Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Kier and Levett Mystery #6

Betrayal from Beyond

Rate this book
Every betrayal is rife with pain--but betrayal from beyond the grave? Terrifying.

After terror, turmoil and more than their fair share of murder, the newly married Duke and Duchess of Sedwick have reached a calmer, more serene phase, both in life and in their relationship. They are more than happy to settle in and enjoy a bit of peace, until it becomes clear that an old enemy has returned with a view to torment them.

This time, they vow, they will let Scotland Yard and the government handle the situation. It’s not easy to sit back and remain a target, though. It’s not a skill they have ever developed. They are vastly relieved, then, to hear that their nemesis—a woman who has vowed vengeance on them both—is dead.

But, of course, nothing is as simple as it seems. Why has the taunting continued? How could Kara have possibly caught a glimpse of a dead woman? When tragedy strikes, they can no longer ignore the signs that someone, somewhere, has made a mistake.

Soon they are back on the trail of a killer, unraveling tangled secrets of love, loyalty and revenge.

The Kier and Levett Mystery series
Book 1 - A Killer in the Crystal Palace
Book 2 - Death from the Druid’s Grove
Book 3 - Murder on the Mirrored Lake
Book 4 - Revenge in the Rogue’s Hideaway
Book 5 - Carnage from the Cursed Crown
Book 6 - Betrayal from Beyond
Book 7 - Dark Tidings on the Thames

272 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 14, 2025

107 people are currently reading
2855 people want to read

About the author

Deb Marlowe

87 books433 followers
USA Today Bestseller Deb Marlowe loves History, England and Men in Boots. Clearly she was destined to write Historical Romance and Mystery.

A Golden Heart winner and Rita Finalist, Deb grew up in Pennsylvania with her nose in a book. Luckily, she'd read enough romances to recognize the true modern hero she met at a college Halloween party—even though he wore a tuxedo T-shirt instead of breeches and tall boots.

A proud geek, history buff and story addict, she loves to talk with readers and to create historical recipes in her modern kitchen. Check it out at Deb Marlowe's Historical Kitchen on her website.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
254 (58%)
4 stars
139 (31%)
3 stars
37 (8%)
2 stars
6 (1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Profile Image for Merry.
905 reviews283 followers
January 26, 2026
I had this one up to read for a while and it just didn't capture my attention as the early books have done. The villainess reappeared from a previous book, and I only had a vague recollection of the storyline. Some VERY improbable plot twists and it left me feeling this was an OK book but would like to move on to something new.
Profile Image for Jeannine.
1,074 reviews74 followers
April 8, 2025
Kara and Niall are back from their honeymoon travels and are getting back into their routine of working in their lab and forge, respectively, and spending time with their found family. I loved the sweet early scenes showing them at home as newlyweds.

Of course, there must be a conflict and we get it in the return of Petra Smith, the villain that has plagued them for several books. This time, it takes a bit to find out what her larger goal is, besides making life miserable for Kara and Niall. She has new allies and a plan to take revenge on the aristocracy.

As always, this story moved very quickly. I loved that the many sleuthing and action scenes were as exciting as ever, but that we also got sweet, loving scenes between the couple (and their ward).

I was given early access to this by the publisher, but the opinions in this review are my own.
Profile Image for Madison Warner Fairbanks.
3,491 reviews496 followers
April 15, 2025
Betrayal from Beyond by Deb Marlowe
The Kier and Levitt Mystery series #6. Historical mystery. Can be read as a stand-alone but better in series order.
The newly married Duke and Duchess of Sedgwick are back home from their country estate and hope to resume a peaceful lifestyle, in particular now that Harold is recovered from his illness. Niall can go back to the forge and Kara her mechanisms.
It’s seems that a former enemy is back and while they decide to let Scotland Yard deal with the problem, it comes to them.
In a surprising twist, it seems that Petra is dead. Drowned in the River.
What a relief. They can return a calmer life.
Can they? Is she really dead?

Suspenseful and surprising and the danger edges closer. They must out-wit and plan and get creative to have any chance of winning the life and death pawn game.
Loved the references to the Great Exhibition and all the returning characters. A compelling mystery series.

I was gifted a copy from NetGalley and purchased a copy to keep.
Profile Image for eyes.2c.
3,125 reviews110 followers
April 14, 2025
Will Petra Scott ever give it a rest?

Deeply ensconced in her determination to bring down Kara and Niall (now the Duke and Duchess of Sedwick) Petra’s nefarious plans have far reaching consequences.
A body is fished from the river. It is Petra Scott.
Kara feels somethings not quite right but it is definitely Petra.
So what’s Kara feeling uneasy about?
Danger and tragedy surrounds the couple and their friends as they work their way through a mass of lies, falsely laid paths, realities and counter truths.
An edge of the seat read from Marlowe that had me glued to my screen!

A Dragonblade ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Profile Image for Margaret.
3,238 reviews35 followers
July 7, 2025
4 1/2*STARS*
Niall and Kara, the Duke and Duchess of Sedgwick, have returned to England after their honeymoon. Instead of settling down in peace and quiet, a villain from the past has committed more chaos and murder. A danger to themselves,many of their friends, but especially to the downfall of Victorian England, they must stop her plan of destruction. Much violence and revenge.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.
Profile Image for Janet.
5,226 reviews66 followers
April 9, 2025
The newly married Duke and Duchess of Sedwick are more than happy to settle in and enjoy a bit of peace, until it becomes clear that an old enemy has returned with a view to torment them. This time, they vow, they will let Scotland Yard and the government handle the situation. They are vastly relieved, then, to hear that their nemesis—a woman who has vowed vengeance on them both—is dead or is she?
The sixth outing for Niall & Kara & another fast paced intriguing book. I love the chemistry between the couple who are now happily married, they totally complement each other. There was intrigue, danger, conflict, drama & action & once again I found it hard to put down. The climax is thrilling & there’s plenty of suspense. I love this series & hope there are many more
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
Profile Image for Cassandra.
2,727 reviews24 followers
March 26, 2025
I just love this series. The romance was romancing and was a little saucy in this volume still fade to black but a little more in your face with the innuendos. We get to see our couple after their lovely wedding in the last volume and how they are settling to married life. The gang is all here and still just wonderful (I just love Turner). I do wish there were still audio books cause they were good and added to the book itself. The mystery was really good but so sad in this book. I feel bad that Niall’s past is refusing to let them be happy. I do think that this book doesn’t work as well as a stand alone as this is very much a confrontation with the big bad of the series.

5/5 can’t wait for the next.
Profile Image for Tina Miles.
487 reviews11 followers
April 18, 2025
This latest installment in the Keir and Levett series is a rollicking good story. Taking place after Kara and Niall are married (yay!), they are settling down with Harold, Gyda and Turner. Things are going well until their old friend the Insoector shows up with news. Funny enough we see very little of the Inspector throughout the book but we get to see lots and lots of Gyda, Harold and Turner.
And of course an old enemy shows up to wreck havoc with their lives.
Danger and lots of action ensues keeping the reader fully engaged. Plot twists, old and new alliances, a few surprises all combine for a great story.
I hope that Marlowe keeps writing these great stories in this series. I’d love to see much more of these characters.
Profile Image for K McKenzie.
233 reviews4 followers
March 24, 2025
Another great entry in this always fast-paced, compelling series. I would not recommend reading this as a standalone as there are too many continuing threads from earlier books. The good news is they’re all excellent, so it’s no hardship to read them first. Kara and Niall are back home from their belated honeymoon when an old enemy begins to taunt them and threaten their loved ones. The mystery builds through multiple twists and turns and offers new insight into some of the key characters. As always, there is a great combination of action, suspense, and very believable relationships among very likable characters. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy. All views are entirely my own and offered voluntarilyj
267 reviews3 followers
March 30, 2025
This book was wonderful, with all the feels.

The couple is back from their trip to Scotland, trying to figure out how to fit into the English society with their new Scottish titles. Then a ghost from their past films into their lives.

First Niall goes into over protective security mode, walking the grounds, checking all ways in and out, pulling all their loved ones close into Bluefield. But they are determined to let Scitland Yard handle this, to keep out of the investigation. Then a body turns up, pulled from the River Thames that is their enemy.

Everyone breaths a sigh of relief and goes about their business, but not Kara. She now feels the weight of someone watching her. Boxes of butter biscuits that Petra Scot had always tormented her with kept showing up in unexpected and intimate places around the grounds. She knows that Petea is dead, saw the body, had reassurances from Inspector Wooten but still felt bugged.

Gyda, one of favorite characters because she lives her life on her own terms and apologies to nobody (I want to be her in my next life), comes to Kara telling her she has fallen in love! Wonderful news, Gyda can't wait to introduce her friend to him, Him? Not Gyda's style. I was so sure about this love interest, until he showed up on the page. Taking Kara and Harold on the whirlwind tour through the interactive museum he wants to set up. He is fun and smart and so knowledgeable but at the sane time so childlike in his enthusiasm for the project and his live of Gyda that you can't help but love him.

In the end Naill and Kara and their friends have to take solving the mystery into their own hands to find their peace again.
Five stars for this 6th book in this series. Loved every page and word. A masterfully crafted story that kept you routing and crying for the main characters and wrapped up in the world if Victorian England that when it was done you sat back and thought, "Oh, I'm in 2025." Must pick up and read.
Profile Image for Winnifred D..
926 reviews36 followers
April 13, 2025
Tropes: MC's continue to pair up to solve a mystery
Steam level: 1 (all intimacy is closed door)
Part of a series, and best if read in order.

Another solid book in this series. Niall and Kara have returned from their honeymoon, only to have an evildoer from their past reappear and wreak havoc with their lives and that of their friends and family. They must consistently stay one step ahead of this person in order to survive and finally get justice.

The plot is the star of this entry. It's twisty and faced-paced, requiring a bit of suspension of disbelief at times, but the writer is adept enough to pull it off. The downside? Little time for romance. Niall and Kara have always had good chemistry, but their relationship is not the focus of this book. In fact, all of the relationships in general are subplots. There is an emotionally moving storyline in the early chapters involving a young woman who was exploited, but everything speeds off after that.

With action so prevalent, some nuances of characterization do get lost in the shuffle. And I honestly felt like Gyda got short-changed. She finally got a chance at a (unexpected) relationship, and then...well, I don't want to give away any spoilers, but I was a little bummed. Stayme is probably the standout of the secondary characters, injecting the proceedings with a nice dose of humor.

Although I enjoyed this entry, I would like the next book to refocus on Kara and Niall's relationship and move away from the storyline that was the hub of the previous book and this one.

I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my honest, voluntary review. Thanks to the author, Dragonblade, and Net Galley for this opportunity.
3,320 reviews39 followers
April 14, 2025
Betrayal From Beyond by Deb Marlowe is a Keir and Levitt mystery, book six. Niall and Kara are home after their wedding trip and adjusting to life at Bluefield Park as duke and duchess when things start happening. No one notices at first, but then it becomes obvious that Petra Scot, their old nemesis is lurking close by. Lord Stayme is being watched and the things escalate to actual contact. Then the constable calls them to see a body and, yes, it is indeed Scot, but things keep happening. Harold, their young ward has been progressing nicely and sometimes takes things on his own, such as spying. Very dangerous. They beefed up security at Bluefield and hunkered down to figure out what Scot is up to. With some investigating they discovered that she had a twin sister. Next on the list is to figure out what she is up to. And what a doozy it turns out to be.

Kara and Harold were working on automatons, Niall was forging gates, and Gyda had been traveling to London often where she had developed a relationship with the fourth son of a duke who shared her interest in creativity and together they were opening a gallery featuring both traditional art and craftsmen of all types. Sadly that ended in tragedy as Petra Scot arranged an attack which went awry. These are interesting characters who have gotten better as Niall and Kara have gotten together. The mystery was good, although quite a chase after a psychopath. People got hurt but Petra didn’t care so long as she met her objective. She didn’t.

I was invited to read Betrayal From Beyond by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #DebMarlowe #BetrayalFromBeyond
Profile Image for Barbara Rogers.
1,759 reviews210 followers
May 13, 2025
Barbara’s rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Series: The Kier and Levett Mystery #6
Publication Date: 4/14/25
Period: Victorian
Number of Pages: 276

After their honeymoon trip on the continent, Kara and Niall have finally returned to London. They loved their relaxing days filled with love and laughter, but – AH! Being home is exquisite. There is nothing like the comfort, safety, and love surrounding them at home with their ‘found’ family. However, they’d hardly gotten their bags into the house before real life intruded – in the form of archvillain Petra Scot.

Petra is out for revenge against Kara and Niall, and she wants them to suffer unimaginably before she finally puts them to death in the most awful way possible. Petra will happily hurt, maim, and murder all they hold dear before bringing them down – and at the same time, she’s going to bring England to its knees. YIKES!!!

Petra tauntingly stays just out of reach as Kara and Niall dash around London trying to find her and unravel the mystery. Everyone is involved in this fast-paced story with Stayme, Turner, Gyda, and even little Henry contributing their talents to the search. As bodies keep turning up, and the danger circles closer and closer, Kara and Niall begin to wonder if they’ll ever prevail. However, they are as skilled and determined as Petra is – more!

These stories are always interesting and entertaining. They’ll make you hold your breath – and then let it out slowly. The Kara and Niall world is wonderfully developed with endearing characters and wonderful mysteries. If you enjoy a fast-paced mystery with unique protagonists and vile villains, you’ll want to try this book.

Profile Image for Shaina.
1,216 reviews6 followers
April 15, 2025
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Deb Marlowe for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Betrayal from Beyond coming out April 14, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

After terror, turmoil and more than their fair share of murder, the newly married Duke and Duchess of Sedwick have reached a calmer, more serene phase, both in life and in their relationship. They are more than happy to settle in and enjoy a bit of peace, until it becomes clear that an old enemy has returned with a view to torment them.

This time, they vow, they will let Scotland Yard and the government handle the situation. It’s not easy to sit back and remain a target, though. It’s not a skill they have ever developed. They are vastly relieved, then, to hear that their nemesis—a woman who has vowed vengeance on them both—is dead.

But, of course, nothing is as simple as it seems. Why has the taunting continued? How could Kara have possibly caught a glimpse of a dead woman? When tragedy strikes, they can no longer ignore the signs that someone, somewhere, has made a mistake.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I have the other books in the series, but haven’t read them yet. I really love cozy historical mysteries. I think this book was fun. I enjoyed the characters and the plot. I definitely would check out other books by this author.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical murder mysteries!
Profile Image for Rachel.
1,023 reviews17 followers
March 30, 2025
*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*

Another great Kier and Levett (although I guess it would be Kier and Kier now) mystery! I love that stories start with the murder and then you get to follow as the murder is discovered and everything that goes into solving it. At first I thought I was going to be annoyed by having Petra come back but her re-emergence made sense and the interactions/confrontations between her and Kara made for some really great showdowns and dramatic moments. Given that Kara and Niall are the main characters I was pretty confident the author would not kill them off, but that does not mean Petra could not have done something to cause one or both of them great suffering. Gyda also got a really good storyline here and I enjoyed seeing more facets of her personality. It was interesting to learn more about the others in the "experiment". I am actually hoping we get to see Preston and Tom again in the last book. Seeing how much Harold has grown and thrived with Niall and Kara was also a nice addition to the narrative. I am looking forward to seeing how the author wraps up this series, even though I know I will miss these characters. Maybe Harold could become an officer at Scotland Yard or a private investigator?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Marion Löw.
841 reviews16 followers
April 13, 2025
I really thought this series had come to its conclusion with Niall and Kara's wedding and the moving ending of the last book, but I'm delighted to be wrong and the story of the likable and dynamic duo and their found family continues! As always, the plot is gripping, very well written and full of suspense, action, twists, danger, deception and a vicious adversary to keep the readers on their toes.

Kara and Niall, newly minted Duchess and Duke of Sedwick, have just returned from their honeymoon, when their old enemy, Petra Scot, reappears and starts her game of vengeance, intrigue and deception. Kara and Niall have their hands full trying to protect themselves and their family and thwart Petra's dangerous plans...

Overall, a riveting Victorian mystery romance with very likable main and supporting characters that will keep you hooked until the last page!

I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
1,275 reviews15 followers
August 3, 2025
A Deadly Ghost from the Past
Kara and Niall, the Duke and Duchess of Sedwick, thought their days of hunting killers were over. But peace proves short-lived when a familiar face from their past reappears—despite being declared dead. Niall identified the body himself. So how is Kara now seeing the woman alive and watching them?
As the attacks escalate, it becomes clear: someone is playing a twisted game, and the stakes are all too real. With their family in danger, Kara and Niall won’t sit back and wait. They're drawn once more into the shadows of their past, determined to uncover the truth.
Rich in atmosphere and layered with secrets, this mystery delivers a gripping blend of suspense, revenge, and resilience. If you enjoy historical whodunits with strong heroines and devilish twists, this series installment won’t disappoint.
Profile Image for Anna Boliker.
69 reviews2 followers
April 5, 2025
A fast-paced mystery, as we have leaned to appreciate in this series. Although, I wouldn’t mind a bit longer description of the domestic bliss. The couple is constantly in danger (looming or active). They did seem to have had a quite honeymoon, but we weren’t invited, so that the new mystery, which is introduced in the first chapters, makes us miss the settling-in- and- enjoying- the- married -life part. Having read all the previous installments, the mystery was gripping but I did find the tone of the narrative rather pompous. It always was, but maybe it just wore out its charm for me this time.
Hope, the two recuperate a bit before the next disaster strikes.
I received an arc from netgally. Thanks! Opinions are my own and I left the review voluntarily.
401 reviews9 followers
May 7, 2025
"Betrayal from Beyond" by Deb Marlowe is the sixth in the Kier and Levett Mystery series. Honestly, I have not read the previous five novels in the series. This did not take away from the understanding of the characters, plot, or setting in this novel. I enjoyed "Betrayal from Beyond" so much, that I will definitely read the previous novels in the series. Ms. Marlowe has a talent for creating strong, interesting, and believable characters that have her readers intrigued from the first page to the last. The plot in this novel is full of twists and turns. I literally had this novel completed within 24 hours. If you are a fan of historical fiction, with a bit of romance thrown in, you will definitely want to add this well-written novel to your tbr list.
Profile Image for Julia David.
2,518 reviews27 followers
April 14, 2025
I am going to go back and read the previous books in this series. Kara and Niall are unusual characters. They aren't what you would call an ordinary Duke and Duchess with their cobbled together family. They are loyal to the people they call family. When an old nemesis comes after them again, they try to stay out of it and let the police handle it, but it isn't possible to stay out of it. Petra will not leave them alone. She is bent on revenge and destruction at all costs. She doesn't care who gets hurt in the process. Kara, Niall and the others have to go after her and finish it this time. Can they finally put an end to her tyranny?
126 reviews
May 18, 2025
Deb Marlowe has done it again in this latest installment of the Kier and Levett series.

Filled with revenge, a willingness to commit murder and a nefarious plot against the government, Petra Scott has returned. This time, she plans to finish off Niall, Kara and all of those they hold dear.

Petra strolls back into the picture in London and immediately begins putting her ugly plan in place. She is a ruthless killer and a scheming mastermind. Kier, Levett, and company will need to fight like Hell to save their own lives and put a stop to the evil that Petra has unleashed.

This book is absolutely riveting, and I could not put it down.
94 reviews3 followers
March 27, 2025
The sixth book in the Kier and Levett series sends us back to the intriguing world of the newly minted Duke and Duchess of Sedwick.

The idyll of their honeymoon unfortunately is short-lived as an enemy from the past reappears with a vengeance.

Soon they are forced to take action and involve several new characters in their quest.

Another nice entry in the series, fast paced and tangled.

I have received an advance copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily, thanks to the author for it.
Profile Image for Lyn D Rose .
1,232 reviews19 followers
April 6, 2025
This sixth book in The Kier and Levett Mystery series is another dast-paced, well written historical romance, mystery that I think should be read in order because it has many continuing thread previous books thst are also very good. The combination of action, drama, intrigue, suspense, conflict, amd many twists, and turns kept me very engaged. The return of the undoing villain is intense. I enjoyed the sweet scenes of their enjoyment being newlyweds, family time, and their love. I highly recommend reading!
377 reviews2 followers
April 17, 2025
Another great historical mystery from Deb Marlowe, that chronicles the latest adventures of Kara and Niall, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The plot is suspenseful and so action packed it keeps the reader engaged until the end Though I haven’t read the previous books in the series, I was able to jump right into the current book and it was never a dull moment. Now I have the pleasure of reading the first 5 books before the next in the series releases.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Diane.
1,093 reviews
April 19, 2025
Just when I thought it was over ...

...I was only halfway through the book. I knew there was more trouble to come. Once again, Niall and Kara (now a Duke and Duchess), along with their brave companions Gyda, Turner, and young Harold must hunt down the arch-villian Petra and stop whatever she has planned.
As they travel from Kara's estate to London and everywhere else Petra might be hiding they know she has an evil and dangerous plan. Can they stop her in time?
Finally, after facing all kinds of danger they get the Happily Ever After they all deserve!
Profile Image for Roslyn Stillman.
552 reviews14 followers
May 30, 2025
Book 6 in the series, and a delightful series it is. These books grab you on page one and keep you interested till the end. The twists and turns are fascinating and different. This book continues the mystery and suspense of an old adversary. There was action, suspense, and mystery, as well as deep sadness and revenge. It can be read as a standalone but is much better as part of a series. The characters are well written, and the plot is well thought out. I look forward to the next book in this series. I received this as an ARC from Netgalley and freely give my review.
Profile Image for L..
616 reviews1 follower
June 3, 2025
She's back! Yes Petra is back and trying to get even with everyone, and I mean everyone. The Levett's have their hands full trying to keep everyone safe from her grasp. You'll recognize characters from the previous stories as well as one or two new ones and they are all on Petra's hit list. Every time a trap is laid for her she manages to get away somehow. Even the last plan in the story, that seemed foolproof to me, fell through.
The Kier and Levett mysteries are wonderful stories that I hope will continue. Thank you Deb Marlowe, please keep writing.
Profile Image for Ash Laverty.
74 reviews1 follower
April 15, 2025
This series just keeps getting better and better!

I love the character development of Kara and Niall, plus all of their friends they have collected throughout their journey. Their fight against their enemy Petra showed just how important it is to have strong relationships, as Kara and Niall have the backs of their loved ones and vice versa.

The first chapter had me hooked, and it kept me guessing until the twist was revealed.

I can’t wait to read the next!

4.5 stars out of 5 ⭐️
Profile Image for Avril Hemingway.
1,012 reviews3 followers
April 15, 2025
This sixth book in The Kier and Levett Mystery series is another well written entry to this series. This book concentrates on action more than relationships and is full of action, drama, intrigue, suspense and conflict as an old adversary appears bent on revenge so not a mystery in the traditional sense but more about protecting their family and friends with many twists, and turns kept me very engaged. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.