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Rosalynd and Steele Mysteries #0.5
The Stolen Sparkler: A Victorian Christmas Mystery: A Prequel Novella to the Lady Rosalynd and Steele Mysteries
A stolen diamond necklace. An engagement at risk. Can an inquisitive lady and an enigmatic duke join forces long enough to find the missing gem? Mystery, romance, and a Christmas intrigue.
Lady Rosalynd arrives at her dear friend’s, Lady Eleanor, country estate eager for a festive weekend of merriment. But the holiday cheer quickly turns to panic when her friend’s prized diamond necklace—an heirloom to be worn at the Christmas Ball—goes missing.
The necklace’s disappearance threatens to ruin Eleanor's engagement to Lord Cumberforth, as his father disapproves of the match. So when her friend begs for help, Lady Rosalynd has no choice but to look into the matter. Her efforts are unexpectedly complicated by the arrival of the Duke of Steele, an enigmatic peer enlisted by Eleanor’s father to investigate the theft. Reluctantly joining forces, Lady Rosalynd and the duke begin a delicate inquiry, questioning the household staff and guests alike.
Their pursuit of the truth to flush out the culprit unveils hidden motives and dark secrets that point to several suspects. As tensions mount and suspicions swirl, Rosalynd and the duke must work quickly to recover the missing sparkler. If they don't find it before the Christmas Ball, Lady Eleanor’s engagement is doomed to fail.
Filled with intrigue, romance, and a dash of holiday spirit, The Stolen Sparkler, promises a delightful Victorian historical mystery with a Christmas twist. This captivating novella stands as a prequel to the Rosalynd and Steele Mysteries.
Lady Rosalynd arrives at her dear friend’s, Lady Eleanor, country estate eager for a festive weekend of merriment. But the holiday cheer quickly turns to panic when her friend’s prized diamond necklace—an heirloom to be worn at the Christmas Ball—goes missing.
The necklace’s disappearance threatens to ruin Eleanor's engagement to Lord Cumberforth, as his father disapproves of the match. So when her friend begs for help, Lady Rosalynd has no choice but to look into the matter. Her efforts are unexpectedly complicated by the arrival of the Duke of Steele, an enigmatic peer enlisted by Eleanor’s father to investigate the theft. Reluctantly joining forces, Lady Rosalynd and the duke begin a delicate inquiry, questioning the household staff and guests alike.
Their pursuit of the truth to flush out the culprit unveils hidden motives and dark secrets that point to several suspects. As tensions mount and suspicions swirl, Rosalynd and the duke must work quickly to recover the missing sparkler. If they don't find it before the Christmas Ball, Lady Eleanor’s engagement is doomed to fail.
Filled with intrigue, romance, and a dash of holiday spirit, The Stolen Sparkler, promises a delightful Victorian historical mystery with a Christmas twist. This captivating novella stands as a prequel to the Rosalynd and Steele Mysteries.
98 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 26, 2024
521 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 22, 2025
I don't read many short stories as they are hard to have a complete plot and well-drawn characters. This book was good for both. This is a prequel to the series, and I plan to read book 1 next. A mystery that is solved a bit too simply but the way it is handled to me was a cherry on top of the sundae. I like when authors write a short back story so that when the main series start, we already know the characters and can move into the main dish! lol! Enjoy
September 30, 2025
I quite liked this short story. It was a charming HR mystery with a feisty clever FMC and the obligatory handsome, damaged Duke as the MMC.
It was a fun little mystery about a stolen diamond necklace. There was a romantic tension between Rosalynd and Steele which will hopefully grow in the next book.
I was intrigued when we find out the Duke has a white streak in his hair, which is a family trait. Makes me wonder if he has Waardenberg Syndrome which is characterized by a white streak in your hair and runs in families.
A couple of irritants for me…the use of words and phrases which seemed modern. For instance, although’incentive’ is a word in use in the late 1880s, the word ‘incentivize’ doesn’t come into use until around 1968 so it’s improper to use it in this book. At one point Rosalynd is said to yell at her mid to being in her tea. A proper lady like Rosalynd would not yell although she might call out. It’s using words like this that pull me right out of the story.
The other negative for me was when Rosalynd overhears Felicity and Edwin having a conversation which solves the entire mystery. That was just too convenient!
I plan to read Book 1 since I enjoyed reading about Rosalynd and Steel.
It was a fun little mystery about a stolen diamond necklace. There was a romantic tension between Rosalynd and Steele which will hopefully grow in the next book.
I was intrigued when we find out the Duke has a white streak in his hair, which is a family trait. Makes me wonder if he has Waardenberg Syndrome which is characterized by a white streak in your hair and runs in families.
A couple of irritants for me…the use of words and phrases which seemed modern. For instance, although’incentive’ is a word in use in the late 1880s, the word ‘incentivize’ doesn’t come into use until around 1968 so it’s improper to use it in this book. At one point Rosalynd is said to yell at her mid to being in her tea. A proper lady like Rosalynd would not yell although she might call out. It’s using words like this that pull me right out of the story.
The other negative for me was when Rosalynd overhears Felicity and Edwin having a conversation which solves the entire mystery. That was just too convenient!
I plan to read Book 1 since I enjoyed reading about Rosalynd and Steel.
November 17, 2025
a short page turner
Shes so good at character development. You will not be disappointed. There isnt any lascivious sexcapades like Ella Quinn but intelligent exchanges and the right frustrations of women in their places.
Shes so good at character development. You will not be disappointed. There isnt any lascivious sexcapades like Ella Quinn but intelligent exchanges and the right frustrations of women in their places.
December 25, 2024
December 1888. On arriving at her best friend home, Lady Rosalynd Rosehaven is informed by Lady Eleanor that a diamond necklace, a priceless heirloom has been stolen, jeopardizing her engagement to Stephen Cumberforth. Rosalynd joins forces with the Duke of Steele to investigate.
An entertaining Victorian mystery, a good start to this new series with its likeable main characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An entertaining Victorian mystery, a good start to this new series with its likeable main characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 12, 2025
an good drawing room mystery in the style of agatha christie.
November 24, 2025
Where is a good editor when you need them?
Would have been enjoyable however difficult to follow. Sentences begin from her perspective and end with his or vice versa or can’t tell whose it is. Ended up skimming through last half…as it got worse. First 2 books in series were not like this.
Would have been enjoyable however difficult to follow. Sentences begin from her perspective and end with his or vice versa or can’t tell whose it is. Ended up skimming through last half…as it got worse. First 2 books in series were not like this.
December 29, 2024
Bravo!
Love love love the main characters... Can't wait for more about them! Magda Alexander created a heroine who's actually smart and not afraid like in other books. I love when the leading lady is smart and knows what she's doing versus being a silly girl playing grown up, she's A match for the Duke and then some. But surprisingly my favorite part was how well it was written, in both of their voices instead of just 1 or in the third person... Well done! Can't wait for the rest of their story!
Love love love the main characters... Can't wait for more about them! Magda Alexander created a heroine who's actually smart and not afraid like in other books. I love when the leading lady is smart and knows what she's doing versus being a silly girl playing grown up, she's A match for the Duke and then some. But surprisingly my favorite part was how well it was written, in both of their voices instead of just 1 or in the third person... Well done! Can't wait for the rest of their story!
August 18, 2025
Lady Rosalynd goes to visit her friend lady Eleanor Needham and to attend the Christmas ball.
Upon arrival, Eleanor says her grandmother‘s diamond necklace, gifted to her by King Charles the second, has vanished. Eleanor‘s engagement to Stephen is to be announced at the ball and she will wear the necklace. Lady Rosalynd will help.
Duke Steele
Was invited by Lord Needham to talk about politics. He is asked by Eleanor's father to assist.
So guess who worked together - although reluctantly.
This was an enjoyable story, and a good introduction to the upcoming series. I will read the series after reading this.
At under 100 pages, this is a novella. The first chapter introduces Rosalynd's siblings. (They don't play a part in the rest of the story.) I imagine they were introduced so we'd know a little about them for the upcoming series. There was a character list at the end of the novella which might have helped to have it at the beginning instead.
We switch between Rosalynd's and Steele's points of view. Sometimes it's hard to know who is talking for a few paragraphs.
This is overall a clean novel. There's no sexual content or graphic violence and plenty of suspects to keep you guessing.
Upon arrival, Eleanor says her grandmother‘s diamond necklace, gifted to her by King Charles the second, has vanished. Eleanor‘s engagement to Stephen is to be announced at the ball and she will wear the necklace. Lady Rosalynd will help.
Duke Steele
Was invited by Lord Needham to talk about politics. He is asked by Eleanor's father to assist.
So guess who worked together - although reluctantly.
This was an enjoyable story, and a good introduction to the upcoming series. I will read the series after reading this.
At under 100 pages, this is a novella. The first chapter introduces Rosalynd's siblings. (They don't play a part in the rest of the story.) I imagine they were introduced so we'd know a little about them for the upcoming series. There was a character list at the end of the novella which might have helped to have it at the beginning instead.
We switch between Rosalynd's and Steele's points of view. Sometimes it's hard to know who is talking for a few paragraphs.
This is overall a clean novel. There's no sexual content or graphic violence and plenty of suspects to keep you guessing.
June 30, 2025
A wonderful introduction to Lady Rosalynd and The Duke of Steele, two determined people with the same goal in mind, and enough chemistry to burn a manor down!
January 16, 2025
This was an enjoyable story, and it was a good introduction to the upcoming series. I am interested in reading books from the series after reading this.
At less than 100 pages, this is a novella. It can be read in probably about an hour and a half. I have two minor complaints. First, I felt like the author tried to introduce too many characters for a novella. The first chapter is spent introducing us to Rosalynd's siblings. Then they don't play a part in the rest of the story. This chapter felt unnecessary. I figured they were introduced so we'd know a little about them for the upcoming series. There was a character list. I got an ARC, so maybe this isn't the case with the finished product, but the character list was at the end of the novella. It would have been more helpful if this had been at the beginning of the novella.
We switch between Rosalynd's and Steele's points of view. While I am fine with that, my second complaint was that it wasn't always initially clear which character was telling that part of the story. It sometimes took a few paragraphs before I could figure it out. It would have been helpful to have some indicator at the beginning of each chapter. If you don't mind being a bit confused at times, this might not bother you.
This is overall a clean novel. There are at least two "d-ed" used in a context that could be considered not swearing. There's no sexual content or graphic violence, although one character does threaten another with bodily harm.
I received an ARC from BookSirens, and I provided a voluntary review.
At less than 100 pages, this is a novella. It can be read in probably about an hour and a half. I have two minor complaints. First, I felt like the author tried to introduce too many characters for a novella. The first chapter is spent introducing us to Rosalynd's siblings. Then they don't play a part in the rest of the story. This chapter felt unnecessary. I figured they were introduced so we'd know a little about them for the upcoming series. There was a character list. I got an ARC, so maybe this isn't the case with the finished product, but the character list was at the end of the novella. It would have been more helpful if this had been at the beginning of the novella.
We switch between Rosalynd's and Steele's points of view. While I am fine with that, my second complaint was that it wasn't always initially clear which character was telling that part of the story. It sometimes took a few paragraphs before I could figure it out. It would have been helpful to have some indicator at the beginning of each chapter. If you don't mind being a bit confused at times, this might not bother you.
This is overall a clean novel. There are at least two "d-ed" used in a context that could be considered not swearing. There's no sexual content or graphic violence, although one character does threaten another with bodily harm.
I received an ARC from BookSirens, and I provided a voluntary review.
