What do you think?
Rate this book
Bad Heir Day Tales #3
The Elusive Earl
He's carrying a torch...
Graham MacNeil wants nothing to do with the family earldom, much less with a drafty castle full of rumgumptious relatives, or with the nosy neighbors determined to inspect the prodigal laird. His sole reason for returning from exile is to discover the truth behind the crime that saw him consigned to seven years transportation.
And she's carrying grudge!
The sole reason, that is, other than Graham's abiding and undeclared regard for Miss Morna MacKenzie. Morna was devastated by the old scandal and by Graham's departure. She's not about to give any more of her heart to a man who kept secrets then and is still keeping secrets now. Graham and Morna will have to learn to trust each other and their hearts if they are to discover who was responsible for shattering their world years ago, and who will go to any lengths to keep them apart now.
Graham MacNeil wants nothing to do with the family earldom, much less with a drafty castle full of rumgumptious relatives, or with the nosy neighbors determined to inspect the prodigal laird. His sole reason for returning from exile is to discover the truth behind the crime that saw him consigned to seven years transportation.
And she's carrying grudge!
The sole reason, that is, other than Graham's abiding and undeclared regard for Miss Morna MacKenzie. Morna was devastated by the old scandal and by Graham's departure. She's not about to give any more of her heart to a man who kept secrets then and is still keeping secrets now. Graham and Morna will have to learn to trust each other and their hearts if they are to discover who was responsible for shattering their world years ago, and who will go to any lengths to keep them apart now.
277 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 18, 2025
203 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Grace Burrowes
192 books2,915 followersGrace Burrowes started writing as an antidote to empty nest and soon found it an antidote to life in general. She is the sixth out of seven children, raised in the rural surrounds of central Pennsylvania. Early in life she spent a lot of time reading romance novels and practicing the piano. Her first career was as a technical writer and editor in the Washington, DC, area, a busy job that nonetheless left enough time to read a lot of romance novels.
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")
Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)
To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")
Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)
To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
October 4, 2025
Another lovely read!
More wonderful characters in a wonderful setting coming together to solve a mystery of secrets. The baddie wasn't difficult to spot but bring justice took time. Bringing the love interests together was delightful, too! I can't remember when the next book comes out, but it's on my list to snag asap!
More wonderful characters in a wonderful setting coming together to solve a mystery of secrets. The baddie wasn't difficult to spot but bring justice took time. Bringing the love interests together was delightful, too! I can't remember when the next book comes out, but it's on my list to snag asap!
June 18, 2025
As always a pleasure to read
August 3, 2025
I really like Grace Burrowes’ books, but this book was awful. boring!!! The other books in this series were interesting.
May 18, 2025
it took me endlessly to read it but that might be my fault entirely. nevertheless, even in retrospect not much happened, because the romance was resolved quite early on and the mystery was not very gripping and resolved quite conventionally. the discussion of terminal suffering and potential assisted suicide lacked depths. I would have preferred an explanation for the gran's death in that direction, could have given more character challenges than the simple whodunit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2025
Graham McNeil a Scottish Earl has returned to London after serving right years in Australia for the manslaughter of his grandmother. He knows he pleaded guilty but also knows he didn't do it, but looking at his cousin, younger brother, grandfather and two related ladies he knew he'd deal with transportation when none of them could have survived it.
Back in London with St Didier a friend who was at the castle when the death happened and who has kept an eye on Grahams family,Graham is attacked by an armed thief but thinks little of it, but asks At Didier to return home with him.
Jamie the younger of the sisters blindness has progressed now to the point she relies on her other senses, and his mother Peter is besotted with her. His friend and maybe future countess Morna has been running the castle in his absence but he's not sure how she feels about him now. His cousin and grandfather have died, the latter from grief, the former it's not so clear.
Whilst in Edinburgh to visit his grandmother s doctor Graham is subjected to a near miss with a run away carriage, and Lorna insists he should stay on the estate where he's safe. At a party to welcome Graham back, Jamie goes missing, and the rest of the family pull together to work out who is the culprit, and Lanies memories of the night their grandmother died reveal the horrifying truth.
More of a whodunit rather than recency romance.
Back in London with St Didier a friend who was at the castle when the death happened and who has kept an eye on Grahams family,Graham is attacked by an armed thief but thinks little of it, but asks At Didier to return home with him.
