for next season, because Brodie reminds me of William so much - beside being Scottish, he's grumpy, and protective of Mikaela. As for the mystery in this book, again, it was an excellent one. With surprising twists and so well written. I highly recommend this book (and every other in the series)!
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,553 reviews15 followers
October 29, 2024
Chilling

This particular inquiry takes a personal spin when Lily gets involved. First on her own and then abducted. Mikaela and Brodie were already on the case but now they’ve got a ticking clock they must save Lily and find the truth.
A rather bleak account of corruption and its consequences wrapped up in a thrilling and chilling installment of this series. I’m quite pleased that we’ve moved past the cliffhanger endings as they were frustrating and irritating. There was a bit of hea for all at the wedding in the end. Wonderfully woven tale that brings London of the past alive warts and all.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,362 reviews
December 1, 2024
4.25/5 stars

As always, another stellar book in this historical mystery series (#10), and I'm loving watching the evolvement of Brodie & Mikaela as partners in business and as a couple.

Good plotting, tenacious and intelligent sleuthing (especially Mikaela) and great descriptives of time and place make this one a winner just like its predecessors.
Profile Image for Barbara Rogers.
1,754 reviews208 followers
October 25, 2024
Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Angus Brodie and Mikaela Forsythe #10 (Goodness what a long series name)
Publication Date: 10/29/24
Period: Victorian London
Number of Pages: 291

Brodie and Mikaela have taken on some dangerous and tense cases, but this one hit very close to home. When a beautiful, kind, musically gifted young woman is murdered outside the printshop where she had just picked up the invitations to her wedding, Mikaela’s ward, Lily, is devastated. The young woman, Miss Charlotte Mallory, is Lily’s music instructor and friend. Charlotte is also the only child of prominent barrister, Sir Edward Mallory. Who would want to murder such a lovely and kind young woman? Lily wants to know and she doesn’t trust Scotland Yard to find out. So, what does any intelligent young woman with a set of talented detectives as relatives do? She ‘hires’ them, of course!

With few clues and some less-than-cooperative witnesses, Brodie and Mikaela will have a tough time solving the murder. However, as with all cases, one small clue leads to another, which leads to another, and before you know it, you have all the clues you need. You just have to figure out what all of those clues mean.

Just a few days later, the body of another lovely young lady is found – murdered in the same manner as Charlotte. This young woman, Miss Margaret Cameron, is the daughter of prominent judge Harold Cameron. The murders are frighteningly similar. Are they related? If so, how?

I love the way Mikaela and Brodie work both separately and together as they investigate and evaluate the clues to this vicious killer. Things really become intense when Lily disappears and one of the murderer’s ‘signature’ calling cards is left for them. Can they solve the case and rescue Lily before the unthinkable happens?

One thing I particularly loved about this book – aside from the mystery – is how Mikaela and Brody’s relationship evolves. They are both learning to accept and work with each other’s faults and strengths. They are becoming accepting of each other in a very good way. They love and need each other and they are finally figuring out how to make it all work.

This excellently written mystery will grab your attention from the first page and won’t let you go until it is done. So, for your safety and comfort, be sure you have taken care of all personal needs and that you have a full supply of eats and drinks before you begin reading. Why? You won’t be able to put the book down once you start reading. Happy Reading!

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Nanna.
1,224 reviews4 followers
November 1, 2024
I have read all the books in this series and loved most of them. One did have a cliff hanger which was disappointing. This one has a ton of things going on at the same time. Mikaela's sister, Charlotte is getting married to Mikaela publisher Ward. Her and Brodie are still getting over things from their past. They are learning to accept how each has strengths and weaknesses and how to accept the other. I wish the books would show more of the feeling of love and passion both have for the other. I know this series is mostly about mysteries and crime. But our couple has been thru a lot and now we need to see some of their passion for the other. This story has not one but two murders, both young Ladies from prominent families. The first case hits close to home as it is the music teacher to Mikaela’s ward Lily. Charlotte Mallory daughter to a Barrister. Shortly after her murder Margaret Camerom is murdered in the same manner and is the daughter of a Judge. Both women have a rose left by them? Hum, both Brodie and Mikaela are “hired" by Lily to find who did this as she doesn’t trust the police. As they investigate clues lead to thing in the past. The case gets much worst when Lily is kidnapped. This was a very suspenseful, intriguing read. Mikaela and Brodie get help from some of our favorite past characters, Rupert of course and Mr. Cavendish, Munro, Aunt Eugenia and what would one of their stories be without the housekeeper Mrs. Ryan. This one will keep you guessing till the end and you will still be wrong! I was a disappointed we didn’t get to see how Lily’s gift was received and what Mr. Cavendish wanted to talk to Mikaela about. I took off a star for these were an interesting part of the story. Be sure and grab your copy and get started you will not be sorry. You will enjoy the books more if you read them in order. There is a lot of history with this couple that helps make each story better. I received and ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.
Profile Image for Pat Robinson.
860 reviews10 followers
October 20, 2024
Do NOT start this story at 8 pm, because you will be up ALL night reading it! Right from the start it grabs your attention and does not let go until the very end! Brodie and Mikaela take on a case requiring they use all the tricks of the trade to find out the culprit. I adored how the writer uses the first person for Mikaela, so we get a sense of what she’s thinking . Watching Brodie try to protect her is so sweet and so frustrating for him! There is a very touching scene between them , that to me, solidifies their relationship. As before, we see Great Aunt Montgomery, Lily and a bit of Templeton. I had a hard time really figuring out the villain(S?) , the plot is written so well as to keep him/her/them under wraps. Truly a wonderful murder mystery that keeps you guessing through it all. I would have LOVED to seen a picture of Brodie in the suit he wore for Lenore’s wedding-sounded delicious! Great story!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Charmaine Fernando.
426 reviews7 followers
October 28, 2024
Brodie and Mikaela are a formidable duo who investigate crime. My first time reading this series, but I was able to follow along without getting lost.

This time the crime hits closer to home when their ward, Lily is, her music teacher, Charlotte is murdered. Charlotte is the only child of prominent barrister, Sir Edward Mallory and Lily is devastated. She hires Brodie and Mikaela to find the murderer. While going about with their investigation, another young lady is murdered a few days later and each time, the murderer leaves a red rose on the victim’s body. They start working the case and the clues are slow to be revealed. However, they doggedly work the case until it is solved. The final reveal was something I never expected and could not guess, though I did try several times! I liked the story line as it kept me interested and I could not put the book down.

Well worth reading and I plan to read the rest of the series for Brodie and Mikaela. I received an ARC from the publishers and Booksprout and submit my review voluntarily.
Author 1 book9 followers
December 29, 2024
Carla Simpson's Angus Brodie and Mikaela Forsythe series has much to commend it. Her research into Victorian England, its geography and technological innovations is impressive. So why then did she not research the British social system, its manners and modes of address? It's a glaring omission and one which detracts from the series as a whole.

I groaned when she referred to Sir Edward Mallory as Sir Mallory. It's like referring to a man as Sir Jones or Sir Smith. It's simply one of so many social faux pas with which the series is riddled. I'm surprised that an editor or reader or one of the author's many fans hasn't drawn her attention to this.

Like many others, I'm a reader with a love of English history, especially romances and mysteries set in the Regency and Victorian periods. Apart from those which are little more than literary cosplays, it's the attention to detail which separates the best from the mediocre.
Profile Image for Roslyn Stillman.
548 reviews14 followers
October 24, 2024
This is book 10 in the series. If you have not read any others, this one is good to read as a standalone. Ms Simpson has added a lot of background so that you don’t feel you have no understanding of the characters and their past. As with this whole series, once I have this book, everything is put down to read it and they have never, including this, disappointed. The characters are so well written, I feel I know them and the storyline keeps you intrigued and guessing till the end. The twists and turns are well-written and easy to follow. There is humor, mystery and suspense. Though these are murder mysteries, they are not graphic and there is no sex. Perfect for all readers I absolutely love this series and look forward to the next. I received this as an ARC from Booksprout and freely give my review.
515 reviews8 followers
November 8, 2024

Grief and Murder

Angus and Mikaela are conducting a murder inquiry at the request of young Lily, Mikaela’s and her great aunt’s ward. Her music instructor has been murdered and soon after another young woman has met the same fate. The only clue is a single red rose 🌹. What does a cold case 10 years earlier have to do with these murders?
Simpson delivers another fabulous mystery and the usual supporting cast in tow to help the dynamic duo: Munro, the Mudger and Rupert the hound. This is a well orchestrated murder mystery with a lot of moving parts, but readers will appreciate how the author does not reveal the motive or murderer until the final chapters. Absolutely intriguing and worth all of 5 stars 🌟.
I have received an ARC from OHB and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.
69 reviews2 followers
October 27, 2024
Since the murder at the start of the book involves a victim known to Mikaela and her ward Lily, Angus & Mikaela take on the investigation. This time, there is no obstruction from Scotland Yard as the nasty former Chief Inspector has been replaced, and the Brodies are more settled into married life. The main characters are interesting people as are those around them, and their relationships give color and depth to the story. This latest mystery is suspenseful throughout, keeping the reader guessing. The investigation is realistically slow and thorough, and no one will guess the solution until it's given at the very end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Stephanie Herron.
747 reviews11 followers
October 27, 2024
Mikaela and Brodie are back solving mysteries in a case that has a lot of secrets and pieces that don't seem to fit together. When they see a case in the paper that has similarities to a case never solved, they are immediately interested. They find out the victim was their foster daughter, Lily, music instructor. They enlist the help from the usual characters, Mr. Cavendish, Rupert the hound, Mr. Brimley, and Munro to solve the mystery. The story is a nice mix of witty banter, clues, and action. It is easily a story you'll want to read all in one day.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for NelleRenn.
992 reviews
October 31, 2024
I have enjoyed all of the previous books in the series and this one didn’t disappoint. It helps if you have read the other books so you know more of the supporting characters, but it is not necessary for the mystery. I like how Mikaela and Brodie have evolved in their relationship and have learned to accept each other’s strengths and weaknesses, such has her leaving notes about where she has gone so the protective Brodie will have some idea. This murder mystery has two current deaths which lead back to a death several years earlier. That was intriguing how the murders were related.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
994 reviews10 followers
December 1, 2024
VICTORIAN HISTORICAL DRAMA, 5 STARS, MUST READ

5 STARS to Carla Simpson for Book 10 in her extraordinary Series: Angus Brodie and Mikaela Forsythe Murder Mystery. A good BLURB is provided along with a fast paced action packed storyline filled with lots of interesting characters & history of the time.

This is a must read of those who love drama, murder, & plenty of exciting romance especially during this particular historical era.

I would hire Brodie & Mikaela for sure; but would also love to be their friend & a friend to those around them. I especially would have adored the Egyptian Sailing ship in the Ballroom in her great aunts home.

RECOMMEND
Profile Image for Monica.
400 reviews8 followers
October 23, 2024
I love this series. The characters are so much fun to get to know and watch as their relationship changes.

In this one, Lily, Mikaela and Brodie’s ward, has a close friend killed. She “hires” them to find the killer. The case is quite involved and leads to unexpected consequences.

The book is another strong part of the series. I always say that the last book written is my favorite; I love them all!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,307 reviews11 followers
October 29, 2024
Mikaela and Brodie are called to solve a mystery again. Two women are dead , one who they know well, and a third one, their very own ward Lily is missing. It's a race against time to rescue Lily before the unimaginable happens.

Edge of the seat, nail biting excitement, topped off with a development of a stronger relationship between the two detectives makes this book an exciting read in a series of great books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Dominique Englebert.
571 reviews5 followers
November 3, 2024
Victims of a cover-up?
Two young ladies are murdered, one the daughter of a renowned barrister, the other the daughter of a judge.
Mikaela and Brodie investigate as consultants to the Metropolitan Police. Despite a dearth of information and the obstinate silence of both barrister and judge, they manage to unearth information about a miscarriage of justice years ago.
Have these young ladies paid the ultimate price for the faults of their fathers?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Michelle.
323 reviews
November 5, 2024
This one is my favorite one yet! I loved how our main characters interact with one another, after the troubles from the previous books. It's a very character and relationship driven book, with a good mystery in-between. The supporting characters as always are strong and/or funny. That's what I think I enjoy the most, about these books, no matter how dark the case is, there is always love and humor. A great series, that I truly wish was completely published, so I could just go onto the next book!
Profile Image for Patricia.
610 reviews1 follower
December 7, 2024
Two young women murdered, with a red rose left in their hands. What is the connection? When a corruption from the past brings revenge to the present, is anyone safe? Where does it stop?
Mikaela and Angus are back with a truly horrifying story that could cause them personal harm. Glad to have Mikaela and Angus back and solidly together.
Really had me holding my breath in the last quarter of the book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Amber Fink.
101 reviews1 follower
January 30, 2025
i love her novels

I love these.. They always keep me on the edge of my seat and I’m not gonna lie when Makaela screamed no at the one section in the book( oh you’ll know when you read ) so did I! Don’t ever scare us like that again 😝 so sad it’s the end of a novel but I can’t wait to see what there up to next!! Thank you for such amazing novels. I can’t wait to check out her other series she has as well they look pretty steamy 😏😏
75 reviews
November 28, 2025
Murder and mayhem!

Brodie and Mikaela continue to work on their relationship…..oh, my [sigh], so lovely. Lily loses a good friend and the dynamic duo push forward to solve the mystery of whodunit. I just love this series, plots are well- written, giving us snippets of clues every so often, adding interest to the little bits of Mikaela and Brodie’s romance here and there….just wonderful stories. On to Book 11!
Profile Image for The Assassin Librarian.
17 reviews5 followers
October 29, 2024
I hurts me to say that I did not love this book. The story was slow and take this with a grain of salt, but, Brodie's accent was just not for me. The mystery aspect was boring and repetitive. It was difficult to finish this book. I had huge expectations but I'm sorry to say that they weren't fulfilled.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
10 reviews
November 18, 2024
great read

Another quick and great read. Terrific characters with an excellent story. Nice to see Mikado and Brodie's relationship so solid. And the hero of the story is the hound. Yay! Love the dog and Cavendish. Keep the story going.
Only issue is the typos, misplaced and missing words. Proofreaders need to be retrained.
1,910 reviews18 followers
December 7, 2024
Great!

Love this series! Each entry has been different in the crimes.investigated but each has been excellent! Cast of characters are always delightful and their interaction an integral part of each investigation! I was excited to see our 2 main characters working to make their relationship work rather than being at odds. Very good reading adventure!
78 reviews
December 23, 2024
Another great mystery!

Angus Brodie & Mikaela Forsythe Murder Mysteries continues to be one of the best I’ve read. The characters continue to develop into stronger versions of themselves as people do, the stories more intriguing. Carla Simpson is an amazing storyteller. I strongly recommend this series and hope for more to come!
12 reviews
December 26, 2025
Poor Editing, Great Plot and Characters

I love this series, but as an English teacher and composition professor, I cannot give five stars to a story with so many (easily fixed) errors. Ms. Simpson, great storytelling, but poor writing conventions—and still I look forward to the next one!
Profile Image for Suzette.
3,627 reviews23 followers
October 29, 2024
This series continues to provide readers with excellent mystery and intrigue. Mikaela and Brodie make a wonderful couple in their daily lives and while investigating. The plot of the story is detailed and beautifully crafted. The characters have become favorite of readers. There are some funny moments throughout the story to be enjoyed. Readers will continue to look forward to the next installment in the series.
23 reviews
June 19, 2025
pacer

Following on from previous books
It continues at a fast pace with main characters involve in intricate side stories with villains galore and an ever faithful dog who comes to the rescue when humans fail and at last the wedding
Profile Image for Boardwalk Babe.
13 reviews
June 28, 2025
Charm, danger, mystery and laughter; what mire could anyone need?

My favorite of the whole series thus far. My favorite in the supporting cast? Either that amazing Great Aunt or Rupert-hero and stinky hound.
Profile Image for Deb Khoriaty.
14 reviews
November 30, 2025
Enjoy the story lines in this series. This book really needs to be edited. The names of the victims and their families are often misstated, and the conversations between Brodie and Mikaela are repeated within the same paragraph. It's annoying and makes for tough reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews

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