January 2, 2025
This was a cute introduction to what I hope will be more mysteries to solve between Lady Rosalynd and Steele (a Duke). This was a cozy mystery taking placed in Victorian England. Lady Rosalynd has the weight of the world on her shoulders, the responsibility of taking care of family weighing on her shoulders after her parents' death. The time away at her friend's, Lady Eleanor, country manor was supposed to be relaxing with a fun Christmas ball. However, upon her arrival, Lady Eleanor had just discovered that a priceless family heirloom has gone missing. This could spell disaster for Lady Eleanor and her intended betrothal. Despite initial hesitation, Lady Rosalynd and Steele make a commitment to help Lady Eleanor uncover the missing heirloom, and maybe- just maybe- the two of them will find something else as well. I highly recommend this if you like historical fiction and cozy mysteries!
The reason I knocked off a star is because the plot was predictable (but still enjoyable). In a book this short, I was not expecting major twists anyways. I enjoyed the dynamic between Lady Rosalynd and Steele, and will be keeping eye out for future novels.
I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The reason I knocked off a star is because the plot was predictable (but still enjoyable). In a book this short, I was not expecting major twists anyways. I enjoyed the dynamic between Lady Rosalynd and Steele, and will be keeping eye out for future novels.
I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 25, 2024
“The Stolen Sparkler” is a prequel to the upcoming Lady Rosalynd and Steele historical mystery series by Magda Alexander. In this volume Lady Rosalynd and the Duke of Steele meet for the first time, she to spend time with her dear friend and hostess, Eleanor, and he to negotiate politics with Eleanor’s father. In the midst of everything, a valuable diamond necklace is stolen and Eleanor’s future now hangs in the balance. Rosalynd and Steele join forces to ferret out the thief and save the day.
This is a delightful novella set in the late 1800s English countryside. Rosalynd, a reformer at heart, has a gaggle of younger siblings in her care and an older brother with a devoted interest in botany. Steele is an active member of the House of Lords and is concerned about national security. There are hints of secrets for both characters and a definite attraction between the two. I am definitely looking forward to the upcoming series!
This is a great story for readers who enjoy historical mysteries and historical mystery series.
I received an advance review copy for free from Book Sirens and Magda Alexander, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a delightful novella set in the late 1800s English countryside. Rosalynd, a reformer at heart, has a gaggle of younger siblings in her care and an older brother with a devoted interest in botany. Steele is an active member of the House of Lords and is concerned about national security. There are hints of secrets for both characters and a definite attraction between the two. I am definitely looking forward to the upcoming series!
This is a great story for readers who enjoy historical mysteries and historical mystery series.
I received an advance review copy for free from Book Sirens and Magda Alexander, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 13, 2025
A new author for me and this genre is one I really enjoy now, i.e. mystery and romance bundled together to create chemistry between the leading couple and a mystery to solve that allows them to get to know each other before taking the plunge.
In this the first of many books (I hope), we meet Lady Rosalynd who is the head of her family following the death of her parents. She leaves her loved ones behind to attend the ball to celebrate her friend’s Lady Eleanor’s betrothal. However, upon arrival, Lady Eleanor has just discovered a missing, priceless heirloom! The Duke of Steele and Rosalynd decide to team up to solve the mystery and bring joy back to the happy couple.
All in a good start to a promising mystery / romance series and with only ninety-eight pages to read, can be got through very quickly. I received an ARC from the publishers and Book Sirens and submit my honest review voluntarily.
In this the first of many books (I hope), we meet Lady Rosalynd who is the head of her family following the death of her parents. She leaves her loved ones behind to attend the ball to celebrate her friend’s Lady Eleanor’s betrothal. However, upon arrival, Lady Eleanor has just discovered a missing, priceless heirloom! The Duke of Steele and Rosalynd decide to team up to solve the mystery and bring joy back to the happy couple.
All in a good start to a promising mystery / romance series and with only ninety-eight pages to read, can be got through very quickly. I received an ARC from the publishers and Book Sirens and submit my honest review voluntarily.
January 17, 2025
Extremely well written who dunit. Full of society, mystery, love, romance, suspense, intrigue and twists. All the characters are well defined and developed adding so many fireworks to this story. What a great start to this remarkable series. Rosalynd is invited to a Christmas ball and weekend at her friend's home. It's there her friend , Eleanor, is to announce her engagement. Surprise her diamond necklace is stolen and needs to be found as it's par of her dowry. Steele is a Duke , who also has been invited. He then is asked to help recover the necklace with the help of Rosalynd. Together they work thru all the clues , finding that the staff is not involved. That leaves the guests with some having a very good reason to steal the necklace. Many mysteries to be solved , together they make a surprising team. All of the fantastic characters fit the story well. Would strongly recommend to everyone.
I received this story and leave this unbiased, honest review.
I received this story and leave this unbiased, honest review.
December 28, 2024
A wonderful precursor to an upcoming series. Rosalynd, a lovely woman with eight siblings, goes for a visit to her best friends home. Steele, a duke, is also present and the two end up working together to solve a mystery. The plot was fast paced, engaging and wonderfully crafted. The only point I removed was due to it being written in the 1st person, which I don't usually like and find to often being confusing. As both main characters were represented in 1st person, it continuously took a moment to determine who was speaking and I found that to be rather distracting. That said, I would love to see where these two will end up and will therefore being looking forward to reading the next book.
January 7, 2025
A Prequel Novela for Lady Rosalynd and the Duke of Steele
This little gem was a great introduction for a series written by Magda Alexander. I liked the assorted characters were the people for whom the story was conceived. Lady Rosalyn, has 8 brothers and sisters but loves to solve mysteries. She is to be partnered with the Duke of Steele in this series of books.
My only problem with the story was that it was confusing to figure out if the main character speaking at the beginning of a chapter, using "I" was Lady Rosalynd or the Duke.
I gave it 4 stars and hope to read more of the books as they are to be available to the public.
This little gem was a great introduction for a series written by Magda Alexander. I liked the assorted characters were the people for whom the story was conceived. Lady Rosalyn, has 8 brothers and sisters but loves to solve mysteries. She is to be partnered with the Duke of Steele in this series of books.
My only problem with the story was that it was confusing to figure out if the main character speaking at the beginning of a chapter, using "I" was Lady Rosalynd or the Duke.
I gave it 4 stars and hope to read more of the books as they are to be available to the public.
December 24, 2024
Excellent prequel to a new series!
A well-crafted mystery to get you ready to the first book in this brilliant new series!
The fundaments to what is to come are wonderfully laid and I cannot wait to see what is in store for Rosalynd and the Duke.
A mystery, deceiving characters aplenty, a slow burn romance and 2 well rounded protagonists: this new series promises to feature all the traits to love in a historical mystery.
I have received an advance copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily, thanks to the author for it.
A well-crafted mystery to get you ready to the first book in this brilliant new series!
The fundaments to what is to come are wonderfully laid and I cannot wait to see what is in store for Rosalynd and the Duke.
A mystery, deceiving characters aplenty, a slow burn romance and 2 well rounded protagonists: this new series promises to feature all the traits to love in a historical mystery.
I have received an advance copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily, thanks to the author for it.
July 11, 2025
Terrible.
Where to begin? So many typos. One person's name changes from Lord Hungerford to Harringford. Another time, Lavinia is mentioned instead of Felicity.
Also, why do both leads have their own first person POV? And it's not even alternate chapters. It's annoying to have to read the couple of lines of every chapter before you can figure out who is talking.
Both leads sound like teenagers. Not to mention why anyone would come to THAT conclusion about THAT character. LOL totally bizarre writing.
Where to begin? So many typos. One person's name changes from Lord Hungerford to Harringford. Another time, Lavinia is mentioned instead of Felicity.
Also, why do both leads have their own first person POV? And it's not even alternate chapters. It's annoying to have to read the couple of lines of every chapter before you can figure out who is talking.
Both leads sound like teenagers. Not to mention why anyone would come to THAT conclusion about THAT character. LOL totally bizarre writing.
July 25, 2025
I actually went back to read this prequel novella after reading the first in series and being impressed by it. It was a fun and quick way to introduce and flesh out our mains and get things rolling for further adventures.
Compelling main characters. Both Rosalynd and Steele are complex and interesting, and their attraction is a slow-burn that promises to be problematic but also fun to watch.
Happy I discovered this series!
Compelling main characters. Both Rosalynd and Steele are complex and interesting, and their attraction is a slow-burn that promises to be problematic but also fun to watch.
Happy I discovered this series!
December 28, 2024
I like Magdas books and am excited for this new series. The h and H are both mature but not old. They are attracted to each other and challenge each other as well. The mystery plot was not a whodunit as much as an exposure of family secrets. Overall, it's a good start, but the mystery was solved too conveniently.
I will read a few more books in the series before I decide.
I will read a few more books in the series before I decide.
February 1, 2025
Goodish way to start a series
If you are a fan of the Andrea Penrose series of Wexford and Sloane this will probably appeal to you. Though the personalities of the lead characters are different the premise is on the same lines. This short novella was quite enjoyable, whether I could read a full novel, I'll have to wait and see.
If you are a fan of the Andrea Penrose series of Wexford and Sloane this will probably appeal to you. Though the personalities of the lead characters are different the premise is on the same lines. This short novella was quite enjoyable, whether I could read a full novel, I'll have to wait and see.
July 10, 2025
Short but interesting
In this novella the independent Lady Rosalynd joins forces with the Duke of Steele to solve the theft of her best friend's necklace.
The story flows rapidly, the characters are mostly lovable, with enough villains as not to be boring.
All in all an interesting start to the series.
In this novella the independent Lady Rosalynd joins forces with the Duke of Steele to solve the theft of her best friend's necklace.
The story flows rapidly, the characters are mostly lovable, with enough villains as not to be boring.
All in all an interesting start to the series.
December 5, 2025
My first encounter with Lady Rosalynd and Steele and with Magda Alexander as a writer. It was a nice story. Though I was a bit irked that while Lady Rosalynd claimed to be quick on her feet when it came to getting out of hairy situations when push came to a shove, she was left gaping like a fish, unable to come up with a single excuse. Not the best first impression.
December 14, 2025
Hard to judge
Not sure how I feel about The Stole Sparkler. There is no real mystery, given how obvious the culprit was. And the obligatory romance felt way too rushed to be believable.
Perhaps starting with the prequel novella was a mistake. But I’ve been going through an Elizabethan/Victorian mystery phase lately, so I’ll probably read book 1 of the main series.
Not sure how I feel about The Stole Sparkler. There is no real mystery, given how obvious the culprit was. And the obligatory romance felt way too rushed to be believable.
Perhaps starting with the prequel novella was a mistake. But I’ve been going through an Elizabethan/Victorian mystery phase lately, so I’ll probably read book 1 of the main series.
January 4, 2025
Holiday Rose
I honestly have to say I liked everything about this book.
It was teasingly delightful!
If you like solving puzzles, try to solve this one.
It is worth a 5-Star rating.
I honestly have to say I liked everything about this book.
It was teasingly delightful!
If you like solving puzzles, try to solve this one.
It is worth a 5-Star rating.
May 28, 2025
Lovely
Enjoyable, not exactly surprising but I did enjoy it. I might certainly be open to read the first book of the series. Both characters are stubborn that will make for fun reading.
Enjoyable, not exactly surprising but I did enjoy it. I might certainly be open to read the first book of the series. Both characters are stubborn that will make for fun reading.
January 3, 2025
A short novella setting the stage for a new series. Looks interesting.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
March 13, 2025
A bit lightweight
But a fun read! Always like seeing villains getting their comeuppance and heroes the possibility of reward for gentlemanly behavior towards sharp minded women.
But a fun read! Always like seeing villains getting their comeuppance and heroes the possibility of reward for gentlemanly behavior towards sharp minded women.
August 8, 2025
enjoyed
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