Jamie the younger of the sisters blindness has progressed now to the point she relies on her other senses, and his mother Peter is besotted with her. His friend and maybe future countess Morna has been running the castle in his absence but he's not sure how she feels about him now. His cousin and grandfather have died, the latter from grief, the former it's not so clear.
Whilst in Edinburgh to visit his grandmother s doctor Graham is subjected to a near miss with a run away carriage, and Lorna insists he should stay on the estate where he's safe. At a party to welcome Graham back, Jamie goes missing, and the rest of the family pull together to work out who is the culprit, and Lanies memories of the night their grandmother died reveal the horrifying truth.
More of a whodunit rather than recency romance.
April 9, 2025
Graham MacNeil was transported to Australia years ago for a crime he confessed to but may not have actually committed. Now back at his family castle in Scotland after serving his sentence and acquiring his Earldom, he has to confront the confusion of the family he left behind while attempting to solve the mystery of who really committed this heinous crime. The love of his life, Miss Morna MacKenzie, is hoping to rekindle the love that was put on hold for all those years while she is trying to understand why he confessed to a crime she doesn’t believe he was capable of committing. When repeated attempts are made on Graham’s life, he starts to believe he may have to leave his homeland again to protect those he loves. As with all the books in “The Bad Heir Day Tales” series, this can be read as a standalone. And as in all the books Ms. Burrowes pens, the mystery builds until the very end with a solution that the reader never saw coming. As always, the writing is wonderful, with fully fleshed out secondary characters, along with beautifully described environments. I definitely recommend adding this book to the TBR pile! This book was provided by the author without any requirement for a review, positive or otherwise. All opinions are 100% my own.
April 28, 2025
This is another great addition to the Bad Heir Day Tales. Graham comes back from deportation to his home and is now the Earl. Morna, his first love is glad to have him back, yet he needs to explain his motives to her and his family. While he is grumpy, he certainly deserves to be after being away 7 years He wants to solve the mystery of his grandmother's death and rekindle his romance with Morna. She becomes an ally for him and both find the love lost 7 years ago. There is suspense, intrigue, love, and family machinations. The love between Lanie and Peter is beautiful. I hope that St.Didier gets his own story, as I find him fascinating. One must always remember that just because you are blood family, doesn't mean you are automatically forgiven your sins. I look forward to the next book in this series. Grace Burrowes writing is superb and her characters well thought out and portrayed. These can be read as standalones, yet why not read them all!
April 18, 2025
This is another great book by Grace Burrowes in her Bad Heir Day series. I really enjoyed the book and grumpy Graham. Graham has many reasons to be grumpy after his extended and unwanted stay down-under. It was also wonderful to see a bit more of St. Didier (who has so far been a bit elusive) and get a better feel for him. I am looking forward to him becoming a bad heir himself one of these days. As always, the mystery shook out in a way I was not expecting (Grace always throws a bit of a twist in that I cannot figure out in advance, which I really appreciate). You could read this book as a stand-alone, but why would you want to when there are 2 other great books in the series to enjoy first.
April 12, 2025
MASSIVE fan of Ms Burrowes. One of my favorite things is she doesn’t talk down to her readers and just tells the story.
I really enjoyed this story. A young man had been deported because they thought he accidentally killed his grandmother. But - as the story shows - what you think is so isn’t.
Graham comes home after 7 years of being deported wanting answers. His young love Morna also believed him when he said something wasn’t right.
This is 3rd of the series but you don’t need to read the series and this can be a stand alone book. But it’s Burrowes so read the series. It was also a joy to see Sebastian from the Lady Violet series.
I really enjoyed this story. A young man had been deported because they thought he accidentally killed his grandmother. But - as the story shows - what you think is so isn’t.
Graham comes home after 7 years of being deported wanting answers. His young love Morna also believed him when he said something wasn’t right.
This is 3rd of the series but you don’t need to read the series and this can be a stand alone book. But it’s Burrowes so read the series. It was also a joy to see Sebastian from the Lady Violet series.
Read
June 2, 2025As mentioned in previous reviews I think, I've become quite the fan of Burrowes - at least the two series that I've been reading.
This is the third (so far) in this series and I appreciated all three of them.
Here the villain was fairly easy to spot (in my opinion), but I like the way the various characters are depicted with their flaws and endearing traits. Anything set in Scotland gets ten extra brownie points from me anyway.
