Murder in Moonlight

Silver and Grey #1

by Mary Lancaster

A house of secrets, an impossible attraction

On a personal quest, Constance Silver, who runs Mayfair’s most exclusive brothel, has lied her way into Greenforth Manor, home of respectable and charismatic provincial banker, Walter Winsom. She feels quite safe from recognition until Solomon Grey joins the party.

Aloof and strangely exciting, Solomon is one of the wealthiest men in London, so what does he want with any of the small players gathered at Greenforth? More immediately, will he give Constance away? He saved her life once, with most disturbing effects on her, and she is still magnetically drawn to him. But he is one of the few men she cannot read or influence.

When they discover their host’s murdered body together, they have to overcome distrust of each other to investigate. Everyone in the house seems to have had both motive and opportunity to kill him, so Constance and Solomon must uncover many secrets and set a dangerous trap in order to reach the truth.

But is the murderer one step ahead of them?

And if they both survive, will they part forever?

Genres: Mystery, Historical Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Adult, Amazon

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 12, 2024

About the author

Mary Lancaster is a USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction and historical romance. She lives in Scotland with her husband, one of three grown-up kids, and a small dog with a big personality.

Her first literary love was historical fiction, a genre which she relishes mixing up with romance and adventure in her own writing. Several of her novels feature actual historical characters as diverse as Hungarian revolutionaries, medieval English outlaws, and a family of eternally rebellious royal Scots. To say nothing of Vlad the Impaler.
Her most recent books are light fun Regency romances, with occasional forays into Victorian mystery.

Connect with Mary on-line:
Website: http://www.MaryLancaster.com
Newsletter sign-up: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mary.lancast...
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/MaryLancaste...
Twitter: @MaryLancNovels https://twitter.com/MaryLancNovels
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Mary-Lancaster...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/mary-...

Reviews

[eyes.2c · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful beginnings of a new series. The not so hard bitten courtesan and Mr Solomon Grey join forces to investigate a happening that touches them both.

[Mary Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

What an excellent start to the new series.

We met Solomon and Constance briefly in one of the books with Lady Grizelda Tizsa and Dragan. In that book Constance was helping Griz dress as a prostitutue in order to retrieve some diamonds. The Diamonds were owned by Solomon.
They are invited to the house party separately. Constance wants to ask questions of the host as does Solomon. I guessed who Solomon was searching for...lets hope this is answered in other books. The host is killed and our intrepid duo seek to solve the mystery and help out the police. The police recognise that Constance is in disguise but don't let the cat out of the bag. About two thirds of the way through I realised who must have done the deed.

What I love about this author's writing is the characterisation of all the players, even the smaller roles such as Owen the boot boy. Looking forward to more stories and heartily recommend.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Constance Silver, madam of Mayfair’s most exclusive brothel, has lied her way into Greenforth Manor, home of respectable and charismatic provincial banker, Walter Winsom. As she is on a personal quest & hopes to find answers, so she’s going by the name of Mrs Goldrich She feels quite safe from recognition until Solomon Grey joins the party. Aloof and strangely exciting, Solomon, a shipping tycoon is one of the wealthiest men in London. When they discover their host’s murdered body together, they have to overcome distrust of each other to investigate. Everyone in the house seems to have had both motive and opportunity to kill him, so Constance and Solomon must uncover many secrets and set a dangerous trap in order to reach the truth.
The first in a new series & I loved it. Far more mystery than romance & the mystery was intriguing. There were secrets, lies, revenge & danger, everyone at the house party is a suspect & all seem to have something to hide. I loved both Solomon & Constance, there was a spark between them but they were wary of each other at the beginning but became friends & had each other’s back. The pace was really good & the characters well portrayed some I liked others I disliked. The climax is thrilling & I look forward to the rest of the series
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Constance Silver and Solomon Grey know very little about the guests at the house party. Solomon has no idea why he was invited. Using a fictitious name, Constance has a reason and uses the infatuated young son to gain an invitation. When their host is murdered in the garden, there are more questions than answers. An engaging murder mystery where everyone is suspect and Silver and Grey work together to solve the murder, even as suspects themselves.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great beginning to a new series! Constance Silver is a confident woman on the surface but she has her weaknesses. She is searching for some answers. Solomon Grey is a wealthy man and is also very sure of himself, he too, is searching for someone. This takes place at a house party and is where the murder takes place. I enjoyed the working through the possible suspects and the number of secrets that were uncovered. I also liked the connection between Constance and Solomon and I’m sure there is more to come in that area. I’m really looking forward to the next in the series.

[Susan in Perthshire · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fabulous start to a new series. I really enjoyed it and look forward to more. Not sure about the choice of professional for the heroine that the author has made but I look forward to finding out more about Constance and Solomon

[Anne-Mammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is always something exciting when a well known and loved author starts a new series. It is true that Ms Lancaster has not always been successful in her series but certainly the Blackhaven ones have been really entertaining. So here we have 2 very likeable, engaging characters Solomon Grey, wealthy, handsome, with a mysterious past in Jamaica and the beautiful, incognito brothel Madam, Constance Silver. They are attempting to help solve the murder of the well regarded banker Walter Winson at night during his own house party. There are enough hints about the heroes hidden past to enable many more stories.
I found the story moved on at a good pace and I was not able to guess the culprit. All the members of this house party had some motive and opportunity to commit the murder. I liked the way the Scotland Yard staff was portrayed not as bumbling fools but as intelligent, firm and thorough investigators.
It is a good example of a clean romance/mystery novel which provides a few hours of relaxing entertainment even if it is not great literature. Ms Lancaster style though is literate and flows easily.
I await the second volume in this series with interest.

[Janet Denise Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS, MUST READ HISTORICAL MYSTERY

Mary Lancaster has another 5 STARS Book 1 in her new compelling Series: Silver and Gray complete with providing a good BLURB. This is a top Author who knows her business of writing an exciting storyline that invites a reader in and with fast paced action embroils said reader completely.

I could not put this book down & turned the pages reading with great intensity & delight. Now, another couple who have complete lives separate from solving mysteries & obviously enjoy it.

Looking forward to seeing this couple, Constance & Solomon again in the next book. Great characters & exciting storyline.
This is a Must Read for mystery buffs.

RECOMMEND

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Constance Silver and Solomon Grey know very little about the guests at the house party. Solomon has no idea why he was invited. Using a fictitious name, Constance has a reason and uses the infatuated young son to gain an invitation. When their host is murdered in the garden, there are more questions than answers. An engaging murder mystery where everyone is suspect and Silver and Grey work together to solve the murder, even as suspects themselves.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was just an ok story for me that felt a bit slow pacing wise - yes the victim is killed quickly but the rest seemed a bit slow and the middle of the book just dragged for me. It didn't help that there are a lot of characters and I really didn't feel connected to any of them. For some reason I kept confusing the Albrights (the victim's oldest daughter and her husband) with the Boltons (the victim's partner and his wife) for the first half of the book - is that me? Or odd writing? Not sure.

I had the murderer pretty much pegged from the beginning including part of the why, but the author did a decent job of making me second-guess that. There were some plot inconsistencies such as why would the butler run away from he was trying to protect the boot boy? If he was trying to protect him he would have defended the boy, not run away and annoying contrivances such as Constance going off alone, not once, but several times, which is just irritating. I also had no idea why the policemen would stay in the inn instead of at the house which is full of murder suspects. Again, didn't make sense.

This book is described as a romance mystery. There is NO romance. Constance is attracted to Solomon and he to her and they each think about each other a fair bit and grow to like each other but that is it. To me that's not a romance and was disappointing. Honestly, given their backgrounds an actual romance between them probably wouldn't have been believable either but still it's a bit of false advertising.

My other big problem is I didn't really care about any of the characters. Solomon and Constance were mildly interesting but the victim? I didn't really care who killed him and why because we barely get to know him before he's murdered and then what we learn after he's dead doesn't make him a very likable person, so beyond the wanting to unravel a mystery, I wasn't really invested.

So this story was just ok. Murder mysteries that had hints of romance - but more than this book - that I thought were better? The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton (this is a very polarizing book and hard to follow but I liked it) and Marion Lane and the Midnight Murdery by T.A. Willberg.

For straight up mysteries I liked The Murder of Patience Brooke by J.C. Briggs

I like other Mary Lancaster books and I think her Season of Scandal series was better written -although it's flipped with more emphasis on the romance with a touch of mystery (not a murder). I may someday read the next one in this series but frankly wasn't wowed enough to read another one now.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a thrilling blend of suspense, forbidden attraction, and a cast of mysterious characters. The first book in the Silver and Grey series is an enchanting start to what looks to be a captivating journey through intrigue and desire.
Constance Silver, a woman whose secrets are as carefully guarded as the elite brothel she runs in Mayfair, embarks on a high-stakes mission that lands her in Greenforth Manor, a seemingly respectable estate owned by the charming provincial banker Walter Winsom. But Constance’s plans are quickly thrown into disarray when Solomon Grey—one of the wealthiest and most enigmatic men in London—appears on the scene. Cold, aloof, and impossibly magnetic, Solomon is both a man to be feared and desired, especially by Constance, who finds herself drawn to him despite her best efforts to remain in control.
The real drama begins when the body of Walter Winsom is discovered, and Constance and Solomon are thrust into a web of deceit, mistrust, and hidden motives. The chemistry between the two is undeniable, though rich with tension as they work together to uncover the truth behind the murder. Solomon is the one man who has managed to slip past Constance’s defenses, and her feelings for him, complicated by past trauma and unresolved desire, add a rich layer to the narrative.
The book blends the allure of a classic mystery with simmering romance. The murder investigation becomes a dangerous game of cat and mouse, with every guest at Greenforth Manor a potential suspect. As Constance and Solomon unravel the threads of deception, the stakes grow ever higher, and their partnership becomes more entwined with emotional complexity. The unpredictable nature of their relationship and the shifting dynamics between them make for an intriguing and compelling read.
The author does a nice job of combining mystery, romance, and thrilling suspense to make this a page-turner. I enjoyed this first installment and look forward to continuing the series.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Anna Boliker · Rating 4 out of 5]

New, highly anticipated mystery/romance series, as Crime and Passion-series seems to be finished (what a pity!). Although, there are several shout-outs to the Tizsas, their story seems to have come to an end. The new investigative couple is an unusual combination in Regency romance context, and to be honest, although I really do like the books by the author (well written, good story, not too cheesy, witty, well researched, conclusive, well-paced), I wasn’t sure about this book when I read the description. What made me read it, was a teaser chapter in Spinister's Last Dance.
The MC’s profession is hard to sympathize with, as in other regencies these women are mostly painted as difficult, cold, calculating, etc. Not to say as usually being described as much older (“past their prime”, etc.). Here we have a highly attractive, young woman in this managerial position in the trade. This made me rather skeptical and that is also a point in both MCs brooding, probably in the attempt to persuade the reader of its plausibility. Probably, more details on the backstory will follow in the next installments, but since it is “just” a backdrop, it does not disturb nether the narrative, nor the atmosphere of the book.
The story is capturing enough, although the sleuthing is a bit straight forward. A lot of questioning and repetitions in the gathered information, but with the backstories and the slow burn attraction all in all it is a good mixture.
As expected the new installment is a well thought-out story, well written, slow burn clean romance, sprinkled with a bit of humor and suspense. Recommend as a cozy read and with anticipation for the rest of series (maybe also with a little more of the Tizsas ;) ). Thanks to the author for providing such delightful entertainment!
I received an advanced copy of this book provided by netgalley. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder in Moonlight by Mary Lancaster is a new series featuring Constance Silver and Solomon Grey. Both have extensive back stories, which make this pairing all the more amazing. They are “friends” of Lady Grizelda Tizsa who, along with her husband, investigates crimes. Constance has gotten herself invited to a house party, using a fake name, by the son of the house, Randolph Winsom. All were worried that her goal was marriage. Sol was invited by the lady of the house, Deborah, who invited him to liven up the party. He had his own reasons for attending. All is going well enough until Sol and Constance meet in the library late one evening, both searching for information relating to their reasons for being there, see something outside, and discover Mr. Walter Winsom dead with a knife in his back. Now the fun begins.

All throughout the investigation, Sol and Constance are fighting an attraction. Both have secrets, hers is the fact she owns a brothel and is a very high-class courtesan; his is that he has African in his ancestry, a fact for many people from Jamaica and obvious to many. They both have an affinity for solving crimes and are able to work together despite the fact neither really trusts the other. Winsom and his partner were bankers, and that may be involved with the crime. It was certainly involved with one of the suspects. The crime is solved. The guests are able to return home and all is well, Constance and Sol never to meet again. Sure… Wonderful characters and I was never sure who the killer was. It changed for me as well as for the lead duo. The surprises were great, and worth waiting for. Good read.

I was invited to read Murder in Moonlight by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #MaryLancaster #MurderInMoonlight

[Winnifred D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes: class/racial difference; working class MC's; MC's team up to solve a murder
Steam level: low (a chaste kiss)

This is a solid 4 stars from me. A good start to a new mystery/HR series by Mary Lancaster. The MC's, Constance and Solomon, are engaging, witty, and different from the typical HR couple. The hook for me was their challenging pasts due to gender and race; they've each had to overcome much to attain success in their lives. Neither is titled. I thought Solomon's past in Jamaica and the issue of slavery was handled in an especially fresh way and was well researched. Be aware that though the MC's have chemistry, their relationship is an extremely slow burn, which makes sense for their characters; this book is much more heavily focused on plot than steam

The baddie isn't hard to figure out, but there is an unexpected angle, and I liked Constance and Solomon's clever escape.

My quibbles:
--The butler played an interesting role but not quite sure why he lingered? Maybe I missed something.
--I wasn't really comfortable with the fact that the youngest daughter, who was around 16, had a very obvious flirtation with a much older man and then a lower-key flirtation with another (slightly younger) man by the end. It seemed an odd choice to not make her, say, 18.
--Finally, I felt that Constance was a bit too accepted by a key character at the end.

Overall, though, this is a well plotted and well researched mystery/romance.

I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my honest, voluntary review. Thanks to the author, Dragonblade, and Net Galley for this opportunity.

[Marion Löw · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great start to the new series and an captivating story that reminded me of Agatha Christie novels! A house party, a murdered host, two guests with different backgrounds who join forces to track down the murderer and a whole house full of suspects who all have a motive. And during the investigation, a friendship develops between Constance and Solomon that could lead to more.
The plot is very well written and full of suspense, action, intrigue, mystery and danger.

Constance Silver aka Constance Goldrich, the infamous Madam of London's most exclusive brothel, tricks her way into an invitation to the Winsoms' country house party in the hope of finding out more about her origins. There she meets Solomon Grey, a successful business tycoon whom she has met before in London and who could blow her cover. But unexpectedly, he doesn't expose her.
Solomon has accepted the invitation in order to get answers for unresolved issues from his past, but then their host is murdered and Constance and he accidentally discover the body. As all guests are unable to leave, the two become allies and begin their own investigation...

If you like cosy murder mysteries with very likable characters and a budding romance, you are sure to enjoy this book!

I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.

[Elizabeth S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Lancaster's books are sometimes a little Gothic-with-a-wink, a guilty pleasure, if ever there was one. This new series has secondary characters from previous novels as the protagonists in this one. Constance Silver is the notorious, gorgeous madam of an exclusive brothel for wealthy patrons. Solomon Grey is a wealthy shipping magnate from Jamaica. After a dramatic encounter in the past, they meet again at a house party at Greenforth Manor. She is there incognito, while both of them are concealing their real motives for attending. When someone is murdered in the moonlight, they join forces to determine who the culprit is.

Sexy, smart characters building a relationship based upon mutual respect and attraction, and a murder to figure out. Lots of fun. I have to take off a little bit because of the mistake Constance made at the end. She had shown herself to be very astute and perceptive all through the book, so it was impossible to believe her to be so gullible. 4.7 stars

Edited to add that in spite of the profession of the main character, there is only one chaste kiss in the whole book. This is a series, so the relationship has to build realistically. Solomon is not a patron of her establishment, nor does he want to be.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have Solomon Grey and Constance Silver aka Constance Goldrich are both at a house party with secrets.
Constance an owner of an upscale brothel and Solomon one of the wealthiest men in London are friends of one of my favorite sleuthing couples the Tizsas! Lady Griselda Tizsa and her husband. These were secondary characters who definitely have stories of their own to tell!
When the host is murdered then the answers both Solomon and Constance seek are seemingly dead with him!
They decide to unite and find out the killer and or motive for murder!
When their favorite inspector also arrives it is definitely a reunion of sorts!
There are several suspects and lots of motives! But things take a turn and Constance and Solomon wonder if they are too close to the killer!
These two definitely have chemistry and history! You take a dive into some of their history but Constance is a little less clear!
She definitely has a heart and some vulnerability which I love!
These two almost die catching the killer thank goodness for Constance quick thinking! Love this duo! Can’t wait for the next one! Bravo
Solomon is definitely one to stay with you long after the last page!

[Lana Birky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5 Stars - This novel is a whirlwind of secrets, tumultuous marriages, murder, and allure. Centered on Constance Silver, the shrewd and resourceful madam of an elite Mayfair brothel, and Solomon Grey, a self-made shipping tycoon with a mysterious air. The story is utterly engrossing, and when Constance infiltrates Greenforth Manor under false pretenses, she finds herself entangled in a web of secrets and murder

The intrigue intensifies with Solomon Grey's arrival at the manor. Together, they stumble upon the corpse of their host, Walter Winsom, a well-regarded banker. As every occupant has a possible motive, Constance and Solomon grapple with their mutual suspicion to unearth the truth. Their quest is perilous, riddled with secrets, and a very slow-burn attraction that adds complexity to their quest.

The author delivers a narrative, rich with historical authenticity, captivating characters, and complex plot twists that had me eagerly turning pages to discover what lay ahead.

[Charmaine Fernando · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder by moonlight by Mary Lancaster is a new series for me as I did not read the first book that introduced the character of Constance Silver, however this will not hinder the reader from following along as enough hints and information is dropped throughout the story to keep you from feeling lost.

During a dinner party thrown by the hosts Mr. & Mrs. Winsom at their home, Mr. Winsom ends up stabbed in the back in the garden after midnight and he is discovered by Constance Silver and Solomon Grey, both guests to the party and both there for their own reasons. The duo, who are attracted to each other decide to team up and help the police solve the mystery of who murdered Mr. Winsom.

Good cast of characters that keep you guessing as to the perpetrator and the final reveal was not whom I was expecting. All in, an exciting whodunit that kept and held my interest from start to finish.

I received an ARC from the Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and submit my honest review voluntarily.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets abound in this intriguing book, and hardly anyone is where they should have been on the night a murder takes place. A house party devolves into a murder investigation and two unlikely characters pair up to investigate the sequence of events. Solomon Grey and Constance Silver have inadvertently encountered each other before. Although they come from very different worlds, they begin to trust one another despite their suspicions. Piecing the bits of the puzzle together puts both of them at risk, especially when it seems they have stumbled on the truth. Attraction simmers between Constance and Solomon, and although they cautiously reach out to one another, they do not allow their feelings to carry them away. When the truth eventually emerges the house of cards comes tumbling down leaving the players struggling with the outcome. I received a copy of this well-written detective novel as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Barbara Sachs · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a minute there...

...I thought maybe I was wrong, but very quickly my guess was confirmed. I had figured out the mystery early on and was right. Clever me, or maybe it was fairly obvious? Either way, Lancaster writes so well, especially her clean mysteries, I enjoyed the read.
Constance and Solomon proved to be a likeable couple, the others not so much. Ellen and Miriam turned out better than I expected, though, as did their brother. I also liked the detective and constable.
The only thing I didn't find interesting was all of Constance"s repetitive self-doubt. It didn't really fit her character and made for a little too much drag.
Otherwise, the story moved along apace.
I especially appreciated that it's a clean romance. Constance and Solomon were certainly aware of each other and attracted without the tawdry lustful focus that demeans the romance stories in this genre that stoop to such a low level.
Looking forward to the next installment.

[SylviaV · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder in Moonlight by Mary Lancaster. (Silver and Grey #1)

Set in 1850's London and in Country Manor houses around the UK. This is the start of a Historical Cozy Mystery series, with Constance Silver and Solomon Grey as the lead characters. Constance is London's most notorious courtesan/high class brothel owner/madam and Solomon is a very successful and wealthy business man who happens to be a native of Jamaica. The cozy mystery of each book finishes with the mystery solved. In this book, the story deals with a body found with a knife in the back and a house full of guests, with one of them being the murderer. The overall story arc is the relationship between Constance and Solomon and the obstacles that their relationship faces with the prejudices against their different backgrounds of that time. Both lead characters are not of the "ruling classes" but both are able to move in "polite society". A great read. 4 stars.

[Texastwang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two people looking for answers. Altjough they have already met its in their besst interests to seem as they havent. One a self made man and another a high controversial women. Both understand navigating the ton and its secrets Finding themselves at the house party and in the middle of a murdr can they keep themselves from being accused and keep the secreets they hold.
I am SUPER excited about this new series from Mary Lancaster. It has so much potential and and intrigue of the next meeting is nail biting.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with guidelines

[Jini · Rating 5 out of 5]

In one word - Meaty.

52 books in, Mary Lancaster remains one of my absolute favourites. I am surprised this book is available on KU unlike the Petteril series.

I thought Petteril's Portrait was wasted potential and Ms Lancaster seems to have thought so as well. Here we spend ample time with each of the house party guests, delve into their emotions, personalities and motives. And it does seem that anyone of them could've done it.

Regarding the leads, I confess I didn't remember them at all from 'Lost Lover', although the Tizsas remain my fave investigating duo. But Ms Lancaster has developed Silver and Grey into fully-fleshed out characters in this one with enough promise of romance and personal mysteries to be solved in the future.

[Sahar's Honest Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who Killed Walter?
Constance, the owner of an elite brothel, and Solomon, a wealthy businessman, find themselves at a grand house party when the host is suddenly murdered. Determined to uncover the truth, they launch their own investigation. But as they dig deeper, danger closes in—because a murderer never wants to be exposed.
This gripping Victorian murder mystery kept me turning pages late into the night. The list of suspects was long, yet the identity of the killer took me by surprise. I can’t wait to see where the series goes next. Will Constance and Solomon take on another case? And what of the undeniable tension between them—could it lead to something more? Constance had her own reasons for attending the party. Will she continue her search for answers?

[Mindy B (reader_of_the_lost_arcs) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Constance and Solomon "officially" meet at a house party, where they have to hide that they really had met years ago. Someone is murdered, and the house is full of suspects. These two work really well together. There is easy chemistry and attraction.

My ONLY complaint is Monster, the dog, needed a HEA too. It's obvious that he's neglected and if an author is going to bring a Notable Pet into the storyline, they need to make sure all is well for the pet in the end. You know, make the next book somehow Solomon has adopted the dog because Randolph can't take care of him, or something.
Signed, a disgruntled animal lover

Thank you to netgalley for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this mystery. I enjoyed how there were many different character povs but it was always easy to know who was giving their perspective and it did add something to the story. I am not usually a big fan of this cause it can make things feel overwhelming or gimmicky. Our two main characters are both outsiders in society looking for answers about their families and it was nice to see them grow in friendship and potential love interest. I know we won’t see them again but I liked Emily and Randolph a lot. I can’t wait to read the next one. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[June Calvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

First class mystery!

Mary Lancaster's novel Murder in Moonlight is the first in a new series. It was unexpectedly modern-feeling for a story set in Victorian times. The hero is a wealthy businessman, to-die-for attractive and the heroine a "fallen woman." It is a piquant set-up which should be fascinating to follow through several stories. The mystery was genuinely mysterious. One reason mystery is a less-favored genre for me is that I can usually figure out 'who-done-it," which makes it less interesting. Mary Lancaster is a marvelous writer and she surely has another hit on her hands.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Constance, an owner of a very exclusive brothel, gets herself invited to a country house party in order to determine if the head of the house could be her actual father. Solomon gets invited because he thinks the head of the house could know something of his long lost brother. When the man in question is murdered, they must team up to discover who is responsible. I look forward to reading the next book in this five book series. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for my honest review.

[Petula · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful historical romance with a murder / mystery to go with it. Our lead characters are starting a new series with this book. Our hero is a wealthy businessman with something of a mysterious back story that we get teasing glimpses of. Our heroine runs an exclusive brothel,  but is using an assumed name . 

This is a fast-paced mystery with lots of suspects for the murder. Everyone looks innocent, but all have motive. 

Really marvellous characters that I can't wait to follow in the next books. 

Great fun.