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The Underwood Mysteries #4
An Aria Writ In Blood
When the Reverend Gilbert Underwood announces his intention to marry Lady Cara Lovell, no one is more surprised than his brother, C. H. – affectionately known as Chuffy. And little does anyone imagine that this happy event is to end with the particularly gory and unpleasant death of the bride’s favourite uncle.
The story, set in the 1820’s, moves from the glitter of a London wedding to Earl Lovell’s Brighton villa where behind the façade of late Regency society there lies a story of betrayal, mistrust, violence and horror.
Underwood finds himself charged with the delicate task of solving this mysterious event without incurring any further scandal than the controversial Lord Peter had already roused prior to his demise.
Bad enough that the man should have married an Italian opera singer whose constant companion is a dwarf manservant, but for that woman to be so lovely, young and flirtatious that she catches the eye of every man who crosses her path! Gossip is already flying when Lord Peter is found in a locked room with his throat slashed and only his unconscious wife for company.
At first it is obvious that Lord Peter has beaten his wife into insensibility then cut his own throat in a fit of remorse, but as Underwood begins his investigation, things cease to add up to so simple an explanation. If Peter took his own life, then where is the weapon he used? Why does Lady Luisa, the merry widow, attempt to take her own life by drowning when the questions begin to delve too deeply into the mystery? Her bloodstained dress prove that she could not have been the killer, so whom is she shielding – and how did the murderer escape from a securely locked room?
John Grantley, the Constable of Brighton, is himself smitten by the lovely, desirable songstress, but he knows she holds the key to her husband’s death and he is forced by circumstance to deny his interest in her – especially when it becomes obvious she is carrying her late husband’s child.
It will take all Underwood’s ingenuity to solve the mystery – but solve it he must, or have Lady Cara’s family’s name dragged through the mud, something which, for his brother’s sake, he cannot allow.
The story, set in the 1820’s, moves from the glitter of a London wedding to Earl Lovell’s Brighton villa where behind the façade of late Regency society there lies a story of betrayal, mistrust, violence and horror.
Underwood finds himself charged with the delicate task of solving this mysterious event without incurring any further scandal than the controversial Lord Peter had already roused prior to his demise.
Bad enough that the man should have married an Italian opera singer whose constant companion is a dwarf manservant, but for that woman to be so lovely, young and flirtatious that she catches the eye of every man who crosses her path! Gossip is already flying when Lord Peter is found in a locked room with his throat slashed and only his unconscious wife for company.
At first it is obvious that Lord Peter has beaten his wife into insensibility then cut his own throat in a fit of remorse, but as Underwood begins his investigation, things cease to add up to so simple an explanation. If Peter took his own life, then where is the weapon he used? Why does Lady Luisa, the merry widow, attempt to take her own life by drowning when the questions begin to delve too deeply into the mystery? Her bloodstained dress prove that she could not have been the killer, so whom is she shielding – and how did the murderer escape from a securely locked room?
John Grantley, the Constable of Brighton, is himself smitten by the lovely, desirable songstress, but he knows she holds the key to her husband’s death and he is forced by circumstance to deny his interest in her – especially when it becomes obvious she is carrying her late husband’s child.
It will take all Underwood’s ingenuity to solve the mystery – but solve it he must, or have Lady Cara’s family’s name dragged through the mud, something which, for his brother’s sake, he cannot allow.
154 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 20, 2014
63 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 19, 2019
It would seem that everyone is surprised when the Reverend Gilbert Underwood announces his engagement to Lady Cara Lovell. Once the wedding is over and the remaining families have gone to Brighton at the request of the Earl of Lovell that disaster strikes, and a dead body discovered in a locked room. Can Underwood discover how and who.
Another enjoyable mystery in this well-written series with its very likeable characters
Another enjoyable mystery in this well-written series with its very likeable characters
August 31, 2020
Another good mystery in this series of two English brothers. Gil Underwood is marrying an Earl’s daughter so the whole Underwood clan travels to the Earl’s country estate for the wedding. When the Earl’s tempestuous brother is murdered, it’s up to Cadmus Underwood to solve the crime. Fairly obvious culprit from the get-go but still managed a deft twist to the story.
July 6, 2021
Disappointing ending, almost farcical.
I have enjoyed all previous books, but not this one. The last few chapters show Underwood as pompous and arrogant, and defy his righteous behavior earlier in this book and the other books in this series. Luisa is spoiled and has few redeeming qualities, certainly not deserving of the man who comes to her rescue.
I have enjoyed all previous books, but not this one. The last few chapters show Underwood as pompous and arrogant, and defy his righteous behavior earlier in this book and the other books in this series. Luisa is spoiled and has few redeeming qualities, certainly not deserving of the man who comes to her rescue.
August 12, 2020
Great enjoyment
Enticing good tale! Interesting good looks at multiple locations. I liked the familiarity of characters from previous novels making sure you feel that you are coming home when you read it. I will continue to be an avid fan.
Enticing good tale! Interesting good looks at multiple locations. I liked the familiarity of characters from previous novels making sure you feel that you are coming home when you read it. I will continue to be an avid fan.
November 18, 2020
Such a lovely saga
I am having such fun with these stories. I can clearly see Hanbury as well as the home of Verity and Chuffy and the rectory for Gil and Cara.
I think everyone should read these books. They are a treasure!
I am having such fun with these stories. I can clearly see Hanbury as well as the home of Verity and Chuffy and the rectory for Gil and Cara.
I think everyone should read these books. They are a treasure!
February 20, 2021
An Aria Writ in Blood (The Underwood Mysteries Book 4)
I loved this book and the characters were perfect!!..this book held my attention span continues through
The hours I spent reading..mysteries were beautifully hidden to keep your interest...enjoy 💓
I loved this book and the characters were perfect!!..this book held my attention span continues through
The hours I spent reading..mysteries were beautifully hidden to keep your interest...enjoy 💓
October 28, 2022
The1820's in London
This is a closed door mystery, of the first order.
This story starts slowly but builds into a thundering conclusion.
Underwood brothers are men of their own times , they are most polite and noble. The nobility are less noble and a great deal more trouble.
This is a closed door mystery, of the first order.
This story starts slowly but builds into a thundering conclusion.
Underwood brothers are men of their own times , they are most polite and noble. The nobility are less noble and a great deal more trouble.
May 18, 2018
A great read
Again a long love storyteller around a murder mystery in merry old England. Delightful story bringing more people and lives for the reader to meet.
Again a long love storyteller around a murder mystery in merry old England. Delightful story bringing more people and lives for the reader to meet.
June 18, 2020
Great series of books.
I love these books. Makes you think about what it was like to live in that time period. Great author.
I love these books. Makes you think about what it was like to live in that time period. Great author.
February 4, 2021
4.5 stars - exceptional mystery with wonderful character development and historical context.
December 9, 2021
Review
It was a good story. Don't ask me to write a review I hate doing it !
The end for me
It was a good story. Don't ask me to write a review I hate doing it !
The end for me
February 4, 2024
The Best
Love this series. Third time reading see and still can't put it down. I highly recommend for the intrique and the history.
Love this series. Third time reading see and still can't put it down. I highly recommend for the intrique and the history.
March 9, 2017
While I still enjoy the series, this was my least favorite of the four I've read so far. The plot and secondary characters seemed contrived and overly melodramatic. Time to take a break.
May 10, 2016
Great fun
To really enjoy this book and completely understand what is happening and why, one needs to be very familiar with the laws and customs of England in the 1700-1900's.
It's not enough to know that women were treated like property, but children as well. Especially children of peers. By law the children belonged to the father, even during the pregnancy.
Be sure to have your dictionary handy, as the author uses many older words, but it adds to the reality of the time and place of the story.
I enjoyed this book and plan to read more of the series.
To really enjoy this book and completely understand what is happening and why, one needs to be very familiar with the laws and customs of England in the 1700-1900's.
It's not enough to know that women were treated like property, but children as well. Especially children of peers. By law the children belonged to the father, even during the pregnancy.
Be sure to have your dictionary handy, as the author uses many older words, but it adds to the reality of the time and place of the story.
I enjoyed this book and plan to read more of the series.
July 2, 2016
Another hit!
Underwood tries to solve another mystery this time involving his brother's new in-laws. Can their be justice in the upper classes or will moral relativism triumph?
Underwood tries to solve another mystery this time involving his brother's new in-laws. Can their be justice in the upper classes or will moral relativism triumph?
August 19, 2016
A true mystery
A who done it with surprises and a lovely lady in distress. This series is very intriguing and full of unique characters.
A who done it with surprises and a lovely lady in distress. This series is very intriguing and full of unique characters.
January 4, 2017
Fourth in a series of somewhat "cozy" mysteries, set in 19th century England.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews