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A Verity Lark Mystery #6
A Lark's Gambit
Oh, dear. Is that the Marquess of Ware enjoying a pipe in the very same upscale opium den as Verity Lark?
It is, yes.
Wonderful.
Now she must inform her suitor, Colson Hardwicke, of his father’s unsavory habit—which means she will have to reveal that she herself had been partaking in the very next berth.
He will understand.
Once she explains that the den is above the fish seller whose poppy trade she has been monitoring for months, he will totally get it. As London’s most intrepid reporter and dogged gossipmonger, she is duty bound to get to the bottom of the mystery.
What Hardwicke might find a little harder to accept is why she was kissing the marquess in a darkened room during a fashionable society affair.
That is a slightly more complicated story.
Alas, with a killer stalking her, she might not have a chance to tell it.
It is, yes.
Wonderful.
Now she must inform her suitor, Colson Hardwicke, of his father’s unsavory habit—which means she will have to reveal that she herself had been partaking in the very next berth.
He will understand.
Once she explains that the den is above the fish seller whose poppy trade she has been monitoring for months, he will totally get it. As London’s most intrepid reporter and dogged gossipmonger, she is duty bound to get to the bottom of the mystery.
What Hardwicke might find a little harder to accept is why she was kissing the marquess in a darkened room during a fashionable society affair.
That is a slightly more complicated story.
Alas, with a killer stalking her, she might not have a chance to tell it.
419 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 24, 2026
About the author
Lynn Messina
53 books688 followersLynn Messina is author of more than a dozen novels, including the best-selling Fashionistas, which has been translated into sixteen languages, and a series of Regency romance novels. Her essays have appeared in Self, American Baby and the New York Times Modern Love column. She lives in New York City with her sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
July 25, 2026
Verity Lark discovers…
Verity Lark finds herself in something of a conundrum about many things.
There’s her relationship with Lord Hardwicke Coulson, the Marquis of Ware’s son, varied household personality arrangements and innovations, keeping together her aliases and disguises (which I adore), and her unspoken need to continue her way of doing things. Then there’s the Marquis himself! Double Hmm!
The Ton has left London for the summer and her personae Mr. Twaddle-Thum is somewhat bereft of gossip for his column.
“One could not detail the aristocracy’s many quirks and foibles when the aristocrats were not in London to quirk and foible. Twaddle found it vexing indeed.”
Freddie, owner of the London Daily Gazette, comes to the rescue with a list that included Verity’s former employer, an all out leacherous sleaze, and repellent person, the Earl of Stetchford.
It’s Verity’s investigations at a Venetian Breakfast that lead her into a compromising position witnessed by Hardwicke! What?! Hardwicke’s response is magnificent.
There’s chemist’s calculations, a missing moleskin notice, dead bodies, and live ones crowding the story. There’s people you’d rather not know, and people you’d love to meet. Then there’s the Marquis of Ware!
A compelling and often hilarious read!
A Book Whisperer ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change.
Verity Lark finds herself in something of a conundrum about many things.
There’s her relationship with Lord Hardwicke Coulson, the Marquis of Ware’s son, varied household personality arrangements and innovations, keeping together her aliases and disguises (which I adore), and her unspoken need to continue her way of doing things. Then there’s the Marquis himself! Double Hmm!
The Ton has left London for the summer and her personae Mr. Twaddle-Thum is somewhat bereft of gossip for his column.
“One could not detail the aristocracy’s many quirks and foibles when the aristocrats were not in London to quirk and foible. Twaddle found it vexing indeed.”
Freddie, owner of the London Daily Gazette, comes to the rescue with a list that included Verity’s former employer, an all out leacherous sleaze, and repellent person, the Earl of Stetchford.
It’s Verity’s investigations at a Venetian Breakfast that lead her into a compromising position witnessed by Hardwicke! What?! Hardwicke’s response is magnificent.
There’s chemist’s calculations, a missing moleskin notice, dead bodies, and live ones crowding the story. There’s people you’d rather not know, and people you’d love to meet. Then there’s the Marquis of Ware!
A compelling and often hilarious read!
A Book Whisperer ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change.
July 26, 2026
Oh my, this is the best one yet!
The book begins with Hardwicke finally going to see Verity after he has been away. His thought processes are so funny as he tries to convince himself not to rush to see her, to stay cool, calm and collected. He decides to find his father, the Marquess of Ware at a Venetian breakfast hosted by Ware's friend. He searches for him all around the house, only to find him in a study with a woman in his arms. Wait, it is Verity!
What a beginning. The the author takes us back a few days to discover how the scene came about.
Finally we arrive back to that scene and the book speeds up to the mystery of a murder.
This book is particularly hilarious, as we view all that is happening through Verity's eyes. Her Twaddling and various impersonations are so entertaining.
However, there is deep emotion also, as she confronts a villain from her past, a surprising suggestion from Ware, a successful solving of a mystery, and a cliffhanger ending.
This book makes me want to reread all the previous books. I want to watch her fall in l9ve all over again.
Thanks to the Book Whisperer and Netgalley for the EARC. This is my honest review. I can't wait for the next.
The book begins with Hardwicke finally going to see Verity after he has been away. His thought processes are so funny as he tries to convince himself not to rush to see her, to stay cool, calm and collected. He decides to find his father, the Marquess of Ware at a Venetian breakfast hosted by Ware's friend. He searches for him all around the house, only to find him in a study with a woman in his arms. Wait, it is Verity!
What a beginning. The the author takes us back a few days to discover how the scene came about.
Finally we arrive back to that scene and the book speeds up to the mystery of a murder.
This book is particularly hilarious, as we view all that is happening through Verity's eyes. Her Twaddling and various impersonations are so entertaining.
However, there is deep emotion also, as she confronts a villain from her past, a surprising suggestion from Ware, a successful solving of a mystery, and a cliffhanger ending.
This book makes me want to reread all the previous books. I want to watch her fall in l9ve all over again.
Thanks to the Book Whisperer and Netgalley for the EARC. This is my honest review. I can't wait for the next.
July 27, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. I have read other books by Lynn Messina. I have enjoyed them. They are fun and cute, easy reads. Verity Lark, Beatrice Hyde-Claire, and Flora Hyde-Claire are the same character. Of course they have aome differnces but at heart they are the same. A few times I forgot who I was actually reading about. That being said they are all well written characters and I have enjoyed the few adventures that I have read and would read more.
July 25, 2026
I will never get tired of Verity Lark getting herself into the most unladylike scandals imaginable in the name of journalism.
In A Lark's Gambit, London's most intrepid reporter and gossipmonger is investigating a poppy trade hidden above a very unassuming fish seller — which is how she finds herself in the berth next to none other than the Marquess of Ware, enjoying a pipe in an upscale opium den. Who happens to be the father of her suitor, Colson Hardwicke.
And that is only the least complicated thing she has to explain to him. The slightly bigger problem? Why she was kissing said Marquess in a darkened room at a fashionable society affair. All while a killer has decided Verity is next.
What I love about Lynn Messina's Verity Lark series:
Verity herself. She's brilliant, reckless, funny, and utterly unapologetic about being a working woman in Regency London. She doesn't stumble into mysteries — she hunts them down, notebook in hand, propriety be damned.
The romance. The tension between Verity and Colson is perfect — slow-burn, witty, exasperated affection. He knows exactly who she is and loves her anyway, even when she makes his life infinitely more complicated. Which she does. Constantly.
The mystery. Messina makes the Regency underbelly feel fresh. The opium den, the fish-seller front, the poppy trade — it's atmospheric without ever feeling heavy, and the pacing is razor-sharp. I could not put this down once the killer set his sights on Verity.
The voice. Dry, clever, and laugh-out-loud funny. Messina writes gossip like a weapon, and every society scene sparkles with wit.
If you love historical mysteries with a heroine who has more curiosity than sense of self-preservation, a brooding but supportive love interest, and a plot full of scandal, secrets, and forbidden kisses in dark rooms, this is for you.
You can read this as a standalone, but do yourself a favor and start from book 1 — watching Verity and Colson evolve is half the joy.
Already counting down to the next one. Lynn Messina can do no wrong with this series.
Tropes: Regency Mystery / Investigative Heroine / Opium Den Secrets / Fish Seller Front / Forbidden Kiss / Killer Stalking Her / Witty Banter & Scandal
In A Lark's Gambit, London's most intrepid reporter and gossipmonger is investigating a poppy trade hidden above a very unassuming fish seller — which is how she finds herself in the berth next to none other than the Marquess of Ware, enjoying a pipe in an upscale opium den. Who happens to be the father of her suitor, Colson Hardwicke.
And that is only the least complicated thing she has to explain to him. The slightly bigger problem? Why she was kissing said Marquess in a darkened room at a fashionable society affair. All while a killer has decided Verity is next.
What I love about Lynn Messina's Verity Lark series:
Verity herself. She's brilliant, reckless, funny, and utterly unapologetic about being a working woman in Regency London. She doesn't stumble into mysteries — she hunts them down, notebook in hand, propriety be damned.
The romance. The tension between Verity and Colson is perfect — slow-burn, witty, exasperated affection. He knows exactly who she is and loves her anyway, even when she makes his life infinitely more complicated. Which she does. Constantly.
The mystery. Messina makes the Regency underbelly feel fresh. The opium den, the fish-seller front, the poppy trade — it's atmospheric without ever feeling heavy, and the pacing is razor-sharp. I could not put this down once the killer set his sights on Verity.
The voice. Dry, clever, and laugh-out-loud funny. Messina writes gossip like a weapon, and every society scene sparkles with wit.
If you love historical mysteries with a heroine who has more curiosity than sense of self-preservation, a brooding but supportive love interest, and a plot full of scandal, secrets, and forbidden kisses in dark rooms, this is for you.
You can read this as a standalone, but do yourself a favor and start from book 1 — watching Verity and Colson evolve is half the joy.
Already counting down to the next one. Lynn Messina can do no wrong with this series.
Tropes: Regency Mystery / Investigative Heroine / Opium Den Secrets / Fish Seller Front / Forbidden Kiss / Killer Stalking Her / Witty Banter & Scandal
Read
July 27, 2026A Lark’s Gambit by Lynn Messina is another Verity Lark investigation full of her undercover as various characters; her beau, Colson Hardwicke; her roommate and friend, Delphine,; and her colleague, Freddie. Delphine, Freddie and Verity had grown up together in an orphanage and had been together since then. Verity was not young, but a hearty thirty-five and in love for the first time. She is having trouble adjusting to the new feelings and often tries to fight against them. Hardwicke’s father us a marquess and not thrilled with their relationship, especially when she insisted that the murderer of his good friend, was another of his friends. Nobility stuck together. As the investigation progressed, he began to appreciate Verity’s methods and intuition. It was complicated. The dead man was a scientist who had isolated the amount of poppy seed was most appropriate. It would be a break-through for the medical world. The problem was he experimented on himself. But, always carefully. And his discovery would be lucrative.
Her second case was about another member of the nobility who was a known womanizer. He had tried it on Verity when she was a young woman in service. She carried that with her and when he set his wife up to cheat so he could obtain a divorce as well as sue the guilty man, she wanted to get him for it. He had his new, younger and rich wife, already picked out. Verity could not let t his stand. It is an intriguing read touching on opium dens, insanity, and never-ending creativity. It was an enticing read, full of subtle romance, and clever investigation. Good characters, well-rounded and deep as well as a pleasant setting in Regency England. Good read.
I was invited to read A Lark’s Gambit by Book Whisperer. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BookWhisperer #LynnMessina #ALarksGambit
Her second case was about another member of the nobility who was a known womanizer. He had tried it on Verity when she was a young woman in service. She carried that with her and when he set his wife up to cheat so he could obtain a divorce as well as sue the guilty man, she wanted to get him for it. He had his new, younger and rich wife, already picked out. Verity could not let t his stand. It is an intriguing read touching on opium dens, insanity, and never-ending creativity. It was an enticing read, full of subtle romance, and clever investigation. Good characters, well-rounded and deep as well as a pleasant setting in Regency England. Good read.
I was invited to read A Lark’s Gambit by Book Whisperer. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BookWhisperer #LynnMessina #ALarksGambit
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley, Lynn Messina and PotatoWorks Press for the free digital review copy. All opinions in this review are my own and not affected by the giveaway.
Trigger warnings:
mentions of rape
sexual assault
victim blaming
drug use
Is that... who?! Verity Lark kissing the Marquess of Ware at a Venetian breakfast? GASP! It's a good thing Mr. Twaddle-Thum can not report on this incident but Lord Colson Hardwicke sees all! This is what he gets for trying to be strong and delays visiting Bethel Street to see Verity first thing upon his return to London after 11 days away. Flash back a week. Hardwicke is away and Verity is determined to be more productive. Twaddle-Thum learns through the network that Verity's former employer, Lord Stechney, is suing his wife for divorce on the grounds of adultery, she suspects with plans to marry a young debutante and secure himself an heir. Say nothing of HIS lecherous ways, gentlemen are not expected to be faithful. The press will forgive HIM but eviscerate Lady Stechney. While Lady S is not blameless, Verity can't let Lord Stechney's reputation go unscathed. She is determined to find something else he is into that will ruin him. While Twaddling, Verity finds herself outside the fishmonger who was suspected of smuggling opium poppy seed pods. It can't hurt for someone to investigate HIM either. Under one of her many aliases, Verity soon discovers an illegal opium parlor for select clientele. While pretending to be a young gentleman partaking of opium, she spies a familiar figure she has been trying to avoid. She feels obligated to follow this person and beaten at her own game, is drawn into yet another investigation. A scientist has died, presumably accidentally, as a result of his experiments but his friends are not convinced. Soon she finds herself investigating with the unlikeliest partner! Not to mention a teal-eyed Lord who makes her feel giddy.
This story didn't wow me the way I had hoped it would. I was eager to learn about this poppy smuggling fishmonger but the mystery wasn't much of a mystery and it wasn't balanced with enough romance for my personal tastes. There are several plots to keep track of but no evidence of murder for a long time and the investigation kind of meanders. Colson was missing for way too much of the story and when he appeared, he was largely silent. It was mostly Verity and the Marquess doing the investigating. The swoony bits are towards the end and Hardwicke doesn't say much, he doesn't have to, it's all in Verity's head. There are a couple of anachronistic words that take me out of the Regency period. "Hello" is American and didn't appear until the next decade in writing and not verbally until the telephone later in the century. Mauve or mauvine is a synthetic dye color, created accidentally by William Henry Perkin in 1859 while trying to find a medicine to treat malaria. It was a favorite of Queen Victoria. Scratch that- Wikipedia says the word was in use in Verity's time but rare. Crikey sounds too modern Australian. The Online Etymology Dictionary says it dates to 1838 and it's not in the Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue: A Dictionary of Buckish Slang, University Wit, and Pickpocket Eloquence. One other error - half-boots are women's shoes! That's a dead giveaway that the foppish St. Cleer is not actually a gentleman. Perhaps the attendant knows this and is just paid well enough not to ask questions or tell tales?
I thought we knew who and why and it was just a matter of Verity getting proof and a confession but there was a twist I didn't see coming. I did like how the treatment of women and the laws that kept women in an inferior position were highlighted as part of the plot. It's not gratuitous or hit you over the head but it's there in Verity's thoughts and Delphine's worries. It's there in Hardwicke's thoughts as he contemplates a future with Verity and it's there in the plot.
The ton's attitude towards the powerless is what drives Verity. She does what she does to bring down the high and mighty, all without access to the law. The ton don't see anyone who isn't worth seeing. They don't consider anyone except themselves, their name, their reputation, their families. Lord Sidmouth doesn't even remember Verity-as-footman preventing a massacre. Even Grint, the under secretary, doesn't go out of his way to help right wrongs or fight injustice. He operates within the letter of the law and no more. The law is biased towards the Lords and his attitude is why bother when they're just going to get away with it? Yet Verity has proven again and again that the high and mighty can fall if their sins are exposed to the world. Hence her dual identity as journalist Robert Lark and Mr. Twaddle-Thum. Verity is determined to fight back no matter what life throws in her way. There are circumstances that were set in motion when she was born and are beyond her control. She shrugs that off and carries on.
It's not so easy to keep calm and carry on after this adventure. I thought Verity was rather silly and stupid in her investigation. I figured the Marquess was at the opium parlor for the same reason she was and why she didn't think of that, I don't know. He IS a Marquess and his son IS a spy so it would stand to reason that his son got the job because of his father's connections and if the Marquess has those kinds of connections, then perhaps he works for the Home Office too somehow? OK I was a little off there but she should have thought of that. Verity acts far too recklessly and makes a rookie mistake that heroines TSTL make all the time. It nearly costs her her dignity and her life. One scene was far too much for my tastes, especially for this kind of light novel. My heart was in my throat and I was worried Verity wouldn't easily be able to extricate herself from this perilous situation. I was mad
Colson Hardwicke is utterly besotted with Verity. He understands her very well and is trying hard to give her the space she needs to be independent and think about what their future together might look like - or not. He's making plans to work within the law to allow her to be as independent as possible. (He hasn't told her yet). He has a very calm temperament and accepts that things are not always as they appear. I like him almost as much as Kesgrave! Verity is very much in love too but she won't admit it. She's funny when she tries to outrun her emotions. She is fiercely independent and determined not to give herself up. She's afraid of a future with Hardwicke and secretly afraid of one without him. She thinks everything is more fun when he's around. He makes her giddy inside and he understands what she's thinking without speaking about it. They're true partners. He has her back even when she thinks she's alone. He gets along well with Delphine and Freddie. He belongs as part of their family group as if they've always been a quartet. Verity is also still keeping a part of herself closed off to Hadwicke but her defenses are crumbling! She's far more vulnerable in this novel. Between her misadventure and her romance, she has a lot of bottled emotions that come pouring out. She's more used to being a fighter, being the strong one who protects the weak but there's nothing wrong with letting someone else care for you once in awhile, if they're the right person. Hardwicke is indeed the right person.
Of course Delphine sees through Verity's pretense. Delphine is very worried about Verity. Delphine wants to care for her best friend and help Verity overcome her demons. Delphine would be happy keeping everyone she loves wrapped up in cotton wool safe and home. Things she can't control make her anxious. She's a good friend, not berating Verity for something Verity is already beating herself up over. Verity needs to accept Hardwicke so Delphine can marry Freddie and have babies. Robert Lark may not be Verity's older brother but she does have a brother in Freddie. He knows she's stubborn, independent and reckless. He doesn't try to control Verity's behavior and is as eager for a story that will sell papers as she is. But, Freddie is there when he needs to be, a calming, comforting brother who loves his sister.
The Marquess is far more astute than Verity realized early on in her opium investigation and she's far more self-involved than she would admit. The Marquess would prefer Verity be more biddable and not engage in dangerous activities but he is also very much aware than his son has rejected all the suitable simpering misses the Marchioness has thrown at her younger son. However, the Marquess is blinded by class prejudice and loyalty to old school ties. He refuses to admit an old friend, one he hasn't really been close to in years, could be a murderer. Verity, of course, knows, from long experience, the upper classes are more likely to be villains - even if it's merely representing a pocket borough like Frothmere does or neglecting the poor. Of course Bea knows better than anyone how many murderers come from the ton and everyone seems to be aware of that thanks to Twaddle-Thum. The Marquess is a stubborn old coot but he learns and grows as the investigation continues. Unlike most peers, he wants his son to be happy and recognizes that what HE wants is not what's best for his son. Unlike most peers, the Marquess is willing to admit he's wrong and changes his mind. He's still grumpy and high and mighty but he's old. Inside he's still young at heart and game for an adventure.
Lord Samuel Ingelthorpe was a well-respected brilliant scientist working on a formula that would reduce salts from the opium poppy seed to make into a powder to induce medically assisted sleep. (Obviously not a great idea given what we know now but in 1816 they lacked effective medicine. One character does fear a widespread addiction and thinks the substance should be controlled by the government. This character is not entirely wrong but the motive is questionable.) Inglethorpe was working on his formula when he died. But did he die by accident from taking too much of his medicine or was he killed? A brilliant scientist is not going to die from his own experiments - not for years anyway. Even the Marquess can see that! Plus Inglethorpe's journal is missing and surely that means he was killed for he never would have parted with it in his life. This scientist was a good man who wanted to do a public service for as many people as possible. His death is a tragedy and a real blow to scientific advancement of medicine.
Lord Stechford is evil. Pure evil. He is imbued with so many privileges he thinks he is immune to consequences. He doesn't even think about consequences. To him, women are property, playthings and body parts for his own personal use. He's trying to divorce his wife on the grounds of adultery yet he's a disgusting, lecherous man who thinks nothing of terrorizing maids in his employ, raping scullery maids because why not? They're dirt beneath his boots and cheating on his wife. He has the law on his side. Lord Stechford has created a situation where his wife is eager for love and starved for attention. Her lover, Lieutenant David Herbert, is young, good looking, attentive and wealthy. While Lady Stechford has turned a blind eye to her husband's abuse of the female staff, she doesn't deserve a husband like that and she does deserve a lover who is good to her. I am so happy Verity is working to bring down this evil man but so outraged he'll get away with the divorce, even if it costs him a fortune. He'll be free to marry Miss Dinsmore. Miss Dinsmore is young and rich. She seems more sensible than her mother. Her mother is blinded by titles and can't see how miserable her daughter would be married to Lord Stechford ... or any other gentleman of the ton other than those who are already taken.
Strunk, the fishmonger, is up to no good. He has already been spotted smuggling opium poppy seeds in sardines (now trout, thanks to further research on behalf of Lynn Messina) and now he's smuggling them OUT? He's also in charge of a very large secret making him very wealthy indeed. It's not clear where he's getting the raw materials though. Is someone financing his operation or is it that easy and cheap to buy opium poppies and opium?
Rupert Frothmere is a minor MP representing a pocket borough on behalf of his patron, Viscount Wolverton. Frothmere has little power and influence but is considered good ton. He was once school friends with Lord Hardwicke's father, the Marquess of Ware. Verity suspects Frothmere is up to something. She has it on good authority Frothmere is in need of money. His lavish Venetian Breakfast certainly must cost a pretty penny. Is Frothermore a villain or really stupid or perhaps a stupid villain? He acts dumb so maybe he is innocent but he was in the right place at the right time to lead Verity to the missing notebook. But did he steal it or did he blab to someone else? Perhaps someone in the Home Office stole his idea? Or maybe it was his wife? Wives are always more clever and more aware of their circumstances than their husbands would believe.
Lester Hopkins, the farmer, is involved in the intrigue somehow. He has come into money recently to help fix up his house. Who paid him? Interestingly, he can't recall specific details and can only provide a general description of the man. Curiously other farmers have a limited recollection as well. Can Verity figure out who this mysterious lawyer is, find him and trace the money back to some Lord or another or to the fishmonger and then someone higher up? Hatch, a man of business, is mixed up in this somehow. Is he acting on behalf of his employer, pretending he is or acting for someone else or perhaps he's innocent? Nicholas Almond, a young apothecary's apprentice is certainly complicit. He's more afraid of his father than the law but also eager to prove himself to his father. What does he know and will he tell all in a court of law?
Lord Sidmouth is an idiot. He's a rattle who can't keep his mouth shut. He's a Lord who could care less about the little guy even though the title was created for him. He doesn't notice those who are beneath him and is best friends with the disgusting Lord Stechney.
A lot of the humor comes from the domestic situation. Lucy, Delphine and Verity's maid, has had it with the revolving door of politicians, Dukes, Duchesses, Dowager Duchesses and villains. She has insisted they hire a new servant, a footman, George. George's origins are mysterious, he doesn't speak much but he's willing to work hard and defend the household. Lucy keeps airing her own grievances disguised as looking out for George's welfare. Now the ladies, Freddie and the servants have frequent Round Table discussions about the running of the household. Cook is uncomfortable, Verity is bored, Freddie is amused and Delphine takes it all seriously. It sounds like Lucy is running the household with an iron fist in conjunction with Delphine's velvet glove. They're funny and yes the round tables are boring but necessary.
While I didn't love this book as much as some of the others, (I missed Bea and Kesgrave), this is still one of my favorite series. I look forward to learning what Verity gets up to next.
Trigger warnings:
mentions of rape
sexual assault
victim blaming
drug use
Is that... who?! Verity Lark kissing the Marquess of Ware at a Venetian breakfast? GASP! It's a good thing Mr. Twaddle-Thum can not report on this incident but Lord Colson Hardwicke sees all! This is what he gets for trying to be strong and delays visiting Bethel Street to see Verity first thing upon his return to London after 11 days away. Flash back a week. Hardwicke is away and Verity is determined to be more productive. Twaddle-Thum learns through the network that Verity's former employer, Lord Stechney, is suing his wife for divorce on the grounds of adultery, she suspects with plans to marry a young debutante and secure himself an heir. Say nothing of HIS lecherous ways, gentlemen are not expected to be faithful. The press will forgive HIM but eviscerate Lady Stechney. While Lady S is not blameless, Verity can't let Lord Stechney's reputation go unscathed. She is determined to find something else he is into that will ruin him. While Twaddling, Verity finds herself outside the fishmonger who was suspected of smuggling opium poppy seed pods. It can't hurt for someone to investigate HIM either. Under one of her many aliases, Verity soon discovers an illegal opium parlor for select clientele. While pretending to be a young gentleman partaking of opium, she spies a familiar figure she has been trying to avoid. She feels obligated to follow this person and beaten at her own game, is drawn into yet another investigation. A scientist has died, presumably accidentally, as a result of his experiments but his friends are not convinced. Soon she finds herself investigating with the unlikeliest partner! Not to mention a teal-eyed Lord who makes her feel giddy.
This story didn't wow me the way I had hoped it would. I was eager to learn about this poppy smuggling fishmonger but the mystery wasn't much of a mystery and it wasn't balanced with enough romance for my personal tastes. There are several plots to keep track of but no evidence of murder for a long time and the investigation kind of meanders. Colson was missing for way too much of the story and when he appeared, he was largely silent. It was mostly Verity and the Marquess doing the investigating. The swoony bits are towards the end and Hardwicke doesn't say much, he doesn't have to, it's all in Verity's head. There are a couple of anachronistic words that take me out of the Regency period. "Hello" is American and didn't appear until the next decade in writing and not verbally until the telephone later in the century. Mauve or mauvine is a synthetic dye color, created accidentally by William Henry Perkin in 1859 while trying to find a medicine to treat malaria. It was a favorite of Queen Victoria. Scratch that- Wikipedia says the word was in use in Verity's time but rare. Crikey sounds too modern Australian. The Online Etymology Dictionary says it dates to 1838 and it's not in the Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue: A Dictionary of Buckish Slang, University Wit, and Pickpocket Eloquence. One other error - half-boots are women's shoes! That's a dead giveaway that the foppish St. Cleer is not actually a gentleman. Perhaps the attendant knows this and is just paid well enough not to ask questions or tell tales?
I thought we knew who and why and it was just a matter of Verity getting proof and a confession but there was a twist I didn't see coming. I did like how the treatment of women and the laws that kept women in an inferior position were highlighted as part of the plot. It's not gratuitous or hit you over the head but it's there in Verity's thoughts and Delphine's worries. It's there in Hardwicke's thoughts as he contemplates a future with Verity and it's there in the plot.
The ton's attitude towards the powerless is what drives Verity. She does what she does to bring down the high and mighty, all without access to the law. The ton don't see anyone who isn't worth seeing. They don't consider anyone except themselves, their name, their reputation, their families. Lord Sidmouth doesn't even remember Verity-as-footman preventing a massacre. Even Grint, the under secretary, doesn't go out of his way to help right wrongs or fight injustice. He operates within the letter of the law and no more. The law is biased towards the Lords and his attitude is why bother when they're just going to get away with it? Yet Verity has proven again and again that the high and mighty can fall if their sins are exposed to the world. Hence her dual identity as journalist Robert Lark and Mr. Twaddle-Thum. Verity is determined to fight back no matter what life throws in her way. There are circumstances that were set in motion when she was born and are beyond her control. She shrugs that off and carries on.
It's not so easy to keep calm and carry on after this adventure. I thought Verity was rather silly and stupid in her investigation. I figured the Marquess was at the opium parlor for the same reason she was and why she didn't think of that, I don't know. He IS a Marquess and his son IS a spy so it would stand to reason that his son got the job because of his father's connections and if the Marquess has those kinds of connections, then perhaps he works for the Home Office too somehow? OK I was a little off there but she should have thought of that. Verity acts far too recklessly and makes a rookie mistake that heroines TSTL make all the time. It nearly costs her her dignity and her life. One scene was far too much for my tastes, especially for this kind of light novel. My heart was in my throat and I was worried Verity wouldn't easily be able to extricate herself from this perilous situation. I was mad
Colson Hardwicke is utterly besotted with Verity. He understands her very well and is trying hard to give her the space she needs to be independent and think about what their future together might look like - or not. He's making plans to work within the law to allow her to be as independent as possible. (He hasn't told her yet). He has a very calm temperament and accepts that things are not always as they appear. I like him almost as much as Kesgrave! Verity is very much in love too but she won't admit it. She's funny when she tries to outrun her emotions. She is fiercely independent and determined not to give herself up. She's afraid of a future with Hardwicke and secretly afraid of one without him. She thinks everything is more fun when he's around. He makes her giddy inside and he understands what she's thinking without speaking about it. They're true partners. He has her back even when she thinks she's alone. He gets along well with Delphine and Freddie. He belongs as part of their family group as if they've always been a quartet. Verity is also still keeping a part of herself closed off to Hadwicke but her defenses are crumbling! She's far more vulnerable in this novel. Between her misadventure and her romance, she has a lot of bottled emotions that come pouring out. She's more used to being a fighter, being the strong one who protects the weak but there's nothing wrong with letting someone else care for you once in awhile, if they're the right person. Hardwicke is indeed the right person.
Of course Delphine sees through Verity's pretense. Delphine is very worried about Verity. Delphine wants to care for her best friend and help Verity overcome her demons. Delphine would be happy keeping everyone she loves wrapped up in cotton wool safe and home. Things she can't control make her anxious. She's a good friend, not berating Verity for something Verity is already beating herself up over. Verity needs to accept Hardwicke so Delphine can marry Freddie and have babies. Robert Lark may not be Verity's older brother but she does have a brother in Freddie. He knows she's stubborn, independent and reckless. He doesn't try to control Verity's behavior and is as eager for a story that will sell papers as she is. But, Freddie is there when he needs to be, a calming, comforting brother who loves his sister.
The Marquess is far more astute than Verity realized early on in her opium investigation and she's far more self-involved than she would admit. The Marquess would prefer Verity be more biddable and not engage in dangerous activities but he is also very much aware than his son has rejected all the suitable simpering misses the Marchioness has thrown at her younger son. However, the Marquess is blinded by class prejudice and loyalty to old school ties. He refuses to admit an old friend, one he hasn't really been close to in years, could be a murderer. Verity, of course, knows, from long experience, the upper classes are more likely to be villains - even if it's merely representing a pocket borough like Frothmere does or neglecting the poor. Of course Bea knows better than anyone how many murderers come from the ton and everyone seems to be aware of that thanks to Twaddle-Thum. The Marquess is a stubborn old coot but he learns and grows as the investigation continues. Unlike most peers, he wants his son to be happy and recognizes that what HE wants is not what's best for his son. Unlike most peers, the Marquess is willing to admit he's wrong and changes his mind. He's still grumpy and high and mighty but he's old. Inside he's still young at heart and game for an adventure.
Lord Samuel Ingelthorpe was a well-respected brilliant scientist working on a formula that would reduce salts from the opium poppy seed to make into a powder to induce medically assisted sleep. (Obviously not a great idea given what we know now but in 1816 they lacked effective medicine. One character does fear a widespread addiction and thinks the substance should be controlled by the government. This character is not entirely wrong but the motive is questionable.) Inglethorpe was working on his formula when he died. But did he die by accident from taking too much of his medicine or was he killed? A brilliant scientist is not going to die from his own experiments - not for years anyway. Even the Marquess can see that! Plus Inglethorpe's journal is missing and surely that means he was killed for he never would have parted with it in his life. This scientist was a good man who wanted to do a public service for as many people as possible. His death is a tragedy and a real blow to scientific advancement of medicine.
Lord Stechford is evil. Pure evil. He is imbued with so many privileges he thinks he is immune to consequences. He doesn't even think about consequences. To him, women are property, playthings and body parts for his own personal use. He's trying to divorce his wife on the grounds of adultery yet he's a disgusting, lecherous man who thinks nothing of terrorizing maids in his employ, raping scullery maids because why not? They're dirt beneath his boots and cheating on his wife. He has the law on his side. Lord Stechford has created a situation where his wife is eager for love and starved for attention. Her lover, Lieutenant David Herbert, is young, good looking, attentive and wealthy. While Lady Stechford has turned a blind eye to her husband's abuse of the female staff, she doesn't deserve a husband like that and she does deserve a lover who is good to her. I am so happy Verity is working to bring down this evil man but so outraged he'll get away with the divorce, even if it costs him a fortune. He'll be free to marry Miss Dinsmore. Miss Dinsmore is young and rich. She seems more sensible than her mother. Her mother is blinded by titles and can't see how miserable her daughter would be married to Lord Stechford ... or any other gentleman of the ton other than those who are already taken.
Strunk, the fishmonger, is up to no good. He has already been spotted smuggling opium poppy seeds in sardines (now trout, thanks to further research on behalf of Lynn Messina) and now he's smuggling them OUT? He's also in charge of a very large secret making him very wealthy indeed. It's not clear where he's getting the raw materials though. Is someone financing his operation or is it that easy and cheap to buy opium poppies and opium?
Rupert Frothmere is a minor MP representing a pocket borough on behalf of his patron, Viscount Wolverton. Frothmere has little power and influence but is considered good ton. He was once school friends with Lord Hardwicke's father, the Marquess of Ware. Verity suspects Frothmere is up to something. She has it on good authority Frothmere is in need of money. His lavish Venetian Breakfast certainly must cost a pretty penny. Is Frothermore a villain or really stupid or perhaps a stupid villain? He acts dumb so maybe he is innocent but he was in the right place at the right time to lead Verity to the missing notebook. But did he steal it or did he blab to someone else? Perhaps someone in the Home Office stole his idea? Or maybe it was his wife? Wives are always more clever and more aware of their circumstances than their husbands would believe.
Lester Hopkins, the farmer, is involved in the intrigue somehow. He has come into money recently to help fix up his house. Who paid him? Interestingly, he can't recall specific details and can only provide a general description of the man. Curiously other farmers have a limited recollection as well. Can Verity figure out who this mysterious lawyer is, find him and trace the money back to some Lord or another or to the fishmonger and then someone higher up? Hatch, a man of business, is mixed up in this somehow. Is he acting on behalf of his employer, pretending he is or acting for someone else or perhaps he's innocent? Nicholas Almond, a young apothecary's apprentice is certainly complicit. He's more afraid of his father than the law but also eager to prove himself to his father. What does he know and will he tell all in a court of law?
Lord Sidmouth is an idiot. He's a rattle who can't keep his mouth shut. He's a Lord who could care less about the little guy even though the title was created for him. He doesn't notice those who are beneath him and is best friends with the disgusting Lord Stechney.
A lot of the humor comes from the domestic situation. Lucy, Delphine and Verity's maid, has had it with the revolving door of politicians, Dukes, Duchesses, Dowager Duchesses and villains. She has insisted they hire a new servant, a footman, George. George's origins are mysterious, he doesn't speak much but he's willing to work hard and defend the household. Lucy keeps airing her own grievances disguised as looking out for George's welfare. Now the ladies, Freddie and the servants have frequent Round Table discussions about the running of the household. Cook is uncomfortable, Verity is bored, Freddie is amused and Delphine takes it all seriously. It sounds like Lucy is running the household with an iron fist in conjunction with Delphine's velvet glove. They're funny and yes the round tables are boring but necessary.
While I didn't love this book as much as some of the others, (I missed Bea and Kesgrave), this is still one of my favorite series. I look forward to learning what Verity gets up to next.
July 25, 2026
4.25 🌟
Thank you Book Whisperer and NetGalley for the eARC! All opinions are my own
I've been reading the BHC books since 2022 and was utterly ecstatic when the Verity Lark books came out. They have never failed to entertain me. Lynn Messina is a master of high-handed witty banter and self deprecating humor. Verity, Delphine, Freddie and now Hardwicke have one of the best group dynamics. It makes me kick my feet with glee to read their conversations and picture them all in the sitting room baiting each other the way they do. But beyond that, their unflagging support and belief in each other gives me warm fuzzies. And knowing Delphine AND Freddie both corresponded with Hardwicke while he was in the country was gold. I'd love to see what those letters included. I'd read a novella solely of those letters.
The opener of this book is one of my favorites, I think second only to the first Verity Lark book where we start in Mrs. Norton's bedchamber. As per usual, the book starts with a bang leading Hardwicke to find Verity and Ware in an embrace at a Venetian breakfast. And then promptly brings us back in time to the beginning of the twisty, absurd journey that got them to that point. I am always delighted by the sheer absurdity of Messina's plots. They are the perfect blend of logic and outrageousness with the dramatic yet dry dialogue that tops it all off.
Verity and Hardwicke's relationship is a main focus of concern for Verity during this investigation. It has been slowly building through the series and watching the indomitable Verity realize she is completely sunk is very entertaining. She is stubborn and defiant. She would try to convince you the sky is green if it would further her agenda (and would likely succeed), and Hardwicke loves all of it. He has made it clear he has affection for her but understands her so completely that he knows not to push. He is letting her come to her own realizations and enthusiastically supporting her as an equal partner in her investigations. His uniqueness as a man in his time is second only to Kesgrave in this world Messina has created. I love her heroines and the MMCs who defy expectations with zero concern for what others think.
A really fun read and perfect for anyone who loves a regency rom-com with top tier banter. Anyone who is a fan of the Veronica Speedwell books, or authors Alexandra Vasti and Sarah MacLean would probably enjoy this series. The banter matches the energy of these, but is somehow lighter despite also always involving murders. Less political intrigue or social undercurrents as subplots.
P.S. - Am I the only one who thinks that somehow Delphine and Grint might become a thing? I feel like it is would be an easy spin-off series for Delphine to star in her own books and to make this an enemies to lovers situation, of course with Messina's absurd twists.
***While listed as separate series and can be read that way, I STRONGLY recommend that the books are all read in order of publication (BHC, FHC and VL series), because all of the events string together closely. It is not imperative to have the earlier stories, but it definitely makes them all the more entertaining and engaging. I was sad to see them listed as three series now because any reader who does not start with BHC will be missing out.
Thank you Book Whisperer and NetGalley for the eARC! All opinions are my own
I've been reading the BHC books since 2022 and was utterly ecstatic when the Verity Lark books came out. They have never failed to entertain me. Lynn Messina is a master of high-handed witty banter and self deprecating humor. Verity, Delphine, Freddie and now Hardwicke have one of the best group dynamics. It makes me kick my feet with glee to read their conversations and picture them all in the sitting room baiting each other the way they do. But beyond that, their unflagging support and belief in each other gives me warm fuzzies. And knowing Delphine AND Freddie both corresponded with Hardwicke while he was in the country was gold. I'd love to see what those letters included. I'd read a novella solely of those letters.
The opener of this book is one of my favorites, I think second only to the first Verity Lark book where we start in Mrs. Norton's bedchamber. As per usual, the book starts with a bang leading Hardwicke to find Verity and Ware in an embrace at a Venetian breakfast. And then promptly brings us back in time to the beginning of the twisty, absurd journey that got them to that point. I am always delighted by the sheer absurdity of Messina's plots. They are the perfect blend of logic and outrageousness with the dramatic yet dry dialogue that tops it all off.
Verity and Hardwicke's relationship is a main focus of concern for Verity during this investigation. It has been slowly building through the series and watching the indomitable Verity realize she is completely sunk is very entertaining. She is stubborn and defiant. She would try to convince you the sky is green if it would further her agenda (and would likely succeed), and Hardwicke loves all of it. He has made it clear he has affection for her but understands her so completely that he knows not to push. He is letting her come to her own realizations and enthusiastically supporting her as an equal partner in her investigations. His uniqueness as a man in his time is second only to Kesgrave in this world Messina has created. I love her heroines and the MMCs who defy expectations with zero concern for what others think.
A really fun read and perfect for anyone who loves a regency rom-com with top tier banter. Anyone who is a fan of the Veronica Speedwell books, or authors Alexandra Vasti and Sarah MacLean would probably enjoy this series. The banter matches the energy of these, but is somehow lighter despite also always involving murders. Less political intrigue or social undercurrents as subplots.
P.S. - Am I the only one who thinks that somehow Delphine and Grint might become a thing? I feel like it is would be an easy spin-off series for Delphine to star in her own books and to make this an enemies to lovers situation, of course with Messina's absurd twists.
***While listed as separate series and can be read that way, I STRONGLY recommend that the books are all read in order of publication (BHC, FHC and VL series), because all of the events string together closely. It is not imperative to have the earlier stories, but it definitely makes them all the more entertaining and engaging. I was sad to see them listed as three series now because any reader who does not start with BHC will be missing out.
August 25, 2026
It hurts my heart a little to give a Lynn Messina book three stars, because I absolutely love her writing. I’m a huge fan of the Beatrice Hyde-Clare series, and I’ve enjoyed my time with Verity Lark too, but six books in, I think I may have reached the point where Verity and I are simply no longer particularly well matched as reader and protagonist.
Verity has always been a little harder for me to connect with. She is fiercely intelligent, independent and sometimes undeniably arrogant, although much of that confidence is well earned. Given her awful upbringing and everything she has survived, her carefully constructed walls make perfect sense. She loves very few people, but she loves them fiercely, and the vulnerability beneath all that confidence, particularly when it comes to Colson Hardwicke, has always inspired my empathy.
At the beginning of this book, Verity and Colson are finally in accord. She has admitted both to herself and to him that she loves him, although marriage and the potential loss of her fiercely guarded independence remain another matter entirely.
I think I finally worked out, though, what has kept me at a distance from Verity. There are simply so many versions of her. Her disguises are far more than changes of clothing or appearance; she inhabits the people she becomes in order to get information, and Colson adores this about her. He is delighted by her audacity, intelligence and ability to transform herself completely.
And she is extraordinarily capable. Perhaps, for me, almost too capable. Verity can seemingly become anyone, talk her way through anything and frequently makes a scene where a little subtlety might have served her just as well. After six books, rather than making me admire her more, all those performances have begun to make it difficult for me to grasp the woman underneath them. I sometimes feel as though I know all the people Verity can become better than I know Verity herself.
That distance also made it harder for me to become completely invested in her relationship with Colson and in the fierce loyalty she inspires in the people around her. I understand why he finds every incarnation of her fascinating, but I’m not sure I feel the same connection to the person beneath them.
There is still plenty to enjoy here, with the poppy and opium trade, chemistry and science becoming entangled with Colson’s father and the murder mystery at the centre of the story. Messina’s trademark wit is very much present too, with clever banter, entertaining dialogue and that slightly whimsical tone I’ve always enjoyed.
This certainly doesn’t mean I’m giving up on Lynn Messina. Far from it. Give me another Beatrice Hyde-Clare mystery and I’ll be there in a heartbeat. Perhaps Verity and I have simply reached the end of our particular journey together.
Verity has always been a little harder for me to connect with. She is fiercely intelligent, independent and sometimes undeniably arrogant, although much of that confidence is well earned. Given her awful upbringing and everything she has survived, her carefully constructed walls make perfect sense. She loves very few people, but she loves them fiercely, and the vulnerability beneath all that confidence, particularly when it comes to Colson Hardwicke, has always inspired my empathy.
At the beginning of this book, Verity and Colson are finally in accord. She has admitted both to herself and to him that she loves him, although marriage and the potential loss of her fiercely guarded independence remain another matter entirely.
I think I finally worked out, though, what has kept me at a distance from Verity. There are simply so many versions of her. Her disguises are far more than changes of clothing or appearance; she inhabits the people she becomes in order to get information, and Colson adores this about her. He is delighted by her audacity, intelligence and ability to transform herself completely.
And she is extraordinarily capable. Perhaps, for me, almost too capable. Verity can seemingly become anyone, talk her way through anything and frequently makes a scene where a little subtlety might have served her just as well. After six books, rather than making me admire her more, all those performances have begun to make it difficult for me to grasp the woman underneath them. I sometimes feel as though I know all the people Verity can become better than I know Verity herself.
That distance also made it harder for me to become completely invested in her relationship with Colson and in the fierce loyalty she inspires in the people around her. I understand why he finds every incarnation of her fascinating, but I’m not sure I feel the same connection to the person beneath them.
There is still plenty to enjoy here, with the poppy and opium trade, chemistry and science becoming entangled with Colson’s father and the murder mystery at the centre of the story. Messina’s trademark wit is very much present too, with clever banter, entertaining dialogue and that slightly whimsical tone I’ve always enjoyed.
This certainly doesn’t mean I’m giving up on Lynn Messina. Far from it. Give me another Beatrice Hyde-Clare mystery and I’ll be there in a heartbeat. Perhaps Verity and I have simply reached the end of our particular journey together.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a delicious and delightful Regency period cozy mystery replete with proper usage of period nomenclature.
Although this is the sixth installment in the Verity Lark mystery series, I did not find myself asea trying to track the characters and the cumulative story. There was sufficient background provided, that one could leap into this book with both feet and not miss a step. There are a few enticing references to scenarios from previous installments which only make the desire stronger to go back to the beginning and get the full story and all its developments.
From page one, the story read like a Mozart comic opera - absolute shear farce! But after a few chapters, the gravity of the situation begins to take shape. While collecting bits of gossip among London's ton, Verity gets bits of news about a gents efforts to cast off his wife in pursuit of a younger and better funded model. This will just not do. Through her gossip column, Verity will do her best to turn the tables. While also perusing the news, the apparent suicide of a chemist dabbling in opium experimentation was of interest to Verity. Turns out that the scientist was a dear friend of Verity's main squeeze, Colson Hardwicke's father. With Verity driven to right the wrongs, she is off in pursuit clues and justice.
Ms. Messina has done a terrific job of capturing the social mores of the aristocratic class of Regency England. She pokes a bit of fun at all the rules by which one must live one's life. She also brings to light the struggles which women particularly faced back in those days and the social constrictures placed upon them. Heaven forbid that they should step out of line. Any such action will only land them in the tattle sheets of the local newspaper - as well they do in this story.
Ms. Messina's writing is clear and concise. The mise-en-scène is spot on. The mystery proffers a number of red herrings with any number of the characters having a motive for the murder. This was certainly an enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more by this fine writer.
I am grateful to author Lynn Messina and her publisher, Potatoworks Press, for having provided a complimentary uncorrected proof copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Publisher: Potatoworks Press
Publication date: July 24, 2026
Number of pages: 411
ISBN: 978-1965885178
Although this is the sixth installment in the Verity Lark mystery series, I did not find myself asea trying to track the characters and the cumulative story. There was sufficient background provided, that one could leap into this book with both feet and not miss a step. There are a few enticing references to scenarios from previous installments which only make the desire stronger to go back to the beginning and get the full story and all its developments.
From page one, the story read like a Mozart comic opera - absolute shear farce! But after a few chapters, the gravity of the situation begins to take shape. While collecting bits of gossip among London's ton, Verity gets bits of news about a gents efforts to cast off his wife in pursuit of a younger and better funded model. This will just not do. Through her gossip column, Verity will do her best to turn the tables. While also perusing the news, the apparent suicide of a chemist dabbling in opium experimentation was of interest to Verity. Turns out that the scientist was a dear friend of Verity's main squeeze, Colson Hardwicke's father. With Verity driven to right the wrongs, she is off in pursuit clues and justice.
Ms. Messina has done a terrific job of capturing the social mores of the aristocratic class of Regency England. She pokes a bit of fun at all the rules by which one must live one's life. She also brings to light the struggles which women particularly faced back in those days and the social constrictures placed upon them. Heaven forbid that they should step out of line. Any such action will only land them in the tattle sheets of the local newspaper - as well they do in this story.
Ms. Messina's writing is clear and concise. The mise-en-scène is spot on. The mystery proffers a number of red herrings with any number of the characters having a motive for the murder. This was certainly an enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more by this fine writer.
I am grateful to author Lynn Messina and her publisher, Potatoworks Press, for having provided a complimentary uncorrected proof copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Publisher: Potatoworks Press
Publication date: July 24, 2026
Number of pages: 411
ISBN: 978-1965885178
July 25, 2026
Real Rating: 3.5* of five
The Publisher Says: Oh, dear. Is that the Marquess of Ware enjoying a pipe in the very same upscale opium den as Verity Lark?
It is, yes.
Wonderful.
Now she must inform her suitor, Colson Hardwicke, of his father’s unsavory habit—which means she will have to reveal that she herself had been partaking in the very next berth.
He will understand.
Once she explains that the den is above the fish seller whose poppy trade she has been monitoring for months, he will totally get it. As London’s most intrepid reporter and dogged gossipmonger, she is duty bound to get to the bottom of the mystery.
What Hardwicke might find a little harder to accept is why she was kissing the marquess in a darkened room during a fashionable society affair.
That is a slightly more complicated story.
Alas, with a killer stalking her, she might not have a chance to tell it.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: There is a deeply, intricately interconnected Messina-verse. Verity Lark and Beatrice Hyde-Clare are the poles the puzzles to be solved in the stories anchor to. The reason Author Messina chose two bluestockings to hold up her stories is obvious: Aren't you damn good and sick of YET ANOTHER marriage plot?
Bridgerton notwithstanding, it's time to move 2026 past 1806's mores, if not manners and speech patterns because those're still heaps of fun. Verity's a ballsy Lady Whistledown with serious Ida Tarbell vibes.
I won't pretend this is Heyer territory, all champagne bubbles and gooseberry fool served to noddycocks by discreet servants. It's still well-thought-out fun, puzzling stories that hang on details you missed; no easy solves with Verity! You *do* need to read them in order, though. I recommend starting with A Lark's Tale to get properly oriented, the proceed at your own pace...likely apace...to savor the fun.
Potatoworks Press will need $6.99 for you to get into that Kindlebook.
The Publisher Says: Oh, dear. Is that the Marquess of Ware enjoying a pipe in the very same upscale opium den as Verity Lark?
It is, yes.
Wonderful.
Now she must inform her suitor, Colson Hardwicke, of his father’s unsavory habit—which means she will have to reveal that she herself had been partaking in the very next berth.
He will understand.
Once she explains that the den is above the fish seller whose poppy trade she has been monitoring for months, he will totally get it. As London’s most intrepid reporter and dogged gossipmonger, she is duty bound to get to the bottom of the mystery.
What Hardwicke might find a little harder to accept is why she was kissing the marquess in a darkened room during a fashionable society affair.
That is a slightly more complicated story.
Alas, with a killer stalking her, she might not have a chance to tell it.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: There is a deeply, intricately interconnected Messina-verse. Verity Lark and Beatrice Hyde-Clare are the poles the puzzles to be solved in the stories anchor to. The reason Author Messina chose two bluestockings to hold up her stories is obvious: Aren't you damn good and sick of YET ANOTHER marriage plot?
Bridgerton notwithstanding, it's time to move 2026 past 1806's mores, if not manners and speech patterns because those're still heaps of fun. Verity's a ballsy Lady Whistledown with serious Ida Tarbell vibes.
I won't pretend this is Heyer territory, all champagne bubbles and gooseberry fool served to noddycocks by discreet servants. It's still well-thought-out fun, puzzling stories that hang on details you missed; no easy solves with Verity! You *do* need to read them in order, though. I recommend starting with A Lark's Tale to get properly oriented, the proceed at your own pace...likely apace...to savor the fun.
Potatoworks Press will need $6.99 for you to get into that Kindlebook.
August 7, 2026
A Delightfully Complicated Mess of a Mystery
If there is one thing you can count on in a Verity Lark novel, it is that our intrepid reporter will find herself in the most gloriously tangled webs of her own making. A Lark's Gambit, the sixth installment in Lynn Messina’s charming Regency Cozy series, is no exception and it is absolutely delightful.
The premise alone is worth the price of admission. Verity, in the middle of a professional stakeout (monitoring a fish seller’s poppy trade, of course), finds herself in an upscale opium den. This would be awkward enough on its own, but spotting the Marquess of Ware, the father of her suitor, Colson Hardwicke enjoying a pipe in the next berth raises the stakes considerably. Now Verity has to inform Hardwicke of his father's habit, a conversation made infinitely more difficult by the fact that she must admit she was there too.
But wait, it gets better. The one thing harder to explain than her presence in the den? The fact that she was caught kissing the Marquess in a dark room at a high-society ball. Messina expertly balances the high stakes of a murder investigation (because, naturally, a killer is now stalking Verity) with the hilariously high stakes of Verity’s personal life. The tension is palpable on both fronts.
As always, Messina’s writing is witty and sharp, capturing the tone of the era while keeping the pacing brisk and modern. Verity remains a wonderfully flawed and endearing protagonist—brilliant and brave, yet utterly inept when it comes to managing her own romantic entanglements. The chemistry between her and Hardwicke continues to sizzle, and the added layer of family drama with the Marquess only deepens their dynamic.
A Lark's Gambit is a perfect blend of screwball comedy, romantic tension, and cozy mystery. It’s a testament to Messina’s skill that she can make us laugh out loud at Verity’s predicaments while keeping us genuinely invested in the dangerous mystery at hand. Longtime fans will adore this installment, and newcomers will find themselves immediately charmed and eager to read the rest of the series. A must-read for anyone who loves their historical mysteries with a hefty dose of heart and humor.
If there is one thing you can count on in a Verity Lark novel, it is that our intrepid reporter will find herself in the most gloriously tangled webs of her own making. A Lark's Gambit, the sixth installment in Lynn Messina’s charming Regency Cozy series, is no exception and it is absolutely delightful.
The premise alone is worth the price of admission. Verity, in the middle of a professional stakeout (monitoring a fish seller’s poppy trade, of course), finds herself in an upscale opium den. This would be awkward enough on its own, but spotting the Marquess of Ware, the father of her suitor, Colson Hardwicke enjoying a pipe in the next berth raises the stakes considerably. Now Verity has to inform Hardwicke of his father's habit, a conversation made infinitely more difficult by the fact that she must admit she was there too.
But wait, it gets better. The one thing harder to explain than her presence in the den? The fact that she was caught kissing the Marquess in a dark room at a high-society ball. Messina expertly balances the high stakes of a murder investigation (because, naturally, a killer is now stalking Verity) with the hilariously high stakes of Verity’s personal life. The tension is palpable on both fronts.
As always, Messina’s writing is witty and sharp, capturing the tone of the era while keeping the pacing brisk and modern. Verity remains a wonderfully flawed and endearing protagonist—brilliant and brave, yet utterly inept when it comes to managing her own romantic entanglements. The chemistry between her and Hardwicke continues to sizzle, and the added layer of family drama with the Marquess only deepens their dynamic.
A Lark's Gambit is a perfect blend of screwball comedy, romantic tension, and cozy mystery. It’s a testament to Messina’s skill that she can make us laugh out loud at Verity’s predicaments while keeping us genuinely invested in the dangerous mystery at hand. Longtime fans will adore this installment, and newcomers will find themselves immediately charmed and eager to read the rest of the series. A must-read for anyone who loves their historical mysteries with a hefty dose of heart and humor.
August 23, 2026
Typos…pulls me out of the story. I reread this series and Bea’s series a lot so these items are noticeable. Happy to be a proofreader! Love this series and Bea’s series.
In one of the previous paragraph she said Mr. Shenton. And this was her saying the name again in another paragraph but now it’s Shelton… and it wasn’t William Lambscombe messing up the name.
“I spoke with Mr. Shenton ,” she confirmed.
She was too distressed and reiterated that she had not said anything about Miss Dinsmore. She knew this for a fact because anything else defied sense. “She has nothing to do with the suit, so my bringing her up would be illogical, and Mr. Shelton did not ask about her. If he did, I would have remembered. There is nothing for it: You are wrong.”
I do love these books however. It’s just things pull me out of the story.
Another conflict…hinged but then painting taken down…
To his credit, Ware did not dash forward to intercept her, instead noting that the work was hinged on the left side to allow it to swing open . “Frothmere’s secretary mentioned it when I warned him about a recent spate of thefts in the neighborhood. He sought to put my mind at ease by assuring me his employer had taken all due precautions to protect his important papers and jewelry.”
With Hardwicke’s assistance, Verity removed the painting to reveal a safe secured with a simple warded lock, which earned the marquess’s derision. “If Frothmere were serious about security, he would have a double-acting lever lock,” he said tartly before devoting his attention to opening it.
I believe these should be Wem, not Wim…
But Delphine frowned and wondered if they would just be foisting Stechford’s wickedness on the next unsuspecting female. “He cannot be free to keep assaulting women, and what he has done to Verity is a crime. He deserves to be imprisoned. I realize Newgate is too much to hope for, but what about an asylum? Can we not have him confined like Wim? He is clearly not in his right mind.” Oh, but that was a castle in Spain. Indeed, they would have better luck consigning the earl to the gallows than to a madhouse. The only reason Wim’s detention had been arranged so handily was he flaunted his mental unfitness before three-quarters of the haute ton. Furthermore, Wim was insane in uncontestably recognizable ways.
In one of the previous paragraph she said Mr. Shenton. And this was her saying the name again in another paragraph but now it’s Shelton… and it wasn’t William Lambscombe messing up the name.
“I spoke with Mr. Shenton ,” she confirmed.
She was too distressed and reiterated that she had not said anything about Miss Dinsmore. She knew this for a fact because anything else defied sense. “She has nothing to do with the suit, so my bringing her up would be illogical, and Mr. Shelton did not ask about her. If he did, I would have remembered. There is nothing for it: You are wrong.”
I do love these books however. It’s just things pull me out of the story.
Another conflict…hinged but then painting taken down…
To his credit, Ware did not dash forward to intercept her, instead noting that the work was hinged on the left side to allow it to swing open . “Frothmere’s secretary mentioned it when I warned him about a recent spate of thefts in the neighborhood. He sought to put my mind at ease by assuring me his employer had taken all due precautions to protect his important papers and jewelry.”
With Hardwicke’s assistance, Verity removed the painting to reveal a safe secured with a simple warded lock, which earned the marquess’s derision. “If Frothmere were serious about security, he would have a double-acting lever lock,” he said tartly before devoting his attention to opening it.
I believe these should be Wem, not Wim…
But Delphine frowned and wondered if they would just be foisting Stechford’s wickedness on the next unsuspecting female. “He cannot be free to keep assaulting women, and what he has done to Verity is a crime. He deserves to be imprisoned. I realize Newgate is too much to hope for, but what about an asylum? Can we not have him confined like Wim? He is clearly not in his right mind.” Oh, but that was a castle in Spain. Indeed, they would have better luck consigning the earl to the gallows than to a madhouse. The only reason Wim’s detention had been arranged so handily was he flaunted his mental unfitness before three-quarters of the haute ton. Furthermore, Wim was insane in uncontestably recognizable ways.
July 27, 2026
A Lark’s Gambit by Lynn Messina is another Verity Lark investigation full of her undercover as various characters; her beau, Colson Hardwicke; her roommate and friend, Delphine,; and her colleague, Freddie. Delphine, Freddie and Verity had grown up together in an orphanage and had been together since then. Verity was not young, but a hearty thirty-five and in love for the first time. She is having trouble adjusting to the new feelings and often tries to fight against them. Hardwicke’s father is a marquess and not thrilled with their relationship, especially when she insisted that the murderer of his good friend, was another of his friends. Nobility stuck together. As the investigation progressed, he began to appreciate Verity’s methods and intuition. It was complicated. The dead man was a scientist who had isolated the amount of poppy seed was most appropriate. It would be a break-through for the medical world. The problem was he experimented on himself. But, always carefully. And his discovery would be lucrative.
Her second case was about another member of the nobility who was a known womanizer. He had tried it on Verity when she was a young woman in service. She carried that with her and when he set his wife up to cheat so he could obtain a divorce as well as sue the guilty man, she wanted to get him for it. He had his new, younger and rich wife, already picked out. Verity could not let t his stand. It is an intriguing read touching on opium dens, insanity, and never-ending creativity. It was an enticing read, full of subtle romance, and clever investigation. Good characters, well-rounded and deep as well as a pleasant setting in Regency England. Good read.
I was invited to read A Lark’s Gambit by Book Whisperer. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BookWhisperer #LynnMessina #ALarksGambit
Her second case was about another member of the nobility who was a known womanizer. He had tried it on Verity when she was a young woman in service. She carried that with her and when he set his wife up to cheat so he could obtain a divorce as well as sue the guilty man, she wanted to get him for it. He had his new, younger and rich wife, already picked out. Verity could not let t his stand. It is an intriguing read touching on opium dens, insanity, and never-ending creativity. It was an enticing read, full of subtle romance, and clever investigation. Good characters, well-rounded and deep as well as a pleasant setting in Regency England. Good read.
I was invited to read A Lark’s Gambit by Book Whisperer. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BookWhisperer #LynnMessina #ALarksGambit
July 31, 2026
This book starts out by Colson Hardwicke walking into a room to discover Verity kissing the Marquess of Ware, his father. What's that all about? But that's getting ahead of the story and there is an explanation. I just love the addition of the Marquess to this book. To see the push and pull between him and Verity is an absolute delight, and you get more of a feel for the family background than you might have had in the past. In any case, there is a murder and there are investigations to be done. Verity is kept quite busy. Initially, Colson is out of town and when he returns, he and Verity come together like a pair that has never been apart. They just work with each other. Which is why the addition of the marquess mixes it up, I think. I think this series continues to improve as it goes in a way that isn't happening as much with the main series of BHC, which is much longer running.
In this story we run into an old adversary of Verity's. Her former employer was a real piece of work and continues to be so. Which raises more of the ongoing trauma that Verity continues to handle. But what I find is Verity learns to let go of these things a little bit at a time so that her burden is lighter with time. In this way, her character is making some major developments, although even this can be disconcerting for her.
In any case, this was a great read, and I highly recommend it for some murder, mystery and a few laughs. To find out how the Marquess makes his appearance, you just have to read and find out and enjoy the ongoing hijinks. Thank you to Book Whisperer and Netgalley for the free copy. I have provided my feedback under no obligation.
In this story we run into an old adversary of Verity's. Her former employer was a real piece of work and continues to be so. Which raises more of the ongoing trauma that Verity continues to handle. But what I find is Verity learns to let go of these things a little bit at a time so that her burden is lighter with time. In this way, her character is making some major developments, although even this can be disconcerting for her.
In any case, this was a great read, and I highly recommend it for some murder, mystery and a few laughs. To find out how the Marquess makes his appearance, you just have to read and find out and enjoy the ongoing hijinks. Thank you to Book Whisperer and Netgalley for the free copy. I have provided my feedback under no obligation.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In what has to be the funniest, most outrageous opening scene since Beatrice Hyde-Clare caught her husband embracing his former mistress in the front hall*, the sixth Verity Lark book bursts out of the gate with our heroine's love interest, Colson Hardwicke, stumbling upon his father kissing Verity at a Venetian Breakfast. The initial section of this story backtracks to show how Verity and the Marquis of Ware have been crossing paths as separate investigations became intwined. From there, Hardwicke joins the team.
Avoiding spoilers here, the poppy trade is the backdrop of this story and a chemist who isolated the poppy's active element has been killed and his research notes stolen. The investigation has Verity and Ware interacting significantly, which adds to the relationship subplot that's been simmering for the entire series. It also puts Verity back in touch with a villain from her past. Two action scenes related to that character might mean the end of a horrible chapter for Verity.
Lynn Messina knows how to balance the main mystery storyline and the relationship subplot perfectly. I found myself equally delighted by the developments in the investigation and romance between Verity and Hardwicke. As usual, this story is full of ridiculous and outrageous moments. Only Lynn Messina can make you laugh out loud while reading about murder. This was another gem in the Verity Lake series!
*A Murderous Tryst
Avoiding spoilers here, the poppy trade is the backdrop of this story and a chemist who isolated the poppy's active element has been killed and his research notes stolen. The investigation has Verity and Ware interacting significantly, which adds to the relationship subplot that's been simmering for the entire series. It also puts Verity back in touch with a villain from her past. Two action scenes related to that character might mean the end of a horrible chapter for Verity.
Lynn Messina knows how to balance the main mystery storyline and the relationship subplot perfectly. I found myself equally delighted by the developments in the investigation and romance between Verity and Hardwicke. As usual, this story is full of ridiculous and outrageous moments. Only Lynn Messina can make you laugh out loud while reading about murder. This was another gem in the Verity Lake series!
*A Murderous Tryst
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I thank NetGalley and Potatoworks Press for an advance reader copy of A Lark’s Gambit. All opinions and comments are my own.
If you can get past that startling prologue then the rest should be easy, as Verity Lark does her level best to provide fodder for Mr. Twaddle-Thum and bring down a pompous earl that emphasizes the worst of British nobility. All with the unwelcome assistance of Lord Colson’s high and mighty father, the Marquess of Ware. It is a journey eventually fraught with danger, as their prey does not go quietly.
And mentioning the importance of this has nothing on the other plotline that involves the death
of a pioneering chemist trying to find a formula for refining opium to isolate it so that it “induces sleep,” thus giving the drug (as laudanum) a safer way to use it. Verity’s efforts at uncovering the whys and wherefores of the murder (opium dens! Breaking and entering! Disguise after disguise!) are mind-boggling.
In Verity’s latest attempt to figure out her life with the delectable Lord Colson Hardwicke (does she or doesn’t she? Only author Lynn Messina knows for sure), readers need only hope that “love conquers all things,” as Virgil knew very well. Ancient Roman poets can always be counted on to get to the crux of the matter. Verity’s next fictional adventure should be an interesting one, as “A Lark’s Gambit provides a story sure to entertain.
If you can get past that startling prologue then the rest should be easy, as Verity Lark does her level best to provide fodder for Mr. Twaddle-Thum and bring down a pompous earl that emphasizes the worst of British nobility. All with the unwelcome assistance of Lord Colson’s high and mighty father, the Marquess of Ware. It is a journey eventually fraught with danger, as their prey does not go quietly.
And mentioning the importance of this has nothing on the other plotline that involves the death
of a pioneering chemist trying to find a formula for refining opium to isolate it so that it “induces sleep,” thus giving the drug (as laudanum) a safer way to use it. Verity’s efforts at uncovering the whys and wherefores of the murder (opium dens! Breaking and entering! Disguise after disguise!) are mind-boggling.
In Verity’s latest attempt to figure out her life with the delectable Lord Colson Hardwicke (does she or doesn’t she? Only author Lynn Messina knows for sure), readers need only hope that “love conquers all things,” as Virgil knew very well. Ancient Roman poets can always be counted on to get to the crux of the matter. Verity’s next fictional adventure should be an interesting one, as “A Lark’s Gambit provides a story sure to entertain.
July 28, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced digital copy of this book.
Oh, my, Verity Lark is involved in a scandal, AGAIN!! While trying to understand the poppy husks that have been concealed in fish delivered to a certain scientist, who is also a peer of the realm, Verity spies the Marquess of Ware at an upscale opium den!! How will she explain this to her beau, the Marquess' son?
It turns out, the gentleman in question is also on the trail of the errant poppies, because the scientist, a good friend of his from years ago at school, has died under suspicious circumstances. And the Marquess is determined to find out how and why he died, and who is responsible. But he is not very happy to discover Verity's interest in the same case, especially as she is entangled with his son.
But they all work together to unravel the mystery, while in the meantime, Verity, the Marquess, and Hardwicke, the son and Verity's love, discover they have a lot in common. By the time the story ends, Verity's biggest enemy has shown his true colors, and Verity and Hardwicke are close to reaching an understanding!!
A fund read, even if you are not familiar with this series. I suggest you pick up another one soon!!
Oh, my, Verity Lark is involved in a scandal, AGAIN!! While trying to understand the poppy husks that have been concealed in fish delivered to a certain scientist, who is also a peer of the realm, Verity spies the Marquess of Ware at an upscale opium den!! How will she explain this to her beau, the Marquess' son?
It turns out, the gentleman in question is also on the trail of the errant poppies, because the scientist, a good friend of his from years ago at school, has died under suspicious circumstances. And the Marquess is determined to find out how and why he died, and who is responsible. But he is not very happy to discover Verity's interest in the same case, especially as she is entangled with his son.
But they all work together to unravel the mystery, while in the meantime, Verity, the Marquess, and Hardwicke, the son and Verity's love, discover they have a lot in common. By the time the story ends, Verity's biggest enemy has shown his true colors, and Verity and Hardwicke are close to reaching an understanding!!
A fund read, even if you are not familiar with this series. I suggest you pick up another one soon!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The next book in a delightful series about Verity Lark…19th Century Britain’s fearless investigative writer (posing as her non-existent brother), gossip columnist who skewers the rich and noble, illegitimate step sister to a Duke, wronged orphan and the most resilient and resourceful female character with wit and a bazillion disguises. If none of that intrigues you…move on. In this caper, Verity, once again finds herself trying to solve a murder plus bring down a monstrous Earl who is a sleazy, slimy rapist and who a very young Verity first worked for as a maid. Verity is fiercely independent, prickly and distrusting of most sentimental feelings. Which is why she’s trying to fight her love for Lord Colson Hardwick….2nd son of the powerful Lord Ware and undercover agent for the Crown. He loves her and completely respects her skills and need for independence in a world were women are NOT independent. Unfortunately, Verity must team up with the imposing and imperious Lord Ware and Hardwick to bring both the murderer and Earl to justice. The writing is sparkling and the scenes with Verity’s household members and quite funny. Thanks to #netgalley for the ARC of this book
July 29, 2026
Two covers? I actually read the yellow but more folks reviewing here.
I should have given it four stars for the fact that IT NEEDED ONE MORE PAGE!!! Or at least a few more paragraphs. Cliffhanger much?
Seeing Verity’s circle of people she trusts expand is so beautiful. I hope with all my heart she somehow ends up at Bea’s & Damien’s house party.
The thing I love about everything Beahive related is that Messina assumes her readers are smart. These books are witty and complex and verbose. Messina expects you to keep up and the rewards you at every turn.
I also love the prologues in our Verity books. These are not dual POV style, but we have had a chapter from Kesgrave, Nuneaton, and, now (heart melt) Hardwicke.
Keep them coming!! I literally SQUEAL in delight when I see a new one pop on my kindle unlimited as pending. As I wait I reread. I’ve used my audible downloads to get the full series that has been made into audio…fully hooked. Thank you for sharing your clever, rich, delightful characters with total strangers!
I should have given it four stars for the fact that IT NEEDED ONE MORE PAGE!!! Or at least a few more paragraphs. Cliffhanger much?
Seeing Verity’s circle of people she trusts expand is so beautiful. I hope with all my heart she somehow ends up at Bea’s & Damien’s house party.
The thing I love about everything Beahive related is that Messina assumes her readers are smart. These books are witty and complex and verbose. Messina expects you to keep up and the rewards you at every turn.
I also love the prologues in our Verity books. These are not dual POV style, but we have had a chapter from Kesgrave, Nuneaton, and, now (heart melt) Hardwicke.
Keep them coming!! I literally SQUEAL in delight when I see a new one pop on my kindle unlimited as pending. As I wait I reread. I’ve used my audible downloads to get the full series that has been made into audio…fully hooked. Thank you for sharing your clever, rich, delightful characters with total strangers!
August 3, 2026
Verity Lark has many persona. She is an avid reporter, a spy amongst the aristocracy, running a complicated household, madly in love with Coulson son of the Marques of Ware. Complicated enough but she is now pursuing tge opium trade in London, in disguise of course and now has to account how and why tge Marques of Ware is patronizing an opium den. Explaining that to his son is going to take gumption, explaining why she is kissing said Marques is going to be much more troublesome.
I love the historical details and snippets that flavor the entire read. The lifestyle and autocratic style will leave one puzzled as to how the aristocracy in Britain got away with it, for as long as they did, and did not face the way the French went. The sheer bigotry, the powers that were vested in them was unbelievable. Still that is history and we have Verity and Coulson, Delphine, Freddy and Lucy all playing a role in righting society’s ills.
Excellent reading of a historical fiction, romance, mystery read rolled into one very illuminating read.
I love the historical details and snippets that flavor the entire read. The lifestyle and autocratic style will leave one puzzled as to how the aristocracy in Britain got away with it, for as long as they did, and did not face the way the French went. The sheer bigotry, the powers that were vested in them was unbelievable. Still that is history and we have Verity and Coulson, Delphine, Freddy and Lucy all playing a role in righting society’s ills.
Excellent reading of a historical fiction, romance, mystery read rolled into one very illuminating read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A Lark's Gambit by Lynn Messina is the sixth Verity Lark Mystery, a Regency era series spun off from the author's Beatrice Hyde-Clare Mysteries. Verity is the recently acknowledged half-sister of Beatrice's husband, the Duke of Kesgrave. This book starts with a couple of seemingly unrelated mysteries and relationships. There is comedy mixed in with the investigations, the early part borders on farcical before moving into a more fascinating recount of the investigation. The book includes the continuing characters from Verity's household, her beau Colson Hardwicke, and with a bigger role, Colson's father Lord Ware. The book could be read as a standalone, but the important characters would be best understood by those who have read the earlier books. I enjoyed the mystery and the characters, but I'm not an especial fan of Messina's writing style. I thank Book Whisperer and NetGalley for providing an ARC for review; the opinions are mine alone.
July 28, 2026
Verity Lark seems to get herself into very unsavory situations. She is investigating a Lord who plans to divorce his wife under false accusations. While she is doing what she does best, she stumbles upon an opium den hidden above a fish seller's shop. While she is undercover, she finds someone related to her suitor who also indulges a pipe or two of this intoxicating drug. There is also a murder that follows and all of which land on her lap and she is more than glad to solve under her multiple disguises.
Verity and all her personalities are such fun and hilarious to read. If there is something to find out, rest assured she will find out. I enjoyed her drive and the force that she is. She stands up for women who are mistreated and judged unfairly by the ton and those times. She is quirky, brilliant and led the readers to places blindly but we're very eager to follow.
Thank you Netgalley and the Book Whisperer for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
Verity and all her personalities are such fun and hilarious to read. If there is something to find out, rest assured she will find out. I enjoyed her drive and the force that she is. She stands up for women who are mistreated and judged unfairly by the ton and those times. She is quirky, brilliant and led the readers to places blindly but we're very eager to follow.
Thank you Netgalley and the Book Whisperer for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A Lark’s Gambit is not the kind of book you can skim—and that’s a good thing. Lynn Messina has crafted another clever mystery that pulls you in and makes you pay attention to every little detail.
Verity Lark is as bold and brilliant as ever, with her usual mix of dry wit and razor-sharp observations. The mystery itself is twisty and satisfying—you’re not just along for the ride; you’re working right alongside Verity trying to figure it.
Start with the Beatrice Hyde-Clark series and work your way through the Verity Lark mysteries.
Obviously- more to come and I am looking for it.
Highly recommend if you’re looking for a smart, engaging read that keeps your brain fully engaged from start to finish.
Verity Lark is as bold and brilliant as ever, with her usual mix of dry wit and razor-sharp observations. The mystery itself is twisty and satisfying—you’re not just along for the ride; you’re working right alongside Verity trying to figure it.
Start with the Beatrice Hyde-Clark series and work your way through the Verity Lark mysteries.
Obviously- more to come and I am looking for it.
Highly recommend if you’re looking for a smart, engaging read that keeps your brain fully engaged from start to finish.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I think I don’t contradict myself when I say that I didn’t hide my scepticism about all those Verity-theatricals in the Bea-niverse.
Now, give me some minutes to retreat to the calming fig tree over there, while I eat my bonnet, ribbons and all... Thanks.
Now, being here and having said that, I need to exclaim: Best Verity, yet!
We get a cliffhanger in the very beginning, tooth-achingly sweet heartache, twisting mysteries (!), a meandering writing style that still leaves you feeling like everything will be alright with this world, horror, comedy, tragedy, several showdowns, and a (mild) cliffhanger in the end!
It's not a breezer, it is highly engaging entertainment you will most certainly enjoy.
Thanks BookWhisperer and netgalley for the arc. Opinions are my own.
Now, give me some minutes to retreat to the calming fig tree over there, while I eat my bonnet, ribbons and all... Thanks.
Now, being here and having said that, I need to exclaim: Best Verity, yet!
We get a cliffhanger in the very beginning, tooth-achingly sweet heartache, twisting mysteries (!), a meandering writing style that still leaves you feeling like everything will be alright with this world, horror, comedy, tragedy, several showdowns, and a (mild) cliffhanger in the end!
It's not a breezer, it is highly engaging entertainment you will most certainly enjoy.
Thanks BookWhisperer and netgalley for the arc. Opinions are my own.
August 30, 2026
Wonderfully Entertaining.
I couldn’t put it down! That’s the problem with books from this author… the dishes don’t get done, the washing accumulates, bedtime is delayed, and delayed, and delayed. I keep saying, « just 30 more minutes » and the next thing I know, it’s 4 am!
Well, I finished it. I was just a bit disappointed … I wanted more subtle, barely perceptible and exquisitely discreet affection between our main characters. And I was a tiny bit surprised by how quickly the Marquess changed his opinion about Verity. Didn’t seem very realistic somehow. I was expecting the « great reveal » ie her connection to a Duke, Duchess and Dowager Duchess to be the pivot. But regardless, I’ve ordered her next book to be released in December. Thank you for a great read.
I couldn’t put it down! That’s the problem with books from this author… the dishes don’t get done, the washing accumulates, bedtime is delayed, and delayed, and delayed. I keep saying, « just 30 more minutes » and the next thing I know, it’s 4 am!
Well, I finished it. I was just a bit disappointed … I wanted more subtle, barely perceptible and exquisitely discreet affection between our main characters. And I was a tiny bit surprised by how quickly the Marquess changed his opinion about Verity. Didn’t seem very realistic somehow. I was expecting the « great reveal » ie her connection to a Duke, Duchess and Dowager Duchess to be the pivot. But regardless, I’ve ordered her next book to be released in December. Thank you for a great read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Just when I thought the Beaverse could not leave me speechless anymore, Lynn Messina does it again and writes this momentous book in the Verity Lark series.
We have the mystery, the amazing banter, the killer and the witty dialogues that always make me laugh out loud.
I will never get enough of the Beaverse, I just have one complaint: when I start the books in this series and the related ones it so hard to put them down I might as well declare I would do nothing else until I have finished reading!!!
I received an advance copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily, thanks to the author for it.
We have the mystery, the amazing banter, the killer and the witty dialogues that always make me laugh out loud.
I will never get enough of the Beaverse, I just have one complaint: when I start the books in this series and the related ones it so hard to put them down I might as well declare I would do nothing else until I have finished reading!!!
I received an advance copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily, thanks to the author for it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Lark's Gambit: A Regency Cozy (Verity Lark Mysteries Book 6) by Lynn Messina has Verity once more seeking out gossip for her column. While it seems as if Verity is after gossip she is also trying to right wrongs and catch killers in the London area. Despite the social mores of the aristocratic class of Regency England, Verity plows through to her own sense of justice. The book concerns the opium dens of London. Before long Colson Hardwicke is working alongside Verity. Serious with a side dose of humor this is what Lynn Messina write best.
August 3, 2026
Many references to past books
I love Verity Lark as much as I love Bea & Kesgrave written by Lynn Messina. The books intertwine due to Verity’s and Kesgrave’s shared parentage, but each has their own story.
Nevertheless, to read this book as a stand alone would be confusing. With so many references to Verity’s past, it would be difficult not to understand the backstories. In addition, I found myself wanting to go back to reread books to keep all the characters straight.
Do yourself a favor and read books 1-5 before tackling this one.
I loved it and can’t wait for book 7!
I love Verity Lark as much as I love Bea & Kesgrave written by Lynn Messina. The books intertwine due to Verity’s and Kesgrave’s shared parentage, but each has their own story.
Nevertheless, to read this book as a stand alone would be confusing. With so many references to Verity’s past, it would be difficult not to understand the backstories. In addition, I found myself wanting to go back to reread books to keep all the characters straight.
Do yourself a favor and read books 1-5 before tackling this one.
I loved it and can’t wait for book 7!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Netgalley, from whom I received an advance review copy of Lynn Messina's newest Verity Lark Mystery!
Verity is continuing to Verity - and this edition of her story is one of the best in the series!
I always enjoy a cozy murder mystery and this book was no different. I loved the progression in Verity and Hardwicke's relationship, which sat nicely alongside the main mystery plot.
As always, will wait for the next instalment eagerly.
Verity is continuing to Verity - and this edition of her story is one of the best in the series!
I always enjoy a cozy murder mystery and this book was no different. I loved the progression in Verity and Hardwicke's relationship, which sat nicely alongside the main mystery plot.
As always, will wait for the next instalment eagerly.
July 27, 2026
wonderful!
Verity Lark is a complicated, clever, brilliant, resourceful character. I loved her strategies and the various characters she uses to gather clues for her investigations. Hardwicke, his father and her friends’ were delightful (although the Marquee’s evolution to delightful took awhile) . Characters from previous books appear without going into their histories so now I want to reread books 1-5!
Verity Lark is a complicated, clever, brilliant, resourceful character. I loved her strategies and the various characters she uses to gather clues for her investigations. Hardwicke, his father and her friends’ were delightful (although the Marquee’s evolution to delightful took awhile) . Characters from previous books appear without going into their histories so now I want to reread books 1-5!
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