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Rosalynd and Steele Mysteries #1
A Murder in Mayfair
A sinister murder. An impossible alliance. A scandal-ridden investigation.London, 1889. Lady Rosalynd, a fervent champion of women’s rights, is no stranger to challenging the status quo. But when a brutal murder casts suspicion on Rosalynd’s beloved cousin and implicates the enigmatic Duke of Steele's brother, her fiercely guarded independence is put to the ultimate test.
Bound by necessity, Steele proposes a partnership as implausible as it is inevitable. Driven by the urgent need to vindicate her cousin, Rosalynd agrees. As they move from the glittering ballrooms of Mayfair to the perilous streets of St. Giles, they unravel a complex web of deceit surrounding the murder victim. When each revelation further implicates her cousin, Rosalynd embarks on more dangerous pursuits. Will her actions lead them to the killer or ensnare her in a deadly trap?
A Murder in Mayfair, Book 1 in the Rosalynd and Steele Mysteries by USA Today bestselling author Magda
Alexander, delivers a delicious blend of Victorian suspense, slow-burn romance, and gripping historical mystery. Perfect for fans of The Bow Street Duchess Mysteries and The Angus Brodie & Mikaela Forsythe Series, this novel promises intrigue, passion, and danger at every turn.
Bound by necessity, Steele proposes a partnership as implausible as it is inevitable. Driven by the urgent need to vindicate her cousin, Rosalynd agrees. As they move from the glittering ballrooms of Mayfair to the perilous streets of St. Giles, they unravel a complex web of deceit surrounding the murder victim. When each revelation further implicates her cousin, Rosalynd embarks on more dangerous pursuits. Will her actions lead them to the killer or ensnare her in a deadly trap?
A Murder in Mayfair, Book 1 in the Rosalynd and Steele Mysteries by USA Today bestselling author Magda
Alexander, delivers a delicious blend of Victorian suspense, slow-burn romance, and gripping historical mystery. Perfect for fans of The Bow Street Duchess Mysteries and The Angus Brodie & Mikaela Forsythe Series, this novel promises intrigue, passion, and danger at every turn.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 31, 2025
908 people are currently reading
325 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
October 25, 2025
I can't put my finger on it, but I just like the writing style. I thought the mystery was easily solved and not that compelling but I liked the storyline of solving it. The duke is an interesting character that is handsome and apparently was deeply in love with his first wife that died. Rosalynd is working for women's rights and is a strong friend and caretaker. I normally don't like children, but Rosalind's younger sister who is 7 is a hoot and I loved it. The book is a shorter one and I read it in 2 days and the day before that I read the prequel. I already have the next book downloaded as I want a well written fast moving easy to read mystery and this series is spot on for me. Rate it 4.5* as the mystery was a weak link.
November 17, 2025
Tea and Murder
Lady Rosalynd’s dearest cousin, Julia was married to a viscount in need of an heir. Rosalynd noted more than once that her cousin was bruised as if man-handled roughly. When Lady Julia’s husband turned up dead in an alley near the house of his mistress, she was marked as the most likely murderer.
Rosalynd and her friend who also enjoyed investigating things the constables failed to look too into, the Duke of Steele stepped forward as his brother was rumored to have a relationship with Lady Julia.
This was a very well done murder mystery with just a touch of romance. Five stars for this Victorian mystery.
Lady Rosalynd’s dearest cousin, Julia was married to a viscount in need of an heir. Rosalynd noted more than once that her cousin was bruised as if man-handled roughly. When Lady Julia’s husband turned up dead in an alley near the house of his mistress, she was marked as the most likely murderer.
Rosalynd and her friend who also enjoyed investigating things the constables failed to look too into, the Duke of Steele stepped forward as his brother was rumored to have a relationship with Lady Julia.
This was a very well done murder mystery with just a touch of romance. Five stars for this Victorian mystery.
November 13, 2025
3.5 stars
I am always interested in expanding the Georgian/ Victorian mysteries series in my reading repertoire and this book fit the bill (thank you Merry!). I liked the easy writing style and pace of the book.
On the down side, the investigation was kind of lightish and sometimes going in circles. And the characterisation, while overall charming, felt clumsy and shallowly done at times. But I am willing to put all these unpolished edges on account of growing pains of a new series.
I enjoyed the general light atmosphere of the universe and the series has good bones that promise comfortable reading time. As such, I will continue with the series and see where it leads.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. The author fixed several of the issues I had problems from the prequel, The Stolen Sparkler.
I like how the relationship is growing between Steel and Rosalynd. The mystery really wasn’t challenging at all but it was a good, light read anyway.
I’ve bought book 2 and I am starting it right away.
I like how the relationship is growing between Steel and Rosalynd. The mystery really wasn’t challenging at all but it was a good, light read anyway.
I’ve bought book 2 and I am starting it right away.
June 1, 2025
Excellent!
Great mystery and lots of interesting characters!! The story is about solving a murder and the time period is background. Great story with many good distractions ! The " bad person" is caught, after a wonderful story of the investigation. Compares to Wexford and Sloane wonderful series and also Michaela and Brody! Another new " detective duo", hopefully! I read it in one evening, it is so captivating!
Great mystery and lots of interesting characters!! The story is about solving a murder and the time period is background. Great story with many good distractions ! The " bad person" is caught, after a wonderful story of the investigation. Compares to Wexford and Sloane wonderful series and also Michaela and Brody! Another new " detective duo", hopefully! I read it in one evening, it is so captivating!
May 30, 2025
1889 When a murder occurs Chief Inspector Dodson quickly assumes cousin to Lady Rosalynd, Lady Julia Walsh and her friend Lord Nicholas Thornburn, the Duke of Steele's brother are guilty. Steele and Rosalynd decide that to save them they must themselves find the guilty party even if their reputations are badly affected.
An entertaining historical mystery with its interesting main characters supported by a cast of varied and likeable characters. A good start to this new series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.
(There is a prequel to the series)
An entertaining historical mystery with its interesting main characters supported by a cast of varied and likeable characters. A good start to this new series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.
(There is a prequel to the series)
December 8, 2025
This was a wonderful start to a new series. I loved the duel points of view told in the first person, especially because that is unusual in these types of mystery novels.
I am looking forward to the rest of the series!
I am looking forward to the rest of the series!
June 1, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I Loved this book, great chemistry, cannot wait for the next one.
I Loved this book, great chemistry, cannot wait for the next one.
August 8, 2025
Ms. Alexander scores again
I love the Kitty Worthington's series and I was afraid I wouldn't like this new one as much. I was WRONG. The Victorian era isn't my favorite historical time, but this book captured it quite well without the stuffiness of the period.
The mystery is well thought out and cleverly solved.
Petunia is a delightful imp that steals every page she's in.
Rosalynd is a strong woman, fighting for her family, her beliefs, the betterment of women's conditions.
Steele is a perfect gentleman and has deep feelings. I hope they'll get finally together in the next installment.
Strongly recommended for lovers of cozy mystery set in another era.
I love the Kitty Worthington's series and I was afraid I wouldn't like this new one as much. I was WRONG. The Victorian era isn't my favorite historical time, but this book captured it quite well without the stuffiness of the period.
The mystery is well thought out and cleverly solved.
Petunia is a delightful imp that steals every page she's in.
Rosalynd is a strong woman, fighting for her family, her beliefs, the betterment of women's conditions.
Steele is a perfect gentleman and has deep feelings. I hope they'll get finally together in the next installment.
Strongly recommended for lovers of cozy mystery set in another era.
October 18, 2025
wonderful, we’ll written book!
Great writing, characterization. Good plot. I loved it! Can’t wait to read the next in series and the rest of Magda’s books.
Great writing, characterization. Good plot. I loved it! Can’t wait to read the next in series and the rest of Magda’s books.
November 11, 2025
It's a murder/mystery where H and h are attracted, but both have commitments. I liked it but felt I had read this slow burn romance a number of times from other authors. Just OK.
December 27, 2025
A Murder in Mayfair was a fantastic surprise!
Rosalynd & Steele is going on my must read TBR. There is a prequel, a novella that I haven't read but plan to do so asap, that sets up the working relationship between our two main characters. The chemistry between these two is STRONG and I NEED TO SEE where it originated. That being said, I don't think not reading it impacted my enjoyment as the author shares enough of that adventure that you get a sense.
