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Spencer & Reid Mysteries #3
Courier of Death
Months after a devastating discovery about the murder of her family, Leonora Spencer is still struggling to cope. She has kept her distance from Scotland Yard—and from Detective Inspector Jasper Reid—just as she has vowed to do. But when a bomb kills a young constable outside police headquarters, and a prominent suffragist is wrongly fitted for the crime, Leo is compelled to prove the woman’s innocence—even if it means working with the detective inspector she no longer trusts.
Weathering Leo’s silent fury has been more of a hardship than Jasper would care to admit—especially to her. He’s muddled through by putting his head down at the Yard and focusing on his demanding caseload. But when the persistent morgue assistant begins to interfere in another detective’s high-profile inquiry, Jasper is torn between warning her off as he should, or lending a hand.
As ties between the bombing and a seemingly unrelated murder case Jasper is investigating begin to emerge, so does a connection to one of London’s most dangerous organized crime syndicates. Leo and Jasper’s hunt for the true mastermind behind the bombing plot has drawn unwanted attention from the East End gang, along with a dire Solving this murder will come with deadly consequences.
Courier of Death is the third book in Cara Devlin’s new romantic historical mystery series set in Victorian London. The Spencer & Reid Mysteries are perfect for fans of PBS Masterpiece Mystery’s Miss Scarlet & the Duke, and readers of Irina Shapiro, Andrea Penrose, and C.S. Harris.
Weathering Leo’s silent fury has been more of a hardship than Jasper would care to admit—especially to her. He’s muddled through by putting his head down at the Yard and focusing on his demanding caseload. But when the persistent morgue assistant begins to interfere in another detective’s high-profile inquiry, Jasper is torn between warning her off as he should, or lending a hand.
As ties between the bombing and a seemingly unrelated murder case Jasper is investigating begin to emerge, so does a connection to one of London’s most dangerous organized crime syndicates. Leo and Jasper’s hunt for the true mastermind behind the bombing plot has drawn unwanted attention from the East End gang, along with a dire Solving this murder will come with deadly consequences.
Courier of Death is the third book in Cara Devlin’s new romantic historical mystery series set in Victorian London. The Spencer & Reid Mysteries are perfect for fans of PBS Masterpiece Mystery’s Miss Scarlet & the Duke, and readers of Irina Shapiro, Andrea Penrose, and C.S. Harris.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 14, 2025
594 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
About the author
Cara Devlin
37 books430 followersCara is an author, reader, and history lover. She reads and writes across genres, but her heart is reserved for romantic historical fiction and mystery. Her Bow Street Duchess books are fast-paced historical mysteries featuring a slow-burn romance taking place in Regency London. The series begins with Murder at the Seven Dials. Cara lives in rural New England with her family, where she is at work on her next series, the Spencer & Reid Mysteries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
June 19, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is an author I really enjoy and look forward to reading each book she publishes. I have read the series in order and the mystery was good with strong characters. The side plot of Leo's family being murdered has her finding clues to move that storyline along. I did find the first half of the book to be a bit slower moving with Leo holding on to her anger. Also, for being brilliant at placing clues together some of her actions didn't seem to be well thought out. Enjoyed how everything is tied together and how the crime was solved. The last chapter has me looking forward to the next book. Rate this one 3.75*
June 17, 2025
Always love this series
I enjoyed this but it was a bit slow moving (this could be me and my slump 😵💫 so ymmv). It’s unfair because I’m comparing it to the previous book, which was ah-ma-zing, this book was decent but I wanted more angst and pining between the leads to build on the events of the previous book. But overall this was a good mystery and it was fun to join Jasper and Leo again. The final chapter let me wanting to read the next, which is a talent of Cara Devlin. Loving this series overall.
****************
So excited to buddy read this with my bestie Dab. I need my slump to end!
August 20, 2025
I adore Leo and Jasper, and I’m so grateful to be on the ARC team. I’d basically been holding my breath since the final scene of the previous book.
The follow-up was satisfying 😏.
The previous book is still my favorite, but this one is a close second. I love the way Leo and Jasper’s relationship is developing, it’s definitely my favorite part of the series 🤭.
Leo’s family mystery is fascinating too, I love a good twisty secret… And I’m so intrigued by Eddie Bloom! I’m dying to know more about him. He just needs his own book, there’s nothing better than a gangster redemption story 😋.
The mystery in this one was great, and I’m proud to report that my hunch was right 💅. I remain undefeated in fictional crime-solving.
There are a few loose ends, so I’m hoping we’ll get more answers in the next book 👀.
All in all, a solid four stars, and I can’t wait for the next installment!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
——-
Let’s see how the naked detective is faring…
Buddy reading with Kristina
The follow-up was satisfying 😏.
The previous book is still my favorite, but this one is a close second. I love the way Leo and Jasper’s relationship is developing, it’s definitely my favorite part of the series 🤭.
Leo’s family mystery is fascinating too, I love a good twisty secret… And I’m so intrigued by Eddie Bloom! I’m dying to know more about him. He just needs his own book, there’s nothing better than a gangster redemption story 😋.
The mystery in this one was great, and I’m proud to report that my hunch was right 💅. I remain undefeated in fictional crime-solving.
There are a few loose ends, so I’m hoping we’ll get more answers in the next book 👀.
All in all, a solid four stars, and I can’t wait for the next installment!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
——-
Let’s see how the naked detective is faring…
Buddy reading with Kristina
June 14, 2025
4.5 Stars
One Liner: This is going great!
1884, London
It has been months since Leonora Spencer discovered the truth of her family’s death. She’s still struggling to cope with it and keeps her distance from Detective Inspector Jasper Reid. However, when a bomb blast outside the police station kills a young constable and a prominent suffragist is accused of the crime, Leo has to step in.
Jasper has done his best to accept that Leo wanted space. He used this time to focus on his job. But when she begins to interfere in the last case, he is torn between warning her and helping her.
As Jasper and Leo hunt for clues, they attract the attention of the most dangerous crime syndicate in London and the East End gang.
The story comes in Leo and Jasper’s third-person POVs.
My Thoughts:
After the cliffhanger in the previous book, I knew I had to read this as soon as possible. At the same time, reading this early would mean a long wait for the next one. Sigh!
As the middle book of the series, this has some fairly important developments. Though there is enough detail provided, I wouldn’t recommend reading this as a standalone. Start with the first book.
Compared to the previous two, this was a bit slower. However, it doesn’t drag at any point. With two cases and the tussle between the MCs, there’s enough to keep you flipping the pages.
We get more details about the past, the FMC’s family, and stuff. I like how the delicate balance between their entwined pasts and the present is handled. We can see both their concerns. Neither is wrong, so we’ll be rooting for them.
As always, the dark side of London, the gang wars, the suffragette movement and the vehement opposition to it, class differences, gender bias, etc., are seamlessly woven into the plot.
The mysteries are well done with just enough twists for the suspense, but easy enough for readers to guess the culprits.
The ending is my favorite. After, there’s a good development after waiting all this while. It still ends in a cliffhanger, and there is lots of danger swirling around, but there’s more hope this time.
To summarize, Courier of Death is a suspenseful and intriguing mystery with danger, threats, gangs, and an intense past looming overhead. The next book will be out in Sep, and I can’t wait to read it!
Thank you, Book Sirens and the author, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
One Liner: This is going great!
1884, London
It has been months since Leonora Spencer discovered the truth of her family’s death. She’s still struggling to cope with it and keeps her distance from Detective Inspector Jasper Reid. However, when a bomb blast outside the police station kills a young constable and a prominent suffragist is accused of the crime, Leo has to step in.
Jasper has done his best to accept that Leo wanted space. He used this time to focus on his job. But when she begins to interfere in the last case, he is torn between warning her and helping her.
As Jasper and Leo hunt for clues, they attract the attention of the most dangerous crime syndicate in London and the East End gang.
The story comes in Leo and Jasper’s third-person POVs.
My Thoughts:
After the cliffhanger in the previous book, I knew I had to read this as soon as possible. At the same time, reading this early would mean a long wait for the next one. Sigh!
As the middle book of the series, this has some fairly important developments. Though there is enough detail provided, I wouldn’t recommend reading this as a standalone. Start with the first book.
Compared to the previous two, this was a bit slower. However, it doesn’t drag at any point. With two cases and the tussle between the MCs, there’s enough to keep you flipping the pages.
We get more details about the past, the FMC’s family, and stuff. I like how the delicate balance between their entwined pasts and the present is handled. We can see both their concerns. Neither is wrong, so we’ll be rooting for them.
As always, the dark side of London, the gang wars, the suffragette movement and the vehement opposition to it, class differences, gender bias, etc., are seamlessly woven into the plot.
The mysteries are well done with just enough twists for the suspense, but easy enough for readers to guess the culprits.
The ending is my favorite. After, there’s a good development after waiting all this while. It still ends in a cliffhanger, and there is lots of danger swirling around, but there’s more hope this time.
To summarize, Courier of Death is a suspenseful and intriguing mystery with danger, threats, gangs, and an intense past looming overhead. The next book will be out in Sep, and I can’t wait to read it!
Thank you, Book Sirens and the author, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
June 14, 2025
Bombings—reality and metaphorically!
Oh my! Life is going from dangerous to critical for Leonora Spencer. Leonora has not seen much of Detective Inspector Jasper Reid since her shocking discovery of his past, who he really is. A metaphorical bomb thrown into her hard won equilibrium!
In her distancing from Jasper, Leonora’s become interested in a suffragette group and is attending their meetings.
However on the morning of her visit to Scotland Yard she’s involved in a bomb attack on the Yard. Further attacks hit London.
She’s stunned when the police arrest the leader of the Women’s Equality Alliance, Mrs. Geraldine Stewart, as the culprit. When Leonora is arrested she’s angry and stunned. Jasper is furious.
Meanwhile Jasper has two bodies with similar injuries on his hands. His enquiries cut across the Bomb investigation, something Detective Inspector Tomlin of the Special Irish Branch has warned Jasper to leave alone. The Irish Branch have their suspect and he’s not to interfere.
Of course things aren’t as simple as that and Leonora and Jasper find themselves crossing the line Jasper’s been warned away from. They also manage to garner the unwanted attention of a gang, the Angels.
On the personal level, Leonora admits to her attraction for Jasper. Something she now has to reflect on.
Fast moving action, intelligent piecing together of clues, once again brings intrigue and heart to Devlin’s wonderful duo, Spencer and Reid.
A Booksiren ARC
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Oh my! Life is going from dangerous to critical for Leonora Spencer. Leonora has not seen much of Detective Inspector Jasper Reid since her shocking discovery of his past, who he really is. A metaphorical bomb thrown into her hard won equilibrium!
In her distancing from Jasper, Leonora’s become interested in a suffragette group and is attending their meetings.
However on the morning of her visit to Scotland Yard she’s involved in a bomb attack on the Yard. Further attacks hit London.
She’s stunned when the police arrest the leader of the Women’s Equality Alliance, Mrs. Geraldine Stewart, as the culprit. When Leonora is arrested she’s angry and stunned. Jasper is furious.
Meanwhile Jasper has two bodies with similar injuries on his hands. His enquiries cut across the Bomb investigation, something Detective Inspector Tomlin of the Special Irish Branch has warned Jasper to leave alone. The Irish Branch have their suspect and he’s not to interfere.
Of course things aren’t as simple as that and Leonora and Jasper find themselves crossing the line Jasper’s been warned away from. They also manage to garner the unwanted attention of a gang, the Angels.
On the personal level, Leonora admits to her attraction for Jasper. Something she now has to reflect on.
Fast moving action, intelligent piecing together of clues, once again brings intrigue and heart to Devlin’s wonderful duo, Spencer and Reid.
A Booksiren ARC
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
May 22, 2025
Fantastic! The best book in the series. Devlin manages to weave, background, history, and character development all while maintaining the storyline. There are many twists, turns and subplots but the story never becomes confusing. It starts with a bang and never lets up. Unputdownable.
June 15, 2025
4.8 stars I can’t get over how good that was!! I listened to the whole thing with hardly any breaks.
Cara Devlin’s colorful writing and clever storytelling brings the whole thing to life so seamlessly. The mystery and action were awesome too.
I love all the characters and can’t wait for the story to continue!
Cara Devlin’s colorful writing and clever storytelling brings the whole thing to life so seamlessly. The mystery and action were awesome too.
I love all the characters and can’t wait for the story to continue!
June 27, 2025
This series just keeps getting better. There is an overarching mystery in the series that is getting closer to being solved, who killed Leonora's family and why. also, Jasper and Leo are finally, possibly acting on their attraction.
I love the historical side of these books. There are several side plots and learning about the suffragettes and their fight for rights, the fight for Irish independence, the state of forensic knowledge and how autopsy were performed all add to the excitement I find in Devlin's work.
I also enjoy how Scotland Yard is depicted and the completion between the different branches. All the characters are well drawn without much superfluous details.
Thanks to Book Sirens and the author for the EARC. I highly recommend that you begin with book 1 today!
I love the historical side of these books. There are several side plots and learning about the suffragettes and their fight for rights, the fight for Irish independence, the state of forensic knowledge and how autopsy were performed all add to the excitement I find in Devlin's work.
I also enjoy how Scotland Yard is depicted and the completion between the different branches. All the characters are well drawn without much superfluous details.
Thanks to Book Sirens and the author for the EARC. I highly recommend that you begin with book 1 today!
June 5, 2025
Months after a devastating discovery about the murder of her family, Leonora Spencer is still struggling to cope. She has kept her distance from Scotland Yard and from Detective Inspector Jasper Reid just as she has vowed to do. But when a bomb kills a young constable outside police headquarters, and a prominent suffragist is wrongly fitted for the crime, Leo is compelled to prove the woman’s innocence. Weathering Leo’s silent fury has been more of a hardship than Jasper would care to admit. As ties between the bombing and a seemingly unrelated murder case Jasper is investigating begin to emerge, so does a connection to one of London’s most dangerous organized crime syndicates.
The third book in this brilliant series. To fully appreciate it I’d recommend reading in order as there’s the ongoing story about the murder of Leo’s family. I love both Jasper & Leo she is still reeling from the revelations at the end of the last book & he’s finding it hard to cope without her presence. However they begin to work together when there’s a bomb near Scotland Yard & Leo is caught in the blast. A fast paced unputdownable book. There are bomb blasts, murder, secrets, lies, London gangs just to whet your appetite. Jasper & Leo work well together & the chemistry between them is getting hotter but they’d be the last to admit that. Things also move forward a little about the events of thirteen years ago. A highly recommend the whole series
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The third book in this brilliant series. To fully appreciate it I’d recommend reading in order as there’s the ongoing story about the murder of Leo’s family. I love both Jasper & Leo she is still reeling from the revelations at the end of the last book & he’s finding it hard to cope without her presence. However they begin to work together when there’s a bomb near Scotland Yard & Leo is caught in the blast. A fast paced unputdownable book. There are bomb blasts, murder, secrets, lies, London gangs just to whet your appetite. Jasper & Leo work well together & the chemistry between them is getting hotter but they’d be the last to admit that. Things also move forward a little about the events of thirteen years ago. A highly recommend the whole series
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
July 5, 2025
In each installment of this series, we seem to get three main storylines: there's the current murder(s), the series-long arc about what happened to Leo's family, and the romantic relationship. All three storylines were fantastic in this third book in the series.
The book starts exactly a few months after book 2 ended. That ending was so memorable that it isn't necessary to revisit it, but I treated myself to a reread anyway. Leo and Jasper have barely seen each other or spoken since the end of the second book, but are thrown together when a bomb goes off at Scotland Yard while Leo is there. The person carrying the bomb died in the blast and is a friend of Leo's, so she naturally has to get involved in the investigation. Jasper is assigned a different murder, but it winds up being related, as one would expect. As the two threads come together, we get more of Leo and Jasper thrown together and the will that was between then comes down.
Jasper opens up more to Leo as she digs into her family's past. There are still hurt feelings between them, but it's safe to say they are friends again.
A new character is introduced in the second half of this book and that person could either be a professional ally to Leo or a potential love interest to make things a little more interesting on the person side.
I really didn't think Cara Devlin could make me love a sleuthing couple as much as I love Audrey and Hugh from her last series, but Leo and Jasper are coming very close. Their relationship continues to progress in small steps and they investigate murders in this incredible slow-burn historical mystery.
Reviews are for readers. I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
The book starts exactly a few months after book 2 ended. That ending was so memorable that it isn't necessary to revisit it, but I treated myself to a reread anyway. Leo and Jasper have barely seen each other or spoken since the end of the second book, but are thrown together when a bomb goes off at Scotland Yard while Leo is there. The person carrying the bomb died in the blast and is a friend of Leo's, so she naturally has to get involved in the investigation. Jasper is assigned a different murder, but it winds up being related, as one would expect. As the two threads come together, we get more of Leo and Jasper thrown together and the will that was between then comes down.
Jasper opens up more to Leo as she digs into her family's past. There are still hurt feelings between them, but it's safe to say they are friends again.
A new character is introduced in the second half of this book and that person could either be a professional ally to Leo or a potential love interest to make things a little more interesting on the person side.
I really didn't think Cara Devlin could make me love a sleuthing couple as much as I love Audrey and Hugh from her last series, but Leo and Jasper are coming very close. Their relationship continues to progress in small steps and they investigate murders in this incredible slow-burn historical mystery.
Reviews are for readers. I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 14, 2025
Review originally posted on Overflowing Shelf
CW: grief; physical violence; infidelity; misogyny
Courier of Death was easily one of my most anticipated reads of 2025, and thankfully, I did not have to wait long for it! After the ending of Method of Revenge, I NEEDED the next book as I have been in such a bad reading slump since finishing that. This book far exceeded my wildly high expectations for it, and I am truly so obsessed with the Spencer and Reid series! Each book keeps getting better and better.
I could not wait to see how Cara Devlin was going to handle the implications of the ending of Method of Revenge, as that ending was going to seriously change Leo and Jasper’s relationship! Their relationship is definitely different in this book – as it should be – and yet they still have this undeniable connection that makes it hard to stay away from each other. I love the nuances and complexities that have been added to their relationship dynamic, as it not only makes it feel like an incredibly real relationship but also heightens the emotions in the story. There are so many layers to Leo and Jasper’s relationship, and I honestly love that so much. It is so fun peeling back the layers and seeing how both characters evolve and respond to the new things they are learning about each other.
The new dynamics to their relationship also make the slow-burn romance in this even better. I swear, Cara Devlin is the MASTER at the slow-burn romance – no one does it better than her. The tension between Leo and Jasper was pulling on my heartstrings. THE YEARNING. I was freaking out over the smallest things, like sitting next to each other on a couch. I genuinely LOVE that feeling, as you only really appreciate those small, yet incredibly meaningful, gestures in a slow-burn romance because they speak volumes to how the characters are feeling. I swear, I feel like I kept going “OH MY GOD,” throughout half this book, hoping for things to move forward. Chapter 24 in particular had me feeling all the emotions, and I am SO excited to see how the romance continues to develop in the next book!
I also really appreciated the evolution of these characters over the series. I feel like there has been so much growth! Jasper has come so far in accepting Leo’s input in his cases, even praising her skill. His protective instinct is still there, but he also knows that including her will be better for both of them since he knows Leo can be stubborn and impulsive. In this book in particular, I really felt for Leo. For the first time, she is faced with confronting what her future might look like outside of the morgue as Uncle Claude’s condition worsens and a new assistant, Connor Quinn, has been brought in to help handle things in the morgue, including duties she usually does. Things are in flux for her, and she is feeling a bit unmoored and uncertain, which she struggles with as she is usually incredibly confident in herself, and I am curious to see how this will play out in future books.
The crime at the center of this book also felt way more emotional than any other case Leo and Jasper have investigated, probably due to their personal connections to it. As always, I found the mystery deeply engaging – I love how Devlin perfectly balances the slow-burn romance with such engaging mysteries. There are always so many twists, turns, and layers to the central mystery that can leave you guessing until the end. It’s so fun to read, I love watching all the pieces come together. This series, in particular, deals with a lot of different criminal gangs in London, and I enjoy seeing how all these criminal networks are connected in unexpected ways.
Courier of Death also did a fantastic job of pushing forward the series’ overarching mystery of the death of Leo’s family. We are slowly but surely getting more hints and pieces of what might have led to the tragedy involving her family, and I am so excited to see where that goes in the next book. There are definitely some loose strings left to tie up still…
I am genuinely obsessed with the Spencer and Reid series and will read as many books as Cara Devlin decides to write. And I need everyone to read them! If you haven’t picked these up, what are you waiting for? This series is perfect for fans of the Veronica Speedwell or Lady Sherlock series, so if you enjoy those, trust me! This series is PERFECT for you.
Thank you to BookSirens for the ARC! All thoughts, ideas, and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
CW: grief; physical violence; infidelity; misogyny
Courier of Death was easily one of my most anticipated reads of 2025, and thankfully, I did not have to wait long for it! After the ending of Method of Revenge, I NEEDED the next book as I have been in such a bad reading slump since finishing that. This book far exceeded my wildly high expectations for it, and I am truly so obsessed with the Spencer and Reid series! Each book keeps getting better and better.
I could not wait to see how Cara Devlin was going to handle the implications of the ending of Method of Revenge, as that ending was going to seriously change Leo and Jasper’s relationship! Their relationship is definitely different in this book – as it should be – and yet they still have this undeniable connection that makes it hard to stay away from each other. I love the nuances and complexities that have been added to their relationship dynamic, as it not only makes it feel like an incredibly real relationship but also heightens the emotions in the story. There are so many layers to Leo and Jasper’s relationship, and I honestly love that so much. It is so fun peeling back the layers and seeing how both characters evolve and respond to the new things they are learning about each other.
The new dynamics to their relationship also make the slow-burn romance in this even better. I swear, Cara Devlin is the MASTER at the slow-burn romance – no one does it better than her. The tension between Leo and Jasper was pulling on my heartstrings. THE YEARNING. I was freaking out over the smallest things, like sitting next to each other on a couch. I genuinely LOVE that feeling, as you only really appreciate those small, yet incredibly meaningful, gestures in a slow-burn romance because they speak volumes to how the characters are feeling. I swear, I feel like I kept going “OH MY GOD,” throughout half this book, hoping for things to move forward. Chapter 24 in particular had me feeling all the emotions, and I am SO excited to see how the romance continues to develop in the next book!
I also really appreciated the evolution of these characters over the series. I feel like there has been so much growth! Jasper has come so far in accepting Leo’s input in his cases, even praising her skill. His protective instinct is still there, but he also knows that including her will be better for both of them since he knows Leo can be stubborn and impulsive. In this book in particular, I really felt for Leo. For the first time, she is faced with confronting what her future might look like outside of the morgue as Uncle Claude’s condition worsens and a new assistant, Connor Quinn, has been brought in to help handle things in the morgue, including duties she usually does. Things are in flux for her, and she is feeling a bit unmoored and uncertain, which she struggles with as she is usually incredibly confident in herself, and I am curious to see how this will play out in future books.
The crime at the center of this book also felt way more emotional than any other case Leo and Jasper have investigated, probably due to their personal connections to it. As always, I found the mystery deeply engaging – I love how Devlin perfectly balances the slow-burn romance with such engaging mysteries. There are always so many twists, turns, and layers to the central mystery that can leave you guessing until the end. It’s so fun to read, I love watching all the pieces come together. This series, in particular, deals with a lot of different criminal gangs in London, and I enjoy seeing how all these criminal networks are connected in unexpected ways.
Courier of Death also did a fantastic job of pushing forward the series’ overarching mystery of the death of Leo’s family. We are slowly but surely getting more hints and pieces of what might have led to the tragedy involving her family, and I am so excited to see where that goes in the next book. There are definitely some loose strings left to tie up still…
I am genuinely obsessed with the Spencer and Reid series and will read as many books as Cara Devlin decides to write. And I need everyone to read them! If you haven’t picked these up, what are you waiting for? This series is perfect for fans of the Veronica Speedwell or Lady Sherlock series, so if you enjoy those, trust me! This series is PERFECT for you.
Thank you to BookSirens for the ARC! All thoughts, ideas, and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
June 16, 2025
WOW! This series is FIRE
I read this book so fast the kindle almost burned up! If you read book two you know why I had to dive into this one immediately. After Leo's stunning revelation about Jasper's identity and role in her family's murder, I had to see how they would ever reconcile their feelings for each other with this dramatic breach of trust. Boy was I in for a treat! Drama, mystery and slow burn romance that starts off with a literal bang as Leo is caught in a bomb blast outside Scotland Yard! This was a ki!ler read and thank goodness the next installment comes out in just a few short months! This series is highly addictive and fans of Miss Scarlet and the Duke or first-class historical mystery romance authors like Deanna Raybourn or Irina Shapiro should read this series ASAP!!
I read this book so fast the kindle almost burned up! If you read book two you know why I had to dive into this one immediately. After Leo's stunning revelation about Jasper's identity and role in her family's murder, I had to see how they would ever reconcile their feelings for each other with this dramatic breach of trust. Boy was I in for a treat! Drama, mystery and slow burn romance that starts off with a literal bang as Leo is caught in a bomb blast outside Scotland Yard! This was a ki!ler read and thank goodness the next installment comes out in just a few short months! This series is highly addictive and fans of Miss Scarlet and the Duke or first-class historical mystery romance authors like Deanna Raybourn or Irina Shapiro should read this series ASAP!!
May 31, 2025
Leo and Jasper are back! What a sad start to the story with Leo and Jasper at odds. I could feel the tension as the author portrayed them, their hurt, pain and Jasper’s desire to work through this situation. Leo is at odds with herself as well as Jasper and it is tearing her apart as well. The danger they find themselves in was a great story unto itself . I had a feeling who the villain was, but it was still a bit of a shock as it all came to life. This author has an uncanny way of writing where you feel everything, both physical and emotional. Watching her uncle come to terms with some changes was hard and a bit sorrowful, and who knows what Leo will do. (Can’t wait for the next book!) The last two chapters were absolutely beautifully done and it story felt complete with it!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 15, 2025
I love this series. Great murder mysteries. Wonderful characters. And stories that keep you on the edge of your seat.
June 21, 2025
Very gritty stuff. The books in this Victorian mystery series have to be read in order, or each subsequent one will make little sense. There are the back stories of Leonora Spencer, who works in the morgue with her uncle, and Chief Inspector Jasper Reed. There are secrets and mysteries surrounding their past that are ongoing in at least the first three books. Then there are different murders to investigate in each installment. Thirdly, the tension between the two and the sloooow burn romance between them is ever present, in juxtaposition to the atmosphere of constant danger. The who and why were obvious in this one, but the how was more difficult to determine.
I really enjoy these books, but feel quite exhausted from the tension when I finish them. Now for a sweet Regency to help me recover. heh
4.5 stars
I really enjoy these books, but feel quite exhausted from the tension when I finish them. Now for a sweet Regency to help me recover. heh
4.5 stars
June 26, 2025
The dynamics between Leo and Jasper are dofferent but good because ot gave the book more tension, and that slowburn I love.
This series gives me strong Scarlet and the Duke vibes: clever, romantic, and full of suspense. Now I’m counting down the days until the next book releases in September!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This series gives me strong Scarlet and the Duke vibes: clever, romantic, and full of suspense. Now I’m counting down the days until the next book releases in September!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 23, 2025
After leaving us with quite the cliffhanger at the end of book 2, this book really satisfied...and then left us with another cliffhanger at the end! I love the complexity of the plot twists, the new characters that are brought in, the simmering tensions between the two main characters, and some interesting questions about where the story will go. I think if I was Leo that I would have cut Jasper off completely from my life, but she found a way to let him in that was believable. The whole story about her job, her uncle's job, and the new person that was brought in have me wondering - how will they make a living when the transition has been completed? She already works for no pay, so how will she be supported? Something that I hope will be answered in the next book. Women really didn't have a lot of choices in that time period and I'm grateful that Leo's character is strong enough to withstand all the criticisms of her day. I can't help wondering if we will see more of Geraldine Stewart and if she and Leo will somehow become connected in their work for women's suffrage. I'm also looking forward to her making her way through all of those papers and the inspector's file on her family's murder, because as each piece is revealed it's more and more intriguing. I received an advance copy of this book so I could provide a review.
I was thinking September was far away, but fortunately it's not as long of wait as I thought, 4 months isn't THAT long. Looking forward to the next one!
I was thinking September was far away, but fortunately it's not as long of wait as I thought, 4 months isn't THAT long. Looking forward to the next one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2025
This book picks up right where the last one left off—not literally, since we are now over two months later in time, but emotionally because we are in that same hold-your-breath-with-a-knot-in-your-chest place we were while reading the end of the prior book. In true Cara Devlin fashion, misunderstandings between our main characters are not left to simmer long. A confrontation over the events that ended the previous book happens early on in this book. But it is by no means resolved completely and cleanly. Instead, new conundrums, both personal and professional come to the forefront.
The series hits its stride with this book. Professionally, Leo and Jasper truly work together to solve the mystery. While Jasper is still protective of Leo (with good reason), he does not battle her involvement as harshly as he did. And personally… Cara Devlin excels at the slow burn! She writes hand touches and glances that will reduce you to a puddle more than any explicit love scene.
And can we also give a moment to the book itself and how lovely it looks? The cover is gorgeous, even in electronic form, and the chapter headings have a beautiful elegance to them.
If you have not yet started this series, now is the time. Leo and Jasper’s story—both their relationship and their history—has reached a turning point. So now is the time to catch up (or revisit) how they got here before what will surely be a pivotal fourth book.
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC. This voluntary review contains my own honest opinions.
The series hits its stride with this book. Professionally, Leo and Jasper truly work together to solve the mystery. While Jasper is still protective of Leo (with good reason), he does not battle her involvement as harshly as he did. And personally… Cara Devlin excels at the slow burn! She writes hand touches and glances that will reduce you to a puddle more than any explicit love scene.
And can we also give a moment to the book itself and how lovely it looks? The cover is gorgeous, even in electronic form, and the chapter headings have a beautiful elegance to them.
If you have not yet started this series, now is the time. Leo and Jasper’s story—both their relationship and their history—has reached a turning point. So now is the time to catch up (or revisit) how they got here before what will surely be a pivotal fourth book.
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC. This voluntary review contains my own honest opinions.
June 9, 2025
I enjoyed the book and the story moves long quickly and smoothly which kept me engaged. I found the mystery interesting with a few clever plot twists. and I like seeing the growing relationship between Leo and Jasper.
Devlin does have a tendency to include the occasional Americanism in her stories which doesn’t really bother me since I love her books so much. I noticed a few of them sprinkled in this book (for instance I saw ‘I can take it from here’ which seemed a rather modern phrase).
Poor Jasper, he keeps saying things impulsively that he knows he shouldn’t say which then gets Leo all worked up. It is fun to watch the fall out of that. Lol
It irks me that Leo butts in with the slimmest of excuses and that she takes risks knowingly. Rather like her father! I can see why Jasper gets exasperated with her.
Finally we see a concrete display of their affection for each other and not a moment too soon. I generally prefer an HEA to occur in the first book but I’ve been willing to wait because Devlin is such a good writer. I really hope the next book will see a more overt recognition of their growing feelings for each other.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Devlin does have a tendency to include the occasional Americanism in her stories which doesn’t really bother me since I love her books so much. I noticed a few of them sprinkled in this book (for instance I saw ‘I can take it from here’ which seemed a rather modern phrase).
Poor Jasper, he keeps saying things impulsively that he knows he shouldn’t say which then gets Leo all worked up. It is fun to watch the fall out of that. Lol
It irks me that Leo butts in with the slimmest of excuses and that she takes risks knowingly. Rather like her father! I can see why Jasper gets exasperated with her.
Finally we see a concrete display of their affection for each other and not a moment too soon. I generally prefer an HEA to occur in the first book but I’ve been willing to wait because Devlin is such a good writer. I really hope the next book will see a more overt recognition of their growing feelings for each other.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 2, 2025
Cara Devlin does another wonderful murder mystery in this series, it had that charm that I was wanting from the Spencer & Reid Mysteries series and thought worked well in this time-period. I was engaged with the mystery concept and wanted to figure out what was happening. It was everything that I was looking for and was glad I was able to read this world again. Cara Devlin wrote this so well and had that romance element that I wanted and enjoyed in a murder mystery.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 13, 2025
Thanks to the author for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion.
This is book 3 of the series and takes place several months after the dramatic confrontation between Leonora Spencer and Jasper Reid at the end of book 2, after Leo's stunning revelation about Jasper's true identity, his family, and his role in her family tragedy. Leo is still avoiding Jasper, despite his trying to reach out to her initially, and has yet to resolve her feelings about her discoveries, but she has kept his secrets.
But she is still working with her uncle at the morgue and despite actively avoiding him, it was inevitable that they would have to confront each other again as she does have occasion to interact with Scotland Yard. But in her rush to remove herself from his presence, Leo becomes embroiled in a tragedy at the Yard, when she witnesses odd behaviour on the part of Constable Lloyd, the sweetheart of her good friend Dita, and they both fall victim in a bombing at the Yard.
The investigation into the bombing falls under the purview of another inspector. But as Leo and Jasper investigate another murder, they find too many links between their case, as well as their personal lives, to the bombing at the Yard and Lloyd's involvement that lead to different conclusions, forcing them to interfere. Leo is forced to face her past and her feelings about Jasper and Jasper is coming to realize, after her enforced absence from his life, what she may mean to him. The mystery continues about Leo's family past and tragedy, but as she confronts her past, she is also forced to realize that what she thought she knew about her family may not be true, and she is possibly a loose end, and not forgotten by those involved.
A ripping good story that involves issues of the time, including the suffragist movement, women and work in Victorian society, Victorian era organized crime, the Irish brotherhood and political tensions of the time. This is super slow burn, but the tension between Leo and Jasper, and the tangled mess of their relationship is deliciously fraught with so much past history and baggage that still has so much yet to be revealed.
4.75 stars out of 5
This is book 3 of the series and takes place several months after the dramatic confrontation between Leonora Spencer and Jasper Reid at the end of book 2, after Leo's stunning revelation about Jasper's true identity, his family, and his role in her family tragedy. Leo is still avoiding Jasper, despite his trying to reach out to her initially, and has yet to resolve her feelings about her discoveries, but she has kept his secrets.
But she is still working with her uncle at the morgue and despite actively avoiding him, it was inevitable that they would have to confront each other again as she does have occasion to interact with Scotland Yard. But in her rush to remove herself from his presence, Leo becomes embroiled in a tragedy at the Yard, when she witnesses odd behaviour on the part of Constable Lloyd, the sweetheart of her good friend Dita, and they both fall victim in a bombing at the Yard.
The investigation into the bombing falls under the purview of another inspector. But as Leo and Jasper investigate another murder, they find too many links between their case, as well as their personal lives, to the bombing at the Yard and Lloyd's involvement that lead to different conclusions, forcing them to interfere. Leo is forced to face her past and her feelings about Jasper and Jasper is coming to realize, after her enforced absence from his life, what she may mean to him. The mystery continues about Leo's family past and tragedy, but as she confronts her past, she is also forced to realize that what she thought she knew about her family may not be true, and she is possibly a loose end, and not forgotten by those involved.
A ripping good story that involves issues of the time, including the suffragist movement, women and work in Victorian society, Victorian era organized crime, the Irish brotherhood and political tensions of the time. This is super slow burn, but the tension between Leo and Jasper, and the tangled mess of their relationship is deliciously fraught with so much past history and baggage that still has so much yet to be revealed.
4.75 stars out of 5
June 12, 2025
It has been a few months since the startling revelation at the end of Method of Revenge, the previous book. Leo (Leonora) and Jasper have had little contact since. This book begins with a bombing and death of a constable that Leo knew. From this point, the book is nonstop suspense. There are more bombs that are planted and triggered. Leo, of course, having been a witness to the first bomb explosion wants to investigate. Detective Inspector Jasper Reid is on another case, a murder of a Parliamentary aide. The two reluctantly begin to work together when a friend of Leo's, Gwendolyn, a prominent suffragist, is arrested for the bombing.
There is plenty to keep our attention, between murders, bombs, gangs, and the changes at the morgue where Leo has been helping her Uncle Claude. We meet a couple of new characters, a young coroner and a nightclub owner. Leo continues to look into the murder of her family. This is a fast paced story, you will want to read in one sitting. I highly recommend reading the series from the beginning as each book follows the actions of the previous. The author is a master at world building.
Cara Devlin knows how to write romantic suspense. The slow reconciliation between Leo and Jasper is so well done. Leo just can't quite forgive Jasper and he is finally coming to terms with his feelings for Leo and she for him. Once again we are faced with a cliffhanger conclusion as the author leaves some unresolved matters. I don't know how I am going to make it until September when Cloaked in Deception is published!
I received an advance review copy for free, from BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There is plenty to keep our attention, between murders, bombs, gangs, and the changes at the morgue where Leo has been helping her Uncle Claude. We meet a couple of new characters, a young coroner and a nightclub owner. Leo continues to look into the murder of her family. This is a fast paced story, you will want to read in one sitting. I highly recommend reading the series from the beginning as each book follows the actions of the previous. The author is a master at world building.
Cara Devlin knows how to write romantic suspense. The slow reconciliation between Leo and Jasper is so well done. Leo just can't quite forgive Jasper and he is finally coming to terms with his feelings for Leo and she for him. Once again we are faced with a cliffhanger conclusion as the author leaves some unresolved matters. I don't know how I am going to make it until September when Cloaked in Deception is published!
I received an advance review copy for free, from BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 16, 2025
enticing complex romantic mystery
I am a fan of the author, Cara Devlin. Wow I didn't stop reading until finished. I am a visual artist and appreciate when words entice me to paint pictures within my imagination. The author accomplishes this with her word pictures in fleshing out her characters. They are real to me thus my interest is magnified and my mind enthralled with what will happen next. As alluring as each new installment of Leo and Jasper's adventures are so is the progression of their relationship developing. Let their passion bloom and flower. Their values and stubbornness about right and wrong are the same as well as their ability to temper their perception of others recognizing shades of gray in all of us. The past history and mystery of Leo's early childhood escape from being murdered enfolds with new information with each new adventure/book. Bravo Ms Devlin another winner that took my heart. Anticipating the next published mystery historical novel adventure frosted with romance.
I am a fan of the author, Cara Devlin. Wow I didn't stop reading until finished. I am a visual artist and appreciate when words entice me to paint pictures within my imagination. The author accomplishes this with her word pictures in fleshing out her characters. They are real to me thus my interest is magnified and my mind enthralled with what will happen next. As alluring as each new installment of Leo and Jasper's adventures are so is the progression of their relationship developing. Let their passion bloom and flower. Their values and stubbornness about right and wrong are the same as well as their ability to temper their perception of others recognizing shades of gray in all of us. The past history and mystery of Leo's early childhood escape from being murdered enfolds with new information with each new adventure/book. Bravo Ms Devlin another winner that took my heart. Anticipating the next published mystery historical novel adventure frosted with romance.
May 25, 2025
I can never say anything about Cara's new series, except BRILLIANT!! I just want the next one now, and the one after that, and the one after that. I love the way she so smoothly creates a wonderful world that is full of enough description to be vivid without being bogged down in lengthy prose (Outlander books... I'm looking at you...), and the right amount of historical research that makes it all so believable.
The book follows on the storyline from the previous book; and it is not easily resolved, (easy resolutions are something I really detest in series' like this) - so the prolonged slow burn angst was one of my favourite things! And by the end when
In Jasper's words, Cara; please don't leave us waiting too long!
Otherwise I might die from the anticipation.
The book follows on the storyline from the previous book; and it is not easily resolved, (easy resolutions are something I really detest in series' like this) - so the prolonged slow burn angst was one of my favourite things! And by the end when
In Jasper's words, Cara; please don't leave us waiting too long!
Otherwise I might die from the anticipation.
May 31, 2025
I am a big fan of Cara's books and I really enjoyed this 3rd book.
Leo witnesses a fairly gruesome murder targeting her best friend's boyfriend. The murder leaves more questions than answers and Leo becomes involved in both looking for answers and being a suspect. Jasper is present when a seemingly related dead body ends up a raunchy house party he was attending. They end up working together despite the unwanted attention this brings to Jasper's career and the ever present bad guys that haunt them both.
So many twists and turns, it's hard to say w/out spoiling but as usual it's very interesting and I was unable to put the book down. Leo learns more about why her family was killed and she and Jasper were able to achieve somewhat of a break in hostility which could open the way for more romance in the future. I can't wait for the next installment to be released!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Leo witnesses a fairly gruesome murder targeting her best friend's boyfriend. The murder leaves more questions than answers and Leo becomes involved in both looking for answers and being a suspect. Jasper is present when a seemingly related dead body ends up a raunchy house party he was attending. They end up working together despite the unwanted attention this brings to Jasper's career and the ever present bad guys that haunt them both.
So many twists and turns, it's hard to say w/out spoiling but as usual it's very interesting and I was unable to put the book down. Leo learns more about why her family was killed and she and Jasper were able to achieve somewhat of a break in hostility which could open the way for more romance in the future. I can't wait for the next installment to be released!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 16, 2025
each book just gets better!
OMG. I have no idea how she does it but each one these books has been better than the last. I absolutely love this series. The writing is excellent, if there were any errors I didn’t notice (and they normally throw me right out of a story). It was so captivating I literally read it in one session and didn’t put it down. Cleaning house? Nope not today. Doing laundry? Yeah I can wear these jeans one more time. Fix dinner for the fam? Go order take out, here’s my card. This is pretty much how my day went because I HAD to see the end of this book! I’m totally in love with the characters. Leo is a strong woman (who’s not a total B), a bit impulsive and reckless but that just makes her more real. And Jasper. Can I have a Jasper please?!?!? Now how do I preorder the next one and survive the wait till it comes out?!
OMG. I have no idea how she does it but each one these books has been better than the last. I absolutely love this series. The writing is excellent, if there were any errors I didn’t notice (and they normally throw me right out of a story). It was so captivating I literally read it in one session and didn’t put it down. Cleaning house? Nope not today. Doing laundry? Yeah I can wear these jeans one more time. Fix dinner for the fam? Go order take out, here’s my card. This is pretty much how my day went because I HAD to see the end of this book! I’m totally in love with the characters. Leo is a strong woman (who’s not a total B), a bit impulsive and reckless but that just makes her more real. And Jasper. Can I have a Jasper please?!?!? Now how do I preorder the next one and survive the wait till it comes out?!
June 17, 2025
There is simmering tension from the first in this installment of The Spencer & Reid Mysteries after the revelations in the last book. Although this could be read as a standalone, I highly recommend you read the series in order.
Again Cara Devlin creates another engrossing, atmospheric mystery, this time the stakes appear higher and are of a much more personal nature, especially once the victims identity is revealed.
This book will have you desperately wanting the next installment at it leaves you on the edge, knowing the characters have reached a vital point in their relationship they can't ignore.
The tension and frustration of the characters feelings just flow off the pages.
You don't want to miss this adventure.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Again Cara Devlin creates another engrossing, atmospheric mystery, this time the stakes appear higher and are of a much more personal nature, especially once the victims identity is revealed.
This book will have you desperately wanting the next installment at it leaves you on the edge, knowing the characters have reached a vital point in their relationship they can't ignore.
The tension and frustration of the characters feelings just flow off the pages.
You don't want to miss this adventure.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 15, 2025
Leonora Spencer is doing her best to do her job at the morgue and avoid Detective Jasper Reid, when she is injured in a bomb blast near Scotland Yard. Jasper Reid is trying to do his best at his job and keep his past a secret, despite his conflicting feelings for Leo. Another complex thriller mystery that involves Leo’s best friend, the suffragette movement, a difficult detective, and a new assistant at the morgue. Leo and Jasper are complex and sympathetic characters, and I feel invested in their story. The mystery is intriguing and kept me reading til the end. Good addition to the series which is best read in order for the back story on the characters. I received an ARC from Booksirens, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
June 15, 2025
Reconciling the past.
I am really enjoying watching the details of this series unfold. Who would have known that Leo and Jasper would have so much history tying their lives together? I was immediately pulled into the story with this new event – a bombing - and all the detective work figuring out who is involved in more. Just when you think the story is going in one direction, it branches off in several different ways. With the action, revealed details and the essence of time to catch those criminals involved, I found it impossible to put the book down until I was finished. All I can say is wow! Can’t wait to see what happens next as an implied threat remains in place.
I received an ARC and voluntarily am sharing my honest review.
I am really enjoying watching the details of this series unfold. Who would have known that Leo and Jasper would have so much history tying their lives together? I was immediately pulled into the story with this new event – a bombing - and all the detective work figuring out who is involved in more. Just when you think the story is going in one direction, it branches off in several different ways. With the action, revealed details and the essence of time to catch those criminals involved, I found it impossible to put the book down until I was finished. All I can say is wow! Can’t wait to see what happens next as an implied threat remains in place.
I received an ARC and voluntarily am sharing my honest review.
June 4, 2025
Courier of Death is Book 3 in A Spencer and Reid Mystery by Cara Devlin. I believe that Lenora and Jasper are great main characters. This book takes place around 2 months after book 2. I must say that I was enjoying book 2 and happy with the ending… except when I read the very end of the book. Cara Devlin unexpectedly threw a surprise twist that I never expected. Well, if you haven't read books 1 & 2, the beginning of this mystery will not have the same emotion (at least that is what I think). Cara Devlin hits page 1 with tons of emotions and unexpected twists. I breathed again after I read The End! This series is a must read for lovers of historical romance. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
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