What do you think?
Rate this book
The Chaplain's Legacy #4
Secrecy
One man with a secret. A family torn apart by the consequences.
Miss Teresa Nicholson, daughter of an earl’s chaplain, has suffered two dreadful shocks. First, her father was brutally murdered, and then his will bequeathed her his entire fortune, but only if she marries a gentleman. Tess knows the reason for that - she loves a man who works with his hands, and that’s unacceptable for the niece of an earl. But if she can marry a compliant man who won’t interfere with her life, she’ll be free to do as she pleases, won’t she? If only she could find this mysterious fortune…
Edward, Lord Tarvin has his life exactly how he wants it - his mother confined to his northern estate while he enjoys a bachelor existence in London. But when he hears that Tess Nicholson has designs on his simple minded cousin, he knows he has to do whatever it takes to stop her. If only she weren’t such an infuriating, conniving and downright beguiling woman…
This is a complete story with a happy ever after. A traditional Regency romance, drawing room rather than bedroom. Book 4 of a 6 book series.
Miss Teresa Nicholson, daughter of an earl’s chaplain, has suffered two dreadful shocks. First, her father was brutally murdered, and then his will bequeathed her his entire fortune, but only if she marries a gentleman. Tess knows the reason for that - she loves a man who works with his hands, and that’s unacceptable for the niece of an earl. But if she can marry a compliant man who won’t interfere with her life, she’ll be free to do as she pleases, won’t she? If only she could find this mysterious fortune…
Edward, Lord Tarvin has his life exactly how he wants it - his mother confined to his northern estate while he enjoys a bachelor existence in London. But when he hears that Tess Nicholson has designs on his simple minded cousin, he knows he has to do whatever it takes to stop her. If only she weren’t such an infuriating, conniving and downright beguiling woman…
This is a complete story with a happy ever after. A traditional Regency romance, drawing room rather than bedroom. Book 4 of a 6 book series.
363 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 17, 2025
260 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Mary Kingswood
64 books485 followersI live in the beautiful Highlands of Scotland with my husband. I like chocolate, whisky, my Kindle, massed pipe bands, long leisurely lunches, chocolate, going places in my campervan, eating pizza in Italy, summer nights that never get dark, wood fires in winter, chocolate, the view from the study window looking out over the Moray Firth and the Black Isle to the mountains beyond. And chocolate. I dislike driving on motorways, cooking, shopping, hospitals.
The lovely lady in my avatar is Archduchess Clementina of Austria (1798-1881), Princess of Salerno, painted around 1839.
NOTE: I read Regency romances as well as write them, and I review them all on my website, or you can find them right here on Goodreads on my real-name account at Pauline M. Ross.
The lovely lady in my avatar is Archduchess Clementina of Austria (1798-1881), Princess of Salerno, painted around 1839.
NOTE: I read Regency romances as well as write them, and I review them all on my website, or you can find them right here on Goodreads on my real-name account at Pauline M. Ross.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
January 22, 2025
A delicious read!
It took me a little bit to warm up to our incorrigible heroine, but once I did, I cheered for her and was thrilled by the happy ever after.
It took me a little bit to warm up to our incorrigible heroine, but once I did, I cheered for her and was thrilled by the happy ever after.
January 26, 2025
As a longtime die hard Mary Kingswood fan it’s very hard for me to admit that I’m not enjoying this series. I didn’t enjoy this book. To give it only four stars pains me. I never warmed to Tess. She’s spoiled, headstrong, and unlikable. I didn’t like her from the first book and her behavior here just infuriated me. She never has an epiphany. She gets what she wanted rather than being punished for her dreadful behavior. Edward is easier to like but I held it against him that he was so intent on taming the shrew. I don’t understand what is happening with the female characters in this family. I couldn’t stand Izzy in the last book. The way she abused her loving husband and abandoned her children was unforgivable. Her tantrums made me physically ill (there was a lot of shouting in my childhood home). The Countess just leaves, again abandoning her young children. And her husband let her go. I can’t stand these people. On the other hand we see a great deal of Captain Edgerton, the lovely Luce and the rest of the team. The mystery is completely engrossing, which is why it gets four stars, not the 21/2 I wanted to give it. I’m so worried about Miss Peach I can hardly wait for the next book. Poor Peachy. In spite of the negative feelings this series engenders for me, it’s still Mary Kingswood, which means it’s a cut above everything else. Don’t miss it on my account. You may find Tess amusing and Edward totally dreamy. I’m hoping Kent’s story is more to my taste.
