The Heir of Whitestone

by Catherine Coulter

A brilliant young innovator with a mysterious past and a boldly sharp-witted Lady uncover deadly secrets in #1 New York Times bestselling author Catherine Coulter’s thrilling, new Victorian-era romantic mystery filled with daring escapes, exciting twists, witty humor, and characters you won’t soon forget.

When Alex Ivanov was 12, someone tried to kill him. Now, 11 years later, they still want him dead.

England, 1842. Queen Victoria reigns, Buckingham Palace is overrun with rats, and the streets of London are filled with intrigue.
 
Alex Ivanov is a brilliant young innovator, designing cutting-edge train engines. But Alex has a secret—he isn’t really Alex Ivanov. As a boy, he was pulled from the Thames, presumed drowned, with no memory of who he was. Rescued and raised by the formidable Ryder Sherbrooke, Alex has built a new life, but his past is catching up with him.
 
Lady Camilla Rohman has problems of her own. Trapped by a scheming stepmother and a family determined to see her married off, she is as clever as she is desperate. When fate throws her into Alex’s path, their connection is undeniable.
 
But as their whirlwind romance turns into marriage, danger follows. On their honeymoon, a series of deadly attacks make one thing clear—someone wants Alex dead. As they race to uncover the truth, old enemies and long-buried secrets come to light, leading them to a shocking revelation that will change everything…

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Romance, Historical Romance, Fiction, Suspense, Victorian

366 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 24, 2026

Reviews

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh. My. Goodness. Catherine Coulter returns to her roots as a Historical-Romance author, but she brings her vast experience as a Romantic-Suspense author with her. I. Can't. Wait!!! It took me a long time to relate this book back to the Sherbrooke Brides Series. Call it Oldtimers I guess, but how many of you remember a series you read 25 years ago? I was thinking more of the Grayson Sherbrooke books, but this one has his father, Ryder, as a supporting character. I gotta say, I really enjoyed "The Heir of Whitestone". It has a spunky heroine, Cam; a smart, hot hero, Alex/Graham; romance; mystery and suspense. It was a great read.

Lady Camilla Rohman has a lot on her mind. Her nasty stepmother is trying to marry her off and Cam wants nothing to do with her choices, in fact she decked one of them for trying to take liberties with her. Now Stepmama Dearest is trying to ship her off to Bath and another of her odious choices. Cam is waiting to appeal to her father when she strikes up a conversation with the most beautiful young man she has ever seen. He is smart, witty with a tad of the mysterious about him.

Alex Ivanov is enthralled with the lovely Lady Camella Rohman, but as a man without a proper family, she is way out of his reach. He also has no clue as to who he really is. Ryder Sherbrooke pulled him from the Thames and saved his life. But Alex had no memory prior to that. Ryder gave him the name "Alexi Ivanov" to protect him from whoever tried to kill the 14-year-old.

As Alex and Cam get to know each other, they find they have so much in common and develop a deep respect and affection. Then Cam gets shipped to Bath and Alex has a chance encounter that changes his life. Alex is the long-lost son of an Earl, his real name is Lord Graham Hepburn, Viscount Whitestone and heir to the Earl of St. Lucy.

When Cam returns to London, she and Graham are married and head to St. Lucy to begin their life together. But someone is not happy about the return of the heir and evil is afoot. It seems that whoever tried to kill Graham 11 years ago will not rest until he is dead, but they will have to get past Cam to do the deed.

My thanks to the Publisher, and Author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a fan of this author, but I'll will have to admit I'm not as fond of the books that are set well in the past. Her FBI series is amazing and I find myself devouring those books, this was a slower read for me. That being said, it was a very entertaining story, and I loved Cam's personality. The characters are well developed as well, and have such fun personalities. And, there's a pretty good twist at the end too.

Thank you to Net Galley and Kensington Publishing for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that I've read by this author. Although I could be wrong, I've been reading books for so long and could have just forgotten. It happens sometimes. Anyway, I really loved this book so much. There was a murder plot, amnesia, and an evil-mother.

Imagine Mr. Bennett (for those who don't get the reference, from Pride and Prejudice)after his first wife dies, now has a young wife with big boobs. He loves his daughter but keeps getting distracted with sex, and so does whatever his new wife says. She wants his daughter gone? As long as she keeps doing that? Okay.

That's what Camilla has to put up with. She meets and falls in love with Alex though, who is actually Graham (he has amnesia). Someone tried to murder him when he was 14, and so Alex doesn't know who he is. Once he does, that person is trying to murder him again.

Loved this so much.

Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m surprised to see that this is the first I’ve read of her books! I thought I had in the past…

So, for this one, we are living in the mid 1800’s and times are very different indeed! Camilla (Cam) is a definite ‘oddball’ in that she believes it’s ok to speak her mind! And think! And want to make something of her life! Because women at that time were supposed to be wallflowers… seen but not heard.
She comes from a nice size family, but after her mother’s death her father remarried (the evil stepmother…who does NOT want to do right by Cam, or anyone but herself…) And, this woman wants her OUT OF THEIR HOUSE! NOW! and so, she starts hosting dinners to find her a ‘suitable’ husband…
By happenstance, a young man arrives with big plans for trains… with his guardian. He is not an elite. He does not have a title. But… he is sweet. And Cam falls for him…

Unfortunately, many things then happen pretty much at the same time then, and she doesn’t see Alex again…

She is sent to live with her aunt for a while, and she’s happy about this… as it gives her a break from the stepmom.

And again, circumstances change…

When she eventually does meet up with Alex again, his circumstances have significantly changed as well!

This is a sweet, charming, heartfelt story that just spun my world for a little while! And I totally enjoyed that! But then, the evil forces took over… and the whole landscape of the story changed…

I did enjoy it, I only wish it had been just a bit shorter…
But…the characters were very well developed too… so not sure how much time could’ve been shaved off…

4 ‘beauty-is-in-the-eye-of-the-beholder’, wonderful, sweet, falling-in-love stars for me!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#TheHeirOfWhitestone by @CatherineCoulter and narrated beautifully by @AnneFlosnick.

Thanks so much to #NetGalley, @BrilliancePublishing and @BrillianceAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!!

**** This one has NOT been released yet! **** Look 👀 for it in a few days! Starting on 2/24/26!

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Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Heir of Whitestone by Catherine Coulter is a great historical fiction and romance novel that I found interesting.

I have never read anything by Ms Coulter before (and why haven’t I…I’ll never know), so I am a bit behind on her legendary status on being an excellent HF writer. This book is a standalone, however it has threads involving the infamous Sherbrooke universe by incorporating Ryder Sherbrooke from her past HF/romance novels. I was easily able to follow along with the plot.

There is Victorian-era historical fiction, there is romance, there is mystery and suspense with high-stakes action, and there is chemistry abound between the main characters: Alex Ivanov and Lady Camilla Rohman (Cam).

I liked that there was far more substance than just a typical romance novel. There was a bit too much dialogue at some points however, which made this drag in places.

3/5 stars

Thank you NG and Kensington Publishing | A John Scognamiglio Book for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 2/24/26.

[Hannah · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’ll admit I only made it 20% in, but this book is not for me. I did not find the writing style enjoyable and felt it kept me from getting into the story. While I know I didn’t give them much of a chance, enough annoyances happened early on that I didn’t really care for the characters or care to know how the story unfolds. Interesting premise, but the execution was just not one that I was enjoying and I decided to save myself the trouble.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Susan Staudinger · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have long been a fan of Catherine Coulter’s FBI series, but this is the first of her historical fiction novels I’ve read to date. But despite an intriguing premise and a promising start, I found the pacing of this book to be a bit sluggish, which made it difficult for me to remain engaged. Still, the story and characters had me invested enough to push through till the very end. Overall, I did enjoy the romance between Cam and Alex, as well as the suspense angle that led up to the final, twisted revelation. I just wish the story could have taken me there a lot sooner than it had.

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC of The Heir of Whitestone by Catherine Coulter, published by Brilliance Publishing

All in all I enjoyed this audio book, the characters and the plot were superb.  It took me a while to get comfortable with the narrator, her voice got on my nerves for the first few hours, I didn't feel her voice was perfect for the story or the main character, I did get used to her voice, I was able to enjoythe novel more.
I really liked the writing style and the main character's personality was amazing, Lady Camila was delightful.
I know Coulter is a big name in books but I haven't read many of her books in a very long time. I do recommend  this author and this book, after reading somewhere book reviews, I'm happy to have listened to the audiobook, given so many readers didn't enjoy the written version

[JennaJustReading · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐ 3/5

Plot / Story ⭐⭐⭐
Characters ⭐⭐⭐
Writing Style ⭐⭐
Atmosphere/Vibes ⭐⭐⭐
Spice 🌶️

A Victorian Romantic Mystery with Charm and Intrigue

If you enjoy Victorian-era historical romance mixed with a fast-paced mystery, The Heir of Whitestone by Catherine Coulter may be worth adding to your reading list. Set in 1842 England during the early years of Queen Victoria’s reign, this historical romantic suspense novel blends family secrets, danger, and a whirlwind love story against the backdrop of a rapidly changing industrial world.

While it didn’t fully pull me into the story the way I had hoped, it still offered charming characters, a lively Victorian setting, and enough intrigue to keep me listening through to the end.
The story begins with Alex Ivanov, a brilliant young innovator designing advanced train engines in London. But Alex is hiding a secret, even from himself. As a boy, he was pulled from the River Thames with no memory of his past after someone attempted to kill him. Raised by the formidable Ryder Sherbrooke, Alex built a new life and identity. Now, eleven years later, someone is once again determined to finish what they started.

Enter Lady Camilla “Cam” Rohman, a sharp-witted young woman trapped in a household dominated by a scheming stepmother determined to marry her off as quickly as possible. Cam is clever, independent, and more than capable of holding her own in a room full of aristocrats. When she crosses paths with Alex, their connection sparks almost immediately.

What follows is a whirlwind romance that quickly leads to marriage, and just as quickly launches the couple into a dangerous mystery. During their honeymoon, a series of increasingly deadly attacks makes it clear that Alex’s forgotten past is catching up with him. As Alex and Cam attempt to uncover the truth, long-buried secrets surrounding inheritance, identity, and betrayal begin to surface.

At its core, The Heir of Whitestone is a plot-driven historical romantic mystery built around external conflict: assassination attempts, family secrets, and hidden identities. Readers who enjoy Victorian-era intrigue, daring escapes, and romantic suspense will likely find plenty to enjoy here.
One of the book’s strengths is its cast of characters. Even though the story sometimes leans heavily into exposition, Catherine Coulter does a good job creating characters that are easy to like and root for. Alex is intelligent and determined, while Cam is lively, witty, and refreshingly capable. Their partnership feels collaborative rather than one-sided, and the banter between them helps bring some levity to the darker aspects of the mystery.

I also enjoyed the broader world these characters inhabit. The novel captures an interesting moment in history, where industrial innovation (represented by Alex’s groundbreaking train engines) is beginning to reshape Victorian society. The setting includes London’s intrigue-filled streets, the lingering importance of aristocratic estates, and the shifting dynamics between old traditions and new technology.

That said, my main struggles with this book came down to the writing style.

At times, the narration felt like it was telling me the story rather than immersing me in it. Many scenes are delivered through long explanations or monologues rather than through action or dialogue that allows the reader to experience the moment. The characters often seem to talk at each other rather than with each other, which can make conversations feel a bit unnatural.
There’s also a noticeable amount of repetition, as though key plot points need to be restated frequently to ensure the reader doesn’t miss them. For me, this pulled me out of the story more than once.

I listened to the audiobook version, and while the narrator was fine overall, the delivery occasionally reinforced this feeling of being “told” the story rather than drawn into it. That may be partly a stylistic choice, but it did affect my overall experience.

Despite those frustrations, the novel remains a quick and easy historical read. The pacing moves steadily forward thanks to the mystery element, and the central premise - an amnesiac heir uncovering the truth about his past while dodging assassins - is compelling enough to keep the pages turning.

Readers who are already fans of Catherine Coulter’s long-running Sherbrooke series will likely appreciate the return of familiar characters like Ryder Sherbrooke, now acting as a paternal mentor figure to Alex. It also works reasonably well as a standalone for readers new to the series.

If you enjoy historical romantic suspense authors such as Amanda Quick (Jayne Ann Krentz), Deanna Raybourn, or Nora Roberts, this book will probably feel comfortably familiar. It also has a certain Bridgerton-style energy, particularly in the family dynamics and romantic tension, though with more mystery and danger woven into the plot.

Overall, The Heir of Whitestone is a light historical romance with a mystery twist. While the writing style didn’t fully immerse me in the story, the charming characters, Victorian setting, and fast-moving plot still made it an enjoyable enough read.
If you’re looking for a historical romantic mystery with intrigue, family secrets, and a touch of danger, this one might be worth picking up - especially if you’re already a fan of Catherine Coulter’s work.

Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for the ALC. As always, all opinions are my own.
#NetGalley #TheHeirOfWhitestone

[Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I came into The Heir of Whitestone ready for dramatic train engines, amnesia trauma, and at least one person dramatically whispering, “You are not who you think you are,” in a candlelit corridor. And did I get that? Yes. Did I also get long, winding scenic routes through Plot Detour County? Also yes.

We open in 1842 England, Queen Victoria is vibing, London is full of intrigue and rats apparently, and poor Alex Ivanov has been living his best brilliant inventor life while someone out there is still committed to the bit of trying to murder him. As a child he was yanked from the Thames with no memory of who he was, raised by Ryder Sherbrooke, and handed a shiny new identity. And honestly, that is already chaotic enough for one Victorian lad. But no, the universe said, what if we also add secret aristocratic lineage and an extremely determined assassin?

Enter Lady Camilla Rohman, aka Cam, who does not have an indoor voice and absolutely does not believe in thinking before speaking. She is sharp, fast talking, clever, and allergic to being quietly married off by her scheming stepmother. I loved her in theory. She is the kind of heroine who should feel like a Regency era screwball comedy dropped into a romantic suspense. And sometimes she absolutely works. Her banter? Fun. Her refusal to be small? Love it. But there were moments where I felt like I needed to gently tap her shoulder and say, “Girl, breathe. Let the sentence land.”

The romance moves at that classic whirlwind pace where you blink and suddenly we are at wedding bells and honeymoon danger. And I get it, this is romantic suspense, we do not have time to slow burn while someone is actively trying to unalive the groom. But emotionally, I wanted just a little more simmer before we hit full marital devotion. I believed they liked each other. I just wanted to marinate in it longer before the plot threw knives.

Now the mystery. This is where the book both shines and stumbles. The premise is juicy. A forgotten past. A noble title hiding under an assumed name. A childhood murder attempt that clearly did not go as planned. When Alex’s true identity starts clawing its way back into the light, the stakes finally snap into focus. And I was into it. I love a secret heir reveal. I live for it. But the pacing takes its sweet Victorian time. We meander. We repeat. We circle. And then suddenly we sprint.

There are twists. There is a reveal. And while I cannot say I was gagged, I was entertained. It is very much a cozy, dramatic unraveling rather than a pulse pounding thriller. The tension builds in fits and starts, like a steam engine that occasionally needs someone to whack it with a wrench.

I will say this though, once the danger hits the honeymoon phase, the energy improves. Deadly attacks following your newlywed bliss is objectively rude, but narratively effective. The sense that someone has been waiting over a decade to finish the job? Deliciously petty villain behavior.

And we have to talk about the audiobook. Anne Flosnik absolutely commits. The multiple POV shifts can feel chaotic on the page, but in audio form they are easier to track. She gives distinct voices, clear character differentiation, and yes, that English accent is doing some heavy lifting for the immersion. If you are going to take this ride, I genuinely think audio is the move. It smooths some of the narrative bumps and makes the dialogue sparkle a bit more.

At the end of the day, this is a solid three stars for me. I liked it. I was charmed. I occasionally checked how much time was left. I adored the ambition of blending historical romance with suspense and secret identities. I just wanted tighter pacing and a bit more emotional depth in the romance before the plot started throwing daggers.

Would I hang out with Cam? Yes. Would I gently confiscate her caffeine? Also yes. Would I invest in Alex’s train engines? Probably, but only after confirming no one is actively plotting his demise in the investor meeting. Three stars. Entertaining, dramatic, occasionally messy, and saved in large part by a narrator who understood the assignment.

Whodunity Award: For Making a Honeymoon Feel Like a Group Project With a Murderer

Huge thank you to Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC. Truly appreciate getting to hop aboard this slightly chaotic Victorian train before it officially left the station. I promise I only screamed about the pacing a little.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Heir of Whitestone is the first book I've ever read by Catherine Coulter. Have I been living under a rock?! She's written tons of books, yet this is my first of hers. However, it definitely won't be my last! It's a fun story filled with charm, lots of humor, romance, lost family and love. It's not a deep novel, but it is entertaining as heck.

London, England, 1842. Alex Ivanov is a brilliant young innovator who designs cutting-edge train engines. But Alex has a secret—he isn’t really Alex Ivanov. When he was 14 years old, he was pulled from the Thames, presumed drowned, with absolutely no memory of who he was. He was rescued and raised by Ryder Sherbrooke. Alex has built a new life, but is his past is catching up with him? Lady Camilla Rohman has issues of her own. Her scheming stepmother is determined to see her married off; luckily, Cam is as clever as she is desperate to avoid the toads she's being thrown towards. When fate throws her into Alex’s path, they are destined to be together. Their whirlwind romance turns into marriage, but danger seems to follow them around. On their honeymoon, a series of deadly attacks makes it clear someone still wants Alex dead. As they race to uncover the truth, enemies and long-buried secrets come to light, leading them to a shocking revelation that will change everything they thought they knew.

This was a fun story and a great introduction to Catherine Coulter's romance writing. I had heard there was a series of books based on the Sherbrooke family, but I had never read them. I will now, having met Ryder Sherbrooke here. (It seems that he and his wife have taken children off the streets and raised and loved them as their own.). Alex here is the recipient of their love. He is now a beautiful adult (yes, all the women thought he was just beautiful, especially the amazing blue eyes he inherited from his mother) and whip smart. He still has no memory of where he came or what happened, but with the Sherbrookes' love and education Alex is well known for designing train engines and is often looked to for advice. As he was in London with Sherbrooke, he met Lady Camilla (Cam) Rohman. She was quite unique. Unlike most of the young ladies of that time, she had no problem walking up to Alex where he sat outside and just starting talking to him. It was apparent to me right away that these two people belonged together, and it seems they pretty much felt the same way. Cam was funny as heck. She was charming, but her humor and pluck drew Alex in. These two characters were a lot of fun. I adored Alex because he thought Cam's clever talk was wonderful, and believed her beautiful, especially when she had her glasses on. You have to love a man like that. Obviously from the title of the book, you know that Alex will discover he is the Viscount of Whitestone, though he still doesn't remember anything of his past life though he's reunited with his father, who loves and missed him dearly, and the rest of his family. The suspense portion of the book didn't occur until well in the second half. I don't want to give anything away, but I will say that there were some tense and dangerous moments. The suspense issue was great, but it was the family portion of this book that I enjoyed the most. Ms. Coulter, you have a new fan.

I received an ARC of the book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[Elaina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Where do I begin with this one?

First, a quick note of transparency: I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway. While I wasn’t a selected ARC reader, I wanted to give back by leaving an honest review in appreciation for Ms. Coulter’s generosity and the opportunity to read her work early.

Now, onto the book itself.

Full disclosure, I’m typically a fantasy, dystopian, or sci-fi reader - genres that pull me completely out of reality and into immersive, unfamiliar worlds. Historical romance, particularly set in the 1800s, is not something I would normally reach for. Going in, I knew this would already be a step outside my comfort zone.

Unfortunately, the book was difficult for me to fully sink into from the start. The writing style - perhaps best described as period-inspired prose - was often confusing and required slow, deliberate reading just to process what was being said. On top of that, there were a noticeable number of typos, misnaming, grammatical issues, and formatting errors, most of which appeared early in the book. Normally, those things don’t pull me out of a story, but because they coincided with already challenging prose, they became distracting and briefly had me considering a DNF, something I loathe to do.

What made this more frustrating is that if the story itself had been immediately gripping or fluid, these issues likely wouldn’t have stood out as much. For instance, Paul Lynch tends to be very frugal with his punctuation, but still creates a beautiful picture. So, suffice it to say, I felt like I was tiptoeing through the text - reading slowly, re-reading often, and never quite being swept up.

The biggest issue for me, however, once I did start sinking in, was the storytelling itself. Throughout the book, I felt like I was constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop. Several plot threads were introduced and lingered long enough to feel important - an evil stepmother, a vicious sister, a potential love interest involving Cilly - yet none of these arcs ever truly went anywhere. They were built up, hinted at, and then simply… abandoned. Maybe this was deliberate to build suspence, twists and turns, and/or some interest? But, it wasn't cutting the mustard for me.

I also struggled to identify the true climax of the story. Was it meant to be the innovation and invention storyline once the two main characters combined their talents? Or was it the mystery surrounding forgotten memories and hidden secrets? I assumed the latter, but when the person central to those secrets was finally revealed, the moment felt rushed, anticlimactic, and emotionally flat. After so much buildup, the payoff simply wasn’t there.

There was a lot of effort put into introducing characters and plot points, but very little of it came together cohesively. Nothing clicked into place in that satisfying “ah-ha” moment that makes earlier details feel intentional and rewarding in hindsight.

As for the romantic “spice”: I’m not someone who needs it in a book. If it’s present, great; if not, that’s perfectly fine. But when it is included, it needs to be well executed. In this case, scenes often felt disjointed - positions and actions jumping abruptly in ways that pulled me out of the moment entirely. I found myself re-reading just to see if I had missed something. If you’re going to include those scenes, they should feel intentional, clear, and immersive - not confusing. For example, Graham going *ahem* loowww *ahem* and then all of a sudden finishing err inside. Like, wait, what!? But I digress...

For much of the book, I hovered around a three-star rating. There were moments where I could see what the story was trying to be - cute, quirky, humorous, especially in the banter between the main characters - but too often it felt forced and fell flat. Then came the ending, which ultimately tipped the scale for me. It was abrupt, oddly handled, and left far too much unresolved.

At the end of the day, I have to fall back on my own litmus test of star giving: would I recommend this book to others? Unfortunately, I don’t think I would. Hence, the 2 stars.

[Barbara Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: 2/24/26
Period: Victorian
Number of Pages: 368

I first discovered this author in the early ’90s and quickly became addicted to her writing when she launched the Sherbrooke Brides historical romance series. What’s beyond addicted? I’m not sure—but I reached that level when I found her suspense-filled FBI series. In short, I’m a long-time fan. So I was delighted to learn she has returned to her historical romance roots, featuring members of the Sherbrooke family once again. It was especially lovely to see Ryder Sherbrooke and his beloved Lady Sophie.

Alex Ivanov’s life truly began eleven years ago, when he was pulled from the Thames and brought back to life by Ryder Sherbrooke. With no memory of his past, Alex was taken in by Ryder and Sophie, given a name, an education, and a carefully constructed history that allowed him to function in society. He developed a passion for all things mechanical, constantly improving everything from farming tools to trains. While waiting on a park bench for Ryder to finish a meeting at Parliament, Alex is approached by a young lady who chatters away without hesitation. Far from being annoyed, he is completely charmed—despite knowing he is socially beneath her, even as Ryder’s ward.

Lady Camilla (Cam) Rohman is a radiant force of nature—beautiful, witty, warm, and impossible not to adore. Everyone loves her… except her new, young stepmother, who is determined to see Cam married off and out of the house as quickly as possible. With her father thoroughly besotted with his new bride, Cam knows she has little time before she’s forced into marriage with some odious suitor. Then she meets the most handsome man she has ever seen—sitting quietly on a park bench—and, to her delight, her chatter doesn’t seem to trouble him in the least.

When Alex finally discovers his true identity, he is stunned. Meeting his real father brings complicated emotions—especially since Ryder is the only father he has ever known. His biological father is kind, loving, and has mourned his lost sons for eleven long years. Yet Alex has no memory of him or the estate he once called home. Who kidnapped Graham and his brother Simon all those years ago? If Graham was thrown into the river and left to drown, what happened to Simon? And are those responsible still out there, determined to finish what they started?

I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed a cast of characters this much. Cam and Graham are delightful together, and their fathers—along with Ryder—round out a wonderfully engaging ensemble. There’s witty banter, scandalous secrets, and a mystery that keeps you guessing until the end. There were a few plot points that felt slightly unresolved, and I would have loved a bit more in the epilogue to tie everything up. (As for the runaway wife—let’s just say I wouldn’t have minded a less-than-comfortable fate for her!)

This is a truly delightful story with two leads who are perfectly matched. If you enjoy a blend of romance, mystery, and charming characters, you can’t go wrong with this book.

[MammaDi3Gatti · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oof, this was a hard one. Catherine Coulter is a big name in historical and suspense romance, and once upon a time I was addicted to her books. He Sherbrook.series is one of my favorites, though I haven't read it in ages. When I was offered the opportunity to read an ARC of her latest book, I eagerly grabbed it. Bonus for being it a Sherbrooke spinoff.

I completely adored our main characters, Alex and Cam. The way their story unfolded, however, was problematic for me. The first several chapters of the book are very disjointed. It's almost as if the author wasn't sure which storyline to go with. And yet, as much as I adored them, I also didn't really know them. I don't feel like their characters were fully developed. I think the reader gets a little cheated at the beginning by not getting more about young Alex's early years or when Ryder Sherbrooke saved him and takes it as his ward.
Alex and Cam's meet-cute isn't as impactful as I think it was meant to be. We're supposed to be charmed by her chatter, but i was more perplexed by it.

Side characters associated with our heroine are all over the place. Her father seems wonderful and plays that part well. The stepmother and sister are given to us as mini villains, but then their roles kind of morph into weirdness. As for Alex, he comes with the Sherbrookes, so that's a point in his favor; i wish we'd seen more of them.

Anyway, it takes a long time, but we finally get to the main story arc, which is that of Alex learning about his past and what happened all those years ago. I can't really say in specifics, because I don't want to introduce spoilers, but so many plot holes! For example, several crimes occur with no one even suggesting they try to track down the villains. Other things:

- The POV changes repeatedly, even swapping mid-paragraph
- Way too many characters.
- Whit, Win, Whitestone...whyyyy?
- There are attempts at red herrings, but that means that sometimes a character does something because the intent is to make us suspect that person. But then, there's never an explanation for why they were acting in a way that made our heroes to suspect them.
- Alex supposedly being Ukranian but with no accent.
- Alex being the ward of a pretty well-known dude but no one recognizing him before now.
- AUNT D ONLY SPEAKING IN CAPITAL LETTERS FOR PAGES ON END.
- Long passages about trains
- Cam suddenly deciding to be scientific.
- Everyone being impossibly beautiful.
- The baddie was easy to figure out.
- The baddie is a bad choice. Unbelievable without more of Alex's backstory.

Now I'm just getting whiny. I didn't hate the book, especially once all the weird stuff up through Bath was out of the way. However, it just felt all over the place I'm sure other people will love it though!

I received an ARC of this book for free from the publisher and Netgalley. I'm writing this review voluntarily, and it reflects my honest opinion. Thanks!

[KelseyreadsHR · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/5 Alex Ivanov was rescued and taken in as a young boy. Never having his memory returned to him, he grew up with others like him that had been taken in. As a young inventor, with his eye on expanding train travel, he meets Camilla whose father invests in trains. But as a mere mister, her father or step mother wouldn’t approve the match.

A chance encounter from Alex’s past leads to his discovery that Alex is actually Graham - the long lost heir of Whitestone. While his memory is still gone, Alex begins to live his life as Graham and marry Camilla; his past starts to catch up with him.

I was excited to read this after seeing that Coulter was writing a new historical. Even if it wasn’t a historical romance. That’s about where my excitement ended. The multiple POV made it repetitive and slow moving. Although it did leave me guessing until the end. I was also disappointed with the dialogue and internal thoughts, as they often came off immature.

It’s marketed as a historical mystery but it has romance as a major subplot. Yet I thought both the mystery and romance plots fell short. The mystery plot was slow going and the romance was all tell and no show. As well as, each time Graham and Camilla had an intimate moment, there was always three people in the bedroom. Graham would think of a previous lover and how she taught him to be a considerate lover so he could be considerate for Camilla.

I kept thinking that I would have enjoyed this more if it was written as a historical romance with a mystery subplot.

I enjoyed listening to this though and if it hadn’t been for the audiobook format I don’t think I would’ve been able to finish this.

The Heir of Whitestone is a standalone historical mystery.

There are two fade black intimate encounters with a few other scenes occurring off page.

I received an advanced listener copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Kaye · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3.5 Stars) I know Catherine Coulter from her FBI Thriller series. I think the last one I read was #25 and there have been a couple since that I need to catch up on. I didn’t realize she also has written historical fiction series. This book seemingly is a stand alone but it has connection to her Sherbrooke Brides series. The setting is Victorian London in 1942. Alex is a young gentleman and ward of Ryder Sherbrooke, a second son of an earl. Alex was rescued by Ryder at the age of 12 after being hit on the head and tossed into the Thames. He has no memory of his life before the attack. On this day he is approached by Lady Camilla (Cam) Rohman, youngest daughter of an earl. She delightfully chatters away saying anything that pops into her head. He of course is smitten with her and he is the most handsome man she has ever seen. I am not going to give more detail other than it turns out Alex is actually the heir to an Earldom. But then there are attempts made on both their lives.

This is a fun historic romance mystery. I really enjoyed Cam and her taking charge of figuring out how she can be with Alex/Graham. I more often read books set in the Regency era so it was nice to see the differences in time period where Alex could be interested in industry and invention. As forward as Cam was I was surprised the author had her be very naive about marital relations. I laughed at one scene where he thought the woman who trained him as a lover would be happy with his performance with his new wife. Who thinks like that? The mystery wasn’t hard to figure out but there are twists. And a few red herrings seem to disappear from the plot.

This was a likable story. If Coulter writes more in this era I would read it. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the eARC and I am leaving an honest review.

[Pj Ausdenmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been many years since I read a Coulter historical and, admittedly, I had forgotten the ins and outs of her particular style of writing. It was disjointed at times, with sudden veers into secondary storylines that felt a bit superfluous, and slow sections that made it too easy to set the book aside, but the main couple - plus Ryder Sherbrooke (The Hellion Bride) - kept my interest engaged and the pages turning.

Alex and Cam were so easy to root for. I became emotionally invested in them from the very start and that attachment never wavered. I loved Cam's internal strength, cleverness, and determination to take matters into her own hands in the face of toxic family dynamics. Also, how she saved that same family when adversity came to call.

Alex was equally appealing. I adored him and loved how smitten he was with Cam, coming to love her because of her unique qualities not in spite of them. I also loved his relationship with Ryder. As a fan of the original Sherbrooke books, it made my heart so happy to watch Ryder as the voice of wisdom in a paternal role. I wish Sophie (his wife) had been part of the story as well but references in the book reassured readers that they continue to be happy, in love, and giving hope and home to abandoned and abused children.

The mystery that threaded through the book was a mixed bag for me. While I figured out certain aspects of it early on, there were others that eluded me until the reveal. It all built to a final climax which felt a bit rushed and left questions that I had unanswered. Others may feel differently but I guess I just like all my loose threads tied. The romance, however, was a complete delight. I thoroughly enjoyed it and turned the final page confident that Cam and Alex had found their happily ever after, in more ways than one.

ARC received via NetGalley
Fair and unbiased review

[Tracy Emro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eleven years ago, Ryder Sherbrooke pulled a young man from the Thames and saved his life. Unfortunately, the young man had no idea who he was, but was clearly raised to be a gentleman, so Ryder claimed him as one of his own and named him Alexi Ivanov AKA Alex Carstairs and put out the story that he was the orphaned son of Ukrainian nobles. As he grew, Alex was educated and proved himself to be a brilliant young man in regard to innovations and investments. He is working on a new railroad innovation and has plans to meet with Ryder and some investors. While waiting, he meets a beautiful and intriguing young woman, named Camilla who happens to be the daughter of the investor he and Ryder are meeting with. Camilla captures his attention, but he doesn’t believe he is worthy of her. But when the truth of his missing memories is revealed, everything changes and a lifetime with Camilla becomes possible, that is if they can figure out and stop whoever is trying to kill him.

Lady Camilla “Cam” Rohman is the youngest child of the Earl of Whitsonby, she is unwed and in no rush to enter into marriage, but sadly her new, very young stepmother has other ideas and a lot of influence over the earl. A chance meeting with Alex has her reconsidering marriage, but only if it is with Alex, the charming, brilliant and gorgeous young man who has captured her heart. When she learns that he feels the same and that he is really Graham Hepburn, Viscount Whitestone and the long-lost heir to the Earl St. Lucy, nothing will stop her from spending her life with him, not scandal, forgotten memories and most especially not a killer. Together they will have to solve the mystery of who is trying to kill Graham and stop them before they can truly enjoy their chance for HEA.

I was thrilled to learn that Catherine Coulter was releasing a new historical romance book with ties to her Sherbrooke Brides series. It took me a hot minute to recall her unique writing style and settle into the book, but once I did, I was enthralled. I loved Cam and Graham together and catching up with Ryder and Sophie Sherbrooke was an absolute delight. The story has a lot going on and woven into this love story is a gripping “whodunit”. The book has wonderful characters, a decent mystery, warmish love scenes, witty banter, scandals, secrets, lost memories, and more than one twist that will make you question if you know who the real villain is! If you like historical romance that includes a great mystery, then this book is for you. I am not sure if this book is a standalone or a start to a new series, since there were some plot points that were left unresolved and could possibly be made into their own stories (fingers crossed, I guess).

4.5 stars

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

[Emily G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways.

“Lust for power and possessions, greed for what someone else has, it seems to be bred into a human’s very bones.”p334

This historical romance novel is full of humor, society drama and jeers, suspense, action, and rated R love scenes! The chemistry made it difficult for me to put it down.

Cam Rohman (“Lady Camilla”) is a vivacious 19-year old navigating her life in mid-1850s England. She is reminiscent of a combination of Gidget, Lucy Honeychurch (A Room with a View by E.M. Forster) and Emma (Emma by Jane Austen). Cam meets Alexi, and they fall in love. She moves to live with her aunt (who is hard of hearing and shouts) on the edict from her stepmother that she leave her family home, even though her father (Lord Whitsonby) wanted her daughter to remain; however, “the bosom had won.”p100

Alexi Ivanov has been raised by Ryder Sherbrooke (adopted several orphans) who rescued him from the Thames River 11 years ago, when Alexi was 12. Alexi has no memory of his past.

Alexi and Cam marry, and the scoundrel who tried to drown Alexi those years ago continues his quest to kill Alexi on their honeymoon. Another attempt, why? The reader will have to experience the thrilling adventure as the characters embark on solving the mystery to save their lives.

[Betty · Rating 3 out of 5]

“The Heir of Whitestone,” by Catherine Coulter, is a Victorian historical romantic suspense novel set in the Victorian era Sherbrooke universe. A chance encounter occurs between Alex and Lady Camilla will have a lasting impact on their lives. Alex, an orphan with no memories of his past, is brought up by Ryder Sherbrook, has a promising future. Lady Camilla "Cam," is rebelling as the prospect of being forced to marry as her stepmother wants her out of the family home. There is a strong attraction between the couple, but the prospect of a courtship appears improbable due to their stations in society. Their situation changes significantly once Alex discovers his identity. However, this also exposes the couple to danger as there is an attempt at Alex’s life as he claims his past and returning to his family.

“The Heir of Whitestone” is an entertaining read featuring charming leads, Alex and Cam. It includes familiar elements like an orphan with amnesia, a long-lost heir, insta-love, and a heroine challenging societal norms. The narrative is a blend of romance, mystery, and suspenseful drama. While the narrative is written well with some interesting twists, this is not one of my favorites of the author’s previous works.

Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for the eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Linda Hutchinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Heir of Whitestone
Author: Catherine Coulter
Source: NetGalley
Publication Date: January 24, 2026
 
MYSTERY
ROMANCE
HISTORICAL FICTION
VICTORIAN
 
Catherine Coulter is a prolific writer who churns out a good novel.

In The Heir of Whitestone, we meet Alex (Male) and Cam (Lady), who are both oddballs and meet under unusual circumstances. Of course, they fall in love and marry, and thus begins their honeymoon of evading the assassination of her husband.

This book is set in the Victorian era, so finding out who the would-be killer is will take some great investigative skills. Fortunately, Alex married the right gal. Cute, funny, and throw in a little romance, and you have an entertaining book for the reader.

I would have liked to have known more about the Ryder Sherbrooke series, which would have helped me understand the backstory. My bad.

I would also like writers to consider names that are more aligned with their gender. I had to keep reminding myself who Alex was and who Cam was. Having said that, Cam was a bundle of energy and a plucky lady.

Enjoy this one.

 #theheirofwhitestone
@catherinecoulterauthor
@netgalley
@kensingtonbooks

I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. Thank you to the publisher, Netgalley, and the author for the opportunity to read this novel.

[Marti · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Heir of Whitestone by Catherine Coulter is an historical romance/ murder mystery novel. I love how the two genres are written together so seamlessly. The year is 1842 and the place is England.

Alex Ivanov is a young man who is going places. He can see in his mind how machines work and how he can make them more efficient. He cannot however remember his life before he was found and saved by Ryan Sherbrooke. That is a blank slate after being hit and thrown into the Thames. Luckily Ryan took him (and quite a few others) into his home.

Lady Camilla Rohman has the quintessential mean step-mother. She is determined to marry Camilla off to the first and worst person. It doesn’t help that Camilla is not the usual lady of her time. She wears glasses, is very intelligent and does not suffer fools.

Camilla and Alex meet and sparks fly. However, in the midst of this Alex is recognized by a parish priest, so Ryan takes him to Whitestone to see if he is indeed the heir of Whitestone. That is when the whole trajectory changes. It is clear that “things” just seem to “happen” to him, like someone is trying to kill him again.

I enjoyed the novel, Heir of Whitestone by Catherine Coulter. Not just because of her skill in writing great characters, but I loved how the mystery fits in the novel seamlessly.

[SJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐ The Heir of Whitestone by Catherine Coulter
Rating: 2–2.5 stars

The Heir of Whitestone had an intriguing premise, but I struggled to stay interested. The pacing felt slow, and it took a long time for the story to gain momentum. One of the biggest challenges for me was the constant point‑of‑view shifting — sometimes even mid‑conversation — which made the early chapters feel disjointed and hard to follow.

I also found myself agreeing with other reviewers about the sheer number of characters and confusing name choices. It often felt like the story was juggling too many threads without giving any of them enough depth. Some red‑herring moments seemed inserted purely to mislead the reader, but without satisfying explanations later.

As for the characters, Alex’s sudden “appropriateness” for Cam felt a little too convenient. Personally, I would have preferred their relationship to develop naturally without the dramatic reveal about his past. That twist actually made their connection less compelling for me.

There were elements I didn’t dislike — the core idea has potential, and there are glimpses of an interesting world here — but overall the execution felt uneven and disorganized. I didn’t hate the book, but it wasn’t one that held my attention easily.

I received a free ARC from the publisher and NetGalley, and this review reflects my honest opinion.

[SH · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alex Ivanov is a gifted railway innovator with a dangerous past he barely remembers, having been rescued as a child and raised under an assumed identity. As his professional success grows, so too does the sense that someone from his past has unfinished business. Lady Camilla Rohman provides a strong counterpart to Alex, constrained by family pressures and an uncertain future of her own. When their paths cross, the story quickly settles into a marriage of convenience, layered with secrets and unanswered questions.
The novel does shine by providing an atmosphere of tension that surrounds the character of Alex. I felt that this element of danger kept the plot moving, and the mystery of his identity added to the tension. The industrial-age setting and its focus on innovation also add an interesting dimension. However, the romance developed at a rapid pace that sometimes undermined the story. I also found the many different plots within the book tended to make the storyline confusing. Overall, I found The Heir of Whitestone to be an enjoyable historical romance with plenty of suspense.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was very interested in reading this book as it has been quite some time since the author has written a historical fiction/romance book. I enjoy her writing style in this genre and she brought this back into the characters of Alex Ivanhov and Lady Comilla Rohman. The witty conversations between the two show their characters as educated, independent, and having a penchant to look to the future in how to better their surroundings. However, Alex has a mysterious past as he was saved from drowning by his now guardian, but has lost all memories of what happened before that time. As Alex learns who he really is, it becomes obvious that he survived an attempt on his life, and that more than likely that person will continue to put him in danger. As he and Camilla embark on their life together, they are ever watchful for possible further attempts on the lives of both of them. The author has used some quirky and delightful peripheral characters to round out the story and bring it to a satisfactory conclusion. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this advance reader copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #NetGalley #TheHeirofWhitestone

[Reeca Elliott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, Catherine Coulter has returned to her roots on this one, historical romance!

Alex Ivanov is a brilliant young innovator, designing cutting-edge train engines. But Alex has a secret—he isn’t really Alex Ivanov. As a boy, he was pulled from the Thames, presumed drowned, with no memory of who he was. Lady Camilla Rohman has problems of her own. And when fate throws her into Alex’s path, their connection is undeniable.

Historical romance used to be my jam growing up. It was a staple in my reading library and Catherine Coulter was at the very center. I don’t know if it is me or if it was the author but this book did not do it for me.

I found this story full of eye roll moments and way too much predictability. There were also many places that I felt the characters would not act that way in Queen Victoria’s time.

That being said, I did love the mystery surrounding Alex. This kept me reading because I had to discover the mystery surrounding his disappearance!

This is narrated by Anne Flosnik. Not sure if I have ever listened to her before. I will have to be on the look out for more of her work.

Now, will I continue to read this author…ABSOFREAKINGLUTELY! Catherine Coulter will always be one of my go to authors!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

[Stephanie Herron · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first found this author years ago and loved her Sherbrooke series so was excited to read this book. It has the same witty dialogue, strong characters and a mystery that are classic of that series. That being said, she normally writes an FBI series and hasn't written in this genre in awhile and it shows. I do think some of the issues I found in the advanced copy will be fixed in the final so I am keeping that in mind. Also, I think people should be aware there are some quirky characters in the story which I thoroughly enjoy. I found Aunt Deveraux and her yelling because she is slightly deaf humorous. She definitely added humor to the story. Camilla finds herself and her strength as the story progresses. We see her come to terms with her dysfunctional family and see her support of her husband as he deals with the unknown of his childhood. Alex has luck on his side, minus all the murder attempts, He and Cam work to figure out who wants him dead and why. While it seems obvious, things are not as they seem. I enjoyed the book and now need to go back and reread the Sherbrooke series to remind myself of how I first found this author.

[Moriah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this title from the publisher; all opinions expressed are my own. I was excited to see Ms. Coulter had a new title coming out set in the world of the Sherbrooke family in the historical romance genre. I've always loved that series and was definitely not expecting her a new entry with her focus having moved more to suspense. Fans of her more recent titles should be aware this is very different from those. Featuring an enjoyable cast of characters including the hero Alex Ivanov who was found as a youth with no memory by Ryder Sherbrooke and Cam, the young woman who captures his heart. I liked the mystery around who tried to kill Alex all those years ago as well as the development of the romance between Alex and Cam. This book had a gothic vibe which was fun and I really liked getting to check in with an older Ryder who still has all the charm of the original series and his heart remains made of gold. I'd love to see some additional titles featuring Sherbrooke connects if they are as good as this one. I listened to the audio and the narration was well done and really added to my enjoyment of the book.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't give away spoilers in my reviews.
The Heir of Whitestone was such a great read! The main characters, Alex and Cam, were immediately wonderful to read together as characters from Chapter 2. Their constant banter - especially Cam - made me laugh thoroughout most of the book. Mostly because she is everything a woman should NOT be in 1842 in England. She is funny, loud, adventurous and smart.
Chapter 1 sets the stage for the whole book. The Heir of Whitestone has mystery, crime, English settings and such well written main characters. I started the book at 3am and just finished it after tending to every day life at 8pm.
Alex is saved from drowning by Ryder - a man who, with his wife, takes in abandoned children as their own. Alex is brilliant, inquisitive and looks to Ryder as a father. Cam is a daughter who drives her family crazy. She is not soft-spoken but it was easy to see how much her father loves her as she is.
Many side characters enter the story and I had trouble figuring out who the murderer was. I had a pretty good idea at the end - and I was wrong. Which just made the ending all that much better for me.

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was my first Catherine Coulter read, and unfortunately, I don't think she's for me. The blurb sounds great - brilliant innovator with a mysterious past and deadly secrets to uncover; bold young lady desperately trying to escape the machinations of her evil stepmother; daring escapes, whirlwind romance, etc. The execution of all these promises, however, fell flat for me.
The narrative style and dialogue felt awkward and unnecessarily complicated. The characters ask themselves a lot of internal questions. I didn't feel the connection between Alex and Cam - it was like the romance was inside their heads and we weren't given an appropriate window to watch it unfold. The pacing was very slow, and I had to fight to make myself finish the book.
There was a cool plot twist at the end, but it was too little, too late. Also, if you're an avid romance reader, be forewarned that this book is only mildly steamy - very tame. My first and last Catherine Coulter.

Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for the eARC - all opinions are my own.