Rosalynd is the eldest daughter and sister of the Earl of Rosehaven, whose parents passed and left them with the raising of their 7 younger siblings, the youngest of whom is 7. Rosaylnd is a strong proponent of women's rights and has determined never to marry, not that she has time with the bulk of the responsibility is on her shoulders. The Earl, Cosmos, is a likable fellow that is all scientist and not very grounded in the "real world".
The Duke of Steel, Warwick Thornburn, is a widow from age of 26, when his wife died in childbirth 7 or 8 yrs previously. He has all the usual hallmarks of a privileged man of class but he wasn't unlikable or power mongering.
In fact, all of our characters are rather likable from the servants, the children and the friends. So like an afternoon Hallmark movie.... lol.
The mystery centers around the murder Lord Walsh, who happens to be the husband of Rosalynd's cousin, Julia. Julia and the Duke's brother, Nicholas, have at some point struck up a friendship that has set tongues wagging even before the murder. Now, Scotland Yard is pointing the blame squarely at the pair and Rosalynd and the Duke of Steel undertake the investigation to find the real killer.
The writing, the pacing, the story and the likable characters made this a fabulous entertaining afternoon read. The heaviest part of the story (besides the murder, obviously) was the gentle framing of how powerless women were in London, 1889. No class or white privilege issues were tackled or even really referenced, which is entirely unrealistic so you'll have to suspend belief on that aspect. I read to escape reality but I have to acknowledge that I noted the lack of references to the working poor, the starving street children, rampant disease, etc etc that I'd expect to see in this time era. Especially considering that the author touched on the lack of choices a woman had under the power of a man, it was a little weird that prostitution wasn't mentioned as being one of the only choices a woman had to support her family.
The mystery wasn't hard to figure out but I enjoyed following the investigation and that Rosalynd was smart, witty, self possessed and an all around good person. She and the Duke worked really well together but I do hope we get some conflict between them in the next book because things were a little "too perfect". That being said, I had a good time. The audio was fabulously well done.
Rosalynd & Steele is going on my must read TBR. There is a prequel, a novella that I haven't read but plan to do so asap, that sets up the working relationship between our two main characters. The chemistry between these two is STRONG and I NEED TO SEE where it originated. That being said, I don't think not reading it impacted my enjoyment as the author shares enough of that adventure that you get a sense.
Rosalynd is the eldest daughter and sister of the Earl of Rosehaven, whose parents passed and left them with the raising of their 7 younger siblings, the youngest of whom is 7. Rosaylnd is a strong proponent of women's rights and has determined never to marry, not that she has time with the bulk of the responsibility is on her shoulders. The Earl, Cosmos, is a likable fellow that is all scientist and not very grounded in the "real world".
The Duke of Steel, Warwick Thornburn, is a widow from age of 26, when his wife died in childbirth 7 or 8 yrs previously. He has all the usual hallmarks of a privileged man of class but he wasn't unlikable or power mongering.
In fact, all of our characters are rather likable from the servants, the children and the friends. So like an afternoon Hallmark movie.... lol.
The mystery centers around the murder Lord Walsh, who happens to be the husband of Rosalynd's cousin, Julia. Julia and the Duke's brother, Nicholas, have at some point struck up a friendship that has set tongues wagging even before the murder. Now, Scotland Yard is pointing the blame squarely at the pair and Rosalynd and the Duke of Steel undertake the investigation to find the real killer.
The writing, the pacing, the story and the likable characters made this a fabulous entertaining afternoon read. The heaviest part of the story (besides the murder, obviously) was the gentle framing of how powerless women were in London, 1889. No class or white privilege issues were tackled or even really referenced, which is entirely unrealistic so you'll have to suspend belief on that aspect. I read to escape reality but I have to acknowledge that I noted the lack of references to the working poor, the starving street children, rampant disease, etc etc that I'd expect to see in this time era. Especially considering that the author touched on the lack of choices a woman had under the power of a man, it was a little weird that prostitution wasn't mentioned as being one of the only choices a woman had to support her family.
The mystery wasn't hard to figure out but I enjoyed following the investigation and that Rosalynd was smart, witty, self possessed and an all around good person. She and the Duke worked really well together but I do hope we get some conflict between them in the next book because things were a little "too perfect". That being said, I had a good time. The audio was fabulously well done.
October 9, 2025
Pride and prejudice meets Sherlock Holmes Well you get the gist
Slow burn attraction and a murder or two and a duke who is yummy (def swoon worthy) with a strong female character
Slow burn attraction and a murder or two and a duke who is yummy (def swoon worthy) with a strong female character
June 26, 2025
A very promising beginning. More like a 3.5. Some of the prose is a bit overblown, particularly regarding smells, weird. The characters are Lia a bit too perfect, but interesting for all that. I smiled broadly at the scene between seven-year old Petunia and the Duke. Sharp moments of cleverness, and the flower names are fun. There was back story that seemed to almost allude to a whole other novel/event though this is the first. My real reason for three stars is the dual first person viewpoint. With each new chapter it took a paragraph or two to figure out who was talking!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2025
Loved it!
I really enjoyed the mystery along with the developing relationship between Rosalynd and Steele. The very best character, however, is Petunia.
I really enjoyed the mystery along with the developing relationship between Rosalynd and Steele. The very best character, however, is Petunia.
July 21, 2025
Fun easy historical romance.
November 25, 2025
Next…
Finished reading when I needed to get ready. Hard to put down. Mystery, romance the best of both. But I think my favorite character is Petunia and her outrageousness!
Can’t wait to read Book 2!
Finished reading when I needed to get ready. Hard to put down. Mystery, romance the best of both. But I think my favorite character is Petunia and her outrageousness!
Can’t wait to read Book 2!
July 26, 2025
GREAT SERIES
I enjoyed this series so much that I am reading it for a second time. All the characters are well written especially Lady Petunia, a precocious seven year old. The story is great and I'm looking forward to read the next book.
I enjoyed this series so much that I am reading it for a second time. All the characters are well written especially Lady Petunia, a precocious seven year old. The story is great and I'm looking forward to read the next book.
December 27, 2025
A bit light on the murder mystery aspect for my taste, but still a sold 3.5. Rounded up for delightful narration.
October 9, 2025
Enjoyable read
Similar to other Victorian mystery series, but easy read and just the right amount of romance. Will continue the series
Similar to other Victorian mystery series, but easy read and just the right amount of romance. Will continue the series
July 6, 2025
I was excited to dive into another mystery involving Lady Rosalynd and the Duke of Steele! A Lord meets an unfortunate demise, and they take it upon themselves to find out what happened to help protect loved ones. Alexander’s writing truly immerses you in Victorian London as you meander through the clues and their discoveries. This is a perfect read for historical fiction and cozy mystery lovers alike!
July 6, 2025
My favorite new series By Magda Alexander
Book 2 will not arrive soon enough! I hope there will be many more books of the Duke and Rosalynd .
Book 2 will not arrive soon enough! I hope there will be many more books of the Duke and Rosalynd .
September 28, 2025
New series that is seeped in mystery, historical fiction and of course murder. I enjoy reading how the women of 1800 London worked to get their rights secured, the right to handle their own finances, to be able to vote, to be recognized for their intellect. Lady Rosalynd Rosehaven, one of many strong women mentioned in the story. Rosalynd finds herself front and center of a murder and Steele joins her in uncovering the true murderer. There are a fair amount of twists and turns in who might be the killer, though not really a surprise who ended up being the one responsible.
Read
June 25, 2025Loved this book read it on kindle unlimited, disappointed to find the next one is not!!
Read
June 16, 2025I have not read any books from this author, I will be reading more. She gives her characters that extra something that makes them real . Rosalyn is the sister taking care of the brood of children her parents left when the eldest brother is too busy with his plants to deal with. Steele is a Duke who refuses to remarry after losing his wife and child. The back and forth between these two was superbly written and I could feel the chemistry building. Watching Rosalyn deny her feelings to take care of her family is so sad and heartbreaking. The mystery itself is one well plotted story with the villain being very well hidden and the climax very exciting. I really wanted to shake some sense into Inspector Dotson, absolutely adored Petunia. I can not wait for Book 2. This is one fine murder mystery that will stay with me for a while!
I received this story for free and these are my own views.
I received this story for free and these are my own views.
June 12, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It had murder, mystery and a hint of romance. I only have one objection, butlers were known only by their surname and any butler worth his salt would have been offended at being called Mr. In polite society it simply was not done.
June 7, 2025
Fantastic first book in series
Rosalyn and Steele are wonderful characters. I truly enjoyed Rosalyns’s siblings as well. Adds to the charm of the book. I am looking forward to the next book.
Rosalyn and Steele are wonderful characters. I truly enjoyed Rosalyns’s siblings as well. Adds to the charm of the book. I am looking forward to the next book.
June 24, 2025
I loved it. The mystery was challenging and the characters were so engaging. Lady Petunia was a hoot. Laughed out loud at her antics. Of course, the smouldering tension between Rosie and the Duke were very entertaining as well.
June 9, 2025
A delicious blend of Victorian suspense, slow-burn romance, and gripping historical mystery. Two people team up to investigate a murder, and slowly begin to care about each other.
June 23, 2025
Thanks to BookSirens for a copy of this novel and this is my freely given opinion.
This is a new to me author and first book of the series. Because of my enjoyment of historical mysteries like those by authors like Cara Devlin, this caught my eye. There was also a brief, light prequel, The Stolen Sparkler, that introduces the characters that came beforehand, but this is the first book of the series.
Lady Rosalynd is the eldest sibling of a large family, and sister to a scholarly earl. But because they lost their parents at a young age, she has taken on the role of caregiver for the brood, putting off any expectations of marriage to devote her time to health and wellbeing of her siblings and managing her bachelor brother's household. But that does not mean she does not have aspirations and interests of her own and she is a fervent champion of women's rights and suffrage.
The Duke of Steele is a widower with political power. After losing his wife and child many years before, he has determined that he will not risk suffering that grief again, despite the urges of his mother. Afterall, the family line can be assured through his brothers.
Steele and Rosalynd had become acquainted when they worked together to solve the mystery of stolen jewelry at a recent house party. But they must work together again when both their families become involved in something much more serious, when Rosalynd's beloved cousin is investigated for murdering her husband, and Steele's brother is scandalously linked to her.
I am delighted to discover this new series and love the detail that has been put in so far in developing Rosalynd and Steele as individual characters. I enjoy their interactions which is a combination of intrigue, attraction, battling with doubt and distrust. They are two strong, independent people who are forced to form an alliance to protect their family, and through their alliance they start to develop a basis for respect and possibly friendship, but both have clear boundaries and walls neither wish to cross yet. Slow burn attraction with a good dose of family drama and mystery, and lighthearted doses of humour provided by charming children as Rosalynd's siblings step into the scene intermittently.
This was enjoyable as a murder mystery but I thoroughly enjoyed how the foundation of the family and their relationship was laid, and look forward to seeing how things between Steel and Rosalynd develop.
4.25 stars out of 5
This is a new to me author and first book of the series. Because of my enjoyment of historical mysteries like those by authors like Cara Devlin, this caught my eye. There was also a brief, light prequel, The Stolen Sparkler, that introduces the characters that came beforehand, but this is the first book of the series.
Lady Rosalynd is the eldest sibling of a large family, and sister to a scholarly earl. But because they lost their parents at a young age, she has taken on the role of caregiver for the brood, putting off any expectations of marriage to devote her time to health and wellbeing of her siblings and managing her bachelor brother's household. But that does not mean she does not have aspirations and interests of her own and she is a fervent champion of women's rights and suffrage.
The Duke of Steele is a widower with political power. After losing his wife and child many years before, he has determined that he will not risk suffering that grief again, despite the urges of his mother. Afterall, the family line can be assured through his brothers.
Steele and Rosalynd had become acquainted when they worked together to solve the mystery of stolen jewelry at a recent house party. But they must work together again when both their families become involved in something much more serious, when Rosalynd's beloved cousin is investigated for murdering her husband, and Steele's brother is scandalously linked to her.
I am delighted to discover this new series and love the detail that has been put in so far in developing Rosalynd and Steele as individual characters. I enjoy their interactions which is a combination of intrigue, attraction, battling with doubt and distrust. They are two strong, independent people who are forced to form an alliance to protect their family, and through their alliance they start to develop a basis for respect and possibly friendship, but both have clear boundaries and walls neither wish to cross yet. Slow burn attraction with a good dose of family drama and mystery, and lighthearted doses of humour provided by charming children as Rosalynd's siblings step into the scene intermittently.
This was enjoyable as a murder mystery but I thoroughly enjoyed how the foundation of the family and their relationship was laid, and look forward to seeing how things between Steel and Rosalynd develop.
4.25 stars out of 5
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews