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Casebook of Barnaby Adair #10
Marriage and Murder
#1 NYT-bestselling author Stephanie Laurens returns with a puzzling case in which her favorite sleuths must untangle a slew of secrets to expose a coldblooded murderer.
When a middle-aged spinster is found strangled in her country cottage and scurrilous gossip implicates Henry, Lord Glossup, he appeals to Barnaby and Penelope Adair along with Inspector Stokes to unravel the mystery of who killed Viola Huntingdon.
Henry, Lord Glossup, arrives on Barnaby and Penelope Adairs’ doorstep and begs their aid—and that of Stokes—in identifying the murderer of Viola Huntingdon, a middle-aged spinster who lived a largely blameless life in a country cottage in a tiny village close to Henry’s home. As Stokes has already been tapped to take the case, the investigators travel to Salisbury and thence to Ashmore village and throw themselves into the case.
While initially Henry was touted as a suspect, he is quickly eliminated, and with the help of the victim’s sister, Madeline, the investigators set out to discover all they can about the victim and who might have wished her ill. In such a small village, with a commensurately small population, the list of possible suspects is short, but the existence of Viola’s ‘secret admirer, H’ has everyone stumped. First, how could Viola, living in such a small community, have had a secret visitor, a man no one saw except at a distance? And who on earth is he, this H?
As the investigators piece together the clues of missing jewelry and sightings of H and follow the leads generated by opportunistic thieves, dodgy jewelers, and local moneylenders, a picture emerges that points to only one conclusion. But in small villages, things are rarely as they seem. Have the investigators got the right man in their sights, or have they been led astray?
A historical novel of 82,000 words weaving mystery and murder with a touch of romance.
When a middle-aged spinster is found strangled in her country cottage and scurrilous gossip implicates Henry, Lord Glossup, he appeals to Barnaby and Penelope Adair along with Inspector Stokes to unravel the mystery of who killed Viola Huntingdon.
Henry, Lord Glossup, arrives on Barnaby and Penelope Adairs’ doorstep and begs their aid—and that of Stokes—in identifying the murderer of Viola Huntingdon, a middle-aged spinster who lived a largely blameless life in a country cottage in a tiny village close to Henry’s home. As Stokes has already been tapped to take the case, the investigators travel to Salisbury and thence to Ashmore village and throw themselves into the case.
While initially Henry was touted as a suspect, he is quickly eliminated, and with the help of the victim’s sister, Madeline, the investigators set out to discover all they can about the victim and who might have wished her ill. In such a small village, with a commensurately small population, the list of possible suspects is short, but the existence of Viola’s ‘secret admirer, H’ has everyone stumped. First, how could Viola, living in such a small community, have had a secret visitor, a man no one saw except at a distance? And who on earth is he, this H?
As the investigators piece together the clues of missing jewelry and sightings of H and follow the leads generated by opportunistic thieves, dodgy jewelers, and local moneylenders, a picture emerges that points to only one conclusion. But in small villages, things are rarely as they seem. Have the investigators got the right man in their sights, or have they been led astray?
A historical novel of 82,000 words weaving mystery and murder with a touch of romance.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 20, 2025
359 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Laurens
206 books5,588 followersStephanie Laurens was born in Sri Lanka, which was at the time the British colony of Ceylon. When she was 5, her family moved to Melbourne, Australia, where she was raised. After continuing through school and earning a Ph.D. in Biochemistry in Australia, Stephanie and her husband moved to Great Britain, taking one of the last true overland journeys from Katmandu to London.
Once in London, Stephanie and her husband both began work as research scientists in Kent. They lived in an area surrounded by history. Their own cottage was built in the 16th century, while next door were the protected ruins of an early Roman villa, and nearby was a 14th century castle.
After four years in England, Stephanie and her husband returned to Australia, where she continued to work in cancer research, eventually heading her own research laboratory. One evening Stephanie realized that she did not have any more of her favorite romance novels to read. After years of thinking about writing her own novel, during nights and weekends for the next several months, she began crafting her own story. That manuscript, Tangled Reins, was the first of her books to be published. After achieving a level of success with her novels, Stephanie "retired" from scientific research and became a full-time novelist. Her novels are primarily historical romances set in the Regency time period.
