Winter's Season: A Regency Mystery

by R.J. Koreto

London, 1817: a city glittering with wealth and rotting with secrets. 
 
In the uneasy years after the Napoleonic Wars—before fingerprints, detectives, or organized policing—one man bears the burden of justice alone.
 
Captain Winter, once a decorated soldier and now Whitehall's "special emissary," moves easily between the capital's the stately parlors where power is traded behind fans and smiles, and the shadowed alleys where danger has no name. Haunted by the battles he survived and the brutality he learned not to fear, Winter is a man shaped by violence yet bound by a private code he struggles to honor.
 
When a young woman of means is found murdered in a notorious district, Winter's pursuit of the truth pulls him into a tangle of loyalties and lies. A nobleman from his boyhood offers entrée into high society; a brilliant Jewish physician exposes clues the dead cannot voice; and Barbara Lightwood—Winter's former lover, clever, beautiful, and perilous in her own right—reenters his life with information he needs and secrets she will not share.
 
From candlelit drawing rooms to the city's darkest taverns, Winter follows the threads of a crime that reaches further than anyone dares admit. Each step forces him to confront the man the war made him—and the man he still hopes he might be.
 
A richly atmospheric mystery where desire, danger, and duty intersect, Winter's Season evokes a London on the brink of modern justice—and the solitary, battle-hardened investigator who walks its narrow line.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Fiction

245 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 17, 2026

About the author

R.J. Koreto is the author of the Lady Frances Ffolkes mystery series, the Alice Roosevelt mystery series, and the Wren Fontaine Historic Homes series. His short stories have been published in Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine and Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine.

In his day job, he works as a business and financial journalist. Over the years, he’s been a magazine writer and editor, website manager, PR consultant, book author, and seaman in the U.S. Merchant Marine. Like his heroine, Lady Frances Ffolkes, he’s a graduate of Vassar College.

With his wife and daughters, he divides his time between Rockland County, N.Y., and Martha’s Vineyard, Mass.

Reviews

["Avonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com

WINTER’S SEASON by R.J. Koreto is a new Regency mystery with an exciting cast of characters from all levels of Regency society, an intriguing murder mystery, and a well-paced investigative procedural led by retired military Captain Edmund Winter who now works for the Home Office. While this is a standalone book at this time, I would love to see it become a series because I did not want it to end.

The Napoleonic war ended two years ago and now in 1817, after his return from a deployment to India, Captain Edmund Winter finds himself working for the Home Office. With the successful capture of a murderer targeting prostitutes, Winter and the Bow Street Runners he is assisting find an unrelated corpse at the scene. It turns out to be a young Society woman who the family assumed had returned to their country home.

Winter must use his wits to navigate Society ballrooms and the shadowy secrets they keep with the help of unconventional friends. His childhood friend, now a nobleman, a Jewish physician from the Army who now performs autopsies, and a secretive woman from Winter’s past who is more than an entrée into society families. While Winter is dangerous to all those who cross him or threaten those he cares for, he must be careful because someone has already tried to kill him before he can unravel the secrets and lies to discover a murderer.

This is one of those books that I just fell into and could not put down. Capt. Winter is a compelling protagonist with so many facets. The main characters are all fascinating and fully developed, and the mystery is well plotted with plenty of twists and surprises, and well-paced to keep me reading. The author’s research is evident from the descriptions of the multiple levels of society, from nobility to servants, and the required or proper access to them and how to talk with them.

I highly recommend this thrilling Regency mystery and hope I get to read more about Capt. Winter’s investigations in the future.

[Ruthie Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Human nature, my friend, is much less predictable than human bodies.”

Winter’s Season: A Regency Mystery by R.J. Koreto is a compelling narrative set in 1817 London. Captain Edmund Winter works for the government’s Home Office and is on the case of the highly suspicious death of a young woman. Everything about this case is a conundrum, and Winter eventually finds himself in the crosshairs as he digs deeper into the why and the who, inching ever closer to the shocking answers.

This story has somewhat of a Sherlock Holmes vibe to it, with Winter making logical deductions and unapologetically inserting himself in taverns, seedy areas of the city, and wealthy drawing rooms and balls to solve the mystery. Thanks to Winter’s tenacity, the demise of miss Cornelia Silverton refused to remain in the shadows, chalked up as just one more tragic death among so many.

Koreto presents several interesting characters in this story; however, what takes center stage here is the aristocratic web of deception and deflection that Winter methodically reveals. While the story moves along at a slow and steady pace, the plot never lags or stalls. The reader’s curiosity is piqued repeatedly as Winter meticulously peels back each layer of the murder.

If you are a fan of detective stories filled with persistent fact finding and the dogged pursuit of the truth, then Winter’s Season by R.J. Koreto is the perfect whodunit for you, complete with a bit of romance and plenty of intrigue and scandal.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoy a Regency mystery I have a book recommendation for you! Winter’s Season by R.J. Koreto is a delight. Full of society parties, secrets, and the discovery of a Society woman’s body in a part of London that she would never visit. The mystery drew me in and the characters kept me reading.

I am a fan of mysteries that are filled with riddles and each time one riddle is solved a new one is encountered and this book does that. Plus the danger increases as Captain Winter gets closer to the truth which had me reading after bedtime.

The characters are well written and even the side characters have depth and add interest to the story. Captain Edmund Winter excels as a main character. He has strength, character, and a no nonsense approach to life. One of his greatest assets is his connections and his ability to move with ease from society to the undesirable parts of London. Barbara Lightwood is a rare independent woman who is making her own way and is a perfect partner for Captain Winter. She knows the society's secrets and this allows her access to information Winter does not have. I liked that she gave Captain Winter Pride and Prejudice to help him figure out women and that he read it. These characters have chemistry when they are together which makes the story even more enjoyable.

I recommend adding this enjoyable mystery to your tbr. I would like to read more books with this crime solving duo.

[Wall-to-wall books - wendy]

MY THOUGHTS -

This was an interesting read for me. I love historical fiction, but Regency-era mysteries aren’t usually my go-to. Still, this one ended up being a really enjoyable surprise.

I’m very much a character-driven reader, and the characters here were so well done. Captain Winter especially intrigued me. I have a feeling I wasn’t necessarily supposed to like him… but I did. I felt like I was right there beside him the entire time, like his shadow, looking over his shoulder watching everything unfold.

The book definitely has a dark, moody feel, and it’s a slow burn — but in a good way. I actually liked that it took its time. We get to hear all the local gossip, learn the backstories, and really settle into the setting. And 1817 was no joke — one wrong move and your reputation could be ruined. You can't help but wonder what they would think of our society today.

I’m always amazed at how crimes were solved back then. No DNA, no computers, no quick transportation — just observation, instinct, patience, and persistence. Captain Winter had all that, add in a touch of charm, good looks and you have our hero.

The last quarter really heats up, including a good old-fashioned bar fight — three against one, and they didn’t stand a chance. They were no match for Winter. I wonder how he would do in our Biker bars of today? LOL It all wraps up with a clever, satisfying ending, with a bonus mention of Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen. There is maybe even the possibility of another book? I will definitely be reading more by this talented author.

I voluntarily posted this review after receiving an e-copy of this book from Partners in Crime Tours. Thank You!

[Sheila (sheilasbookreviewer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winter's Season is very intriguing and reminds me of a Sherlock Holmes novel. The book is set in post-Napoleonic War, Regency London. It was fascinating to follow the no-nonsense Captain Winter as he investigated the death of a young woman. He was clever as he interviewed a servant or a member of high society. Though Captain Winter came from humble beginnings, he was able to seamlessly move from glittering ballrooms of the elite to grim pubs in London's back alleys.

I thoroughly enjoyed piecing together every clue. Once you get involved in this story, it's hard to stop reading. Author R.J. Koreto paints such a vibrant picture of life at this time. Great research produces accurate historical information with no info dumping.

Women play a huge role in this novel. Rich or poor, they stand tall and act on their own. My favorite was the widow Mrs. Barbara Lightwood, who shares a past with Captain Winter. She often helped him with her broad connections and received invitations to events in order to pursue his investigation.

Though there is a slow-burning romance in the background, the heart of the story is the mystery. I was hooked from the beginning and so deeply captivated by the intriguing characters and a well-written plot with all of the twists and turns readers expect in a fascinating mystery.

[Therearenobadbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Appreciated the detailed and well-written setup of the world/London/Era/hints like Jack the Reaper is out there to situate us. The language is perfect I immediately can hear the British accents speaking inside my mind.
We are big fans of the Gilded Age and Downton Abbey. Now add that glamour of parties and society to a mystery. I love that Winter can be inspecting the corpse of a victim one moment or entertaining a lady at the table with his charming uniform and curl over his forehead. It's short, easy to read, and great historical fiction.

[Shaina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley and R.J. Koreto for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Winter's Season. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I really love historical fiction. It started off a little, but I enjoyed the second half of the book. I would check out other books by this author.

[Mitzi Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very entertaining, well-told mystery with a good ending. I hope it is the first of a series, as the characters are interesting and I would like to know more of them.

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before London’s police force came into being and murder required investigating, the Home Office sent out the cold, clever inquiry agent that sent shivers down the back of the hardened predators slinking through dark alleys. RJ Koreto’s Winter’s Season was my first intro to his writing. I found between the covers a well-researched historical backdrop, intriguing characters, and a clever plot.

Winter’s Season is set in post-Napoleonic War, Regency London and told from central character, Captain Edward Winter, whose unique history causes him to straddle a lonely existence between two classes. He was born the son of a farmer, but brought up and educated with his best friend, the son of an earl who later became the earl. Winter chose an army career and his success led to an appointment to a Home Office post. He gets called out to investigate murders that come to the attention of the Home Office.

As his latest case wraps up, he stumbles upon a new disturbing death. Though dressed as a maid, the corpse is a woman from a higher station. The London Season is commencing and Winter’s new investigation takes him into the ballrooms and drawing rooms of the Upper Classes as well as below stairs among the serving staff to discover the victim’s identity and solution to her murder.

Winter’s personal connections to an earl’s family and his friendship with the unconventional Mrs. Barbara Lightwood gives him entre through Society’s front door, but his ruthless perseverance and skill are what track a killer close enough to draw danger down on himself.

Winter’s Season introduces a character who can follow a case above and below stairs, uptown in the West End or to the lowliest the East End has to offer. Winter is hard, but capable, a loyal friend and a man with a generosity of spirit below the surface of his handsome, tough outer layer. Winter was an interesting a mystery to explore as the case he was working to solve.

Barbara Lightwood is the most fascinating of the side characters and something of an enigma to even Winter. I enjoyed the earl and his family as well as the family with whom Winter is a paid lodger. I appreciated the character and relationship developments that were introduced and explored.

As to the mystery, this is the heart of the story beside Winter himself and it is steadily developed and the case built as Winter conducts the investigation with some lucky clues as well as some hard-earned ones. I liked that there were plenty of suspects and motives to cloud the mystery until near the end. The historical setting plays a strong role and was both background and plot as a result. There were good descriptions without boring info dumps.

An all-around solid historical mystery, Winter’s Season captivated with character and plot. I hope there are more mysteries for Captain Winter to solve. This is for those who enjoy a strong personality as well as a twisting murder in a historical period piece.

I rec'd a print copy from the author and Partners in Crime Tours to read in exchange for an honest review.

My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 2.4.26 for the Partner's In Crime Tour.

[Regency_Fan_ Michelle RegencyFanMichelleAndMore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winter’s Season by R. J. Koreto

Set in London in 1817, Winter’s Season unfolds in a fascinating period before the establishment of a professional police force. When a wealthy young woman is murdered, Captain Winter is dispatched by a secretive government bureau to investigate. As a veteran of the Napoleonic Wars, Winter must depend on his intelligence, experience, and a small network of allies rather than modern investigative tools.

The mystery is well crafted and genuinely kept me guessing until the very end. The historical atmosphere is strong, moving convincingly between high society and the darker corners of London. The supporting cast adds depth to the story, particularly the Jewish physician and Barbara Lightwood, whose complicated past with Winter brings both tension and intrigue to the narrative.

I did not initially care for Captain Winter, as he comes across as rough and guarded. However, as his backstory unfolds, he became a more sympathetic and interesting character. Understanding his experiences and motivations made him easier to appreciate, and by the end, I found him compelling as a protagonist.

I’m not entirely certain whether the romantic elements are closed-door or fade-to-black, but the content remains restrained. The book does include cursing and references to adult themes such as a gay establishment, unwed pregnancy, and premarital sex, all presented within the historical context.

Overall, Winter’s Season is an engaging historical mystery with a strong sense of place, an intriguing investigation, and a layered main character. Readers who enjoy historical crime fiction with depth, atmosphere, and thoughtful character development will likely find this a satisfying read.

I received a complimentary copy, and was under no obligation to leave a positive review.

[Samfreene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winter Season
Murders happen throughout the centuries and the time period does not matter. In 1817 a young woman of class in society is found dead. Where she’s found and her appearance flagged the attention of the head investigator, Captain Winter. Headstrong and determined to learn more about her what’s revealed is startling and how she proceeds even more.
Found where prostitutes would be buried and dressed in the clothes of a maid why? The medical examiner flags many discrepancies and both he and Winter want answers plus they both want to learn the make of the blade used to kill her.
Recorded using pen and ink of the times the murder scene and how to proceed. Living and renting a room in the home of a Countess gives him space but then invited to a dinner and requests he sit next to a young girl of interest maybe for him. Mary Salmonberry is the girl but Charlotte the niece of the Countess tried to upstage her because she wants Winter for herself. The name of the victim is revealed and Charlotte revealed information about her as they were friends and her name was Cornelia and ran wild and outlandish.
Then learning about her brother and sister. Sit Augustus is the Bryant head of the family and st first is rude and defensive. Julia is the sister and it’s revealed she and Cordelia had an argument . Meeting the mother who reveals more about her and questions each member of the household. When questioning maid or servant you realize that they do not come forth with more than basic answers protecting their person in charge of them and the family.
When questioned Beryl the maid mentions a bag she had with her and the dress she was wearing belonged to Effie another maid. We learn more about her and Mr. Bayless her intended. Cordelia was to move to Devon and would Bayless marry her with child? Is? It gets more complicated as we meet the family of Cordelia and hear their takes about her.
His past with Billy in the service and how he plagiarised part. Bayless cold and unfeeling did not love Cordelia and could care less she’s gone. How did he get into society and his childhood and present plus Dr. Wolfe still well and alive. Then all the interviews and so many truths and lies but the biggest deception has yet to be revealed.
Focus on the title Winter Season and understand the truth meaning of it . Invited to the St.Ives Ball the many of the Season where people are questioned, matches they hope to make, women are the ones who are not allowed to pursue a man but they choose or families match.

Winter questions her ladyship and she defines the qualities of a lady’s maid. Then wait until you learn how they deal with old dresses and more. Charlotte knows no decorum and barges in a demands his attention and wait until you hear what she learned. Her definition of Cordelia and then s dinner where his past is remembered in the service. A niece of her ladyship Miss Thorne and Charity both want his attention. More family and we meet Thomas and Rosa and their involvement but couldn’t care less about the death of Cordelia. Then how to prepare for the funeral service and more.
Meet Bishop Lacey odd questions and answers plus an unexpected revelation about Cordelia and Archbishop Stoney. A letter of recommendation from him for Winter plus Bert a member of the family in an odd way is asked to follow Bayless and report to Winter only. Plus Barbara Lightwood adds a romantic element and their past relationship. Meet meet the Countess and more about Charlotte
winter is very organized writing his notes and hopefully finding a killer. Gossip reigns in this society and they viewed Miss Silverton in not exactly a perfect way and definitely filled with gossip trains chapter 6. But you have not heard it all and chapter 8 and Charlotte and baron Alwyn. Thefts, papers and Charity filled with gossip and Beryl is murdered why? Poisoned according to Dr. Wolfe. Wait until you learn who the killer is and why. Gossip is deadly as Beryl learns.
Then a final interrogation between Winter and Mr.Alton who hired him for pay to find the killer and demanded the investigation is over. But it was not as we learn more about the killer and who else was involved. Renter Barbara and an ending you won’t expect. The book is about preservation and greed, jealousy and hate plus revenge and society mores defiled. Lives lost a family destroyed and where does Winter wind up? Anyone want an invitation to Winter Season ball? Powerful and unique plot that takes us back to 1817 and how one men uses his mind, confidence and determination to find a killer minus any means of communication we have today. Author R G Koreto takes us back in time and hopes we appreciate the present more.
Fran Lewis just reviews

[Melissa Ammons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back in 1817 there was a Society who hosted Seasons. Society is what you would call the higher-class folks back in the 1800s, and a Season is when all these folks got together to host parties, dinners, and the like in order for men to meet eligible women to be their wives (interesting concept). Of course, the lower-class women hoped to hide their inadequacies in order to be chosen as a wife, and some families (it seemed to me) prearranged for their relatives to be wed. Some marriages were (obviously) for convenience and social standing – not always happily.
Edmund (Eddy) Winter was a serviceman back in his day and is now what is termed a ‘gentleman,’ who is an investigator of sorts, which is the basis of this tale – his investigative efforts to discover how Cornelia Silverton came to suffer a terrible tragedy. Not to mention Beryl, a housemaid, being thrown into the mix. In his pursuit of the truth, he encounters all sorts of different characters – both good and bad – some he knew, some were new acquaintances during this particular Season.
The lady I was most intrigued with was Barbara Lightwood. She is a woman who had to earn, if you will, her position in Society. She also had an interesting relationship with Winter.
You have to remember that back in the 1800s there were certain protocols that folks had to follow. Some things were said without actually being said, rather folks talked in a bit of a coded language that Winter had to decipher.
It was interesting to me how Winter was able to keep up with all the tidbits he uncovered throughout his quest of the truth. You also have to remember that back in his time there was no internet, no cell phones, no computers, no cars (transportation being horse and buggy). It was just good old-fashioned detective work that led Winter to the end of the case he was working on, including Bert (the man he employed to run errands for him).
I especially enjoyed the scenarios where Winter was with certain women and he almost always said something that could be construed in a way that he did not mean. He seemed the sort of man who wanted to let women down gently and wasn’t one to want to settle down or be chosen to do so during this particular Season.
I was having a hard time keeping up with all the ‘clues’ that Winter was uncovering and was quite surprised at the final whodunnit. I hadn’t figured it out and didn’t even venture a guess. This tale is heavy with historical tidbits which made it a rather ‘heavy’ read (at least for me), but overall, I got a chuckle out of some of the situations Winter found himself in, especially with the women who found him a good catch.

[Barbara Rogers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Barbara’s rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars
Series: A Regency Mystery (Not sure if it is a series)
Publication Date: 2/17/26
Period: Regency London
Number of Pages: 300

Captain Edmund Winter, a veteran of the Napoleonic Wars, now serves as a “special envoy” for the Home Office—a sort of one-man police force who moves easily between London’s aristocracy and its working classes. As the foster brother of an earl and the son of a tenant farmer, Winter straddles two worlds, though he never seems entirely comfortable in either. That inner tension adds an intriguing layer to his character.

While capturing a vicious madman responsible for murdering prostitutes in London’s seedier neighborhoods, Winter stumbles upon another body—one that clearly doesn’t fit the pattern. The victim, though dressed as a maid and dumped in an alley, is unmistakably a gentlewoman. Winter quickly realizes she was not killed by the man he has just apprehended, raising the central mystery: how did a woman of her status end up murdered in such circumstances?

As Winter investigates, he uncovers a much more complicated portrait of the victim than expected. She was no sheltered innocent, and the list of suspects grows to include a lover from below stairs, an aristocratic suitor favored by her family, and even those closest to her. While I narrowed the culprit down fairly early, there were enough red herrings to keep the mystery engaging.

Where the book didn’t quite work for me was in the characterization. Several of the supporting characters had potential, but I never felt I truly got to know them. If this is the first in a series, that may improve over time. The story also felt different from my usual historical mysteries—not in a bad way, just unexpected. I generally enjoy a touch of romance alongside the mystery, and while there is a love triangle here, it never felt emotionally convincing. Even though Winter ultimately ends up with one of the women, the connection didn’t resonate with me.

That said, readers looking for a solid mystery with a dark villain and a capable, determined investigator may find a lot to enjoy here. I’d be curious to see whether Winter returns in future books or if this remains a standalone story.

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Karen Siddall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing Regency-era murder mystery among the ton during London's season.

Winter's Season by R.J. Koreto is an intriguing Regency-era murder mystery set in 1817 London during the season. When a young noblewoman is murdered, her body found discarded in an alley in an unsavory area of town, Captain Edmund Winter, of the Home Office and involved in the development of the new Bow Street investigative service, is assigned to unravel the case discreetly.

Winter is an interesting, multi-faceted character who straddles the well-entrenched class lines of Regency England. Born a farmer's son, he formed a close childhood friendship with the noble landowner's son, the future Earl, which led to a gentleman's education and an officer's commission. This decorated veteran of the Napoleonic Wars finds a career as the criminal investigator, or "special envoy," for the Home Office, and is attached to Bow Street. His unusual upbringing and aristocratic connections makes him uniquely qualified to investigate wrong doing among the peerage as well as those among the lower classes. Although not a member of the ton by birth nor viewed as one of their own by the working class, Winter moves with confidence among both. As one of the first of his kind (a detective for the government), he conducts a well-structured investigation along the lines of an historical police procedural. Winter is joined by several major but secondary characters who provide assistance in his criminal investigations and introduces possible romantic interests, for "it is a truth universally acknowledged" and all that.

The plot is well-paced and kept me fully engaged from start to finish. I love mysteries from this time period, in the days before Bow Street was well and truly organized and still finding its place. I thought the Captain's investigation followed logical directions and was surprised by some of the revelations he brought to light. While I didn't figure out the truth behind the murder on my own, the identity of the killer and their motive made sense, though I had questions about the practicality of how they did what they did. Still, I hope this turns into a series.

I recommend WINTER'S SEASON to readers of historical mysteries, especially fans of the author's previous work and of Sophie Barnes's House of Croft series.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.

[The Page Ladies Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

🕯️Before Sherlock. Before Scotland Yard. Captain Winter was there, and I was instantly hooked!

Winter’s Season by R.J. Koreto was a richly atmospheric mystery that pulled me straight into the shadowed streets of 1817 London. This is a world without modern police or forensics, which makes every clue feel hard-won and every deduction genuinely impressive.

Captain Winter is such a compelling lead battle-hardened from the Napoleonic Wars, sharp-witted, and quietly haunted. Watching him investigate a brutal murder using only his instincts, street connections, and a fascinating circle of allies kept me glued to the page. I especially loved the contrast between glittering aristocratic salons and grim taverns where danger lurks in every corner.

And then there’s Barbara Lightwood. Their shared past and simmering tension added an irresistible layer of intrigue. I never quite knew whether to trust her, and honestly? I loved that uncertainty. The supporting cast, including Winter’s noble friend and a perceptive Jewish physician, made the mystery feel textured and alive.

If you love Regency mysteries, historical crime fiction, or slow-burn suspense with sharp social observation, Winter’s Season is absolutely worth the read. It’s clever, moody, and the perfect blend of brains and atmosphere.

✨️Thank you, Author Marketing Experts, Histria Fiction, and R.J. Koreto, for sharing Winter’s Season with me!

[aishareadsnrambles · Rating 2 out of 5]

REVIEW
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

STORYLINE :
A historical murder mystery about a dead woman and one nan acting as the police office. I didn't really like the storyline. It's a very popular one in this genre. However, I didn't really like the execution, though. It just fell flat, and I was expecting something atypical. I also felt I was cheated because I was expecting some things based on the synopsis, and I didn't get it in the book.

CHARACTERS:
I didn't really like the characters, too. Captain Winter was interesting, but it felt like he was the only character in the book. I also didn't like the weird love triangle he had going on. Barbara Lightwood was written as a main character in the synopsis, but I was disappointed because she was barely there in the book.

WRITING STYLE:
It was okay, I didn't really have any issue with it.

SETTINGS:
It was okay, and it perfectly showed the precarious class system of Captain Winter.

OVERALL:
I feel like someone who hasn't read a lot of books in this genre would like it more than I did. But, the perpetrator was actually interesting. I didn't even guess who it was.
The book was still okay, and it was a fast read for me.

[Country Mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winter's Season by R,J, Koreto is a Regency mystery that happens in the 1800's with our MC being Captain Edmund Winter who is a retired captain from the military. Now Edmund works for the home office and he has just come back from India after the Napoleon War. Edmund is looking into a murder at the scene of a crime and it is a young woman who was thought to have been at her country home by her family. I love a good murder mystery and this was a great one that was a historical time frame. So someone in the high societal circle of the time, in this book was murdered. The death is a bit suspicious and Edmund is looking for clues what happened to the woman and finding more secrets that start piling up! I really like the old school investigations and the non-modern communication types in this story, as I am much more of an old school person in life. The writing is fantastic in this book as the writer knows how to write a compelling mystery that really takes the reader on a journey of trying to figure out who did what and why. Just when you think you have figured it out, the story or details change! I really liked this book and will be reading more by the author soon! Especially if they are more regency mystery books!

[Charlotte Darby · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quietly engaging Regency mystery with a strong sense of place. The idea of solving crimes in a London without a formal police force gives the investigation a more personal, improvisational feel, and Captain Winter’s mix of social access and hard-earned caution works well. The atmosphere is carefully drawn, especially in the scenes that move between polite society and darker corners of the city. I found parts of the plot a bit predictable, but the character dynamics — especially Winter’s wary connection with Barbara Lightwood — kept me invested. A good choice for readers who enjoy character-driven historical mysteries over fast-paced thrillers.

[Cri · Rating 4 out of 5]

New series and a new author for me, both had me intrigued.

I found the plot most interesting, the characters well-rounded and the settings prettily detailed.

Seeing the depth of the Captain's feelings in his thoughts and memories served greatly to have me gather further insights on how he sees the world, colored by his past experiences.

I look forward to the next book and the new perilous adventure he will face.

I received an advance copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily, thanks to the author for it.

[Andrea Wenger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Napoleonic War veteran Captain Winter is tasked with solving the shocking murder of a young noblewoman, aided by a network of unlikely allies. I enjoyed the mystery in this intriguing novel. There are a lot of side characters, and I had trouble keeping them straight. Despite the hint of a romance subplot in the description, there’s no romance in this book. I’m not sure why a woman features so prominently on the cover—this is very much a male-centered story.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Melanie Ollila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy a regency period novel, add a murder mystery for a great combination.

I am always sucked into this era, the etiquette and societal rules are fascinating and become another character in the book really.

Now when a high society lady is found dead in a poor part of town, what a puzzler for Captain Winter. This was a challenging puzzle as the armchair sleuth, well done! And I loved how Winter dramatically unfolds the mystery for the arrest!

The little love stories and lady of the season gave the book some flare. Overall, fun read and I want more Captain Winter indeed!

[Kim Wilch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winter’s Season pulled me in with a mystery that kept tossing out twists right up to the final pages. The story does a great job bouncing between polished London society and its grittier underbelly, giving the setting real bite. Captain Winter isn’t instantly likable—he’s rough around the edges—but peeling back his past makes him surprisingly compelling. The supporting cast adds plenty of tension and heart, especially an old flame and a few standout allies. A cozy-but-edgy historical mystery with depth, atmosphere, and just enough grit to keep things interesting.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

1817 Captain Edmund Winter works for the Home Office. His latest case is the murder of Miss Cornelia Silverton, sister to Sir Augustus, unofficially engaged but unfortunately pregnant. He investigates with the help of several society ladies.
An entertaining, well-written and plotted historical mystery with its cast of likeable and interesting characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Sven · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this authors series and this was a great add. I wish Koreto's books were available as audiobooks too.

Captain Winter, took some time to get used to, but he is strong, motivated and gets to the bottom of the mystery with his friends and his rekindled flame. A well written historical novel, a bit gritty but interesting.

#netgalley #WintersSeason

[Literary Redhead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captain Winter, a special Whitehall emissary, works with asset Barbara Lightwood as he battles treacherous elements in London society to capture the killer of a wealthy young woman. Will he succeed or will his rekindled affair with Barbara endanger them both? Thrilling!

[Barbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A historical mystery with some interesting characters. Captain Winters works to solve the murder of a woman with the help of some friends. The time period fascinates me and I hope to that this is going to be a series.

Thanks for the ARC Netgalley.

[Anna Boliker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mystery in Regency London on the edge of the ton and the middleclass.
The plot had some twists, the hero a lot on his plate. The characters are edgy, but the mystery is cozy. There was not much of a (consistent) romance. More of a confused hero. And I do need more spelling out about Barbara’s career- or some more consistent hints.

Thanks netgalley for the arc. Opinions are my own.