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Captain Lacey #10
The Thames River Murders
Captain Lacey is asked by Peter Thompson of the Thames River Police to help him investigate a cold case–the murder of a woman found near the docks Thompson patrols. The investigation was sidelined, considered unsolvable, but Thompson has long wished to find her killer.
Captain Lacey joins him in the hunt, entering a part of society that is closed to outsiders. Meanwhile, he must deal with his daughter’s debut and more developments in his new domestic life, including a anonymous blackmailer who’s out to ruin Lacey any way he can.
Book 10 of the Captain Lacey Regency Mysteries series. This is a full-length novel.
Captain Lacey joins him in the hunt, entering a part of society that is closed to outsiders. Meanwhile, he must deal with his daughter’s debut and more developments in his new domestic life, including a anonymous blackmailer who’s out to ruin Lacey any way he can.
Book 10 of the Captain Lacey Regency Mysteries series. This is a full-length novel.
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 27, 2015
184 people are currently reading
541 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Gardner
48 books678 followersAshley Gardner is the pseudonym for NY Times bestselling and award-winning author Jennifer Ashley and nationally bestselling and award-winning author Allyson James. Her award-winning Captain Lacey Regency mysteries have garnered top reviews and an enthusiastic following. These books are now available as digital editions. More about the series can be found at http://www.gardnermysteries.com
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October 27, 2015It's out!
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Capt Lacey is asked to help solve a cold-case crime; meanwhile he must deal with a determined blackmailer and his daughter's come-out.
Kindle
Nook
iBooks
Kobo
Google Play
ARE/OmniLit
Print via Amazon (print book will soon be available at more vendors)
Capt Lacey is asked to help solve a cold-case crime; meanwhile he must deal with a determined blackmailer and his daughter's come-out.
April 15, 2018
Review written April 15, 2018
3.7 Stars - Immediately hooked as always...
Book #10
Just published as a audiobook and I of course downloaded at once. My favorite Captain is always a good book choice. - 7:37 hours narrated greatly by James Gillies.
« Captain Lacey is asked by Thompson of the Thames River Police to help him investigate a cold case–the murder of a woman found near the docks Thompson patrols. »
A good interesting whodunnit part once again. It feels like really knowing these characters and their old, pretty dangerous, dark and dirty, world back then in London. Nasty villains and a very clever, manly and warm-hearted Captain with a couple of great helpful friends. Add fun, joy, love and care for others. — A audiobook listening to just enjoy as always.
The series, author / pen-name, my reviews:
I LIKE - my Captain adventures in book after book
3.7 Stars - Immediately hooked as always...
Book #10
Just published as a audiobook and I of course downloaded at once. My favorite Captain is always a good book choice. - 7:37 hours narrated greatly by James Gillies.
« Captain Lacey is asked by Thompson of the Thames River Police to help him investigate a cold case–the murder of a woman found near the docks Thompson patrols. »
A good interesting whodunnit part once again. It feels like really knowing these characters and their old, pretty dangerous, dark and dirty, world back then in London. Nasty villains and a very clever, manly and warm-hearted Captain with a couple of great helpful friends. Add fun, joy, love and care for others. — A audiobook listening to just enjoy as always.
The series, author / pen-name, my reviews:
I LIKE - my Captain adventures in book after book
October 16, 2017
My favorite of the Captain Lacey books I've read so far. I enjoyed the mystery, and Lacey's personal life dilemmas with his wife and daughter. I've read reviews that say the books have gotten in a rut; but since I haven't read them all, I have not noticed. These are not hard-hitting thrillers, but a gentler mystery that one might expect from a gentleman solving a murder in the Regency era.
October 28, 2015
I've been looking forward to this installment in the Captain Lacey series since I binged on the previous books earlier this year. So, even though I had STUFF TO DO today, I decided to go ahead and read a couple chapters while I was drinking my morning coffee.
Let's just say that, thirty one chapters later, I still have STUFF TO DO. There is nothing like a great mystery (let alone TWO) to crowd everything else out of my head.
So here's the scoop:
Lacey is called upon to solve a cold case. A really cold case. A decade ago, a skeleton was fished out of the River Thames. The examination concluded that the skeleton was female, and, thanks to a big old gaping hole in her skull, they know she was murdered. Beyond that, they know almost nothing. Nobody came looking for this woman, so they don't even have an ID.
Armed with the remains and a couple nondescript personal effects, along with his own, not-so-official resources (wife Donata, friend Grenville, frenemy and crime lord Denis, and assorted other regulars and walk-ones), Lacey sets out to solve the case. Meanwhile, someone is sending Lacey blackmail letters and threatening him and his family.
You are a lot smarter than I am if you figure out either mystery before the denouement, which is wholly satisfying. Unfortunately, the next installment isn't even available for pre-order yet.
5 stars.
Let's just say that, thirty one chapters later, I still have STUFF TO DO. There is nothing like a great mystery (let alone TWO) to crowd everything else out of my head.
So here's the scoop:
Lacey is called upon to solve a cold case. A really cold case. A decade ago, a skeleton was fished out of the River Thames. The examination concluded that the skeleton was female, and, thanks to a big old gaping hole in her skull, they know she was murdered. Beyond that, they know almost nothing. Nobody came looking for this woman, so they don't even have an ID.
Armed with the remains and a couple nondescript personal effects, along with his own, not-so-official resources (wife Donata, friend Grenville, frenemy and crime lord Denis, and assorted other regulars and walk-ones), Lacey sets out to solve the case. Meanwhile, someone is sending Lacey blackmail letters and threatening him and his family.
You are a lot smarter than I am if you figure out either mystery before the denouement, which is wholly satisfying. Unfortunately, the next installment isn't even available for pre-order yet.
5 stars.
November 10, 2022
The Thames River Murders was an okay read with a solid mystery. However, I was so sick of reading about the coming out season preparations for Gabriella's, Lacey's teenaged daughter from his first marriage. I found myself scrolling through all scenes focusing on a bunch of filler. Gabriella seemed to go through the motions to appease her stepmother but clearly her heart and mind elsewhere. So, all the frenzied preparations seemed like a waste of my reading time.
Too much time has passed for father and daughter to bond. It would have been enough seeing his long-long daughter then sending her back to her mother and stepdad.
However, I loved how Lacey includes his wife, Donata, on all the machinations of his investigations,; he holds her as an equitable partner and values her opinion.
This book was a fascinating look into the life of the Jewish community during the Regency era and the murder mystery was intriguing and engrossing.
Too much time has passed for father and daughter to bond. It would have been enough seeing his long-long daughter then sending her back to her mother and stepdad.
However, I loved how Lacey includes his wife, Donata, on all the machinations of his investigations,; he holds her as an equitable partner and values her opinion.
This book was a fascinating look into the life of the Jewish community during the Regency era and the murder mystery was intriguing and engrossing.
December 18, 2022
How does this series keep getting better? We get to see Gabriel settling into family life even more, a flash of the cavalryman during a scene with Peter at the park, more development of the friendship between Gabriel and Brewster (and even a scene with Gabriel, Grenville, and Brewster having a drink), preparations for Garbriella’s ball, Gabriel being a hilariously protective dad, and a look into Jewish life in London during the early 1800s. There’s so much more.
One of the strong currents: humor. The banter between Gabriel and Donata and then Gabriel and Brewster is so entertaining!
The one odd point: No Marianne. Just one mention of her.
One of the strong currents: humor. The banter between Gabriel and Donata and then Gabriel and Brewster is so entertaining!
The one odd point: No Marianne. Just one mention of her.
May 18, 2025
3.7 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed the investigation conduct in this 11th instalment. It was not groundbreaking sleuthing but it was well paced, well written and the adventure was gripping.
My only minus was the reveal of the culprit. Came out of the left field for me, and the culprit's motive (and backstory leading to the crime) was barely fleshed out in too few paras - it felt like a last minute decision to point him as the unexpected person. Underwhelming.
However, I enjoyed the final twist of and it makes me giddy to get the final explanation, hopefully in the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2016
While I thoroughly enjoyed the Captain Lacey Series up to now, I am not entirely happy with this one. The whole plot is so far fetched. Why is this 20 year old murder / accident investigated in the first place? And the mysterious, enigmatic, dangerous Mr. Denis is starting to get on my nerves, he is just not coming over as an authentic person. The series has been going on for 10 books and even though we got a glimpse on his personal life in a former book he is still not "real" to me.
But my small complaints notwithstanding I enjoyed the book even though it is not my favorite of the series and I am looking forward to the next sequel.
But my small complaints notwithstanding I enjoyed the book even though it is not my favorite of the series and I am looking forward to the next sequel.
November 5, 2015
Not quite up to snuff
Having loved every capt. Lacey book thus far, this book seemed less captivating. At the end, I was definitely drawn in, but this portion of the book was clearly a segue to the next book due out in 2016, which I will definitely be reading!
Having loved every capt. Lacey book thus far, this book seemed less captivating. At the end, I was definitely drawn in, but this portion of the book was clearly a segue to the next book due out in 2016, which I will definitely be reading!
November 6, 2015
First Sentence: The letter, neatly folded at my plate, looked innocuous enough, but I had a sense of disquiet about it.
Someone is threatening Captain Gabriel Lacey by claiming he’s not who he says. When that threat includes an attempt to harm Lacey’s wife’s son, Lacey takes It very seriously. Yet he also has the matter of a decade-dead woman to identify, and a killer to find, and his daughter, Gabriella, who is coming out.
One can greatly appreciate the use of Ms. Gardner’s expressions appropriate to the social class of the period to describe Lacey’s wife—“Donata had been quite a diamond of the first water in her Season.” However, it is interesting to learn of the laws of the period and the control men had over their wives. While women of wealth and position could act and go out independent of their husbands, where women of lower classes could not, for them all, unless a woman inherited directly from her father, it was men who controlled the money, property and the lives of their children. Even further, in this particular book, Gardner addresses the laws with regard to Jews in England at the time.
Followers of the series will be pleased to see how the relationship between Lacey, his wife, daughter and stepson is progressing. However, new readers will not feel the lack of their history and will quickly understand just how unusual is their relationship, even for the time. However, this is by no means a book where the marital relationship overwhelms the story. Far from it. In many ways, the most intriguing relationships are between Lacey; James Dennis a dangerous and powerful criminal; Brewster, the man charged by Denis to keep track of Lacey; and Lacey’s friend Lord Granville, a man of extreme wealth and position whose friendship with Granville helps stave off his own boredom. Lacey is a former front-line soldier and is not without his flaws, the worst being his temper and penchant to hurl himself into potentially dangerous situations—“Captain, you could find trouble inside St. James’s Palace.” But it’s Lacey’s empathy for others, and his determination for justice that makes him a compelling and dimensional character; one who would attract such diverse range of associates.
That the victim and her family are Jewish introduces a new and interesting element. The wonderful scene of Lacey visiting a synagogue leads to a particularly poignant observation—“Any man I’d met of the Hebrew religion had been no different than I was, I’d observed—in fact, many came from circumstances far better than mine, and blended into London life more seamlessly than I did. True, I was able to vote for stand for Parliament…but how did that make me a superior man?” Shades of Shylock from “The Merchant of Venice.”
“The Thames River Murders” is an excellent read, filled with twists, suspense, action, balanced by a touch of relationships and two threads which peak our curiosity of the next book.
THE THAMES RIVER MURDER (Hist Mys–Cpt. Gabriel Lacey–London–1818) - Ex
Gardner, Ashley – 10th in series
JA/AG Publishing - October 2015
Someone is threatening Captain Gabriel Lacey by claiming he’s not who he says. When that threat includes an attempt to harm Lacey’s wife’s son, Lacey takes It very seriously. Yet he also has the matter of a decade-dead woman to identify, and a killer to find, and his daughter, Gabriella, who is coming out.
One can greatly appreciate the use of Ms. Gardner’s expressions appropriate to the social class of the period to describe Lacey’s wife—“Donata had been quite a diamond of the first water in her Season.” However, it is interesting to learn of the laws of the period and the control men had over their wives. While women of wealth and position could act and go out independent of their husbands, where women of lower classes could not, for them all, unless a woman inherited directly from her father, it was men who controlled the money, property and the lives of their children. Even further, in this particular book, Gardner addresses the laws with regard to Jews in England at the time.
Followers of the series will be pleased to see how the relationship between Lacey, his wife, daughter and stepson is progressing. However, new readers will not feel the lack of their history and will quickly understand just how unusual is their relationship, even for the time. However, this is by no means a book where the marital relationship overwhelms the story. Far from it. In many ways, the most intriguing relationships are between Lacey; James Dennis a dangerous and powerful criminal; Brewster, the man charged by Denis to keep track of Lacey; and Lacey’s friend Lord Granville, a man of extreme wealth and position whose friendship with Granville helps stave off his own boredom. Lacey is a former front-line soldier and is not without his flaws, the worst being his temper and penchant to hurl himself into potentially dangerous situations—“Captain, you could find trouble inside St. James’s Palace.” But it’s Lacey’s empathy for others, and his determination for justice that makes him a compelling and dimensional character; one who would attract such diverse range of associates.
That the victim and her family are Jewish introduces a new and interesting element. The wonderful scene of Lacey visiting a synagogue leads to a particularly poignant observation—“Any man I’d met of the Hebrew religion had been no different than I was, I’d observed—in fact, many came from circumstances far better than mine, and blended into London life more seamlessly than I did. True, I was able to vote for stand for Parliament…but how did that make me a superior man?” Shades of Shylock from “The Merchant of Venice.”
“The Thames River Murders” is an excellent read, filled with twists, suspense, action, balanced by a touch of relationships and two threads which peak our curiosity of the next book.
THE THAMES RIVER MURDER (Hist Mys–Cpt. Gabriel Lacey–London–1818) - Ex
Gardner, Ashley – 10th in series
JA/AG Publishing - October 2015
August 19, 2017
Another excellent mystery
Thompson of the Thames River Patrol has a mystery that has been plaguing him for ten years, the bones of an unidentified woman fished from the river. The woman was obviously a murder victim, so Thompson asks Captain Lacey to look into the matter and see if he can determine the woman's identity. Captain Lacey agrees, so in between trying to determine the author of some threatening letters he has received and preparing for his daughter's coming out, he begins looking into the cold case.
This particular story had a lot of action and introduced some historical information from the time period which was quite entertaining to read. Captain Lacey's trepidation about Gabriella coming out into society and being besieged by suitors is amusing and sounds just like every other man I have known with teenage daughters. Gabriel and Donata continue to learn to live together as a married couple and Gabriel also grows closer to his step-son, Peter. I'm looking forward to reading the next adventure.
Thompson of the Thames River Patrol has a mystery that has been plaguing him for ten years, the bones of an unidentified woman fished from the river. The woman was obviously a murder victim, so Thompson asks Captain Lacey to look into the matter and see if he can determine the woman's identity. Captain Lacey agrees, so in between trying to determine the author of some threatening letters he has received and preparing for his daughter's coming out, he begins looking into the cold case.
This particular story had a lot of action and introduced some historical information from the time period which was quite entertaining to read. Captain Lacey's trepidation about Gabriella coming out into society and being besieged by suitors is amusing and sounds just like every other man I have known with teenage daughters. Gabriel and Donata continue to learn to live together as a married couple and Gabriel also grows closer to his step-son, Peter. I'm looking forward to reading the next adventure.
January 7, 2021
Domesticated!
Although he is very happily married, Captain Gabriel Lacey still spends time helping a friend investigate an old murder.
He doesn’t let his status as loving husband and father interfere with his involvement with the notorious Denis James, either.
Despite his busy schedule pleasing his wife, finding an acceptable husband for his daughter and clearing his debt with James, Captain Lacey is still determined to help solve the murder of a poor, young girl.
Although he is very happily married, Captain Gabriel Lacey still spends time helping a friend investigate an old murder.
He doesn’t let his status as loving husband and father interfere with his involvement with the notorious Denis James, either.
Despite his busy schedule pleasing his wife, finding an acceptable husband for his daughter and clearing his debt with James, Captain Lacey is still determined to help solve the murder of a poor, young girl.
January 5, 2019
Very exciting story
June 9, 2019
Completely loving this series!
October 29, 2015
Review also at Historical Readings and Reviews
Captain Lacy is happily married with a baby on the way, he lives in a nice home and always has money to spare, and his relationship with his estranged daughter grows stronger everyday. He wants for nothing now, and yet he still seeks the excitement and justice of amateur crime solving in early 19th century London. His latest sleuthing adventure takes us to the Thames River where a young woman's body was found years ago and the Thames River Police are still looking for her identity and killer, turning to Lacy for help in solving this cold case.
Meanwhile, Lacy is receiving threats and accusations of identity theft from an anonymous letter writer and he desperately attempts to keep his new family safe. He also gains a new ally with an interesting back story while visiting the infamous Mr. Denis.
I think what I love most about this series is the many sub-plots, the witty dialogue, and the continually evolving character development. It never goes stale, the relationships between characters are always growing and evolving, and the mystery always keeps you guessing.
The only downside is that each book is such a fun and quick read, I blow through it and then have to wait ages for the next book to be written and released. I should just be grateful that the author is really writing the series but dammit, I want more of Captain Lacy!
Captain Lacy is happily married with a baby on the way, he lives in a nice home and always has money to spare, and his relationship with his estranged daughter grows stronger everyday. He wants for nothing now, and yet he still seeks the excitement and justice of amateur crime solving in early 19th century London. His latest sleuthing adventure takes us to the Thames River where a young woman's body was found years ago and the Thames River Police are still looking for her identity and killer, turning to Lacy for help in solving this cold case.
Meanwhile, Lacy is receiving threats and accusations of identity theft from an anonymous letter writer and he desperately attempts to keep his new family safe. He also gains a new ally with an interesting back story while visiting the infamous Mr. Denis.
I think what I love most about this series is the many sub-plots, the witty dialogue, and the continually evolving character development. It never goes stale, the relationships between characters are always growing and evolving, and the mystery always keeps you guessing.
The only downside is that each book is such a fun and quick read, I blow through it and then have to wait ages for the next book to be written and released. I should just be grateful that the author is really writing the series but dammit, I want more of Captain Lacy!
January 19, 2016
Captain Lacey's Latest Adventure
I didn't realize that there were additional books about Captain Lacey adventures set in around 1820 England. Captain Lacey is an ex-military officer who left the army because of an injury during a battle. He has only a small pension and is very depress. One day he arrives as troop of soldiers are harassing a man. He managed to help the man when he learned is story Captain steps about finding answer.
Is is the 10 th book of his adventures. This one Peter Thompson of the Thames River police shows him a set of bones that have languished for 15 years in their vault. He sets about a finding an answer to the bones. Someone is trying to blackmail Lady Donata that Lacey is not the real Captain who died in Europe. Lacey is concerned about his family of Donata , Gabriela and young Lord Peter, Donata's 6 year old son. Donata is planning Gabriella Come Out Ball. Denis and Grenvile both play important parts. I feel this series is better read in order.
I didn't realize that there were additional books about Captain Lacey adventures set in around 1820 England. Captain Lacey is an ex-military officer who left the army because of an injury during a battle. He has only a small pension and is very depress. One day he arrives as troop of soldiers are harassing a man. He managed to help the man when he learned is story Captain steps about finding answer.
Is is the 10 th book of his adventures. This one Peter Thompson of the Thames River police shows him a set of bones that have languished for 15 years in their vault. He sets about a finding an answer to the bones. Someone is trying to blackmail Lady Donata that Lacey is not the real Captain who died in Europe. Lacey is concerned about his family of Donata , Gabriela and young Lord Peter, Donata's 6 year old son. Donata is planning Gabriella Come Out Ball. Denis and Grenvile both play important parts. I feel this series is better read in order.
December 29, 2015
Captain Lacey does not disappoint. I'm wondering if he is going to somewhat redeem Denis? And will he get entangled in a mystery abroad?
November 4, 2016
Solid mystery read - I enjoy the atmosphere and period feel in these books (though could do without the info-dumping and have never really connected with the characters, even after ten books!).
July 17, 2018
I admit that I have become hopelessly addicted to the Captain Lacey mysteries. I usually restrict my reading to those books I can get for free or for less than a dollar on Bookbub, but I actually will pay full price for a Captain Lacey mystery. Why? Ashley Gardner has managed to create tantalizing mysteries combined with a panoply of interesting characters. As Captain Lacey's circle of acquaintances broadens, the reader is treated to an every growing group of interesting, quirky and complex characters. No one is a stereotype in Gardener's world, and what a world it is! Regency London comes alive from the upper crust and their back stairs servants, to the denizens of London's slums, from the urban centers to the rural countryside. A reader of Captain Lacey mysteries really does transport into a full, historical experience.
In The Thames River Murders, Captain Lacey's penchant for solving the unsolvable is put to the test as he is wedged between the complicated and morally challenging world of London society and the criminal element dominated by Mr. Denis. Denis and other criminals like Thomas Brewster are fleshed out and humanized in this new installment. Lacey himself has developed new facets as he settles into marriage and mostly fatherhood. His growing love for his stepson and new found daughter has opened new doors of vulnerability into the Captain's heart that are endearing while lending themselves to heightened drama and tension in the novel. Even the oddly tense but growing friendship with Brewster has softened one of Lacey's edges while presenting his rigid sense of honor with yet another challenge. It is Gardner's particular genius to put her protagonist in one compromising situation after another without tainting him...even when his actions are in contradiction to his former convictions, such as becoming friends with known criminals.
My only complaint about this book is the rather sore bridge of my nose that it caused me when my Kindle crashed down on it when I was trying in vain to stay awake late in the night for just one more chapter,
Ms. Gardner's books always put me in the dilemma of wanting to find out how everything is resolved but not really wanting to book to be over.
In The Thames River Murders, Captain Lacey's penchant for solving the unsolvable is put to the test as he is wedged between the complicated and morally challenging world of London society and the criminal element dominated by Mr. Denis. Denis and other criminals like Thomas Brewster are fleshed out and humanized in this new installment. Lacey himself has developed new facets as he settles into marriage and mostly fatherhood. His growing love for his stepson and new found daughter has opened new doors of vulnerability into the Captain's heart that are endearing while lending themselves to heightened drama and tension in the novel. Even the oddly tense but growing friendship with Brewster has softened one of Lacey's edges while presenting his rigid sense of honor with yet another challenge. It is Gardner's particular genius to put her protagonist in one compromising situation after another without tainting him...even when his actions are in contradiction to his former convictions, such as becoming friends with known criminals.
My only complaint about this book is the rather sore bridge of my nose that it caused me when my Kindle crashed down on it when I was trying in vain to stay awake late in the night for just one more chapter,
Ms. Gardner's books always put me in the dilemma of wanting to find out how everything is resolved but not really wanting to book to be over.
October 27, 2017
-In book 10 of the Captain Lacey series, we find the Captain's daughter from his previous marriage, Gabriela, being prepared for her coming out party to society. His wife, Donata, who happens to be pregnant with the Captain's child, and Lady Aline, Donata's friend, have taken over the task of arranging for the fete.
-The Captain receives a note from Peter Thompson of the Thames River Police, asking for the Captain's assistance on a police matter. Thompson had been in communication with Sir Montegue Harris, who had worked with Lacey in the past and Sir Montegue felt that Lacey would be the one to call. This piqued the interest of Lacey and he immediately went to see Thompson.
-Upon arriving at the station, Lacey located the officer who proceeded to take him to a separate building where they went to a cold basement. It was there that merchandise was held that was stolen by thieves whom the police caught, and where the goods were kept until trial. They went to a crate and Thompson pulled out a roled up cloth which, after it unrolled, revealed a complete skeleton. These were the remains of a woman that was taken out of the river 10 years ago and who was apparently murdered, according to the doctors, 5 years before that, but she was never identified. The only other items from the dead woman were an empty locket and some cloth from the dress she had on.
-The thought of this young woman who was apparently murdered by a single blow to the head took hold of Lacey. Though the death was from many years before and the clues were scarce, with the help of Grenville, as well as Brewster, who was the watchdog that James Denis placed over Lacey to watch him, Lacey slowly proceeded to uncover the identity of the woman and the murderer.
-Lacey, though, was faced with a new mystery at the end of the story, as an assailant that tried to hurt Donata's son and even tried to kill Lacey has evaded capture but has sworn vengeance on Lacey for an offense that is a mystery in itself.
-Extremely enjoyable story and a delight to read.
-The Captain receives a note from Peter Thompson of the Thames River Police, asking for the Captain's assistance on a police matter. Thompson had been in communication with Sir Montegue Harris, who had worked with Lacey in the past and Sir Montegue felt that Lacey would be the one to call. This piqued the interest of Lacey and he immediately went to see Thompson.
-Upon arriving at the station, Lacey located the officer who proceeded to take him to a separate building where they went to a cold basement. It was there that merchandise was held that was stolen by thieves whom the police caught, and where the goods were kept until trial. They went to a crate and Thompson pulled out a roled up cloth which, after it unrolled, revealed a complete skeleton. These were the remains of a woman that was taken out of the river 10 years ago and who was apparently murdered, according to the doctors, 5 years before that, but she was never identified. The only other items from the dead woman were an empty locket and some cloth from the dress she had on.
-The thought of this young woman who was apparently murdered by a single blow to the head took hold of Lacey. Though the death was from many years before and the clues were scarce, with the help of Grenville, as well as Brewster, who was the watchdog that James Denis placed over Lacey to watch him, Lacey slowly proceeded to uncover the identity of the woman and the murderer.
-Lacey, though, was faced with a new mystery at the end of the story, as an assailant that tried to hurt Donata's son and even tried to kill Lacey has evaded capture but has sworn vengeance on Lacey for an offense that is a mystery in itself.
-Extremely enjoyable story and a delight to read.
August 18, 2024
The Captain has a cold case. The body of a woman found snagged under a pier clearly years after her death. So he calls in the usual helpers.
But his house is planning the coming out of his daughter, his wife is pregnant, and his stepson is an anxious small boy worried he will be replaced.
The body now reduced to a pile of bones had a necklace with her, so they start there.
Mr Denis has a surgeon assassin on hand. Sent to kill him, and he upped the price. laughs. oh that fits. So he says the only person who could have mended her broken arm this well… would be Mr Coombs.
He says he did mend an arm and sends them to a Jewish shop where the owner breaks down when he sees the necklace. it is his daughter; shunned for marrying a gentile.
Someone is also impersonating Gabriel and then, they try to attack his stepson. This mystery hangs as a hook for later titles.
His life just keeps getting more involved with Mr Denis.
4 stars
But his house is planning the coming out of his daughter, his wife is pregnant, and his stepson is an anxious small boy worried he will be replaced.
The body now reduced to a pile of bones had a necklace with her, so they start there.
Mr Denis has a surgeon assassin on hand. Sent to kill him, and he upped the price. laughs. oh that fits. So he says the only person who could have mended her broken arm this well… would be Mr Coombs.
He says he did mend an arm and sends them to a Jewish shop where the owner breaks down when he sees the necklace. it is his daughter; shunned for marrying a gentile.
Someone is also impersonating Gabriel and then, they try to attack his stepson. This mystery hangs as a hook for later titles.
His life just keeps getting more involved with Mr Denis.
4 stars
April 20, 2021
A Thames River policeman, named Peter Thompson, contacts Captain Lacey regarding a skeleton he discovered about ten years ago that has been languishing in the basement of the police station. Thompson has always wanted justice for the death. Captain Lacey, of course, cannot turn down an opportunity to help someone in distress, even in the midst of planning his daughter's debut into society. His wife, Donata, is busy with Gabriella's come-out, but she, too, is always interested in helping Lacey solve a crime. Through some good detective work, Lacey is able to find out the identity of the body and he tentatively knows who murdered the young lady, but actually confronting the murderer will take some extraordinary sleuthing. This is a very entertaining series, I recommend it for anyone who enjoys Regency period history.
September 24, 2020
Another book that I didn't know it was part of a series :/
But even although this is the 10th in the series, I was able to follow it with no problem, so there is that :P
And I liked both storylines: the old case that is brought to Captain Lacey by Thompson of the Thames River Police, and the one closely linked to his family.
The story flows easily, the mysteries kept my attention and I really liked the characters. There is a great sense of warmth and caring along with the whole story and I found truly endearing the way in which Lacey involves his wife Donata in his work.
I'm probably will be looking for more books in this series.
And I really liked James Gillies' narration
But even although this is the 10th in the series, I was able to follow it with no problem, so there is that :P
And I liked both storylines: the old case that is brought to Captain Lacey by Thompson of the Thames River Police, and the one closely linked to his family.
The story flows easily, the mysteries kept my attention and I really liked the characters. There is a great sense of warmth and caring along with the whole story and I found truly endearing the way in which Lacey involves his wife Donata in his work.
I'm probably will be looking for more books in this series.
And I really liked James Gillies' narration
March 9, 2021
I absolutely adore the Captain Lacey regency Murders! The Thames River Murders is another fabulously intricate murder mystery! These are best read in order, only because you get a clear picture of the main characters who flow through the series with regularity. Ashley’s attention to details makes these books all run through your head like a movie. The audiobooks are superbly done by a very talented narrator who is used throughout the series. I personally try to buy both book and audiobook, as I enjoy listening to the audiobooks as I work but can read the books while hubby is watching boring TV “guy” shows. 😂😍
January 14, 2017
Peter Thompson of the Thames River police asks Lacey to try and find the murderer of a person killed about fifteen years earlier, all he has are the bones, a piece of cloth and a locket.
Meanwhile he is receiving blackmail letters stating that he is not the real Captain Lacey, and trying to cope with his daughters' coming out.
I really enjoy this series, the stories, the characters and the writing style.
Meanwhile he is receiving blackmail letters stating that he is not the real Captain Lacey, and trying to cope with his daughters' coming out.
I really enjoy this series, the stories, the characters and the writing style.
September 25, 2022
3.5/5
Major 'hang up any and all critical thought regarding body decomposition and skeletal remains' for this book. Was getting seriously booted from the story on those points, but the rest was well written and reasonable. I will admit not being sure when people learned about how bones change as a person ages and the how to differentiate between male and female skeletons. All in all an interesting and engrossing read (if you can get past the issue mentioned above).
Major 'hang up any and all critical thought regarding body decomposition and skeletal remains' for this book. Was getting seriously booted from the story on those points, but the rest was well written and reasonable. I will admit not being sure when people learned about how bones change as a person ages and the how to differentiate between male and female skeletons. All in all an interesting and engrossing read (if you can get past the issue mentioned above).
October 19, 2024
This time, Captain Lacey solves a cold case. Based on the first half of the book, I'd give it 4 stars: good mystery, but not so thrilling as previous books. However, the story gains pace and depth in the second half of the book, everything unfolds in a slightly surprising but solvent way, together with secondary plots, more related to Lacey's private life and his relationship with other usual characters. So, in the end, it left me totally satisfied.
July 29, 2017
I love this series; it is set in Regency England, and the characters are likeable and well portrayed. The mysteries are all unusual, and draw you in. You identify with what is happening and will Lacey to resolve it all. The series is best read in order, as you follow Lacey's life as well as the mysteries he finds himself involved in. Well written, well worth reading.
October 24, 2017
Smashing!
Even though this story had fewer twists and less action than the previous books, it was still a marvelous mystery. The author's research into Jewish London of the era was well done and moved the story along nicely. It was also good to see most of the secondary characters again; Ms. Gardner shares a little more about each of them each time we meet them.
Even though this story had fewer twists and less action than the previous books, it was still a marvelous mystery. The author's research into Jewish London of the era was well done and moved the story along nicely. It was also good to see most of the secondary characters again; Ms. Gardner shares a little more about each of them each time we meet them.
December 3, 2021
The Captain Lacey books are good ones to read when I’m looking for a break from both Romance and non-fiction. Captain Lacey’s a bit of an Alpha, but his wife puts him in his place when he tries to go overboard on the protection. An intriguing mystery that takes the reader through London’s underbelly. Enjoyed it 3.75/5
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