Death at Dawn

Liberty Lane #1

by Caro Peacock

The year is 1837. Queen Victoria, barely eighteen, has just ascended to the throne of England, and a young woman named Liberty Lane has just had her first taste of true sorrow. Refusing to accept that her gentle, peace-loving father has been killed fighting a duel, she vows to see justice done. . . .

The trail she follows is a twisting and dangerous one, leading the spirited young Englishwoman into an intricate weave of conspiracy. Contacted by secret agents, she is asked to pose as a governess in order to infiltrate cold, rambling Mandeville Hall and spy on its master, Sir Herbert Mandeville, who is at the center of a treasonous plan.

Nothing at the hall is what it seems, and every turn reveals another deceit, another surprise, another peril, leaving Libby to wonder who to trust and embroiling her in a deadly affair that could destroy the young queen and place Libby herself in mortal peril. . . .

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical Mystery, Historical, British Literature, Victorian

432 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Aka Gillian Linscott.

Caro Peacock grew up in a farmhouse that, for most of her childhood, contained half a dozen brothers, sisters and cousins, twice as many cats and dogs, no central heating and one bathroom that stopped working every time the spring that supplied it water silted up. This possible bred the habit of curling up in a quiet place with a book, and later, a passion for travel that led to a rather disrupted education. Somewhere along the line, she acquired a great interest in Victorian history––which she considers a much misunderstood period––and particularly the part played in it by independently minded women. Caro rides horses, climbs, trampolines and spends some time every year studying wild flowers in the Alps.

Caro Peacock is a pseudonym for Gillian Linscott.

Reviews

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm giving this 4 stars because the story was bouncy. I have no other way to describe it. It just sort of sucked me in, and kept up the pace in this , um, bouncy way.

The mystery wasn't particularly interesting or twisty, and you pretty much know who the villians are from the get-go. There's no real romance or anything, either.
I don't know why I liked it so much, but something about the way it was written kept me entertained and flipping the pages.

Bottom line: I wouldn't recommend this to someone looking for a hard-core mystery. But, if you're looking for a light entertaining read, then this would be a good book for you.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely excellent! Ive read a lot of Victorian hf, but never of this exact period where ‘young Vicky’ was just coming to the throne. Great plot and characters. Highly recommended!

[Katherine · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bleah. This wasn't a very well written book, which was its death knell, although for some reason I persevered. Liberty Lane is apparently some sort of well-to-do gentleman's daughter, and finds herself stranded after her father is murdered, with no one to turn to but a shady associate. He commands that she set herself up as a governess to a wealthy family who *might* have had something to do with her father's death, and spy for him. The middle bit, where Liberty had to transform from progressive thinking woman with a bit too much education into demure, proper governess, had promise. But the plot was too convoluted and filled with throwaway characters for me to care. I raced through the ending, and was disappointed in it. I suspect it's a series, but I won't be seeking out any of the sequels.

[Bill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Death at Dawn by Caro Peacock introduces Liberty Lane, a Victorian woman, who, in this first story, is caught up in political intrigue and a possible attempt to overthrow Victoria's ascension to the throne.

Liberty lives with relatives while her father Jacques is traveling in continental Europe, escorting young rich men on tours of Italy and France. Liberty's brother is in India. Liberty gets a message from her father that he is returning and she is to meet him in London. Disregarding her father's instructions, she heads instead to Dover to meet him. Liberty ends up crossing the channel and going to Calais where she discovers her father has been killed 'in a duel' (purportedly).

She meets a variety of people in Calais and a kidnapping is attempted, from which she escapes. Liberty is hired by an elderly gentleman, Mr. Blackstone, to go to an estate north of London and pretend to work as a governess. Something is going on!

Liberty has two aims; one is to help Mr. Blackstone to discover what is going on at the Mandeville estate and the to discover who murdered her father. Oh yes, she also has acquired a horse from her father which Mr. Blackstone agrees to board nearby, along with Rancie's (the horse) keeper, a very nice man by the name of Amos Legge.

Something mysterious is going on at the Mandeville estate, Mandeville being a most unlikeable character. It is something to do with a possible challenger to Victoria's taking over the throne. As well, Liberty gets involved in helping Mandeville's stepdaughter Celia try to elope with her lover.

It's an interesting introduction to Liberty Lane, penniless, energetic and a smart woman. There are many things going on, mysterious happenings, questions about who is / are the bad guy(s) and who might be willing to help Liberty. The style reminds me somewhat of the Mary Russell mysteries by Laurie King. It flows nicely with the action building steadily. The plot is interesting and the ending was fairly satisfactory. I've got the next in line and look forward to getting into it. (3.5 stars)

[Cheryl A · Rating 2 out of 5]

Caro Peacock's novel in her Liberty Lane series, A Foreign Affair bills itself as a novel of Victorian England. As a young Victoria is ascending the throne during the the books events, this does seem to qualify it as such. More to the point, it seems that a "Victorian" checklist was used:

Young orphaned lady of good quality? Check
Nefarious actions of gentry? Check
Disapproving relatives? Check
Governess? Check
Political plotting? Check
Dastardly royal pretender? Check
Deviant sexual behaviour? Check
Secret society? Check

To give the author credit, although the first half of the novel struck me as a checklist of late Regency/early Victorian historical fiction,
once the action got started, the book read at a good pace and was engaging.

The young heroine, Liberty Lane, has run off from her disapproving aunt to find her father, killed in a duel in Calais. As she tries to determine what her father's last days were like, she encounters a strange man in black on the dueling grounds, is abducted by a sinister lord at the burial ground, rescues herself, meets a kind hearted young lady willing to help, and eventually returns to Dover. In Dover, with dwindling resources, she finds that her father had won a race horse, who has been brought to England by a kind-hearted farm hand of massive size and is confronted by the stange man in black, a fellow Mason like her father. He offers to help her find and avenge her father's death in return for taking a position as governess and spying on Sir Manderville.

Once in place at Manderville Hall, the action picks up and the rest of the novel moves quickly. Aided by an unlikely family member and helping the young lady of the house escape a forced marriage (and, yes, it is the kind hearted young lady met in Calais), Liberty uncovers a treasonous plot, rescues a drugged "witness", discovers her father's killer and escapes with the help of a family friend (and Mason) and the gentle giant farm hand.

Although filled with cliches and little historical fact, the novel reads quickly and while not eagerly anticipating the next installment, I will definitely give Liberty a second chance.

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very quick read about a Victorian--but just barely, Queen "Vicky" assumes power at the final pages--mystery involving duels, horses, spies, conspiracies, midwives, elopement, and ousted royalty.

I liked the fast pace of the story...because it doesn't allow the reader to dwell on some of the ridiculousness of the characters and plot holes. The main character's name, for example, is Liberty Lane, which is just laughable. I. Get. It. And the dialogue comes straight out of a prime time network drama, rather than 19th century England.

But for all its faults, I kept reading and would definitely recommend this to friends. This is the kinda book that is perfect for a plane ride or a beach read.

[Laila · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick but forgettable book, suitable for beach reading.

[Lacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a story about a young woman trying to find the killer of her father. It was an engaging story with plot suprises.

[James Reyome · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shell and I go to book sales frequently, and it was at one such sale that I found a nice copy of "A Foreign Affair". The description on the back was just interesting enough to catch my eye and convince me that I might enjoy it, and I did...enough that I am now looking for rest rest of the Liberty Lane series. Liberty is a fascinating character and she's surrounded by an equally intriguing cast of characters, including no less than Benjamin Disraeli. More! I must have more!

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Foreign Affair, by Caro Peacock, takes place in both England and France during 1837. It dates back to the death of King William IV and the accession of Queen Victoria. I found this book in a little used book store in my home town and immediately grabbed it because it looked to be a historical fiction novel due to the fact that the cover stated it took place in Victorian England and the look of the cover itself. Once I finally got around to reading A Foreing Affair, I soon realized it's not really historical fiction but more of a mystery/thriller that takes place in Victorian England. Since I'm an avid Historical Fiction reader I must admit I was a little disappointed by the lack of historical facts. However, once I got passed the fact that this novel was a mystery and not historical fiction, I thoroughly began to enjoy it.

A Foreign Affair is the first novel of three in the Liberty Lane series. Liberty Lane is a young lady who runs away from one of her aunts to meet her father in Calais. Her father has been away for sometime and is finally returning to her. Liberty soon discovers, upon arriving in Calais that her father has been shot fighting in a dual. Unable to accept the fact that her father died in a dual, Liberty finds her self immersed in a whirl-wind of danger, deception, and corruption. Not knowing who to turn to or even to trust, Liberty decides to take matters into her own hands and see that justice is done.

Caro Peacock did an amazing job in keeping up the suspense. I have to admit the beginning was a bit dry and not to be rude but boring. Although, once I got passed the first 30 pages or so I just couldn't put the book down. I found myself in the library at school finishing the last 20 or so pages because I wanted to know what happens and how it would end. Then I realized I should have been studying for my exam. I've already bought A Dangerous Affair, the second novel in the Liberty Lane series and I know I will be rushing out to get the final novel soon. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good thriller that keeps you wanting to know more. To check out more of my reviews click here: http://allthingshistoricalfiction.blo...

[Serena · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading A Dangerous Affair by Caro Peacock for the HarperCollins First Look Program and the adventures of Liberty Lane, I decided to pick up the first in the series to see how Liberty's exploits began. Check out my review of A Dangerous Affair here. A Foreign Affair by Caro Peacock is set in England and France prior to the ascension of Queen Victoria to the throne of England. Liberty Lane is staying with family when she receives word from her father that he will be returning home from Paris shortly. Rather than wait for him to return, she runs off to Dover to meet him, but she soon learns of his death.

Liberty's impetuous nature leads her into dark alleys, a morgue, carriages with duplicitous men, and a household full of secrets as she attempts to uncover the truth behind her father's death. She refuses to accept the news that he died in a dual, and she is enlisted by men of influence to spy on the Mandeville household while feigning to be a governess.

Caro Peacock has a way with description. Readers will be thrust into cramped spaces with large, round scary men, like in the passage below:

"The man who called himself Harry Trumper had arranged things so that he and I were sitting side by side with our backs to the horses, the other man facing us with a whole seat to himself. As my sight cleared, I could see that he needed it. It was not so much that he was corpulent--though indeed he was that--more that his unweildy body spread out like a great toad's, with not enough in the way of bone or sinew to control his bulk" (Page 39)

Readers will enjoy how Liberty's relationship in this novel develops into more of a friendship in the second novel, rather than the fatherly relationship we see in A Foreign Affair. Liberty is a Victorian Age Nancy Drew, led by her impetuous and curious nature to solve mysteries. Peacock's use of language unfolds the intricate relationships between the characters and the mysteries in this novel.

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Foreign Affair by Caro Peacock is a remarkably good debut novel. Set at the beginning of the Victorian era (in fact, it begins just as Victoria is about to be crowned), this novel blends history with adventure and mystery. It follows Liberty Lane who travels to Dover, expecting to meet her father as he returns from France. Instead, she receives a brief note telling her that her father has been killed in a duel in Calais and that she should stay where she is until someone comes to her. Being a somewhat independent and headstrong young woman, she goes to France to discover the truth of her father's death--for she knows his principles and that he would never have fought a duel. Her adventures lead her to well-bred horse, a mystery woman, and members of a secret society. Soon she finds herself acting as a spy in Mandeville Hall in a bargain meant to help her find her father's killer. But nothing at the hall is exactly what she expects and there are perils and secrets everywhere. Liberty doesn't know who she can trust and slowly begins to realize that plot is bigger than one man's death in a foreign land....there is a threat that reaches even to the new young queen.


Peacock has a remarkable command of the history of the early Victorian period. She manages to pack a lot of historical detail into her writing without boring the reader. The details never overshadow the story. Liberty is a believable character and I found myself just as indignant as she when when characters who seem to know details of her father's fate refuse to tell what they know. A writer that can involve their readers that closely in the story is rare and it's even rarer for them to have that kind of control in their first novel. It was a later book in the series that first caught my eye, and, hating to jump into a series in mid-stream, I went to find the first book. I look forward to following Liberty through her future adventures. Four out of five stars.

[Kirsty Darbyshire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thoroughly entertaining.

I was a little bit worried about this book. I've been looking out for a new book by Gillian Linscott since I finished her last one in 2004 and have been rather disappointed as time have gone on and no book has appeared. A few months ago I searched the web looking for a reason why she hadn't published another book and found out that she was now publishing under another name. Although I wanted to read this new author I was worried that a book under a new name would be a complete change of style and approach. The new book looks a lot girlier than the old ones and the heroine is a 22 year old called Liberty.

I needn't have worried. This is undoubtedly the same author with a new series breathing firey life into new characters. This story is set in 1837 - old King William is dying and Princess Victoria is about the ascend to the throne - and I'm sure that Liberty Lane would approve of Linscott's suffragette character Nell Bray should her later life ever entwine with the young Nell. In this book Liberty learns that her father has been killed in a duel at Calais. She's certain this is a lie and gets into an investigation that takes her across several strata of life in early Victorian England.

Overall it's a really good read; interesting characters, entertaining plot, nice detail, historically elucidating without getting boring. Much the same things I liked Gillian Linscott for really. I hope she picks up a new readership and doesn't need to change names again!

[Nіsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up because it was on sale at my local bookstore for like 4 dollars, and also because on the cover it says it takes place in Victorian England. If you guys don't know, I love reading books that are set in the Victorian Era. But anyways, I picked this book up without much thought, in fact I thought it wouldn't be much of a good read. Boy was I ever wrong. The story begins with Liberty losing her father to a so called dual match with someone in France. Liberty is devastated by this news, because her father had intended to return home to her and they were to have a happy life. And this is where the story takes off with Liberty trying to discover how her father was, she believes murdered. Liberty is the protagonist in this book, and I really enjoyed her as one. She was a headstrong girl, and I loved the fact that she was not annoying at all.

The Foreign Affair is very fast pace story, and it does not drag. I love books that do not drag, and manage to keep my interest going. There are several twists and turns in this book that will keep the reader on the edge (it sure did for me). The writing is well understood, and although it takes place in the Victorian Era, the lingo that's used in this book is rather modern. I think if Caro Peacock had used a bit of older English in it, it would have added more to the feel of that era. I am definitely going to read the next installments to this book. If you like a mix of murder mystery/ women in Victorian era I would definitely recommend this book.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading A Foreign Affair by Caro Peacock, but I ended up loving it. I devoured this book. Peacock has created a strong female lead in Liberty Lane which is rare enough in itself and placed her in the Victorian era. This book has mystery and suspense and barely any romance. I love that Liberty focuses on the task at hand rather than romantic possibilities.

Liberty Lane is a young woman just as Queen Victoria is ascending the throne. Her father has recently been killed in a duel, but the more she investigates her father's death the more twists there are. Although the book started off slowly it quickly gained pace and had me wanting to read more. Liberty is a resourceful heroine and the surrounding characters are all interesting. Mr. Blackstone, the mysterious man in black, is constantly keeping you guessing. While not all the characters are as fleshed out as they could be, considering that the book is first and foremost a mystery has me overlooking that one minor flaw.

Overall I thought this book was brilliant. It was an interesting twist to a popular genre.

[Michelle Diener · Rating 4 out of 5]

This historical, set at the start of Queen Victoria’s reign, was totally gripping. Liberty Lane, the protagonist of the novel, is everything you could wish for. Independent-minded, well-educated, but still a product of her times. When she is offered boys’ clothes to wear, she stares at them in horror.

The story begins with Libby receiving a letter informing her her father has been killed in Calais, shot in a duel. She knows this must be a lie, and completely disregards the letter’s command that she stay in England. She takes the next ship to Calais, numb with shock. Because unknown to the letter-writer, her father would never, ever have taken part in a duel. Ever.

The plot twists and turns as Libby tries to discover the truth, as well as hide from men who seem out to snatch her. What she stumbles on is truly beyond her wildest dreams, and she finds herself with shadowy allies, who send her in as a governess to spy on the man who may ultimately have been responsible for her father’s murder.

The end is as gripping and explosive as one could wish, and I look forward to reading the next novel in the Liberty Lane series.

[LJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

DEATH AT DAWN (Mystery/Historical-Liberty Lane-England/France-1837) - Okay
Peacock, Caro – 1st book
HarperCollinsPublishers, 2007, UK Hardcover – ISBN: 9780007244195

First Sentence: “Would you be kind enough to tell me where they keep people’s bodies,” I said.

Liberty Lane has gone to Dover to meet her father. Instead, she received a note that he has been killed in a dual and she is to say there. Instead, she heads to France in order to uncover what really happened. Instead, she becomes a spy and involved in uncovering a political conspiracy.

I had great hopes for this book. Unfortunately, it just didn’t quite work for me. The plot seemed improbably, at best. I never really connected with the characters. It felt as though so much more could have been done with the story. There was some suspense, but there could have been more. There was one story line that felt extraneous. What I did find most interesting was the book being set just as young Queen Victoria was coming to the throne and the cameo role of a young Disraeli. It was an okay debut

[C.R. Sedore · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have recently been reading outside my comfort zone. Not all the books have pleased me, but this one did. I do believe if this book is in the genera you highly enjoy then you will love it much more than I did. I think if a book can sustain a reader in a feeling of entertainment and interest then they have done their job as Authors.

The title gives you loop when it comes to guessing what the story is about. The story is not strictly about a love story. There is an affair but not aromatic one. The introduction stage of the book last half way through, and that's why I'm giving the book a 3-star review.

The entertainment value of the book started at Mandeville Hall. At this point, I was glad I didn't put the book done.

The beauty I found in reading a Victorian era was the descriptions use and the language I hadn't read before. I looked up quite a few words, and I feel a bit more intelligent for it.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just happened to pick this novel up at Half-Price books, and am glad I did. Caro Peacock sets her debut novel in 1837 when Queen Victoria has just ascended to the throne of England. A young Englishwoman named Liberty Lane discovers that her father has been shot and killed in France, and refuses to believe he was killed in a duel. Liberty is contacted by secret agents, and asked to pose as a governess in order to infiltrate cold, rambling Mandeville Hall and spy on its master, Sir Herbert Mandeville, who is at the center of a treasonous plan. This is an excellent murder mystery set in context of Victorian England. Some more character development would have been nice, but this was overall an enjoyable read. Caro Peacock apparently has started a Liberty Lane series, and I think I'll read the next book.

[Psirene · Rating 4 out of 5]

The surprising delightful story of Liberty Lane. At the start of the Victorian reign Liberty finds herself a penniless orphan with a race horse to feed and the mystery of her father's death to uncover. The trail leads her to the Manderville House where she is hired as governess to the younger children. Soon the house is filled with Liberty's enemies and the secret of her father's last letter becomes clear. Liberty must help several people escape the house before more murders occur. The book is a fun read. No romance but the story moves along quickly and the plot comes together neatly in the end.

[Glenda L · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first Caro Peacock book I have read and I enjoyed it ... it made you keep turning the pages. This was her first book about her young heroine named Liberty Lane. This is a tale of villians, heros, conniving politicians and of course Liberty in Victorian England days. The year is 1837 when Queen Victoria is about to ascend to the throne. Liberty has just discovered that her beloved father has died fighting a duel in France. Liberty vows to find out if it was murder. You might think that Victorian women were "namby pambies", but not Liberty. This is a good old-fashioned murder mystery.

[Laura Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay. For whatever reason, Ms. Peacock's writing did not pull me into the story. A little dull and predictable. I will not seek out further titles in this series.

[Cami · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a newish book written about the time Victoria took the crown in England. It's about an independent, educated, poor girl whose father is murdered and she is determined to find out why. As she becomes a sort of spy, she realizes the murder is linked to a plot to take over the crown.

She is a somewhat anachronistic character, but considering her upbringing, we can believe she is different than the other Victorian heroines we are used to. The story was engaging and fun, and it was an easy read. Not inspiring or amazing, but good.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liberty Lane is a young woman when Queen Victoria is crowned. Her father is murdered, her brother is in India and she is alone trying to find her father's murderer. She becomes a spy as a plot involving a long-lost royal unfolds. Fast paced and interesting. There is a lot in this book that the author allows you to decide for yourself. Interesting cast of characters. The ending was a bit abrupt, but I will read the second book just to see where everyone ends up. Definitely a fun one!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent, fast-paced mystery set in the first days of the reign of Queen Victoria. The author does a terrific job of establishing Libby's voice and personality form the outset, and I though the core mystery itself was cleverly conceived and revealed.
Bonus for fans of things like Austen and Downton Abbey: much of the action takes place in a snazzy manor house in Windsor, near the royal residence.

[Andrea Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

What fun this was to read. A Victorian adventure and there were plenty of twists and turns to keep my interest. Espionage, murder and romance thrown in to make a light, yet fun read. Caro Peacock has obviously done her work as far as researching the time period and certainly pulls it together in an entertaining and captivating way! The main character Liberty Lane is very likeable and independent. I am ready to read more in this series.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found that I liked the heroine's (Liberty Lane) spunk and determination from page one. She wasn't going to be a damsel in distress, no pity party, no feeling sorry for herself despite her tragic circumstances. She bravely set out to find the truth and found danger, intrigue and drama all awaiting her. She met some interesting people along the way and formed her "own family" amongst new friends.

This was a fun read, and I'd like to read more in this series from Caro Peacock.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Realized that I read the second novel in the series before I read this one. Good thing it was a long time ago since I read it. This book was really interesting and captivating. I like the strong independent woman set in a time where this was unheard of and frowned on. I look forward to reading the other books in the series.

[Katharine Harding · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good start to a series. I like Liberty Lane - she is an engaging character. Definitely worth reading.

I read the version called Death at Dawn although I think more recent versions have a new title.

[Barb in Maryland · Rating 2 out of 5]

So-so. I gave up around page 50. Ho-hum

4/12/2017: I'm on page 38. LOL!! This has gone back to the library, as I totally lost interest. It is now an official 2 time DNF. I doubt I shall try again.