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.
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.
How did this get 4.45 stars? I mean it was fine....but not really worthy of that high of a score....mid at best. I feel like publishers have some sort of cheat code so these newer books can come out of the gate with stupid high numbers...I liked it well enough but the ending fell flat. Petunia was adorable but Rosalind didn't actually help solve the murder....she simply moped about and worried. And she had a Duke at her fingertips then seemed to do a 180 going nahhhh...I have responsibilities... eh???
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.
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.
Barbara’s rating: 4.4 out of 5 Stars Series: Rosalynd and Steele Mysteries Publication Date: 5/31/25 Period: Victorian London Number of Pages: 266
Although this author has published several books, this is the first one I've read, making her a new-to-me author. I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery, the pacing, the writing, and the characters. In fact, I have already read the second book in the series because I wanted to see whether the female main character continued exhibiting a particular trait I noticed in this installment. She did, and I'll discuss that below.
I should also mention that this is a very slow-burn romance. Having read the first two books and the blurbs for the third and fourth, I haven't seen any indication of a wedding on the horizon. Personally, three books is about my limit for a slow-burn romance, so after the fourth book I'll decide whether I want to continue the series.
The story follows the Duke of Steele and Lady Rosalynd as they investigate the murder of Rosalynd's cousin-in-law. No one is particularly saddened by the victim's demise—he was a thoroughly unpleasant man—but when Rosalynd's cousin and Steele's brother become not only suspects, but the primary targets of an inept Scotland Yard inspector, Rosalynd and Steele know they must uncover the truth themselves.
The mystery is filled with red herrings, potential suspects, and unexpected twists. While I suspected the culprit and motive fairly early on, I still thoroughly enjoyed watching the story unfold to see whether my suspicions were correct.
Now, about Lady Rosalynd. I absolutely adore her family. She is the second oldest of nine children, and they are all precocious, boisterous, well-loved, and genuinely happy. Following the deaths of her parents, Rosalynd decided she would never marry because she believed her younger siblings needed her care and guidance. No one asked her to make that sacrifice—she simply assumed the responsibility herself. She is also deeply committed to social reform, and her older brother grants her the freedom to pursue the causes she believes in. Her devotion to both her family and her principles is admirable.
What I find less admirable is her tendency to be foolhardy. It seems to be a trait many authors assign to female characters intended to be perceived as "strong." Rosalynd repeatedly places herself in obviously dangerous situations and then resents being rescued by the hero. To me, true strength includes recognizing genuine danger and taking sensible precautions. Instead, Rosalynd often acts recklessly and then berates the very person who saves her. I had hoped this tendency would diminish in later books, but it appears to continue. It isn't enough to stop me from reading the series, but it does leave me wondering why authors rely on this particular character trope so often.
The Duke of Steele is a compelling hero. Handsome, intelligent, and influential, he takes his responsibilities in Parliament very seriously and understands how to wield his power effectively. A widower who lost both his wife and child in childbirth years ago, he has sworn never to marry again. He has two brothers: Philip, the youngest, who takes center stage in the next book, and Nicholas, the middle brother, who plays a significant role in this one. I'm looking forward to seeing how the family dynamics evolve as the series progresses.
I enjoyed this book both in print and audio format. The narrator has a wonderfully smooth, mellow voice, and her delivery is well-paced and highly expressive. She does an excellent job bringing the story and characters to life.
Overall, this was an enjoyable introduction to a new author, and I'm eager to continue with the series to see where both the mysteries and relationships lead.
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.
Ambientato nella Londra di fine ‘800, è un cosy mistery che ti tiene incollata alle pagine. Probabilmente risolvere il mistero non è così difficile, ma la storia mi è piaciuta molto, i personaggi, soprattutto Rosalind, sono molto buoni (una menzione d’onore per la piccola Lady Petunia, più vispa e sagace di molti adulti). Molto interessante la descrizione della società dell’epoca e dei pochissimi diritti delle donne. *** Set in late 19th-century London, it's a cozy mystery that will keep you glued to the pages. Solving the mystery probably isn't that difficult, but I really enjoyed the story; the characters, especially Rosalind, are very good (honorable mention goes to little Lady Petunia, more lively and sagacious than many adults). The description of the society of the time and the very few rights women had is very interesting.
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!
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)
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
More 3.5 stars rounded to 4 stars. My biggest complaint is that Rosalynd had too many siblings and there were too many side characters that I just lost track.😂
Told in duology POV between Rosalind and The Duke of Steele. Both are formidable allies working together using their strengths and wit to discover the murderer. Their interactions can cause scandal because she is an unmarried woman. The chemistry is palatable between them both sharing detailed intelligence and conviction based on honor. It’s a fun read as they work out the clues sharing information as they go.
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.
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.
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!
2.5 ⭐️ a fun quick read, I would’ve given another star if it had given more details into actually investigating the mystery and and had more a mysteryish feel. I did enjoy that it was a family of redheads 😆
Good mystery set in Victorian England … fiery Lady Rosalyn’s has dedicated her life to taking care of her younger siblings after the tragic death of her parents, swearing off marriage. After losing his wife and child, the handsome Duke of Steele has also sworn off ever marrying again … it’s just too painful. However when the unlikely pair are thrown together to investigate a murder, the fates might have something else in mind.