January 11, 2025
I requested and received a pre-release copy of ‘Secrecy’, and would love to tell you what I so enjoyed about this book.
Mary Kingswood is undoubtedly one of my favorite, if not absolutely my favorite author, of this, my favorite genre. I believe I have read almost everything she has published, some twice, with a view to increasing that number. My favorite by far was her ‘Stranger’ series, followed closely by the ‘Silver Linings’ series.
I will admit, ‘The Chaplain’s Legacy’ series was a slow starter for me, in that its story was so very different from, shall we say, “the norm” for this genre, and for Ms. Kingswood’s usual. But I was determined to read it, I love her writing so much. About midway through ‘Secrecy’ I believe I finally saw the true beauty of this series: it is that we can all be deceived by appearances. From the false facade of Corland to the character versus the actions of the chaplain, we are faced again and again with a careful framing of a character which brings us either satisfaction or disgust, only to learn upon further acquaintance that our initial deduction was faulty, lacking a greater intimacy to discover the core. As usual, her narration is brisk and steady, carrying us along with no time for boredom, eager to uncover the final conclusion. She brings us into that intimacy we long for, revealing the thoughts and intents of each character, in a believable and relatable way.
Once again she has crafted a puzzle piece, adding additional detail as to the mystery that pervades the series … at whose hand did the chaplain meet his fate. I’m itching to have it revealed! and I have my own secret opinion, but we shall see, somewhere out there in a future release! I can’t wait!
Mary Kingswood is undoubtedly one of my favorite, if not absolutely my favorite author, of this, my favorite genre. I believe I have read almost everything she has published, some twice, with a view to increasing that number. My favorite by far was her ‘Stranger’ series, followed closely by the ‘Silver Linings’ series.
I will admit, ‘The Chaplain’s Legacy’ series was a slow starter for me, in that its story was so very different from, shall we say, “the norm” for this genre, and for Ms. Kingswood’s usual. But I was determined to read it, I love her writing so much. About midway through ‘Secrecy’ I believe I finally saw the true beauty of this series: it is that we can all be deceived by appearances. From the false facade of Corland to the character versus the actions of the chaplain, we are faced again and again with a careful framing of a character which brings us either satisfaction or disgust, only to learn upon further acquaintance that our initial deduction was faulty, lacking a greater intimacy to discover the core. As usual, her narration is brisk and steady, carrying us along with no time for boredom, eager to uncover the final conclusion. She brings us into that intimacy we long for, revealing the thoughts and intents of each character, in a believable and relatable way.
Once again she has crafted a puzzle piece, adding additional detail as to the mystery that pervades the series … at whose hand did the chaplain meet his fate. I’m itching to have it revealed! and I have my own secret opinion, but we shall see, somewhere out there in a future release! I can’t wait!
January 9, 2025
I originally found Mary Kingswood after discovering Georgette Heyer. Imagine my surprise when after devouring two of Mary Kingswood’s series she had taken over as my favorite author. The hijinks, location changes, and fast pace that Mary Kingswood carries in this book reminded me so much of why I originally fell in love with Heyer. Silly situations, real conversations, and characters that are clever yet dumb. I was a little apprehensive about this story because of the main character Tess, a character who it is easy to dislike from the other books right from the jump. I love that Mary made the choice not to make Tess a featherbrain. Just a selfish girl, who felt neglected and devised a means to her security. I also really enjoyed Edward. I think Secrecy did such a good job of maintaining character development while also pushing forward the plot. I am on the edge of my seat for the next book in the series and will just have to content myself with reading Mary Kingswood’s other series all over again. I find them incredibly delightful, but the mysterious element in this one is so intriguing and different than the others. This will be a book you will not want to put down, especially if you have read the others in the series. There is not a single paragraph where you are thinking oh man, this trope again, or willing the story to move forward. There’s nothing that’s going to make you skim. It’s like watching a miniseries unfold and I love it.
If you haven’t had the pleasure of reading the series yet and want to start here, do it! Kingswood is able to write in such a way that doesn’t leave you wondering what’s happening. Which is crazy because there is a lot of backstory to be covered, but you find yourself immediately immersed in the world where a Chaplain was false and mystery runs high.
I received a pre-release copy, and am leaving a review voluntarily. The glowing remarks are my own, and I highly recommend you read this book, and series.
If you haven’t had the pleasure of reading the series yet and want to start here, do it! Kingswood is able to write in such a way that doesn’t leave you wondering what’s happening. Which is crazy because there is a lot of backstory to be covered, but you find yourself immediately immersed in the world where a Chaplain was false and mystery runs high.
I received a pre-release copy, and am leaving a review voluntarily. The glowing remarks are my own, and I highly recommend you read this book, and series.
January 18, 2025
Not my favorite
Tess was not a sympathetic character in the previous books, and she didn't improve here. I gave up on the whole thing about half way through.
Tess was not a sympathetic character in the previous books, and she didn't improve here. I gave up on the whole thing about half way through.
August 11, 2025
I’ll start by admitting that Mary Kingswood is one of my go-to authors when I’m looking for an authentic Regency feel. The historical background to all her novels is well researched and cleverly evokes the time period.
Secrecy is the story of Tess Nicholson, the daughter of the chaplain whose murder triggers the main plot that links all the stories in this series. Tess isn’t the most likeable of characters to begin with, but as her story unfolds revealing details of her upbringing, one can understand why she is as she is. In Kingswood’s skilled hands Tess is a character who is both complex and believable, who veers from being selfish, impulsive, and spoilt, to sympathetic and more self-aware.
Having fallen in love with the unsuitable Tom, Tess is devastated when she learns that to benefit from her late father’s legacy she will need to marry a gentleman. There is nothing that Tess wants more than to be in charge of her own destiny and not to be under the thumb of any male. Her sight is then set on marrying someone she can control.
Edward, Lord Tarvin, a carefree bachelor who intends to maintain his freedom from the shackles of marriage for as long as possible, is concerned when he learns that Tess wants to marry his feeble minded cousin. He decideds it is up to him to put a stop to Tess’s scheme.
Around this well loved trope of enemies-to-lovers, the author twines the ongoing investigations into Tess’s father’s murder, the disappearance of an elderly lady, and the mystery of the deceased chaplain’s source of wealth.
Set in Yorkshire and far away from London ballrooms, this was a refreshing take on a regency romance. If you enjoy a compelling mystery, heroines who are not at first glance heroine material, and heroes who are not perfect, you will love this book. As for me, I can’t wait to read the next in this gripping series.
Secrecy is the story of Tess Nicholson, the daughter of the chaplain whose murder triggers the main plot that links all the stories in this series. Tess isn’t the most likeable of characters to begin with, but as her story unfolds revealing details of her upbringing, one can understand why she is as she is. In Kingswood’s skilled hands Tess is a character who is both complex and believable, who veers from being selfish, impulsive, and spoilt, to sympathetic and more self-aware.
Having fallen in love with the unsuitable Tom, Tess is devastated when she learns that to benefit from her late father’s legacy she will need to marry a gentleman. There is nothing that Tess wants more than to be in charge of her own destiny and not to be under the thumb of any male. Her sight is then set on marrying someone she can control.
Edward, Lord Tarvin, a carefree bachelor who intends to maintain his freedom from the shackles of marriage for as long as possible, is concerned when he learns that Tess wants to marry his feeble minded cousin. He decideds it is up to him to put a stop to Tess’s scheme.
Around this well loved trope of enemies-to-lovers, the author twines the ongoing investigations into Tess’s father’s murder, the disappearance of an elderly lady, and the mystery of the deceased chaplain’s source of wealth.
Set in Yorkshire and far away from London ballrooms, this was a refreshing take on a regency romance. If you enjoy a compelling mystery, heroines who are not at first glance heroine material, and heroes who are not perfect, you will love this book. As for me, I can’t wait to read the next in this gripping series.
January 24, 2025
I've been waiting months for this to be published (1/17/25). It was a lucky happenstance that I discovered Mary Kingswood's work after most of her books had already been published. That way, it was possible to read all of her series in order, without waiting for the next one to drop. Not so with her latest. But I'll try to hang on to life while I wait for the next one.
In Book 4, we find the murdered chaplain's daughter, Tess, striving for independence from the dull expectations of titled families. She fancies herself in love with Tom, the woodworker, who is decidedly below her station. Her father's will prohibits her from getting her inheritance until she marries a gentleman, so she sets off to find the fortune her father stashed somewhere. Lord Tarvin arrives to foil her plan, and off we go.
Mary Kingswood's books are more of a grand adventure than a cozy mystery/romance (heavy on the romance side). Her writing is gorgeous. Her female characters are flawed, often unlikable, but the author has a lovely way of showing why they are not the demure and docile ladies they're supposed to be. She often succeeds in making them likable. I never warmed up to Izzy in Book 3, but Tess is a little better at the end. Lord Tarvin is rather pathetic in his devotion and desperation, but still admirable in his way.
Captain Edgeworth and his crew are still hard at work trying to find the chaplain's murderer, and that will continue into Book 5. I devour these books, and I'm sorry when they end.
In Book 4, we find the murdered chaplain's daughter, Tess, striving for independence from the dull expectations of titled families. She fancies herself in love with Tom, the woodworker, who is decidedly below her station. Her father's will prohibits her from getting her inheritance until she marries a gentleman, so she sets off to find the fortune her father stashed somewhere. Lord Tarvin arrives to foil her plan, and off we go.
Mary Kingswood's books are more of a grand adventure than a cozy mystery/romance (heavy on the romance side). Her writing is gorgeous. Her female characters are flawed, often unlikable, but the author has a lovely way of showing why they are not the demure and docile ladies they're supposed to be. She often succeeds in making them likable. I never warmed up to Izzy in Book 3, but Tess is a little better at the end. Lord Tarvin is rather pathetic in his devotion and desperation, but still admirable in his way.
Captain Edgeworth and his crew are still hard at work trying to find the chaplain's murderer, and that will continue into Book 5. I devour these books, and I'm sorry when they end.
January 17, 2025
I have really been enjoying ‘The Chaplains Legacy’ series by Mary Kingswood. She is my favourite author of this genre. Her plots are interesting and the characters diverse. Many are flawed but I find myself growing fond of them as I discover their layers and the motivations behind these failings.
I enjoyed ‘Secrecy’ the continuing story of the mystery surrounding the murder of the Chaplain. If you have read the other instalments, you will be just as hooked as I am. I can’t wait to find out who actually killed him.
Tess, the Chaplains daughter always seemed to be quite a selfish young woman. She is - but there are reasons behind this. I did find her obsession with Tom Shapman quite disturbing and maybe it took a little longer than I’d hoped for that to be resolved. The other main protagonist is Lord Edward Tarvin. He is plagued by a matchmaking mother and has managed to escape her for a time. He and Tess join in trying to locate the ‘ treasure’ the Chaplain has left to Tess in his will.
The usual investigators add to the plot and I didn’t put the book down until I had finished it. Like the other books from Mary Kingswood I will re read it at least a few times and when it comes out on audiobook I will purchase it too. I never get tired of her books. I received a free copy of this book but I have also purchased it as well. I am eagerly awaiting the next book ‘Loyalty’ to continue this fascinating series.
I enjoyed ‘Secrecy’ the continuing story of the mystery surrounding the murder of the Chaplain. If you have read the other instalments, you will be just as hooked as I am. I can’t wait to find out who actually killed him.
Tess, the Chaplains daughter always seemed to be quite a selfish young woman. She is - but there are reasons behind this. I did find her obsession with Tom Shapman quite disturbing and maybe it took a little longer than I’d hoped for that to be resolved. The other main protagonist is Lord Edward Tarvin. He is plagued by a matchmaking mother and has managed to escape her for a time. He and Tess join in trying to locate the ‘ treasure’ the Chaplain has left to Tess in his will.
The usual investigators add to the plot and I didn’t put the book down until I had finished it. Like the other books from Mary Kingswood I will re read it at least a few times and when it comes out on audiobook I will purchase it too. I never get tired of her books. I received a free copy of this book but I have also purchased it as well. I am eagerly awaiting the next book ‘Loyalty’ to continue this fascinating series.
January 9, 2025
Oh, what selfish creatures belong to the families in this series. Our protagonists, Tess Nicholson and Edward, Lord Tarvin, begin the tale as two of the most self absorbed human beings I've ever read about. Both vain and both happy to manipulate those around them to suit their own needs.
Pros - I loved the deeper dive into the murder case, and getting some more "screen time" with the investigative team is always a joy! Our two protagonists were very likeable, in spite of their selfish natures. I liked seeing both Tess and Edward's thought process throughout the story. I also enjoyed the whirlwind romance.
Cons - While not a con per se, Tess' growth arc happened very late in the story, and only after a very extreme circumstance (although one could argue she was almost there before the climax). Some of Tess' machinations toward others were quite repugnant for more modern sensibilities, so fair warning.
I've said this in prior reviews -this series in particular is loaded with very dislikable characters, but Kingswood is a marvel at making their journey enjoyable whether you like them as a person or not!
Overall - 4.5 ⭐️ rounded up
Spice level - 🌶️ (kisses only)
I received an ARC of this novel and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Pros - I loved the deeper dive into the murder case, and getting some more "screen time" with the investigative team is always a joy! Our two protagonists were very likeable, in spite of their selfish natures. I liked seeing both Tess and Edward's thought process throughout the story. I also enjoyed the whirlwind romance.
Cons - While not a con per se, Tess' growth arc happened very late in the story, and only after a very extreme circumstance (although one could argue she was almost there before the climax). Some of Tess' machinations toward others were quite repugnant for more modern sensibilities, so fair warning.
I've said this in prior reviews -this series in particular is loaded with very dislikable characters, but Kingswood is a marvel at making their journey enjoyable whether you like them as a person or not!
Overall - 4.5 ⭐️ rounded up
Spice level - 🌶️ (kisses only)
I received an ARC of this novel and am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 10, 2025
I have so enjoyed all the books I’ve read by this author, and this one did not disappoint. Although I was a little dismayed at the selfishness of the heroine, Tess, and how long it took her to realize that consequences of her actions could be disastrous, she was determined to get her own way at all costs. She wants nothing more than to manipulate those around her to gain her inheritance and do as she pleases, and will go to great lengths to do so, even posing as a maid to do a little of her own investigating. Thankfully she was able to see the error of her ways before it was too late. The banter between her and Edward was delightful, and although unconventional for their peerage, it reflected their personalities and desires to be their own person uncontrolled by others. It was gratifying to see Captain Edgerton & his team again, and although I dislike not knowing the outcome of the murder investigation, I still feel this book can be read and enjoyed by itself and wraps up the love story quite nicely! I look forward to the next one in the series! Thanks to the author, I received a pre-release copy, and am leaving this voluntarily with no obligation to post a positive review.
January 23, 2025
When I reviewed the previous 2 books in this series, I had complained that there was very little move towards solving the Chaplain's murder which had so upset the whole family. All along, I felt that Tess's disappearance was probably an important strand to solving the mystery and I never believed in the carpenter's guilt.
So now we do make quite a lot of progress, although of course, we are still none the wiser. At first, I thought Tess would be a difficult character to like, obsessed as she was with finding her fortune by any means at her disposal, but as the book progressed I found her more likeable even if she gets up to all sorts of unlikely adventures. She grows in maturity through it all and I liked the way she becomes entangled with Edward; they are 2 people who have both suffered from lack of love and have coped in very different ways.
The hidden life of the Chaplain is slowly revealed and is fascinating.
So let's see what the next instalment brings but I can heartily recommend this one. Very enjoyable
So now we do make quite a lot of progress, although of course, we are still none the wiser. At first, I thought Tess would be a difficult character to like, obsessed as she was with finding her fortune by any means at her disposal, but as the book progressed I found her more likeable even if she gets up to all sorts of unlikely adventures. She grows in maturity through it all and I liked the way she becomes entangled with Edward; they are 2 people who have both suffered from lack of love and have coped in very different ways.
The hidden life of the Chaplain is slowly revealed and is fascinating.
So let's see what the next instalment brings but I can heartily recommend this one. Very enjoyable
January 21, 2025
I loved this story. Tess is delightful with a bit of naivety along years of being overlooked. All she thinks she wants in life is money and freedom. Yet to get her money, she feels she has to give up her freedom. Edward needs to stop her marriage to Ulric but falls in love with the woman. She is definitely no society maid. These two go back and forth until Tess has some sense literally choked into her. The secrets of the murdered chaplain are now unraveling and still we are no closer to his murderer. Love is in the air but will it be ignored for fortune or true fortune? Let’s face it! With Tess around nothing will be easy or predictable. Enjoy an adventure of secrets, love, fortune hunting during a murder investigation that gets more puzzling by the moment.
June 25, 2025
3 1/2 stars
I read this when it first came out and hated Tess so much, I DNF, HOWEVER, I liked the subsequent book in the series (Loyalty) so very much, I went back and read this one again and I’m so very glad I did! The h is such a self involved, selfish twit (understandably, as it turns out) that it takes a great while to see softness she attempts to hide behind sharp bluster and wild scheming. The H is juvenile in his self defense against the wearying kind of mother who must be domineeringly up in his business, but often ready to be amused, not counting his bouts of trying stuffiness, and generally ready and willing to coax our h into more acceptable behavior or tease her into a less shocking adventure, which, as any great hero should, he joins in friendly support.
I read this when it first came out and hated Tess so much, I DNF, HOWEVER, I liked the subsequent book in the series (Loyalty) so very much, I went back and read this one again and I’m so very glad I did! The h is such a self involved, selfish twit (understandably, as it turns out) that it takes a great while to see softness she attempts to hide behind sharp bluster and wild scheming. The H is juvenile in his self defense against the wearying kind of mother who must be domineeringly up in his business, but often ready to be amused, not counting his bouts of trying stuffiness, and generally ready and willing to coax our h into more acceptable behavior or tease her into a less shocking adventure, which, as any great hero should, he joins in friendly support.
January 8, 2025
I received a pre-release copy “Secrecy” provided by the author, Mary Kingswood. I thoroughly enjoy Ms Kingswood’s writing and am always looking for when the next book will be published. I am honored that she selected me to review her latest installment of “The Chaplain’s Legacy.” It did not disappoint. Once I started to read it, I couldn’t put it down. I don’t want to give away any of the story but I love that the Captain Edgerton crew are a part of this plot. I hope you enjoy reading Book 4 of this series as much as I have. The only bad thing about it is now I have to wait for Book 5 to be released.
January 22, 2025
Chaplain's daughter Tess Nicholson knows what she wants, her fortune, and she'll do whatever it takes to gain control of it up to and including marrying a man who will not attempt to control her. She is convinced that it is truly a fortune but first she has to find it and she's not afraid to do what she needs to get it.
Tess is impulsive, adventurous, and determined. However, I found that I could sympathize with her situation. As she pursues her goal of gaining control of her money she eventually realizes that the right man will allow her the freedom of her innate spirit of adventure.
Tess is impulsive, adventurous, and determined. However, I found that I could sympathize with her situation. As she pursues her goal of gaining control of her money she eventually realizes that the right man will allow her the freedom of her innate spirit of adventure.
January 24, 2025
am excellent installment.
I enjoyed this book surprisingly well. When I first met Tess in an earlier book in the series, she seemed a character I would have little appreciation for, but Ms. Kingswood showed me who Tess was in a way that made me alternate between amusement, sympathy, and as strong urge to bop her on the head. There was also a feeling of comradeship with her and Edward and their frustrations with their mothers, as I'm having similar feelings at this time. All these things made me stay up late to finish reading the book. I now hope to be asleep by 2 a.m, but it was worth it
I enjoyed this book surprisingly well. When I first met Tess in an earlier book in the series, she seemed a character I would have little appreciation for, but Ms. Kingswood showed me who Tess was in a way that made me alternate between amusement, sympathy, and as strong urge to bop her on the head. There was also a feeling of comradeship with her and Edward and their frustrations with their mothers, as I'm having similar feelings at this time. All these things made me stay up late to finish reading the book. I now hope to be asleep by 2 a.m, but it was worth it
January 17, 2025
I also received a pre-release and as always was NOT disappointed! Romance novels are a dime a dozen and usually a bit raunchy. Ms Kingswood books have just enough romance to warm your heart but also lots of intrigue, mystery and complex characters. You'd think several books dealing with the same plot would be boring but this author does an amazing job of developing new twists and angles to the story. I started to read her books by chance. Now I seek them out and anxiously await new releases. You won't be disappointed!!
January 22, 2025
superb!
An infuriating female, but the story keeps you riveted as some of the characters also infuriate each other. It’s never certain how it will all turn out, and frankly one almost feels like slapping Miss Tess Nicholson, as she seems so self-centred - yet at the same time, one understands why she is that way. Meanwhile the indefatigable Captain Edgerton is still unsuccessfully seeking her father’s murderer, and feels all the frustration you would expect. Such a convoluted tale, but very hard to put down. Ms Kingswood has done it again!
An infuriating female, but the story keeps you riveted as some of the characters also infuriate each other. It’s never certain how it will all turn out, and frankly one almost feels like slapping Miss Tess Nicholson, as she seems so self-centred - yet at the same time, one understands why she is that way. Meanwhile the indefatigable Captain Edgerton is still unsuccessfully seeking her father’s murderer, and feels all the frustration you would expect. Such a convoluted tale, but very hard to put down. Ms Kingswood has done it again!
February 28, 2025
3.5 stars. Tess and Edward. Kingswood’s characters are flawed humans. It took me a while to get used to the main characters not being heroic and likable as in most clean romance books. But Kingswood’s down to earth approach is more believable and thought provoking. I still wonder if Tess actually loves Edward but hopefully she will learn what love is and get past her self-centeredness. She had horrible parents so it is no surprise that she is the way she is. There is a lot more about the murder investigation in this book than the last 2.
January 17, 2025
I’m gushing over the ending! So very well done!
My musings: I’m leaning to thinking Eustace did the deed. He is backwards about things so he may have put the axe in the furthest urn…but there’s also the dowager grandmother who is lingering and no one thinks to interrogate her or her staff. Surely she has a maid and others who help her. But the huge question is Why? I do love all the mysteries intertwined! I thoroughly enjoyed this book as I have all that I’ve read from this author.
My musings: I’m leaning to thinking Eustace did the deed. He is backwards about things so he may have put the axe in the furthest urn…but there’s also the dowager grandmother who is lingering and no one thinks to interrogate her or her staff. Surely she has a maid and others who help her. But the huge question is Why? I do love all the mysteries intertwined! I thoroughly enjoyed this book as I have all that I’ve read from this author.
January 18, 2025
Brillant - another fabulous book!! I love the wilful desperate for adventure Tess and arrogant self serving Edward, Lord Tarvin. The ghastly murder of Tess’s father reveals a perfidious character who has stashed away a fortune. Why? The continued appearance of the murder investigators , Michael Edgerton and his team adds spice to this hard to solve mystery!
Love it and looking forward to the next in the series!!
Love it and looking forward to the next in the series!!
January 25, 2025
The mystery continues
Kingswood brings one more member of Earl's family under scrutiny in the matter of the murder of the Chaplain. Tess, the chaplain's daughter, attempts to steer her own destiny, gain control of her inheritance, and marry the man she loves. Standing in her way at every turn seems to be Baron Edward, trying to curb her waywardness and professing his love for her.
Kingswood brings one more member of Earl's family under scrutiny in the matter of the murder of the Chaplain. Tess, the chaplain's daughter, attempts to steer her own destiny, gain control of her inheritance, and marry the man she loves. Standing in her way at every turn seems to be Baron Edward, trying to curb her waywardness and professing his love for her.
February 6, 2025
I end up laughing & crying at each ending in the series
I love this series so much, though all the other series by Mary Kingswood are incredibly good. I’ve read many regency romances but I must say, these are simply the best. I’ve enjoyed everything she’s written, I think, and they just keep getting better. Though I’m no closer to guessing who murdered Arthur Nicholson, finding out is endlessly entertaining!
I love this series so much, though all the other series by Mary Kingswood are incredibly good. I’ve read many regency romances but I must say, these are simply the best. I’ve enjoyed everything she’s written, I think, and they just keep getting better. Though I’m no closer to guessing who murdered Arthur Nicholson, finding out is endlessly entertaining!
May 12, 2025
such a surprise!
So this series was a slow burn for me, I disliked so many of the characters. And the first book, was certainly not my favorite (although I liked the prequel). Anyhow I was super bored and I like ALL of the authors other books so I decided to try again. This installment was definitely the best of the legacy series. I didn’t like Tess nor Tarvin, but they brought me around in the end.
So this series was a slow burn for me, I disliked so many of the characters. And the first book, was certainly not my favorite (although I liked the prequel). Anyhow I was super bored and I like ALL of the authors other books so I decided to try again. This installment was definitely the best of the legacy series. I didn’t like Tess nor Tarvin, but they brought me around in the end.
June 13, 2025
I adored this story!
Ms. Kingswood has done it again! Written a cleverly humorous story with delightful characters, plenty of twists and turns, and a pleasantly sweet ending! Tess is alternately perverse, adorable, stubborn, fascinating, chaotic and lovable. The only negative thing I can say about Kingswood’s writing is the pain I experience waiting for her next story. Please keep creating your lovely books!
Ms. Kingswood has done it again! Written a cleverly humorous story with delightful characters, plenty of twists and turns, and a pleasantly sweet ending! Tess is alternately perverse, adorable, stubborn, fascinating, chaotic and lovable. The only negative thing I can say about Kingswood’s writing is the pain I experience waiting for her next story. Please keep creating your lovely books!
December 10, 2025
Devious
Although this volume has interesting developments in terms of the murder mystery, I have liked it least of the series so far. Tess and Edward, while surprisingly well suited to each other, are not characters I can particularly identify with. Tess is too selfish (which is logical, considering her dreadful father), and Edward is too obsessed with resisting expectations. Still, the happily-ever-after works out. And we are back to lacking suspects again.
Although this volume has interesting developments in terms of the murder mystery, I have liked it least of the series so far. Tess and Edward, while surprisingly well suited to each other, are not characters I can particularly identify with. Tess is too selfish (which is logical, considering her dreadful father), and Edward is too obsessed with resisting expectations. Still, the happily-ever-after works out. And we are back to lacking suspects again.
January 19, 2025
Another great story from Mary Kingswood. This is a pageturner where you never quite know what the endearing and delightfully flawed characters will do next. A light, fun romance with a highly satisfying ending. Part of the Chaplain's Legacy series - it could be enjoyed as a standalone but I would recommend reading the whole series in order.
January 24, 2025
So perfect!!!
Kingswood does it again with this gem wrapping up Tess's story. Thoroughly enjoyable from beginning to end. No drag, no padding except one small history lesson. It was great fun seeing what Tess had actually been up to. And I'm gratified by the presence of the fabulous investigative team. Always happy to see as much of them as possible.
Kingswood does it again with this gem wrapping up Tess's story. Thoroughly enjoyable from beginning to end. No drag, no padding except one small history lesson. It was great fun seeing what Tess had actually been up to. And I'm gratified by the presence of the fabulous investigative team. Always happy to see as much of them as possible.
January 31, 2025
I'm afraid this book isn't particularly good. In the first half especially characters behave in such an implausible manner that it's impossible to become engaged with either them or the plot.
Speaking of the plot, one must assume that the author has recently re-read Georgette Heyer's 'Cotillion'. Still, if one is going to borrow, then borrow from the best.
Speaking of the plot, one must assume that the author has recently re-read Georgette Heyer's 'Cotillion'. Still, if one is going to borrow, then borrow from the best.
February 3, 2025
Hard to Put Down
I started reading under the impression I already knew this story from previous books in the series. But Mary Linwood is a wonderful writer and grabbed my interest early on. It was thought provoking to see the emotional growth of both the heroine and the hero. The ending left me smiling and longing for the next book! Can’t wait.
I started reading under the impression I already knew this story from previous books in the series. But Mary Linwood is a wonderful writer and grabbed my interest early on. It was thought provoking to see the emotional growth of both the heroine and the hero. The ending left me smiling and longing for the next book! Can’t wait.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews