The Abduction of Rosalind Thorne

Rosalind Thorne Mysteries #9

by Darcie Wilde

Brimming with intrigue, the latest novel in this charming Jane Austen-inspired mystery series finds resourceful Rosalind Thorne—a discreet sleuth for Regency London’s ladies of ton—facing her most perilous, and awkward, predicament yet…

Rosalind is newly, happily engaged to ex-Bow Street officer Adam Harkness, but lunching with the new fiancée of her old love is still discomfiting. Yet, Clara Kinsdale needs her help, and Rosalind is not one to turn away a lady in distress. It seems Clara's father, Sir Anthony Kinsdale, has fallen for beautiful widow Mrs. Sylvia Lynn—who may be a fortune hunter, or worse . . .

Sir Anthony is a profligate baronet, who has pinned his financial hopes on two Clara's marriage, and his horse winning the upcoming sweepstakes at Lansdown, on which he has wagered heavily. Clara is afraid that her father is being fleeced by the charming—and cunning—Mrs. Lynn and wants Rosalind to expose her.

But Clara does not realize that her sisters, Elizabeth and Cynthia, are harboring their own secrets and Elizabeth especially will do whatever she must to obstruct plans to separate their father from Mrs. Lynn.

Rosalind and Adam travel to Bath to meet the family.  But their gathering is interrupted by Admiral Walsingham, who is leasing Kinsdale House. Despite his dire finances, Sir Anthony is evicting the admiral—though his reasons appear laughable. Not laughable is that Sir Anthony is found dead soon after their argument, having apparently tumbled from his bedroom window while intoxicated. 

It would be easy to assume the tragedy was an accident, except Admiral Walsingham is found dead at nearly the same time. Secrets, schemes, fraud and forbidden love all drag Rosalind and Adam into a web of high-stakes gambling, murder—and extreme danger. But can they unravel it before they become the next victims. . .

 

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Historical Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Romance

384 pages, Hardcover

First published June 30, 2026

About the author

Darcie Wilde is a pseudonym for Sarah Zettel, author of mysteries, science fiction, romance and Young Adult fiction, including the New York Times Notable Book Fool’s War and the bestselling Rosalind Thorne mysteries A Useful Woman. She also writes under the names Delia James, Sarah Zettel, Jennifer Hawkins C. L. Anderson and Marissa Day.

Darcie writes her classically styled (not to mention stylish) mysteries as well as adventurous romances from a university town in a certain northern-midwestern state that has been known to bear some passing resemblance to a mitten. When not writing, she’s reading, cooking, hiking, swimming, climbing things, embroidering other things, raising her rapidly growing son and trying to convince her cat — Buffy the Vermin Slayer — not to do any further damage to the furniture.

Reviews

[mikaela (spinebreaker) · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a book titled "the abduction" there was surprisingly little kidnapping. Maybe I'm just not in the mood or maybe this one didn't have the magic, but I found the mystery lackluster and the moments between Adam and Rosalind (the saving grace of a couple of these novels) few and far between. There were also a lot more POV changes than I'm used to. Glad to see Ros and Adam FINALLY married though I wish it wasn't the last paragraph of the last chapter. I'm not sure what it is, but I'm hoping Wilde will be able to recapture the sparkle of the first half of this series in the next book.

Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington for the review copy



stop stop stop stop stop wdym abduction omgomgomgomg

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Abduction of Rosalind Thorne is the 4th book in Darcie Wilde's A Useful Woman Mystery series, a Jane Austen-inspired historical mystery. Oh, wait...somewhere else states this is the 9th book of the Rosalind Thorn Mysteries series. I am so confused! Whatever the number of the book and the name of the series, this is definitely a book to read! I read the previous book, and I really enjoyed it. This one, however, I absolutely loved! It was a great story and I hated to see it end. I hope this series will continue; I have to wonder, as the ending seemed rather like an epilogue. I know I'm not ready to let these great characters go. If you haven't read the previous books, you will not be confused; there are enough explanations so you aren't lost.

Rosalind is newly, happily engaged to ex-Bow Street officer Adam Harkness, but lunching with the new fiancée of her old love is still discomfiting. Yet, Clara Kinsdale needs her help, and Rosalind is not one to turn away a lady in distress. It seems Clara's father, Sir Anthony Kinsdale, has fallen for beautiful widow Mrs. Sylvia Lynn—who may be a fortune hunter, or worse... Sir Anthony is a profligate baronet, who has pinned his financial hopes on Clara's marriage, and his horse winning the upcoming sweepstakes at Lansdown, on which he has wagered heavily. Clara is afraid that her father is being fleeced by the charming—and cunning—Mrs. Lynn and wants Rosalind to expose her. But Clara does not realize that her sisters, Elizabeth and Cynthia, are harboring their own secrets and Elizabeth especially will do whatever she must to obstruct plans to separate their father from Mrs. Lynn. Rosalind and Adam travel to Bath to meet the family. But their gathering is interrupted by Admiral Walsingham, who is leasing Kinsdale House. Despite his dire finances, Sir Anthony is evicting the admiral—though his reasons appear laughable. Not laughable is that Sir Anthony is found dead soon after their argument, having apparently tumbled from his bedroom window while intoxicated. It would be easy to assume the tragedy was an accident, except Admiral Walsingham is found dead at nearly the same time. Secrets, schemes, fraud and forbidden love all drag Rosalind and Adam into a web of high-stakes gambling, murder—and extreme danger. But can they unravel it before they become the next victims?

It was a great mystery, though I admit I was a bit confused with the scam Mrs. Lynn seemed to be involved in; but it was still a heck of a lot of fun, and I wasn't even close to figuring out who exactly the criminals were! It was the characters, whoever, who pulled me into the story and kept me there, transfixed. Rosalind Thorne is a "useful woman"; she is a resourceful, discreet sleuth for Regency London's ladies of the ton. She's not one to turn down ladies who need her assistance. Rosalind is happy engaged to Adam Harkness, who is an ex-Bow Street officer, and he now works as an assistant to the coroner. Adam assists Rosalind in many of her investigations. I love the two of them together; there is obviously respect and a deep and abiding love between them. Though not yet married, they are not a chaste couple, but intimacy is mainly kept behind closed doors, keeping the focus more on their feelings for each other. Clara Kinsdale needs her help, and she approaches Rosalind together with her fiancé Devon, who is a duke...and Rosalind's former love. But he has eyes only for Clara, and Rosalind is definitely meant to be with Adam. Clara's father, Sir Anthony Kinsdale, has taken up with Mrs. Lynn, and Clara and Devon know there's something not kosher going on. When Sir Anthony is murdered, and then the man who may have killed him has himself just been murdered, things get really complicated! Also, what's the story between Clara's two sisters, Elizabeth and Cynthia? Are they in any way involved, and why do their stories change? The entire book was great, but the most exciting part comes when Rosalind and Adam are abducted. I stayed up half the night when I got to that part because I HAD to find out what happened, or else I would never get to sleep! It was a deeply satisfying conclusion to the story, and I really hated it to end. My fingers are crossed that this series continues!

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

[Regency_Fan_ Michelle RegencyFanMichelleAndMore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review.

I enjoyed The Abduction of Rosalind Thorne. Darcie Wilde delivers an engaging Regency mystery filled with family secrets, deception, gambling, murder, and plenty of twists that kept me invested until the end. The mystery is well paced, and the Bath setting provides a wonderful backdrop for the investigation.

My one reservation involves the way Rosalind and Adam’s interactions are portrayed. As they pose as a married couple during their investigation, there are references to shared quarters and mentions of attire that seemed to imply a greater level of intimacy. Because the novel never clearly establishes what the reader is meant to understand, those scenes felt ambiguous and pulled me out of the story. If they were intended to suggest a physical relationship before marriage, that portrayal did not feel authentic to the Regency setting.

Even with that reservation, I found this to be an entertaining historical mystery with an intriguing plot, a satisfying investigation, and a cast of characters whose motives kept me guessing. If you enjoy Regency mysteries, historical mystery novels, historical detective fiction, historical fiction, and Jane Austen-inspired mysteries, this is a series worth exploring.

#TheAbductionOfRosalindThorne #DarcieWilde #AUsefulWomanMystery #NetGalley #regencyfanmichelleandmore

* Regency mystery
* historical mystery novel
* historical detective fiction
* closed door historical fiction

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5 stars

I'm really enjoying this series, and this addition did not disappoint.

The story centers around murder, fraud, greed and of course, the abduction from the title (which comes 80% in). There's a horse, an arrogant/profligate father, desperate daughters, cunning shysters, some hairy situations and a sweet deepening of Rosalind and Adam's relationship. While I won't go into details, the plotline kept me interested and entertained throughout (per usual).

The characters (both main and supporting) continue to delight me with their wit, their unique personalities, their interactions/relationships with each other, and their diversity (female author, Bow Street officers, aristocracy, servants, newspaper journalist, etc.). A well-rounded, engaging cast who are fascinating on their own and unstoppable as a group.

My only caveats here include one that I've noticed throughout the series and one that I'm noticing with the last two books. Overall, there are certain mores (having to do with interactions between males/females) that would have been upheld during this period of English history. The amount of time spent alone together (unchaperoned) and display of affection (both before and after any engagement proposals) would have been strictly enforced due to reputations being ruined which were all that a woman possessed to keep body and soul together at the time. There's a bit of loosey-goosey played with these rules of society in this series. I also call myself being a bit confused in a couple of places in this particular book. The story picks up with a more intimate inference between Rosalind and Adam than I had anticipated from the ending of the previous book. While yes, they do pose as a married couple for the adventure, there are moments of sharing quarters and the mention of attire at such times that led me to believe more intimate moments were being shared? And yet, I don't believe that was really the case? I just wasn't clear about where their relationship had advanced to in that respect.

I must admit that I was a bit deflated in the tying up of the ending. It seemed like an ending to me (of more than just this particular story)? I sincerely hope that's not the case as I'm eager for more to come, but it seemed to be jumping ahead with details that I usually see at the conclusion of series when the author writes an epilogue to help satisfy readers as to the future of their beloved characters. I haven't seen any indications of an ending to the series so maybe it's just me having hoped for more of a playing out of scenes rather than just a telling of future events.

If you haven't read this series, I hope you'll give it a try as it's a fun, engrossing and well-written one beginning with A Useful Woman.

My sincere thanks to the author, NetGalley and Kensington Publishing / Kensington for providing the free early arc of The Abduction of Rosalind Thorne for review. The opinions are strictly my own.

[Jill E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

always a good story in this series

To start with positives, I absolutely love Rosalind Thorne. It seems like forever between books, but Rosalind and Harkness are such great characters that they are certainly worth the wait.

There are plenty of colorful characters, as well as numerous potential villains. Rosalind is a believable character: she can be brave and fearful; she can be despairing, but also determined --and clever, exhibiting ingenuity in dire circumstances. She is never presented as a silly, vacuous female, which I really appreciate.

Of all of the series that I read, "A Useful Woman" is my favorite.

The book is exciting and suspenseful. I find it amazing that there are still really good writers who construct cozy mysteries… And this one was excellent. This is an intricately conceptualized murder mystery; the pacing is outstanding… It never drags along.

I have a couple negative writing peeves to point out: I find it harder and harder to discover books that do not have typos. Whatever happened to "The King's English?" I'm sure I'm not the only person that sees them, but I wonder why these authors don't have better editors.

The word "there's" is singular. "There is a clue." Perfect. However, it is incorrect to write "There's no letters." While it seems to be more common with writers these days to treat "there's" as the right word, grammatically it is incorrect--it is used a couple of times; and it wouldn't be such a big deal I suppose except that this is a professional author and I paid $13 for the book.

The biggest editing error that I puzzled over until I figured out what had happened, occurred in the last part of the book. The two Bow Street Runners that Harkness knows are recounting what they observed in their stakeout. However, instead of using the correct names, the author identifies one of them as "Harkness," who obviously could not have been searching for himself.

I can only imagine that writing a book is an endeavor of countless hours of hard work and a real love of storytelling. I would ask that Ms. Wilde please find a better editor. (Buy me dinner and I'll proofread it for nothing, lol.) I generally read Kindle Unlimited, so I don't spend this kind of money on a book; BUT it's hard to say no to Rosalind Thorne!

Otherwise, I would have given this book 5 stars without thinking twice. It's vastly entertaining and Rosalind is a strong, intelligent hardworking sleuth who is Adam Harkness' professional equal; they make a great team.

Great story.

[Vintagebooklvr · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let's start with the elephant in the room, the spoiler of the title: The Abduction of Rosalind Thorne. Well, surprise, surprise, she is abducted. But that actually isn't a large part of the story. However, I do think the publisher or the author could have come up with a better title that gives part of the plot away.

However, that aside I did enjoy the book. Rosalind and her fiancee pretend to be married to meet Clara Kinsdale's family, who just happen to be engaged to Rosalind's previous love. Clara fears her father is being fleeced by his newest love interest Mrs. Lynn. But it doesn't make much sense because the Kinsdale family is in bad financial straights. In fact, Sir Anthony is placing all his hopes on a horse from his defunct stables in the upcoming race. However, everyone but him thinks the horse is hopeless. Than he is found dead after a cotentious party the night before. The authorities think it is a tragic accident, but Rosalind and Adam think otherwise.

What follows reveals a complicated racing fraud setup, secret loves, deceit...and maybe murder. And a thrilling ending. Some of it was predictable but other parts surprised me. The end was a round up dealing with the near future fates of mainstay characters in the series. I hope that doesn't mean this series is coming to an end. This has been a very entertaining series, inspired by Jane Austen's writings, but not using any of her characters. This stands on its own while still staying true to a certain style that seems appropriate to the time.

The plot had some violations of the mores of the time about single women being in the presence of men without some sort of chaperone. In of itself that doesn't offend me, but in previous books the point was made about how careful Rosalind had to be of her reputation to be able to do her work. Even if her work had become more public and many women have applied to her for help, if she has a scandalous reputation it would serious hinder her making and keeping connections with the haut ton. Well, it is fiction, and you can't look to closely at these things, but it did stick in my mind.

I enjoyed this book. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Reading Adventures · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Abduction of Rosalind Thorne
Darcie Wilde has done it again — and somehow, impossibly, she’s done it even better. I’ve been counting the days for this newest Rosalind Thorne mystery, and it absolutely swept me away. Wilde’s storytelling sharpens with every book; she layers intrigue, wit, danger, and heart so deftly that you feel like you’re slipping straight into Regency England with Rosalind at your side.

This installment is a delicious tangle of high‑stakes gambling, family secrets, forbidden love, and double murder, all wrapped around Rosalind’s most awkward personal predicament yet. Her engagement to Adam Harkness brings a warm glow to the story, but lunching with the fiancée of her former love? That’s the kind of social tension Wilde writes with wicked perfection.

The Kinsdale family is unforgettable — flawed, protective, scheming, loyal in all the wrong ways — and every one of them adds a spark to the mystery. Mrs. Sylvia Lynn is the kind of charming, possibly‑dangerous widow you love to suspect. And the dual deaths? Absolutely gripping. Wilde balances the emotional stakes with the investigative ones so beautifully that you’re turning pages faster than you meant to.

Rosalind and Adam shine together. Their partnership feels steady, mature, and deeply compelling — the kind of couple you root for because they make each other better, braver, sharper.

By the end, I wasn’t just satisfied. I was hungry. Wilde’s characters stay with you, her plots twist just when you think you’ve found your footing, and her world is one I never want to leave. I want more — immediately.
Your going to love this adventure!

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Abduction of Rosalind Thorne is part of the Useful Woman series by Darcy Wilde. Rosalind Thorne, the daughter of a minor aristocrat, fell on hard times. She made herself a useful woman by solving problems for other aristocratic women. Along the way she befriended Bow Street Runner Adam Harkness. Adam has left the force and they are now engaged. At one time Rosalind expected to marry Devon Winterbourne, now the Duke of Casselmaine, that relationship did not last.

This case begins with Casselmaine and his new fiancée, Miss Clara Kinsdale asking for Rosalind's assistance with issues related to Clara's family. As they leave, a mysterious woman appears and also asks for assistance. Rosalind and Adam begin to investigate both cases. After a number of twists and turns show that the cases may be connected. Eventually everything comes together with a satisfactory conclusion to the mysteries.

I found the first part of the book interesting (four stars), the second part of the book less so (weak three stars), and the conclusion disappointing, not in terms of the actual outcome, but in terms of the way the author handled it (very weak four stars overall). The book can be read as a standalone, however, those who have read earlier books in the series will have a better appreciation of Rosalind's circumstances, motivations, and relationships with Adam and Casselmaine.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rosalind is newly, happily engaged to ex-Bow Street officer Adam Harkness, but lunching with the new fiancée of her old love is still discomfiting. Yet, Clara Kinsdale needs her help, and Rosalind is not one to turn away a lady in distress. It seems Clara's father, Sir Anthony Kinsdale, has fallen for beautiful widow Mrs. Sylvia Lynn. Sir Anthony is a profligate baronet, who has pinned his financial hopes on Clara's marriage, and his horse winning the upcoming sweepstakes at Lansdown, on which he has wagered heavily. Clara is afraid that her father is being fleeced by the charming and cunning Mrs. Lynn and wants Rosalind to expose her. But Clara does not realize that her sisters, Elizabeth and Cynthia, are harbouring their own secrets and Elizabeth especially will do whatever she must to obstruct plans to separate their father from Mrs. Lynn. Rosalind and Adam travel to Bath to meet the family. Then tragedy strikes
Another well written book which I enjoyed I do love Rosalind & have loved how her character has developed & also how her life has changed, I love her relationship with Adam. The case didn’t draw me in & there were lots of red herrings as well as twists & turns but it wasn’t as good as previous books & the ending had me wondering if this was the finale – I hope not.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[M Steinbrink · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Abduction of Rosalind Thorne is the latest mystery by Darci Wilde. I enjoy this series so much and this is not an exception. This time Rosalind is trying to help out her former beau and his new fiancee. It might seem like that would be awkward, but it never really was. Both of them have moved on and are now friends. There were many hints about what might be happening in the book, but also quite a few red herrings that made it hard to figure out exactly what was going on. I enjoyed figuring it out with Rosalind and Adam and by the end it was hard to keep track of just how many criminals there were! I really enjoy this series, but I’m not sure by the epilogue at the end if it will continue or not. I certainly hope so. I did feel like the last chapter of the book was incredibly rushed. More happened in the last few pages than in the whole rest of the book. I like how everything was tied up in a neat little bow at the end, but I do hope we will get to see more Adam and Rosalind in the future. They are a great couple and a great crime solving duo!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own.

[Homerun2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

The Rosalind Thorne adventures are always worthwhile, with complex plotting, and some intriguing navigation of the tortuous societal and cultural constraints of the times.

Rosalind, a Lady from a disgraced family who now makes her way solving embarrassing and dangerous problems for the aristocracy, is finally engaged to her former Bow Street runner Adam. Given the times, this is quite radical and took some time to arrange.

The current fiancee of Rosalind's old titled beau seeks her help for a touchy family situation. Her father has been keeping company with, and managed by, a woman they suspect is a fortune hunter and a con woman. Rosalind and Adam and crew start investigating and find out there are some shady happenings.

Lots of suspense and twists and turns. There is an epilogue at the end which makes me wonder if this series is coming to a close -- I hope not, because they are always enjoyable reads with nuanced characters. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[hjreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5
"No one wants to lie to their family, continued Mrs. Lynn’s voice from memory. But sometimes our families leave us no choice."

Now a fiancée, Rosalind Thorne doesn't expect to see her former love and his engaged as some of her first guests. However, this visit is a call to Rosalind's "usefulness." Her discreet inquiries have given her notoriety among London's ton. Clara Kinsdale, engaged to the Duke of Casselmaine, has a problem in the shape of a woman named Sylvia Lynn - a widow who has inserted herself into Clara's family and attaching herself to the wasteful Sir Arthur Kinsdale. Rosalind and her dashing ex-Bow Street Runner Adam Harkness have to contest her infamy and head to the Kinsdale home in Bath under a pseudonym. What she finds is more than a squandering baronet and supposed gold-digger, but a strategic gambling scheme and sisters with secrets. When those secrets turn deadly, Rosalind soon finds that she is a target. Will she be able to help Clara get to the altar before it's too late?

The return of Rosalind and her friends is always great to see! Also refreshing to see a lady in the Georgian era choose a different way of being in her romantic life.

The ending put me off. A lot of deus ex machina in the last pages of the book to tie things up neatly and not even seeing the Georgian justice system be put to work. Character stories were tied up in a sentence, and it felt final? I wonder if this is the last installment in the series. A court scene for the antagonists would have been interesting to read.

Still a cozy mystery and easy read 📚 ✨️ 😊

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for an advance reader copy of The Abduction of Rosalind Thorne. All opinions and comments are my own.

The title -- and that prologue -- doesn’t bode well for our heroine. But author Darcie Wilde doesn’t plan on making it easy for her readers (or her characters) in this latest outing for the “useful woman” and her sleuthing cohorts. What seems like a straightforward assignment, expose a scheming gold-digger and save a family’s reputation, eventually takes on some twisty turns that even for long running fans of the series will surprise. All told within the confines of Regency life, whereby to “offend society” is the worst possible outcome.

Throw in unexpected deaths, happy endings that seem further and further away as danger threatens, and you have a story that will grab your attention. The Abduction of Rosalind Thorne is another first-rate addition to the ongoing saga of the adventures of Rosalind (and her helper, Adam Harkness).

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Abduction of Rosalind Thorne is another engaging entry in Darcy Wilde’s Useful Woman mystery series. This time, Rosalind is drawn into a delicate family matter involving Clara Kinsdale, her father, and a suspiciously charming widow. What starts as a quiet investigation in Bath quickly turns into a layered mystery of murder, gambling, hidden motives, and even horse-racing schemes.

Wilde delivers sharp plotting, strong characters, and plenty of twists. Rosalind’s growth—and her relationship with Adam—remain highlights of the series. While this book works on its own, readers will get the most out of it by starting from the beginning. The Abduction of Rosalind Thorne is a clever Regency mystery full of charm and intrigue. I highly recommend it to longtime fans of the series as well as first-time readers who enjoy cozy mysteries with a touch of romance. It is an entertaining, satisfying read that will leave readers eager for Rosalind’s next case.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Pat Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adam and. Rosalind get caught in a whirlwind of a mess with her former fiancé and his lady love. What should have been an easy affair turned into such a chaotic mess that my head is still spinning! I adore how this author thinks with all the twists and turns this story has. It always amazes me how pompous regency fathers can be and it is his ego that starts them down this path of destruction. It was never really clear to me whether Clara really loved Devon or if she was putting herself on the sacrificial altar for the family. Regardless, watching her fight for her family was enough. The emotional highs and lows are well written in this tale, especially when Rosalind and Adam feared for each other. This is one well plotted mystery, with characters that felt real and was enjoyable to read.

I received this story for free and these are my own views.

[Pj Gaumond · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story. The characters were extremely well developed and the story was amazing. I liked that there was a love interest but a clean one as sometimes the physical part is way over the top and doesn't do anything to advance the narrative. Rosalind is definitely a strong female character that thinks things through before acting but still manages to get into scrapes. I have to admit that I do love historic mysteries and this one did not disappoint. Now that I know there are 8 more before this one I will search them out. Highly recommend. I did receive this book from the publisher, Kensington Books.

[Pat Dupuy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful Persuasion-ish adventure for Rosalind Thorne and her fiance' Adam. Unlike Persuasion, there is a distinct element of danger. Rosalind's old friend and former beau Lord Casselmaine has requested her help for his fiancee' Clara. Her father is comparable to the father in Persuasion: proud, profligate, and running the family fortunes into the ground. A Bath widow has attached herself to the gentleman and Clara is afraid of what may happen. Off to Bath they go, with unexpected results.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it - well done again.

I highly recommend the whole series - Rosalind Thorne.

Darcie Wilde is a great, very fluid, writer that brings you into the book early a you want to know what happens next - even if you have clued it out. She does a great job keeping the plot moving with lots of character interactions. I loved how she brought you up to speed on all of the prior characters. Very well done.

I can’t wait for the next - I’m note sure how many books will be in the series but absolutely I’m reading it!

[Andrea Wenger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Newly engaged Rosalind agrees to help a young woman investigate whether her father is being deceived by a charming widow. But when two men are found dead, what began as a family matter becomes a dangerous murder investigation.

This latest installment in the series is intriguing with strong character development. The murders and abduction don't occur until later in the novel, with the plot focused more on unraveling the racing scheme.

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

[Libby · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's always a joy to step back into the Regency world of Rosalind Thorne and her fiancé Adam Harkness. From the title we of course know part of the plot, but honestly, by the time said abduction occurs, I was so engrossed with Rosalind and Adam's latest inquiry that I'd forgotten that fact. Wilde's style matches that of writers from the period so I always feel like I'm stepping back in time when I read her mysteries. A most excellent series addition.

[Roslyn Stillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful read. It was full of mystery, intrigue and of course murder. I enjoyed the theme of this book, being betting scams. Who knew that you could run a scam with replacement horses? There was, as usual, a lot to keep me turning the page. Of course, the romance between Rosalind and Harkness continues and is very well done. The mystery was very well thought out, and the characters were well written. I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley and freely give my review.

[Lu · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another great book in the series…one I was waiting for. This book was full of intrigue, plot twists and many of the well loved secondary characters from other books in the series. And of course there are villains and new characters who make the story interesting and plausible. The two protagonists, Rosalind Thorne and Adam Harkness are the best and really work well as a team - no matter the difficulty. It was well written and kept me reading up the the very satisfying conclusion.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was definitely the most action packed installment of the Rosalind Thorne mysteries. And the mystery was all over the place, with red herrings, liars, thieves, and former fiancés. The ending was too brief, although tied in a very pretty bow. I hope we haven’t heard the last from Rosalind, Adam, and their motley crew. Thanks to Kensington for the arc.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Received as a free ARC*
Delightful delightful! This series just gets better as it goes on. Rosalind and Adam are great. I will say the ending was a bit abrupt which I didn't love. Hoping for another one!

[Luella · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read. It has several mysteries, two unexplained deaths, charming characters and shady folks.The environment descriptions were so good, you could almost see it as it played out. Thank you to Goodreads and Kensington for the book.

[Joseph Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Darcie Wild has truly poured her heart and imagination into this book. From the very first page, she transports readers to an entirely different world, creating an immersive and unforgettable reading experience. A captivating story that keeps you engaged until the very end.

[Will Pfister · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is so good

I found this series by accident and I started with what Amazon lists as the first. Then I went. I never really think about this series until a new book comes out. Then I remember how well written they are.

[Kristina Deluise · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was really good, the last chapter made me sad because it felt like a series wrap up.
but it was really good please see my review of this book on the deluise book series you tube channel in october,
i read a lot of books,

[Charlotte Kersten · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC received from NetGalley- thank you!!

I need tea and small sandwiches stat and also I want to take care of the world's saddest and most decrepit racehorse. Review to come!

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75
As usual some titles and inheritance hijinks that don’t make sense but I’m glad R and A are where they are