Stephanie and her husband live on peaceful acreage on the outskirts of Melbourne. If she isn't writing, she's reading, and if she's not reading, she's tending her garden.
Once in London, Stephanie and her husband both began work as research scientists in Kent. They lived in an area surrounded by history. Their own cottage was built in the 16th century, while next door were the protected ruins of an early Roman villa, and nearby was a 14th century castle.
After four years in England, Stephanie and her husband returned to Australia, where she continued to work in cancer research, eventually heading her own research laboratory. One evening Stephanie realized that she did not have any more of her favorite romance novels to read. After years of thinking about writing her own novel, during nights and weekends for the next several months, she began crafting her own story. That manuscript, Tangled Reins, was the first of her books to be published. After achieving a level of success with her novels, Stephanie "retired" from scientific research and became a full-time novelist. Her novels are primarily historical romances set in the Regency time period.
Stephanie and her husband live on peaceful acreage on the outskirts of Melbourne. If she isn't writing, she's reading, and if she's not reading, she's tending her garden.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 26, 2025
I recommend reading, not listening to this book. This is a rant about the reader, not the book. As often happens with SL's book, the library often only has an audiobook available. I have listened through all of her readers and been able to forgive interpretation because I like her stories. This is especially true when taking in the norm at time of publication. In this case I cringed my way through the voices of Barnaby & Penelope, as well as some minor characters. No matter the speed I set my listening at, nothing worked. Penelope came across as a weak aging woman delivered in falsetto-I could easily imagine her fluttering a scarf as if ubsure of herself. Barnaby's voice was lacking in strength of character. He is so not! I was surprised the literary agency allowed this interpretation.
Apologies to the reader(s), it could have been the director's fault.
BTW I have access to 3 libraries and audio is usually the only option. There were years where it was the only choice.
Apologies to the reader(s), it could have been the director's fault.
BTW I have access to 3 libraries and audio is usually the only option. There were years where it was the only choice.
November 5, 2025
Another really good historical murder mystery from Stephanie Laurens. I loved the original Cynster series from Laurens and the Black Cobra Quartet, but I think the Barnaby Adair series might round out my top three series from Laurens.
Barnaby and Penelope I think are my favourite couple, and they’re the only couple we really get to see develop over their marriage across a series which really appeals to me. I like to see a full story arc and things continuing after the happy ending. I really enjoy the trio they form with Inspector Stokes, though I wish Stokes’ wife Griselda could feature more in future books as I really liked her in the earlier books in which she featured. It was also nice to see Henry, Lord Glossup, get his happy ending after appearing in an early Cynster book.
The mystery itself was well done, and I was pleased that I did guess who H was, though I also feel it was a little obvious. The way the story unfolded kept the action moving along, helped by the police – I loved Price and hope he’ll appear in a future story! It is so often the people in these stories that keep them moving along, although I wish the romance played a larger role. You could see it developing from the observations of other characters, but I wish we got more of a sense of it first-hand.
Anything by Stephanie Laurens is an auto-buy for me and it’s very rare that I’m disappointed. The characters come to life, and the mystery gives a chance to get to see the characters being challenged, getting frustrated, shocked, and coming together to reach a resolution. If only more books had characters like these!
Barnaby and Penelope I think are my favourite couple, and they’re the only couple we really get to see develop over their marriage across a series which really appeals to me. I like to see a full story arc and things continuing after the happy ending. I really enjoy the trio they form with Inspector Stokes, though I wish Stokes’ wife Griselda could feature more in future books as I really liked her in the earlier books in which she featured. It was also nice to see Henry, Lord Glossup, get his happy ending after appearing in an early Cynster book.
The mystery itself was well done, and I was pleased that I did guess who H was, though I also feel it was a little obvious. The way the story unfolded kept the action moving along, helped by the police – I loved Price and hope he’ll appear in a future story! It is so often the people in these stories that keep them moving along, although I wish the romance played a larger role. You could see it developing from the observations of other characters, but I wish we got more of a sense of it first-hand.
Anything by Stephanie Laurens is an auto-buy for me and it’s very rare that I’m disappointed. The characters come to life, and the mystery gives a chance to get to see the characters being challenged, getting frustrated, shocked, and coming together to reach a resolution. If only more books had characters like these!
March 24, 2025
There is no doubt that this series is less entertaining than the original Cynsters saga. However, as it stands and if you like trying to unpack a mystery, it is quite enjoyable. I particularly like to see the police and Scotland Yard, gradually grow and develop in stature and professionalism as the series unfolds.
The very careful, painstaking minutiae of the enquiry can at times be a bit tedious, but what at first appeared an "open and shut case" as Mallard the police chief in Salisbury puts it is anything but.
I think I would have liked to see more of Penelope's insights and Barnaby, her husband, only plays a background role here.
There is very little romance as the focus is almost entirely on solving the murder. Henry and Madeline's story appears to be artificially added on for good measure. It does not move the story on at all, except perhaps to add more depth to the title.
I was very taken by the keen , eager local constable William Price and wonder whether Stokes will make room for him in his team for future mysteries.
Perhaps someone ought to tell Ms Laurens that there were no "stoops" in 19th century England!
In short, fairly enjoyable as far as it goes. Four stars is perhaps a bit generous.
The very careful, painstaking minutiae of the enquiry can at times be a bit tedious, but what at first appeared an "open and shut case" as Mallard the police chief in Salisbury puts it is anything but.
I think I would have liked to see more of Penelope's insights and Barnaby, her husband, only plays a background role here.
There is very little romance as the focus is almost entirely on solving the murder. Henry and Madeline's story appears to be artificially added on for good measure. It does not move the story on at all, except perhaps to add more depth to the title.
I was very taken by the keen , eager local constable William Price and wonder whether Stokes will make room for him in his team for future mysteries.
Perhaps someone ought to tell Ms Laurens that there were no "stoops" in 19th century England!
In short, fairly enjoyable as far as it goes. Four stars is perhaps a bit generous.
August 21, 2025
I listened to the audiobook version of this title, tediously narrated by Liam Gerrard.
I have been listening to these “Cases” of Barnaby Adair, back to back, so I notice the differences in narration. With the exception of this title (and book 2, which are novellas 1a and 2a), all have been narrated by Napoleon Ryan. In My Opinion, he does far more distinctive voices than this current narrator!
Unfortunately, he makes ALL of the characters sound OLD! Penelope sounds like an old woman, all of the male characters are indistinguishable from each other and the overall tone is “grey”.
The story is complex and intriguing, but, overall I’m disappointed in the presentation. I probably may not have noticed these things if I’d had a year or two between each story, but I’m devouring them, literally one after the other. As I finish one, I move onto the next - it’s a continuous story for me - thus the change in narrator is harsh and worse. It makes the story heavy and all of the characters old.
Onto the next one…
I have been listening to these “Cases” of Barnaby Adair, back to back, so I notice the differences in narration. With the exception of this title (and book 2, which are novellas 1a and 2a), all have been narrated by Napoleon Ryan. In My Opinion, he does far more distinctive voices than this current narrator!
Unfortunately, he makes ALL of the characters sound OLD! Penelope sounds like an old woman, all of the male characters are indistinguishable from each other and the overall tone is “grey”.
The story is complex and intriguing, but, overall I’m disappointed in the presentation. I probably may not have noticed these things if I’d had a year or two between each story, but I’m devouring them, literally one after the other. As I finish one, I move onto the next - it’s a continuous story for me - thus the change in narrator is harsh and worse. It makes the story heavy and all of the characters old.
Onto the next one…
March 22, 2025
Absolutely intriguing mystery!
Henry, Lord Glossop, finds himself once again accused of strangling a woman. So, he goes to find his friends Penelope and Barnaby Adair for help. Along with Inspector Stokes, they set out to discover what has truly happened. Madeline is the murdered woman's younger sister and has vowed to find her murderer. They all work together to figure this one out! This case has tons of twists and turns. You will be shocked at the final results of their investigation!
The pace is fast and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with a character oriented storyline that has some action and no steam. The characters are vivid and engaging. The mystery is engrossing. This one will keep you guessing until the end. I do recommend that you read this series in order, so that you will recognize the main investigating characters. This is classic Stephanie Laurens. Enjoy!
Henry, Lord Glossop, finds himself once again accused of strangling a woman. So, he goes to find his friends Penelope and Barnaby Adair for help. Along with Inspector Stokes, they set out to discover what has truly happened. Madeline is the murdered woman's younger sister and has vowed to find her murderer. They all work together to figure this one out! This case has tons of twists and turns. You will be shocked at the final results of their investigation!
The pace is fast and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with a character oriented storyline that has some action and no steam. The characters are vivid and engaging. The mystery is engrossing. This one will keep you guessing until the end. I do recommend that you read this series in order, so that you will recognize the main investigating characters. This is classic Stephanie Laurens. Enjoy!
May 8, 2025
Another solid entry into the Casebook of Barnaby Adair. The mystery was good, not too obvious. The outcome was logical, not a accidental revelation of the villain.
As a long time reader of Ms Laurens books I like the wee "Easter egg" type references to previous characters and that she returned to a characters of old to end their story.
While my rating is for the story itself I have to say the audiobook was a painful listen. I didn't feel the performer was suited to the story or that their (or the directors) choice of vocal tones and inflections for some of the characters was right at all. The voices used for Barnaby and Penelope were especially bad. It was also slow. I listen to all my audiobooks at 1.25 speed and found myself repeatedly checking to see if I'd accidentally turn the speed down.
As a long time reader of Ms Laurens books I like the wee "Easter egg" type references to previous characters and that she returned to a characters of old to end their story.
While my rating is for the story itself I have to say the audiobook was a painful listen. I didn't feel the performer was suited to the story or that their (or the directors) choice of vocal tones and inflections for some of the characters was right at all. The voices used for Barnaby and Penelope were especially bad. It was also slow. I listen to all my audiobooks at 1.25 speed and found myself repeatedly checking to see if I'd accidentally turn the speed down.
April 8, 2025
i knew going in there was not much romance, as that was stated. It was an intriguing read and the little romance with Henry and Madeline was delightful. The characters were fairly well developed, and the mystery had a lovely twist on who was the murderer. I have enjoyed this series very much. The Wiliam Price constable character was a nice addition. It would be nice to see him again. Some have said the writing was predictable. I did not find that to be true for me. While I love Barnaby and Penelope, they don't always have to be front and center for me to enjoy the book. I look forward to the next book.
April 23, 2025
I just love Stephanie Laurens’ writing.
Her plots are steady, the story and a well rounded arc and there is plenty of adventure and mayhem to surround the budding romances- and in loving the cleaner romances she writes now. So much more in the writing.
I was so thrilled to read of Thomas Glendower/Malcolm Sinclair and Rose’s appearance in the story! Please, please bring them back to the forefront in the next few stories! And Neville Roscoe. That would be a truly epic few tales!
Anyway- this was a lovely story that had me guessing and binge reading to find out who it was! Highly recommend!
Her plots are steady, the story and a well rounded arc and there is plenty of adventure and mayhem to surround the budding romances- and in loving the cleaner romances she writes now. So much more in the writing.
I was so thrilled to read of Thomas Glendower/Malcolm Sinclair and Rose’s appearance in the story! Please, please bring them back to the forefront in the next few stories! And Neville Roscoe. That would be a truly epic few tales!
Anyway- this was a lovely story that had me guessing and binge reading to find out who it was! Highly recommend!
December 16, 2025
Marriage and Murder by Stephanie Laurens
4 Stars
This is a murder mystery by Scotland Yard officers in a small town.
This was a fun light read. Set in the 1800s (I think, but don't know for sure) UK, it is a slower paced murder mystery. There are quite a few characters to keep track of, and each is enjoyable in their own way. There are some fun twists and turns, but nothing Earth shaking. I will definitely be backtracking and try more of the series. It didn't suck me in, and I was able to put it down periodically.
4 Stars
This is a murder mystery by Scotland Yard officers in a small town.
This was a fun light read. Set in the 1800s (I think, but don't know for sure) UK, it is a slower paced murder mystery. There are quite a few characters to keep track of, and each is enjoyable in their own way. There are some fun twists and turns, but nothing Earth shaking. I will definitely be backtracking and try more of the series. It didn't suck me in, and I was able to put it down periodically.
March 28, 2025
As a reader I knew who the obvious murder suspect would be and knowing Stephanie Laurens' plot twist style, that in the last two chapters, it would turn out to be someone else. I am glad, I guessed right. The plot twist was interesting, not necessarily predictable except I am very familiar with the author's style having read every single one of her book.
September 6, 2025
I did this as an audio book.
It took me a little while to get into this book. At first I thought it was a little slow and was not sure I would continue with it. However I got to appreciate it once I got into the rhythm of it. This story reminded me a little of Agatha Christie or any good detective series where they keep following clues that seem to lead one way but through scrutiny eventually lead to the correct conclusion. Overall I enjoyed it.
It took me a little while to get into this book. At first I thought it was a little slow and was not sure I would continue with it. However I got to appreciate it once I got into the rhythm of it. This story reminded me a little of Agatha Christie or any good detective series where they keep following clues that seem to lead one way but through scrutiny eventually lead to the correct conclusion. Overall I enjoyed it.
September 24, 2025
One of Inspector Basil Stokes’ previous cases of murder is brought back to the public focus when the man previously accused and found innocent is once again accused of murder. Barnaby and Penelope Adair arrive with the inspector to help with the investigation. I am genuinely enjoying the secondary romance that is part of the story. An incredible variety of secondary characters adds to the richness of the overall story.
March 26, 2025
Should have been a one except for one tiny twist at the end.
Very dull procedural of lots of people walking in and out of rooms, carriages. gardens.. Minimal character development. Ms Lauren’s has done so much better in the past that it is obvious she is just calling this in.
Sorry . Give her a vacation.
Very dull procedural of lots of people walking in and out of rooms, carriages. gardens.. Minimal character development. Ms Lauren’s has done so much better in the past that it is obvious she is just calling this in.
Sorry . Give her a vacation.
November 8, 2025
A little murder, a little romance - it's all in a day's work for Barnaby and Penelope Adair. In Marriage and Murder Ms Laurens has given us a fine new tale for the Casebook series, sure to appeal to her many fans. If you like your cozy mysteries set in Regency England, you are sure to love these well-plotted and paced short novels of murder without too much mayhem.
April 15, 2025
I really like these murder mystery books from Stephanie Laurens. Barnaby, Penelope, and Stokes always expose the bad guy and entertain with their sleuthing skills. I love these characters and the plot of this book. So looking forward to reading the next installment of this series.
March 20, 2025
the twist at the end was extremely fun but the rest was just a retreading of the series formula
March 26, 2025
Love this series and the characters
April 18, 2025
It’s got so many twists and turns and it’s a fascinating labyrinth of information to follow and wrong turns to discover. The light romance satisfies the romantic in me too. A great read.
April 23, 2025
A good mystery with a nice twist. You meet one of the mystery people early on and you know they are involved somehow, but their are others hidden in plain sight.
April 25, 2025
now I want to know which story features Henry's wife murder and investigation.
May 21, 2025
★★★★☆
July 3, 2025
A good case. The culprit surprised me though ... I honestly didn't see it coming until it did.
August 28, 2025
Another good book with Penelope and Barnaby. Did not care for the narrator, though.
July 27, 2025
This is a fun read with her typical romance of the characters involved in the investigation. I appreciate a story that does not involved what is referred to as "steam", which to my way of thinking is the code word for pornography. But a sweet romance is appreciated. The mystery had a twist on who was the murderer. I have enjoyed this series very much. I look forward to the next book.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews