Petteril's Party

by Mary Lancaster

Past, present, and a philandering footman…

The Petterils have arranged a reunion of Piers’s old university friends at a borrowed country house. But from the beginning, nothing seems quite right. There are barely any servants, and the few remaining are disorderly and insolent. Random items disappear, and eerie noises in the night disturb April’s sleep.

April is shocked to meet an unexpected female guest whom Piers seems reluctant to explain. Piers discovers that time has created problems for all his friends. But the real trouble begins with bloodshed in the night, and no one in the house is above suspicion.

Although the Petterils investigate together, is Piers too hampered by friendship to face the truth?

181 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2026

About the author

Mary Lancaster is a USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction and historical romance. She lives in Scotland with her husband, one of three grown-up kids, and a small dog with a big personality.

Her first literary love was historical fiction, a genre which she relishes mixing up with romance and adventure in her own writing. Several of her novels feature actual historical characters as diverse as Hungarian revolutionaries, medieval English outlaws, and a family of eternally rebellious royal Scots. To say nothing of Vlad the Impaler.
Her most recent books are light fun Regency romances, with occasional forays into Victorian mystery.

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Reviews

[Cristina Neves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another gorgeous installment, the ninth, of this Regency mystery series that I love so much.
As always well written, with a compelling plot, and well developed characters.

The love, the chemistry, the tenderness between Piers and April keeps growing up as they navigate marriage and soon parenthood.
Yes, April is pregnant and Piers is always looking out for her.

They rented a manor in the country for a fortnight, to get together with Piers friends from Oxford, he hasn't seen since the inheritance of the Petteril title.
The house is amazing but was left with very few servants to tend to the needs of the 8 guests.

And then during the night strange noises can be heard coming from the chimney in April's room, things disappear just to appear again the next day in places already searched.
The servants don't seem to sleep, look tired, even with the help they hired from the village.

And then the footman, Edward, a handsome, arrogant womanizer is hit hard in the back of the head when he was meeting someone, at 2 a:m, at the summer pavillion.
Once again Piers and April have a mystery to solve, that will turn to murder if Edward dies.
The suspects are many: among the village, the other servants, and even the guests.

I kept guessing wrong until the very end when the attacker is revealed.
A complete surprise!

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC, and these are my opinions.
This is the ninth book in the series but can be read as a standalone.
April and Piers have rented a country manor to host a party for his friends from his university days.
However, at the manor, there are few servants, strange noises at night, and things start disappearing.
When someone is attacked on the grounds, everyone is a suspect.
This is a wonderful read, the plot was interesting and well written, and the chemistry between April and Piers is very loving. I love the way they work together to solve mysteries.

[Olga Godim · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars
Pretty average, as mysteries go, and certainly the weakest story in this series.

[Fanosse23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love the Lord Petteril Mystery series, and I find myself saying this with every new installment. The relationship between April and Piers continues to be one of my favorite aspects of the books. Watching their bond grow slowly and realistically from friendship to marriage has been a delight. I especially appreciate that they are still learning about and adjusting to each other, which feels true to life.

In the latest story, the couple hosts a reunion for Piers’s old university friends at a borrowed country estate. From the very first day, things seem off. The arrangement to leave enough servants behind wasn’t honored, the staff that remains is far from welcoming, and small items start disappearing. The tension escalates when a servant is attacked on the premises, and the mystery of who, why, and how must be unraveled. As always, Piers and April find themselves drawn into the investigation. But with Piers’s old friends as the prime suspects, can he remain objective? And even as they work side by side, will his loyalty cloud his judgment?

Piers’s investigative style is one of the series highlights. He is observant, methodical, and insightful, reading people as much as he questions them. April, on the other hand, brings a complementary perspective. Her determination to continue improving herself, her ability to see situations from a different angle, and her graciousness make her the perfect partner in sleuthing. Together, they are an unstoppable duo.

As the couple digs deeper, it becomes clear that everyone is hiding something, but none can outwit Piers and April. This book is engaging, wonderfully written, and full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end.

I have to add how much I adore this author’s mystery series. Each story draws me in completely, with intelligent plots and characters I love returning to. This series has become a favorite, and I look forward to every new installment with excitement.

I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Barbara Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Lord Petteril Mysteries #9
Publication Date: 1/30/26
Period: Regency – Near Oxford
Number of Pages: 181

I have thoroughly enjoyed the stories and character development throughout this series. It has been a delight to watch April and Piers grow from who they were in the earliest books into the people they are today. Each installment delivers an intriguing mystery while also offering glimpses into the personal lives of April, Piers, and the well-drawn supporting cast.

Before becoming a lord, Piers was a dean at Oxford University—a life he never wanted to leave but was forced to abandon when he unexpectedly inherited a title. Knowing how deeply he missed his academic friends, April suggests renting a house near Oxford and inviting them to stay for two weeks. When the guests arrive, however, an unexpected presence casts a shadow over the visit: a woman from Piers’s past—one he never mentioned to April—and she is decidedly unhappy to see her. As tensions rise among the guests, strange sounds in the night unsettle the household, noises the small staff attributes to lingering “ghosts.”

When blood is shed, everyone becomes a suspect. But is Piers too blinded by friendship to see the truth? Is the culprit among the guests, or is someone from outside responsible? Can Piers ease April’s doubts and hurt feelings caused by his old friends? You’ll have to read this satisfying mystery to uncover the answers.

If you enjoy a well-crafted mystery paired with rich, relatable characters, this book is for you. Happy reading!

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

[Sahar's Honest Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the Past Turns Dangerous
The Petterils are meant to be hosting a pleasant reunion for Piers’s old university friends, but from the moment everyone arrives at the borrowed country house, something feels off. The servants are scarce and uncooperative, strange things go missing, and eerie disturbances begin to creep into the nights. What should have been a comfortable gathering of old friends quickly turns into something far more unsettling.
Things become even more complicated when an unexpected woman appears in Piers’s past, stirring up questions he would rather avoid. When violence erupts, Piers and April find themselves once again working together to uncover the truth — except this time, the suspects are people Piers once trusted. Watching him struggle between loyalty and honesty adds a deeper emotional layer to the mystery, especially as April stands quietly but firmly at his side.
What I love most about this series is the way April and Piers continue to grow, not just as investigators but as a married couple learning how to trust, lean on, and understand one another. Their partnership feels earned, and their affection never overshadows the clever, tightly woven mystery.
This was an engaging, atmospheric entry in the series, full of tension, secrets, and that wonderful blend of domestic warmth and lurking danger that makes these books so addictive. If you’ve been enjoying following April and Piers’s journey, this is a satisfying and suspenseful way to spend more time with them.

[Anne-Mammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new Petteril mystery is always exciting. It's such an unusual premise and if you read the series in order, you will see how much April develops from urchin to society lady, without losing any of her endearing qualities. The books of course can also be read as stand alone stories. I spent a few enjoyable hours reading this novel and I would have liked to spend more. The book was a bit short and did not really allow certain strands of the story to be fully developed. For example, it would have been interesting to know more about the fate of the Dowager and the reasons for the Temper family taking most of the servants with them. A couple of sentences put forward some sort of explanation, but it was not very convincing.
I really liked the tender relationship between April and Piers and look forward to seeing how they cope when their new baby arrives. Also well drawn was the links between Piers and his former friends and colleagues. I can foresee a lot more mysteries as the physician Fosterson gets established in his practice or as Dr Hale settles with Claudia in their vicarage for example. However, the former flame trope between Claudia and Piers was rather superfluous and not very convincing.
I had not foreseen who the baddie was at all, and I do wonder whether Edward's outlook on life will really change in the long term.
Still it was all entertaining and I certainly recommend you try this series if you like, light hearted, wholesome mysteries.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Petterils have arranged a reunion of Piers’s old university friends by hiring a country house. But from the beginning, nothing seems quite right. There are barely any servants, and the few remaining are disorderly and insolent. Random items disappear, and eerie noises in the night disturb April’s sleep. Piers discovers that time has created problems for all his friends. But the real trouble begins when someone is attacked, and no one in the house is above suspicion.
The ninth book in the series & it’s easily read on its own. Once again Piers & April have mysteries to solve. I love this couple & have been enthralled with how their relationship has changed & deepened. Piers is on the surface the vague professor however he’s anything but, he’s intelligent, observant, caring & astute. April has become a wonderful young woman, a very fast learner, intelligent plus she doesn’t bear grudges & put people at their ease. I also love how they work together. A very well written engrossing book which has twists, turns & red herrings
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Piers and April are hosting a reunion party for his old friends and his professor from Oxford. The country house they hired is nice but has some problems. There are few servants, and the ones present are disorganized and insolent, particularly one footman. He not only lacks respect, but is a flirt (putting it nicely). Other than that, things are going fairly well, with a few exceptions. A few things come up missing, April hears strange noises in the night, and the flirtatious footman is bashed over the head. Are all these incidents connected? The noises and missing items have a surprising and rather harmless explanation. The attempted murder, not as easy to explain. There are a number of suspects (The footman played around a lot), including those attending the party. This is a wonderful and entertaining series. Piers and April have grown as partners and as a couple. Both are intelligent, observant, and caring. While April is still finding her way in Piers’ world, she is proving up to the challenge. Piers keeps a close eye on her, even more so since she is pregnant. A well-written story with a twist or two that holds your attention and makes you look forward to their next adventure.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[John Beaderstadt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Puzzling Mystery Amid Growing Love

In the 9th Peterill novel Lord and Lady Peterill find a,country house full of secrets at a party to reunite Peterill with his old Oxford friends. They struggle to reconnect while adjusting to their changing lives. No longer underclassmen --they now have wives and demanding careers.

Pregnant and insecure of her place among the upper class and
highly educated group and faced with an understaffed and secretive group of servants Lady Peterill struggles to keep the party going. Then an attempted murder forces the hosts to engage in another criminal investigation that tests the limits of their commitment and the boundaries of friendship .

[Anne Libera · Rating 3 out of 5]

I find this mystery series both easy to read (and reach for) but frustratingly just a little bit outside of where it could be/I want it to be. Among other things in this outing there was some really interesting tension in the interactions between April and Petteril's Oxford friends that never quite got dealt with, even though it was "resolved". And the actual mystery felt oddly beside the point. My metaphor for this entire series is like an item of clothing with good style but terrible construction - it's so very like the thing you want that you keep reaching for it and then when you wear it, you keep finding holes and crooked seams.

As always my reviews are a reflection of my experience reading the book and are not meant to be taken as true critique.

[Pamela Blatter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Piers and April are adjusting to each other and married life now that she is pregnant.
They host a house party in the country for his old university colleagues.
Mysteries abound with the lack of servants and missing items.
An unexpected old female friend comes with the academics adding to some strain between Piers and April. They continue to solve odd happenings together.
From the first book, their friendship and ensuing romance is heartwarming.
They adore each other despite their setbacks.
Recommend the entire series but it also can be read as a standalone.
I received an ARC but the honest opinion is my own.

[Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every single book in this series deserves twice and more stars than what are available. This adventure was no exception. The characters are vivid, the plot is straightforward, and the premise is finding out who attacked the insolent footman and why. The love that April and Lord Petteril have for each other shines from the pages like a beacon, and she might have come from extremely poor beginnings, but she is every inch a lady in both her bearing and her actions. The answers they found surprised me, and the attacker fooled me completely. I most definitely highly recommend this book and all the rest of the series.

[Barbara Sachs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lighter, better

I can't stand a person, especially a woman, being unfairly looked down on, and I was so glad this story didn't focus overmuch on April's beginnings. Instead it stays pleasant and deals interestingly with the mystery. It was nice to meet Petteril's academic cronies, to see April's and his relationship deepen so sweetly, to have several mysterious angles to puzzle out, and to see the situation unfold in a kindly way.

It's a very enjoyable read, and I look forward to the next one.

I also greatly appreciate that it's a clean romance as I always find the steamy scenes in this genre so laughably handled. I'm so grateful to be spared that detraction.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another entertaining read in this series. I just love the characters of Piers and April. I like how protective of April, Piers is and importantly how he values her insight and opinions. April also looks out for Piers, especially with his affliction of being unable to recognises faces at first meeting. Their love speaks for itself in their actions. This story takes place at a house they have hired to entertain a group of Piers’s friends who were his fellow students and professor at Oxford. April is a little apprehensive in meeting them due to her lack of education.There are a number of strange happenings, unusual noises and lack of servants. Piers and April investigate together to try and find out what is going on. I really enjoyed this story and it kept me guessing until the end.

[Tchipakkan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Satisfying

It's nice to watch the characters grow. Nicer to see the insecurities be acknowledged and dealt with. It is hard to fit in when you're not familiar with another group of people even if they welcome you. Lancaster doesn't force us to try to translate April's adaptation to modern situations, but rather see Piers negotiating his equally challenging move from Oxford Don to Peer. Perhaps in this book to see everyone having to navigate the challenges of aging. We don't usually consider the challenge of leaving behind our youthful expectations.

[Janet Kurz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good series

I think I read all 9 books in about a week or less. Very un-putdownable. Characters are great and people you'd like to meet, at least the ones Mary wants you to like and not so much for those she doesn't. The story moves fairly fast and grabs you from the start.
Her character Ape, surprises the most and is as fun as it gets. Hated to see series end but needs must and it's best to go out on the high note. Doesn't leave you hanging.
Sincerely, Rapid Reader.

[CG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reunion time

As we continue this love story of April and Piers, we find her miraculously pregnant and accompanying Piers to a reunion of his friends from his days teaching college. So of course there is a mystery to be solved. Or rather several. No bodies this time although there was close to being one. And the biggest mystery, which I hope is never solved, is the deep love between these two different sleuths. This is a clean story, best read in book order, so as to appreciate how far they have come in their lives. I hope there is more to come!

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this new addition to thus fabulous series, April and Piers are attending a house party with Piers's old friends. Yet nothing is what it seems, the servants are scarce and their are noises and disturbances at night that wake April up. Can they work out what is going on at this rather unconventional house party especially when unexpected guests turn up and someone turns up dead.

[Caroline Beard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Petteril fan

I can’t get enough of Peteril and April. Another mystery solved. She is growing more comfortable with her role as Lady Peteril and he obviously loves her dearly. That is what has me hooked on this series. His tender loving care of her no matter how different their backgrounds. I look forward to the birth of their baby.

[Dorothy R. Till · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm addicted to Piers and April.

I loved this book, not surprising since I own all the other books in this series. I have loved all of Mary Lancaster's books but this series is my favourite. I hope there are more to come.

[Alicia Marsland · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best series

And this prolific author has a lot of of them, but this pair of detectives is the most fully fledged out and the most complex and the most lovable. She is becoming the author I have always wanted her to be.

[Jini · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Petterils. Mysteries aside, I just love them for them. 10 years later I totally see myself reading this series all over again.

[Piper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice couple!

I love the two main characters. Interesting relationship, filled with friendship, championship, and love. Good mysteries just a cozy read. Short and sweet.

[Ann Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

All a joy to read

The characters are perfect, as they are human and not perfect. The whole series is delightful to read. Appreciated the series continued.

[Kiy Shelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this installment.