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Duchess of Blackmoore Mysteries #5
Turmoil for a Duchess
A mother’s love faces the ultimate test against a haunting evil—and a mystery only she can solve.
When Lenora Fletcher returns to Blackmoore Castle, she hopes to help her daughter fend off whatever is disturbing her baby. But instead, she finds Blackmoore Castle shrouded in dread. A ghostly figure appears, her blood-stained dress hinting at a brutal end, and she seems determined to lead Lenora into a dark mystery. As Lenora begins to investigate, sinister forces close in, threatening her daughter’s very soul.
Desperate to protect her family, Lenora enlists the help of the enigmatic Duke and Duchess of Stratfordshire—an unconventional couple with ties to the supernatural. Together, they must journey to a treacherous otherworldly realm, where clues to the ghost’s past and the answers to saving Lenora’s daughter lie hidden.
With time running out, Lenora must summon every ounce of courage to unravel the secrets of Blackmoore Castle and confront a spirit intent on drawing her family into eternal darkness. Will she solve the mystery before it’s too late, or will Blackmoore Castle become her family’s eternal prison?
Fans of atmospheric historical mysteries will be drawn into Turmoil for a Duchess, where ghostly suspense and Victorian intrigue promise a chilling journey across realms where the past refuses to stay buried.
Read now to solve the mystery today!
When Lenora Fletcher returns to Blackmoore Castle, she hopes to help her daughter fend off whatever is disturbing her baby. But instead, she finds Blackmoore Castle shrouded in dread. A ghostly figure appears, her blood-stained dress hinting at a brutal end, and she seems determined to lead Lenora into a dark mystery. As Lenora begins to investigate, sinister forces close in, threatening her daughter’s very soul.
Desperate to protect her family, Lenora enlists the help of the enigmatic Duke and Duchess of Stratfordshire—an unconventional couple with ties to the supernatural. Together, they must journey to a treacherous otherworldly realm, where clues to the ghost’s past and the answers to saving Lenora’s daughter lie hidden.
With time running out, Lenora must summon every ounce of courage to unravel the secrets of Blackmoore Castle and confront a spirit intent on drawing her family into eternal darkness. Will she solve the mystery before it’s too late, or will Blackmoore Castle become her family’s eternal prison?
Fans of atmospheric historical mysteries will be drawn into Turmoil for a Duchess, where ghostly suspense and Victorian intrigue promise a chilling journey across realms where the past refuses to stay buried.
Read now to solve the mystery today!
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 28, 2025
About the author
Nellie H. Steele
141 books563 followersNellie H. Steele lives in the South Hills of Pittsburgh with her family and her many fur-babies. When she isn't writing, she enjoys teaching Statistics at a local university or watching her dogs and cats play in the yard.
Nellie is the author of the Cate Kensie Mystery Series, a cozy mystery series following the adventures of Dr. Catherine Kensie, a history professor turned Scottish Countess, and her beloved dog, Riley, as they navigate their new lives in their quirky Scottish highlands castle, solving mysteries along the way! She is the creator of the Shadow Slayers series, a suspenseful series with a supernatural twist! Follow the Shadow Slayers through time as they fight to banish darkness from the world. Nellie also writes an adventure series, Maggie Edwards Adventures. Follow Maggie Edwards as she travels the world solving mysteries and finding unique treasures!
Check out all Nellie offers at www.anovelideapublishing.com/novels, sign up for our newsletter to get the latest news about book releases or like us on facebook (facebook.com/anovelideapublishing) to keep up with us!
Nellie is the author of the Cate Kensie Mystery Series, a cozy mystery series following the adventures of Dr. Catherine Kensie, a history professor turned Scottish Countess, and her beloved dog, Riley, as they navigate their new lives in their quirky Scottish highlands castle, solving mysteries along the way! She is the creator of the Shadow Slayers series, a suspenseful series with a supernatural twist! Follow the Shadow Slayers through time as they fight to banish darkness from the world. Nellie also writes an adventure series, Maggie Edwards Adventures. Follow Maggie Edwards as she travels the world solving mysteries and finding unique treasures!
Check out all Nellie offers at www.anovelideapublishing.com/novels, sign up for our newsletter to get the latest news about book releases or like us on facebook (facebook.com/anovelideapublishing) to keep up with us!
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 4, 2025
Not the best
This book is clunky at best. Nellie either needs to get an editor, or get a new one. The characters lift their chins, plop into chairs, pinch their facial features, and lick their lips, along with raising their eyebrows; sometimes multiple times on the same page. New descriptors would be helpful. Could we furrow a brow? Harden our gaze? Something else? ANYTHING else.
The scenes with Cate and her family had repetitious dialogue through several pages; I thought I had accidentally lost my page; and it was copied and pasted later in the book about Edwin being upset Robert didn't offer him a brandy and had to get it himself.
The book is incredibly dialogue heavy for 230 pages; I was easily bored and would put the book down to do something else.
The book also has misspelled words, grammatical errors, and line breaks in the middle of a scene that were confusing.
Nellie is able to add more action narrative near the end of the book. Unfortunately by that point you just want it wrapped up, and the ending is incredibly predictable.
If this was the first book in the series, I would have DNF'd it. I had planned on reading her other series, but will probably move on to something else.
What a letdown
This book is clunky at best. Nellie either needs to get an editor, or get a new one. The characters lift their chins, plop into chairs, pinch their facial features, and lick their lips, along with raising their eyebrows; sometimes multiple times on the same page. New descriptors would be helpful. Could we furrow a brow? Harden our gaze? Something else? ANYTHING else.
The scenes with Cate and her family had repetitious dialogue through several pages; I thought I had accidentally lost my page; and it was copied and pasted later in the book about Edwin being upset Robert didn't offer him a brandy and had to get it himself.
The book is incredibly dialogue heavy for 230 pages; I was easily bored and would put the book down to do something else.
The book also has misspelled words, grammatical errors, and line breaks in the middle of a scene that were confusing.
Nellie is able to add more action narrative near the end of the book. Unfortunately by that point you just want it wrapped up, and the ending is incredibly predictable.
If this was the first book in the series, I would have DNF'd it. I had planned on reading her other series, but will probably move on to something else.
What a letdown
May 16, 2025
mixed feelings
I enjoy this series and find it an interesting take on the genre. However I feel that this outing, there was a lot of repetition, and the villain was suddenly and not terribly surprising. I think another edit would have been beneficial- too many instances of pouting, arched eyebrows and “cheeky”. The biggest problem, to my mind, is Edwin. He is so childish, annoying, vain and immature that I almost didn’t put the book down and didn’t finish it. Just obnoxious. Robert has somehow lost his personality along the way and his sole purpose appears to be making sure that Lenora has hot toddies.
I enjoy this series and find it an interesting take on the genre. However I feel that this outing, there was a lot of repetition, and the villain was suddenly and not terribly surprising. I think another edit would have been beneficial- too many instances of pouting, arched eyebrows and “cheeky”. The biggest problem, to my mind, is Edwin. He is so childish, annoying, vain and immature that I almost didn’t put the book down and didn’t finish it. Just obnoxious. Robert has somehow lost his personality along the way and his sole purpose appears to be making sure that Lenora has hot toddies.
February 2, 2026
I've enjoyed all the books in this series, but this part fell short for me. The storyline involving the Northcotts didn’t quite hit the mark, and the devil storyline which started off strong in the previous book ended up feeling dull and irrelevant here. With a more compelling development of the devil plotline, this book could have been much more engaging. Also, the murder mystery lacked a proper storyline and details.
April 5, 2025
📚 Book Review by R.M. Campbell 📚
Turmoil for a Duchess
By
Nellie H Steele
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is book five in the Duchess of Blackmoore Mystery Series and proves to be a thrilling and captivating addition to this marvelous series. An evil spirit is attempting to possess one of Lenora’s children, and without help, Lenora is afraid she will lose her daughter to the evil force forever. Lenora enlists the help of the Duke and Duchess of Stratfordshire (Cate and Marcus Northcott), who are familiar with the supernatural world, to help banish the evil demon and save her daughter. On returning home to Blackmoore Castle, Lenora encounters the ghost of a brutally murdered woman, who is confused and in distress. Lenora realizes she must help the poor woman by finding out who killed her and why. Together with the help of the Northcotts and her husband, Robert, and brother-in-law, Edwin, they begin their investigation, including traveling into the dangerous underworld to seek clues.
This story was a real treat, like getting a double scoop of your favorite ice cream on top of your cone. The writing was superb, and the plot development was incredible. The author seemed to effortlessly intertwine two unrelated supernatural mysteries into a ghostly, intriguing, and supernatural thriller. The characters were well-written, and I enjoyed the interactions between them. The plot(s) were suspenseful and full of emotions. Although the mood was dark and at times sad, the author injected comic relief in the form of bantering among the characters. I enjoyed the fast-paced, action-packed rhythm of the plot, making the books a fast, enjoyable, and highly satisfying read. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader's Copy of this book.
Turmoil for a Duchess
By
Nellie H Steele
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is book five in the Duchess of Blackmoore Mystery Series and proves to be a thrilling and captivating addition to this marvelous series. An evil spirit is attempting to possess one of Lenora’s children, and without help, Lenora is afraid she will lose her daughter to the evil force forever. Lenora enlists the help of the Duke and Duchess of Stratfordshire (Cate and Marcus Northcott), who are familiar with the supernatural world, to help banish the evil demon and save her daughter. On returning home to Blackmoore Castle, Lenora encounters the ghost of a brutally murdered woman, who is confused and in distress. Lenora realizes she must help the poor woman by finding out who killed her and why. Together with the help of the Northcotts and her husband, Robert, and brother-in-law, Edwin, they begin their investigation, including traveling into the dangerous underworld to seek clues.
This story was a real treat, like getting a double scoop of your favorite ice cream on top of your cone. The writing was superb, and the plot development was incredible. The author seemed to effortlessly intertwine two unrelated supernatural mysteries into a ghostly, intriguing, and supernatural thriller. The characters were well-written, and I enjoyed the interactions between them. The plot(s) were suspenseful and full of emotions. Although the mood was dark and at times sad, the author injected comic relief in the form of bantering among the characters. I enjoyed the fast-paced, action-packed rhythm of the plot, making the books a fast, enjoyable, and highly satisfying read. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader's Copy of this book.
August 9, 2025
Oh this one is so hard because I’ve loved Lenora and the addition of Kate and her family only add to it, however, this was torturous to get through because of the narrator. The narrator made every character besides Lenora either sound like a three year old, someone sucking helium or worse someone sucking the most sour lemon ever. I was so tempted to stop listening on multiple occasions just because of that. Please find another narrator or go back to a previous one because I’m not sure I can stand another book with this one.
January 22, 2026
Two rounded up. Fairly disappointed. The story line keeps getting more and more far fetched. I could live without Cate and her family. However the biggest problem is the narrator in the audio version. It’s painful to listen to her. All of the men sound haughty and whiney at the same time. Her American accent is horrible. I read that they’re bringing back the original narrator for the next book. I expect that I’ll listen to one more but I fear that Lenora has jumped the shark 😅
May 23, 2026
The story was .. fine, not as good as the previous books and the narrator was much worse in this book. She changes the character of each of the characters. And the whole tone/atmosphere of the book from previous ones. She makes all of them more insipid and petty. More bumbling. In Previous books the narrator was MUCH better. If they use the new narrator in following books I won’t be listening to any more of them.
February 2, 2026
I enjoyed the story and am enjoying the continuity of the characters, I would like very much to see them grow and evolve. The main characters are starting to feel a bit tired to me and perhaps a bit boring and predictable. I will continue reading this series tho. I do want to know what happens next.
April 29, 2025
Another great story (As always!)
This well written and entertaining story is part of a wonderful series. I love the cross-over characters! Full of imagination and suspense, with a healthy dose of humor. We'll done!
This well written and entertaining story is part of a wonderful series. I love the cross-over characters! Full of imagination and suspense, with a healthy dose of humor. We'll done!
May 7, 2025
Another good one
This whole series has been great. Each book as good or better than the last. I appreciate the crossover with the Cate Kensie series. Which made things even more interesting. Good read
This whole series has been great. Each book as good or better than the last. I appreciate the crossover with the Cate Kensie series. Which made things even more interesting. Good read
June 3, 2025
Good book
Good story. Overwhelming ending. Edwin is an even bigger ass. Robert can get with the program already. Lenora needs to start exercising control of her abilities. Enough of the same old. Everyone needs to show some growth and man up.
Good story. Overwhelming ending. Edwin is an even bigger ass. Robert can get with the program already. Lenora needs to start exercising control of her abilities. Enough of the same old. Everyone needs to show some growth and man up.
August 19, 2025
Unbelievable, read it, and you are in it!
You know it's fiction. But after several chapters you've actually became addicted and are watching everything unfold . Damn hard to put the books down. Now we waiting for March of 2026.
You know it's fiction. But after several chapters you've actually became addicted and are watching everything unfold . Damn hard to put the books down. Now we waiting for March of 2026.
January 14, 2026
I think I would have liked this book better if I had read it instead of listening to the audio book. The way the reader over exaggerates all the male character’s voices makes them all sound like whining idiots. It might be appropriate for some, but definitely not all of them.
March 1, 2026
Turmoil for a Duchess
Nellie H Steele does it again in this entry of the Duchess of Blackmoore series. The tales just get better and better. More excitement and more humor. Lenora's husband just tickles me with the hot toddies. On to the next entry!
Nellie H Steele does it again in this entry of the Duchess of Blackmoore series. The tales just get better and better. More excitement and more humor. Lenora's husband just tickles me with the hot toddies. On to the next entry!
January 10, 2026
A fun read
This series is always fun, the characters are true to the period and the sibling rivalry is an added touch.
This series is always fun, the characters are true to the period and the sibling rivalry is an added touch.
January 23, 2026
Waiting on the next book. Loving this series (and it’s not normally my thing)
March 25, 2026
DNF 27%.
I miss the previous narrators, Grace Noble and Liz Gentle. Pandora Hennessy makes Robert sound like a 900 year old hissing curmudgeon, Edwin nasal and whiny, Lenora sounding middle aged instead of a younger woman, Kate sounds like a flat toned robot. Duke an uppity weasel. The high pitched squeal voice of female staff was too much. I wanted to enjoy this installment but i struggled.
I am invested in the series, but will discontinue if it proceeds with this performer.
I miss the previous narrators, Grace Noble and Liz Gentle. Pandora Hennessy makes Robert sound like a 900 year old hissing curmudgeon, Edwin nasal and whiny, Lenora sounding middle aged instead of a younger woman, Kate sounds like a flat toned robot. Duke an uppity weasel. The high pitched squeal voice of female staff was too much. I wanted to enjoy this installment but i struggled.
I am invested in the series, but will discontinue if it proceeds with this performer.
December 9, 2025
Book 5 is another page-turner in this awesome series, with a surprise ending. Be sure and check this series out if you haven't already!! You will love it!!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews