The Duke's Last Hunt

Pevensey Mysteries #2

by Rosanne E. Lortz

With her third London season drawing to a close, the shy Eliza Malcolm seems unlikely to find any husband, let alone a titled one. But when the hunting-crazed Duke of Brockenhurst invites the Malcolms to visit Harrowhaven, Eliza’s father jumps at the chance to gain a wealthy son-in-law. Surrounded by quarreling parents, tactless acquaintances, the aloof dowager, and the unsettling duke, Eliza looks for one person kind enough to help her navigate the murky waters of Harrowhaven’s secrets….

Estranged from his brother the duke, Henry Rowland only planned to visit Harrowhaven for the afternoon, but after meeting his brother’s intended, his designs are overthrown. As misfortune strikes Harrowhaven, Jacob Pevensey is called in to investigate. Henry learns that the only way to safeguard Eliza Malcolm’s happiness is to face the past he has been running from for ten long years.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Regency, Romance

348 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2016

About the author

Rosanne E. Lortz (“Rose”) is a writer, editor, teacher, history-lover, and mom to four boys. She loves to read, sing, draw, compose, write, and create. Education is one of her passions, particularly a classical, liberal arts education. She has taught English composition and grammar, Latin, history, music, and various other subjects for eighteen years at both the elementary and secondary level and is currently an administrator at a classical Christian school.

Rose writes historical novels full of adventure, mystery, and romance. Her Pevensey Mysteries transpose tales from the Middle Ages into Regency Era romance/murder mysteries. Her Allen Abbey Romances are three linked novellas set in Regency England. And her latest series are the Kendall House Romances and the Comfort Quartet, Regency romances full of humour and heart that pay tribute to the inimitable Georgette Heyer.

Rose served on the board of the Historical Novel Society North America for four years and works to promote interest in historical novels. She enjoys reading and reviewing historical fiction, historical romance, historical mysteries, high fantasy, and some young adult and middle grade books.

Reviews

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read! I didn’t know what to expect with a new to me author, but I was pleasantly surprised. This book was a lot of fun! It had all of the elements of a good Regency romance and a bit of mystery with a murder to solve.

[Kathleen Newberry Killgallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, Ned was one of my favorite characters as was Henry and his Sister, Stephen, Walter, Cecil and Eliza. I still need to read the first and third book, I'm looking forward to them.
This book was clean and enjoyable.

[Pauline Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the surprise of the first book, this one came somewhat less out of left field, but it was just as enjoyable. The whole series is inspired by real events in English history, but don’t let that put you off, since the writing is firmly rooted in the Regency.

Here’s the premise: shy Elizabeth (Eliza) Malcolm is the unlikely recipient of marital attentions from Rufus, the Duke of Brockenhurst. Her impoverished gentry parents jump at the chance for such an illustrious match, and are delighted to be invited to the family estate, where the duke plans one of his deer hunts in the forest surrounding the house, and will, they suppose, propose. But the duke and his mother are not the only people present. The duke’s brash sister is conducting a fairly public courtship, his older half-brother is looking for more financial help, and then there’s his younger brother, the intriguing Henry Rowland, who is estranged from his brother and delights in making mischief between him and his intended. And so poor Eliza find herself in the house party from hell, with all sorts of undercurrents rippling beneath the surface, a future husband who takes very little notice of her but is uncomfortably proprietorial and his brother, who seems to be the worst kind of scoundrel, but is surprisingly gentle and thoughtful towards her.

And then there’s a sudden death. Knowing something of the historical events on which this story is (loosely) based, I was expecting it, but after that, when eccentric Bow Street Runner turns up to investigate whether this is, as it appears to be, a hunting accident or whether something more sinister is afoot, things become delightfully complex and tangled. I have to confess that the author is a master at unravelling the mystery, clue by careful clue. I loved the way it was revealed, and that everything made perfect sense.

The romance wraps up rather neatly and very plausibly. In book 1, it was the hero who found the strength to push back, but here it’s the heroine who ‘finds her voice’, as the hero puts it, and snatches her own chance of happiness. I love a heroine who displays some gumption. Another wonderful tale. Five stars. And now on to book 3.

[Max Paredes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the mystery

It's really nice push and pull throughout.

It's a fun read. Perfect mix of mystery and romance.

Looking forward to the next in the series.

[Danielle Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

very well written and executed

Fantastic. I felt the characters were more consistent in this second story. The plot was week thought out and executed in such a way that I didn't want to put the book down.

The only inconsistency were Her parents, one moment pushing her to marry someone she obviously didn't feel comfortable with or even like and then the next moment forbidding her marrying someone she loved that was just as financially sound. But it wasn't too bad. The reasons for the inconsistency was explained to make it almost believable.

Otherwise the book was flawless in my opinion.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is by a new to me author and what a way to be introduced. Rosanne E. Lortz presents us with what we think is going to be the hero, Rufus Rowland, the Duke of Brockenhurst and right away he is NOT hero material. Then we are introduced to his charming, slightly sarcastic and mischievous brother Henry and we want him to be the hero. Then we meet Miss Eliza Malcolm, the epitome of what an English lady should be, quiet, demure and modest. She is total opposite of the women that the Duke usually prefers.

Throughout the story Henry and Eliza are put together because while they are at a house party to announce their engagement, the Duke does NOT meet expectations as host. He rarely speaks to Eliza and has no real entertainments planned except for a hunt. The only reason Henry is visiting is to stop a marriage between his brother and Eliza.

The story is set up brilliantly to showcase the mystery it contains. Without giving spoilers this story has twists and turns that had me wondering right up to the end who really “done” it! The friendship that develops between Henry and Eliza is charming, he pulls her out of her shell and she helps to make him want to be the man that is there to protect and care for her. The secondary characters help to keep you guessing and wanting to turn pages. While I was not overly charmed by Eliza’s parents they served their purpose and supported the age old truth- girls are only good for furthering the family position within the ton and they have little other use.

I enjoyed the story and have downloaded the first in the series to be caught up as it were. You will enjoy the book and be glad to be there as what goes around comes back around and justice is meted out. I was grinning like a ninny at the end and happily so! Thank you Ms. Lortz for a delightful read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Duke’s Last Hunt by Rosanne E. Lortz reminded me in many ways of a Georgette Heyer novel, with its subtle wit and its tone that is cozy and light but also serious when appropriate. The characters in The Duke’s Last Hunt are well-developed and intriguing, and I spent most of the book trying to figure out exactly who was hiding what secrets and how it impacted everything else. Henry and Eliza are an unlikely match, at least at first glance, and although their blossoming romance is mostly relegated to kisses on the hand and words spoken in low affectionate tones there is something infinitely swoonworthy about it all the same.

The added element of suspense elevates this novel above a typical Regency romance and keeps reader interest engaged. I enjoyed it at face value, the twists and turns well-plotted and well-timed. But when I got to the author’s note at the end of the novel and discovered that she’d in fact set out to take characters and events from the Middle Ages and transpose them into the British Regency era, I became even more intrigued and now want to go back and read The Duke’s Last Hunt all over again.

Bottom Line: With engaging characters, droll wit, and delightful suspense, The Duke’s Last Hunt is a perfect book selection for a cozy fall read. The Regency era comes alive in atmosphere, dialogue, and decorum, and the romance is sweet and swoony. If you enjoy Sarah Ladd or Julie Klassen or Georgette Heyer, I think you’ll enjoy this book as well!

(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)

See my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower

[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not sure. I do not care. I had fun with this read. I was able to get immersed right in this one the day I received it. I had no doubts or slow down to take in the time. I was in and then was finished before I realized that I was in deep.

Right from the onset you knew there was just something not quite right about things. The further you get in you begin to suspect. Then you just know deep down that things are off. Especially when there was a murder after all. I found it fun and light and laughs. No excuse for the humor found within. Things were serious when need be, but there was a light heartedness about things that made it less dire and dreary.

Lord Henry had me from the moment we meet him at the club with his friend. I could feel the hints of devilment within him. The hint at a little excitement. All this to be confirmed in many place throughout the read. He did have a serious side and a responsible side. He was my hero from the beginning.

Eliza had parents that I may or may not have wanted to strangle a few time, okay more. She was likeable (amiable) but just not at the top list for me. Other characters attracted my attention more like Jacob Pevensey. The suspense behind the ten-year break between brothers and other things took more center stage. The characters were drawing and wanting to know held me entertained all the way to the end.

I would like to know more about Rosanne E. Lortz works. I do recommend this one to anyone that enjoys a side of humor with their historical/regency suspense/mystery.
**This book was provided by Rosanne E. Lortz via Madison Street Publishing in exchange for an honest review.**

[L. Spurgus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Regency read!!

I have read many Regency novels this year and this one is the best. Loved that story, loved the characters and had a mystery to solve. Just as important to me, it was a clean romance!

[Just · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great novel. Be sure to read it!

Excellent and worth reading. A great storyline and I couldn't figure out who did it until the very end. I'm looking forward to reading more of the series.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

During its early days this book was a read I looked forward to siting down to and for a time it lived up to my expectations... until it lowkey started going south towards the end. Just towards the end unfortunately. Otherwise it was winning.

The pros.
Beautiful wording. We were in 19 century England for sure.

Funny and kind leading man. He was cheeky and a green flag. Loved how he cared for the people in his life. From his mother, to his sister, his friends, and definitely to the object of his affection. He was lovely.

Interesting mystery that I quite enjoyed following along. I wasn't too sure who had committed the crime for much of the book.

Quite a clean romance. No wild lustful wording nor any R rated scenes. There was a bumpy bit but it was just that, a bit. Perhaps once if I remember correctly. The rest of the time it was just watching love gently develop between two people.

The cons.
The drawing out of some story plots during part 2 and the rushed quite luckluster ending.
Knocked off a few stars because of the rushed ending. The writing was absolutely engaging and engrossing during part one as we watched Henry and Eliza interact but after the murder it started being a little weak towards the last half of part 2. There were some really drawn out moments that did not need to be drawn out during the interviews by Pevensey. It's like the writer wanted the mystery to take center stage compared to the romance. And that's okay because the mystery was pretty good but it just fell short in some places where things were quite drawn out. And because of this I believe it contributed to the ending being too rushed when we finally came to part 3. I wanted to see more of a sweet interaction between Henry and Eliza after the case was closed. The same kind we got to enjoy during part 1. Part 1 was so fun to read. Had me laughing kicking and squealing in appreciation. That was the kind of flavor we needed when the leads finally got their HEA. But unfortunately when we came to the last chapters the author appeared to just want to end the book. It was quite a flavor lacking ending. Henry was too much of a good egg and we needed that to shine even more and Eliza was such a delicate flower and we needed to see her slowly, beautifully shed her crippling shyness in order to be with the one she'd been waiting for all her life. Especially after all they had been through. But everything happened so quickly that it did not feel rewarding at all. Man. I mourn the unfulfilled potential this story had because of that ending. So sadly 3 out of 5 stars from me. A good one that could have been a GREAT one.

[Cynthia Haggard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two brothers, Rufus the Lord of the Manor, and Henry the penniless younger one, set off hunting one day. Someone shoots Rufus dead, and Henry inherits the title.

In 1100, nobody asked awkward questions about Henry’s motivation. Now that he was Henry I of England, no sensible man would question how he ascended the throne. Besides, his elder brother William II Rufus was a scoundrel, and so mayhap things would be better under King Henry.

In the early 1800s, during the time of Jane Austen, things were not quite so easy for younger brother Henry Rowland. His elder brother Rufus Rowland, the Duke of Brockenhurst has been murdered. Two shots were fired. And how come the front of the Duke’s body is mired with soil that is identical to that found outside the Parish Church, when he is found in a forest clearing?

Bow-Street Runner Jacob Pevensey arrives on the scene to ask awkward questions, and Henry is the prime suspect. If he is found guilty, he will hang.

Thus Roseanna E. Lortz’s Second Pevensey Mystery again takes its inspiration from events that occurred in the eleventh century, transposing them to the time of Jane Austen. I loved the character transformation of heroine Eliza Malcolm, who finds her voice by the end of this volume. Her strong-minded mother, weak father, and the two brothers Rowland jump off the page and make this tale extremely convincing. If you love Regency Romance, you should definitely try this one.

[Barbara Sachs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, gee whiz

By the time I reached part 3, I was thinking if Jenny's fate wasn't revealed soon I was going to explode. And right after that, it was. Thank goodness!

So five stars for the writing and storytelling. Again I was kept guessing till near the final solution to who the murderer was. I did have an inkling, however, but the misdirection was clever and kept me unsure.


Three stars for some of the editing. I've always said writers who don't know how to punctuate possessives for singular words ending in "s" just shouldn't use them, but this author has a bunch of them and all done wrong. They're done in journalism style, not fiction style. And there are a few small other mistakes, so a better editor would be a plus.

I didn't quite understand the use of pistols on a stag hunt either. And those two pistols couldn't have been the only guns. And how would riders carry them safely anyway? Hunts I'm familiar with from that era had the riders but also walkers carrying the rifles, but the runner never even asked about other weaponry. So that whole scenario didn't work for me.

Even so, the story was fun. The absolute right character was the murder victim. And all the loose ends were tied up nicely in the end except for the guy who went on the run to protect someone he cared about.

[Elizabeth S · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's pretty clear from the title and the blurb what happens here. Miss Elizabeth Malcolm's father wants her to accept a surprise offer of marriage from the Duke of Brockenhurst, a man she's barely spoken to. After three London seasons in which shy Eliza came up dry, she needs to marry someone. Her father is in need of money, so another season is out of the question.

On a visit to Harrowhaven, the duke's estate, she meets his younger brother, Harry. The two brothers are at odds over a past conflict. The dowager duchess is also unhappy with the duke, so the house party is an strange mixture of personalities and tension.

When disaster strikes, Bow Street Runner Pevensey is called in to investigate. The only thing that didn't ring true for me was Eliza's conversation with the innkeeper about Henry. She was such a hyper-virtuous stickler for propriety that I couldn't see her talking about lightskirts and lady birds with an innkeeper.

It was a fun little mystery to solve. I guessed right this time. But there's very little romance. The author has cleverly interwoven the story with real events from the Middle Ages, which she explains in her notes at the end. 4.5 stars

[English · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished listening to the audiobook. Great Regency story with mystery, Romance intrigue- and Jacob Pevensey! What's not to love about the eccentric and irascible bow street runner? A few Americanisms, but I think Lortz' Regencies are easily some of the best, and I wish she would perhaps right more pure Regencies.

Of course, I want her to finish that trilogy on the Crusades as well, and write more Medieval Fiction as she did in the early days.

[Iola · Rating 3 out of 5]

It started as a standard Regency romance then turned into a murder mystery. Both halves were good, but the abrupt change in plotline did give it a disconnected feel.

In terms of writing, there was some confusing headhopping, a few out-of-character Americanisms, and I found the dialogue tags distracting (rejoined??).

Overall, a fun read, but it might have been disappointing if I'd read it expecting the whole novel to be a murder mystery solved by Pevensey (as the title kind of implies).

[Kim Slye · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Pleasure to Read

The Duke’s Last Hunt is a pleasure to read. The combination of regency romance and murder mystery is just the thing. My reservations regarding the first book in the series has been favorably resolved. The characterizations have been admirably continued through each of the three parts to a satisfactory ending.

Gentle readers will thoroughly enjoy meeting Miss Eliza and Mr. Henry and following the twisting path. Enjoy!

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful story of the “underdogs” finding their happily-ever-after. This time, I was prepared for Mr Pevensey’s arrival midway, and glad he had such a deserving death to investigate. I hope we’ll see more of the quick-thinking Mr Cecil again (and his alert and beautiful sister). In fact, this novel has an abundance of interesting characters to pull for. I think I’d enjoy a trip to Havenharrow myself, especially if I got a peek at the detective’s artwork.

[J Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good reading

This second book of the Pevensey Mysteries kept my interest from the start. Well developed characters, likeable and not, in a an intriguing plot. Again we don't see Pevensey until halfway through, which is disappointing. But he becomes more actively involved in the neighborhood here, and has potential for a romantic interest himself. I look forward to more Pevensey Mysteries.

[Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book much better than the first one. For one, I knew what to expect regarding the Bow Street runner and wasn't confused by the fact that he didn't make an entrance till the book was half over. I liked the characters. Henry had flaws but was a good man. The mystery was well done even if I had figured it out a bit early in the game. I'm looking forward to Pevensey getting more page time, perhaps a romance of his own, in the future.

[Corinne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another author to be added to my list. The story centers on a house party and after the duke's death, the investigation. Several times Miss Malcolm draws the wrong conclusion to things seen or heard, which color her judgement. I liked the way the Runner Jacob Pevensey runs his investigation, drawing in the inexperienced but eager new magistrate, Cedric.

[Luci Jamison · Rating 5 out of 5]

clean wholesome mystery romance

Oh! A mystery with a murder… a scoundrel and a hero. A well written romance with a plot full of twists and turns that keep the reader engaged.
The second in the series, with the bow street runner Pevensey returning to help solve the puzzle of who, what and why!
I look forward to reading the next in the series!

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much better

I enjoyed this book much better than the first book it was a very good read look forward to the next book

[Eevi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun book similar to the first one in the series. It was hard to put it down—I wanted to know what would happen next.

[Sam Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another enjoyable read from this author

[Sybil Mcguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read and loved but didn't mark as such - REL is always good.

[Deon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this on #KindleUnlimited

[Inés · Rating 5 out of 5]

As in the first book of the series, this is a mixture of historical romance and mystery. However, here the blend of both subplots is more smooth and works better. Also, the characters, main and supporting, are more "round", more compelling. This is especially so for the Bow Runner Pevensey, the only link with the first book. Overall, it was very entertaining, and I'll certainly be reading the next book in the series.

[Ruth Dahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

(I received an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own)

I read this practically in one sitting while terribly jet-lagged and incapacitated from a heat-wave, and it proved to be just what I needed.

The characters are all well fleshed out and fun to read about, especially that mischievous Lord Henry and the shy Eliza Malcolm, but the other characters are all enjoyable too.

The plot is well thought out; the tone has a light, spring-like quality about it, and is a good mixture between humorous and serious (someone did get murdered, after all).

The mystery is convoluted and kept me on my toes, anxious to find out what happened next.

Also, Pevensie is back! My favourite red-haired inspector. He has arrived with a new sketchbook and plenty of questions for the occupants of Harrowhaven, who each seem to have something to hide...

This was a fun read.
I am definitely adding this to my “good with a cup of tea on a rainy day” and "read on a warm summer day" book lists.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet but intriguing historical murder mystery, “The Duke’s Last Hunt” uses both romance and mystery to keep the reader entertained.

Read full review in the 2016 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.