Having discovered this author fairly late, there is a hefty back list for me to wallow in, which is wonderful. While awaiting a sequel here, I will continue the Lord Julien Mystery series with delight.
This is the third (so far) in this series and I appreciated all three of them.
Here the villain was fairly easy to spot (in my opinion), but I like the way the various characters are depicted with their flaws and endearing traits. Anything set in Scotland gets ten extra brownie points from me anyway.
Having discovered this author fairly late, there is a hefty back list for me to wallow in, which is wonderful. While awaiting a sequel here, I will continue the Lord Julien Mystery series with delight.
August 1, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed! Scotland, second chance love, and Scotland. Graham had been transported for apparently aiding in his grandmother's death. Of course there is far more to that story. Our friend, St Dieter, is on-hand when Graham arrives home and as usual is very protective. Graham's love, Morna, has been acting as the chatelain while he was away, and the undercurrents upon his arrival bubble right up. The villain was easily identified but it was interesting what each person who was even remotely a suspect recalled from that night. There is a secondary love story too, which is sweet. This is one of the best the author has written lately and I really like almost everything she writes!
October 31, 2025
The mystery here is entirely obvious, and it leaves Didier with almost nothing to do. Which is an interesting choice.
Intriguing conundrum: if Graham had been a Lord then he would have been executed, but because he was not a lord, for manslaughter he is transported. Then they have to bring him back when men die and leave him the Earl seven years later.
We get a check in with Dunkeld ( a neighbour) which is back in time for him in his story arc, I think.
3 stars
So far this year, my library saved me A$3080.05
Intriguing conundrum: if Graham had been a Lord then he would have been executed, but because he was not a lord, for manslaughter he is transported. Then they have to bring him back when men die and leave him the Earl seven years later.
We get a check in with Dunkeld ( a neighbour) which is back in time for him in his story arc, I think.
3 stars
So far this year, my library saved me A$3080.05
April 13, 2025
Graham voluntarily took the blame for his grandmama's death even though he wasn't to blame. He did it to protect his family and returns from Australia years later, stronger and wiser. St. Didier has kept in touch and has watched over the family during that time. Both Graham and St. Didier want to get to the bottom of what really happened all those years ago. A mystery and a romance! What could be better?
April 30, 2025
Heartwarming, interesting characters, mystery
Grace Burrowes again blends realistic, interesting characters (two brothers, two sisters, a loyal friend, a loyal hunting master, a selfish uncle) with a family tragedy, deep relationships, and an unsolvable mystery. As always, the lovely contrast between their thoughts and what they reveal (or don't) to others gives the reader a nuanced understanding of the characters and their relationships.
Grace Burrowes again blends realistic, interesting characters (two brothers, two sisters, a loyal friend, a loyal hunting master, a selfish uncle) with a family tragedy, deep relationships, and an unsolvable mystery. As always, the lovely contrast between their thoughts and what they reveal (or don't) to others gives the reader a nuanced understanding of the characters and their relationships.
May 4, 2025
Graham was accused of killing his grandmother. He pleaded guilty and spent eight years in Australia. Graham has returned, he did not kill his grandmother, but pleaded guilty to protect the rest of the family. He has come into the title, but folks keep trying to kill him. Graham is in love with Morna. They are to figure out who the scoundrel is and deport him. It was a fun book, always enjoy Grace Burrowes.
July 23, 2025
One of my go to author's for an enjoyable escape. This did not disappoint.
Graham pled guilty to the accidental death of his grandmother and was transported to the Antipodes for 7 years. Now he has returned as the Earl and determined to get to the bottom of the mess that stole 7 years from his life. Yet someone seems to want to end him before he finds any answers.
Enjoyed feisty Morna, and the interesting portrayal of her visually impaired sister who solves the mystery.
Graham pled guilty to the accidental death of his grandmother and was transported to the Antipodes for 7 years. Now he has returned as the Earl and determined to get to the bottom of the mess that stole 7 years from his life. Yet someone seems to want to end him before he finds any answers.
Enjoyed feisty Morna, and the interesting portrayal of her visually impaired sister who solves the mystery.
April 20, 2025
Grace Burrowes never disappoints! This is a fun series that doesn't totally feel like a series. Graham is our Elusive Earl, recently home after being convicted of a crime he didn't commit. His second chance romance with Morna and their journey to figure out the real culprit is an enjoyable ride. Really recommend this series!
May 1, 2025
I will read anything Grace Burrowes writes.
Her language is brisk and efficiently communicates volumes in a small selection of words.
This is a gentle story with a mystery to solve. And I love the little domestic touches that communicate much.
We also had a secondary romance with the MMC’s brother, Peter, and the FMC’s sister, Lainie, who lost her sight due to measles.
Her language is brisk and efficiently communicates volumes in a small selection of words.
This is a gentle story with a mystery to solve. And I love the little domestic touches that communicate much.
We also had a secondary romance with the MMC’s brother, Peter, and the FMC’s sister, Lainie, who lost her sight due to measles.
May 7, 2025
What can I say, I just enjoy the Regency romances from Burrowes and this is another fun one in a series about “lost heirs” to valuable estates being tracked down to ensure survival of the family name. This one has a nice little mystery tucked into the romance. A fun, fast read. Free ebook from the library.
June 4, 2025
The story had too little St Didier. Even at the very end he was rendered invisible, tricked by drugged liquor, which is something his character wouldn’t fall for. Very disappointing.
The writing style is becoming annoying. Every character speaks in satire or prose?
The plot was okay. The writing style made the read very drawn out. I rushed to the end just to be done with it.
The writing style is becoming annoying. Every character speaks in satire or prose?
The plot was okay. The writing style made the read very drawn out. I rushed to the end just to be done with it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2025
3.5 stars to The Elusive Heir by Grace Burrowes
THE ELUSIVE HEIR feels closer to a cozy mystery with two romantic side plots, of our primary couple as well as a secondary couple. Having Graham run the investigation as an amateur sleuth with the assistance of his lady love feels like Burrowes’ historical mystery series with Lord Julian. I’m pleased with that vibe, as I think the mystery series is my favorite of Burrowes’ different series to date.
See my full review at Fresh Fiction
#FFReview
https://freshfiction.com/review.php?i...
THE ELUSIVE HEIR feels closer to a cozy mystery with two romantic side plots, of our primary couple as well as a secondary couple. Having Graham run the investigation as an amateur sleuth with the assistance of his lady love feels like Burrowes’ historical mystery series with Lord Julian. I’m pleased with that vibe, as I think the mystery series is my favorite of Burrowes’ different series to date.
See my full review at Fresh Fiction
#FFReview
https://freshfiction.com/review.php?i...
April 26, 2025
I absolutely adore these books! Each book brings a special set of characters and I become very vested in their story! I was enthralled from the first page and didn't put it down until I was finished a few hours later! I can't wait for the next one!!!
May 11, 2025
the Elusive Earl
Good story, well paced, really good characters. I liked everything about this story. Another in a series worth reading. I hope that all will all be as good as this one.
Good story, well paced, really good characters. I liked everything about this story. Another in a series worth reading. I hope that all will all be as good as this one.
May 13, 2025
The third book in The Bad Heir Day Series was a winner, for me. It was a quick read with likeable (for the most part) characters. I am partial to second chance stories, so it was up my alley. Enjoyable! 4-1/2 Stars
May 25, 2025
It was marvelous.
Grace Burrowes does it again. Found myself reading it late into the night or should I say into the early morning. I just had to finish it. Wonderful storytelling.
Grace Burrowes does it again. Found myself reading it late into the night or should I say into the early morning. I just had to finish it. Wonderful storytelling.
December 14, 2025
Delightful, charming story about an Earl who was wrongly accused of murder and transported to Australia; but our tale begins upon his return to Scotland, where he solves a crime with the help of his extended family. Euphemisms galore in this romance!
April 19, 2025
3-5 stars
Slow and more melancholy than the usual Grace Burrows….and when will Our St. Didier get his? Uncertain why I didn’t appreciate it as much as I usually do, but there it is
Slow and more melancholy than the usual Grace Burrows….and when will Our St. Didier get his? Uncertain why I didn’t appreciate it as much as I usually do, but there it is
April 21, 2025
Finally home
An earl finds his rightful place, mysteries are solved, a villain is vanquished, and lovely romances abound. Well done. Highly recommended.
An earl finds his rightful place, mysteries are solved, a villain is vanquished, and lovely romances abound. Well done. Highly recommended.
April 25, 2025
wonderful read
Enjoyed every minute reading this book
So take this book with you so you can read every chance you can
ENJOY
Enjoyed every minute reading this book
So take this book with you so you can read every chance you can
ENJOY
April 28, 2025
oh I quite enjoyed this one
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews