A Mystery at Carlton House

Captain Lacey #12

by Ashley Gardner

1818: Captain Lacey is drawn into affairs of the highest in the land when his friend Grenville is asked by the Prince Regent to look into odd happenings in his lavish abode of Carlton House. Objects of value have gone missing, paintings and sculpture have been moved, and some of the staff have reported strange sounds and movements in the shadows. The Regent and his cronies suspect ghosts or other malign spirits.

The Bow Street Runners have a more human suspect for these doings, and Captain Lacey is asked by a Runner to help him prepare a case against the man they’ve already arrested.

But the suspect is under the protection of James Denis, a leader of crime, which brings Lacey head-to-head with him once more. Opposing Denis can be dangerous, and so can dividing the loyalties of the men who work for him.

Meanwhile Lacey has his family to worry about—his daughter, his wife, and new members who have joined. In addition, he’s not convinced that either Denis or the Runners have the right idea in this matter. He must produce the correct answer before Denis loses his patience or one malevolent Runner in particular makes Lacey answer for the crimes.

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

283 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 21, 2017

About the author

Ashley 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

Reviews

[Zain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refreshing!

Captain Lacey and his friend Grenville are called upon the Prince Regent to investigate who, what and how, are stealing expensive art from Carlton House and replacing them with forgeries.

Gabriel Lacey is more than happy to help, but he doesn’t realize until it’s too late, that only the elite has access to the elite.

[Keri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really loving this series!! Can't wait for the next one. I wish AG would do a spin off with just James Denis and give him a romantic interest.

[Ashley Gardner]

Captain Lacey book 12! The captain is "requested" by the Runner Timothy Spendlove to look into mysterious thefts at Carlton House. The Regent too wants him to discover the culprit, but Lacey is distracted by his family life and the fact that James Denis warns him off.

Lacey is back in London and embroiled in more adventure!

[Joan · Rating 2 out of 5]

"A Mystery at Carlton House" was very light on "mystery" and very heavy of a whole lot of personal drama. This book was so boring and weighed down with filler subplots such as reducing Grenville to a lovesick dope being led around by his cajones by his wayward paramour, Marianne. Grenville's fascination for a woman of such low quality makes me lose respect for him with each subsequent book.

The premise of the thefts and murder that occurred at the Carlton House were so flimsy, especially when juxtaposed with Captain Lacey's personal woes wherein he was to cajole and comfort his now barren wife by waxing on about how their baby daughter and his stepson are fulfilling enough. Not withstanding that as a man of good pedigree but financially destitute, Lacey good fortune of marrying a very wealthy widow and living in absolute luxury staunches the wound that he will never have a son of his own. And I really hope that the issue of whether Marcus is actually the true Lacey heir is made clear soon. The author seems to be wringing out every drop of this family drama as far as he can.

I find the current bow street runner, Spendlove, to be a most despicable character; he's almost a caricature of every fictional nemeses ever created. The best parts of this book were scenes with Brewster and Captain Lacey, scouring some of the seediest and dangerous parts of London in search clues to the thefts. I hope the next book is actually a mystery worth delving into.

[RachelW (BamaGal) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars. Good read; not great, but quite enjoyable. The mystery was on the slight side this time; this was much more character driven and showcased the rich, vivid details of the Regency era. It was nice to spend time with the regular group, but I’m ready to take a bit of a rest from the series.


Thank you to Sally for the loan...

[Beanbag Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a quick note this time.

I love this series. The mysteries are well conceived and the writing is engaging and entertaining. The main protagonist, Gabriel Lacey, is one of my favorites.

I'm so glad I discovered these books. They're written by Jennifer Ashley under a second pen name and they just flow so incredibly well. You need to start at the beginning (there's an ebook bundle for some of the early books, so that'd be the way to go with those) because character developments happen in every installment.

There is mild romance, but sex description stops at the bedroom door. Which is refreshing, actually. Makes for less use of erotica as padding.

I highly recommend this series, first book to latest. They're all good.

[Katie Reus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've enjoyed all these mysteries but I really, really loved this one. I adore his wife, Donata, and I enjoyed seeing more of her layers peeled back.

[LJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

First Sentence: “Sir.” A hand shook me as I dozed fitfully in a chair.

Captain Lacey’s friend Lord Grenville is asked by the Prince Regent to investigate the disappearance of valuable small art items from Carlton. A Bow Street Runner has arrested someone and wants Captain Lacey to help him prove his case, or he’ll arrest Lacey. Lacey doesn’t believe they’ve arrested the right man and suspects crime lord James Denis is somehow involved. Can Lacey and Grenville find the real culprit?

There is a wonderful juxtaposition at the opening which informs us of the protagonist’s past and present. It also provides readers with a look at the mettle of the man.

The details on the proprietaries involved in Regency daily life are fascinating and a true indication of the period. The focus on attire, down to the type of knot in a man’s cravat, is a study in the outward indications of one’s position and status. But this is no book of etiquette. The contrast to life in the slums of St. Giles gives the story depth as one is quickly moved into danger and action.

Gardner has created a wonderful ensemble of characters, each of which is fully developed and important in their own right. They are characters with whom we become involved, and about whom we want to know more.

They story is fast moving and compelling, to the point where this reviewer was so involved, no more notes were made; a bit embarrassing to admit.

“A Mystery at Carlton House” is a really good read. Gardner captures the period, and the diversity of characters keeps readers coming back for more.

A MYSTERY AT CARLTON HOUSE (Hist Mys-Captain Lacey-London-1818-19/Regency) – G+
Gardner, Ashley – 12th in series
JA/AG Publishing – March, 2017

[kathie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio Version
Narrator: James Gillies
December 1819

[Sheila Melo · Rating 5 out of 5]

FINAL DECISION: This series never disappoints. With a great mystery combined with personal character development, this book kept my interest from page one in a way that feels fresh even as it conforms to the mystery template.

THE STORY: Having returned from Egypt to his life where more domestic matters take precedence, Captain Lacey is asked to investigate the theft of items from the Prince Regent's Carlton House. Lacey has pressure on all sides to discover what is really happening. A bow runner is trying to blackmail him, the Prince Regent expects a quick resolution and Mr. Denis (the criminal mastermind) is protecting the suspect. Lacey conducts his investigations while personal dramas for his friends and family also come to the forefront.

OPINION: The mystery here is not as intricate as others in the series, but in exchange there is intense personal character matters involved. This book has various overlapping storylines and the reader is kept guessing which, if any, are part of the mystery.

What I love most about this series are the depictions of Lacey and his friends and family. I prefer to read books where the characters are the forefront, not a tricky plot. Readers who enjoy some mystery with strong characterizations will enjoy this book. I liked that we got to know more about the secondary characters and also get to see more of Lacey and Donata in their domestic relationship.

This book is sweet and funny and exactly what I expected to enjoy.

WORTH MENTIONING: Baby, baby, baby.

CONNECTED BOOKS: A MYSTERY AT CARLTON HOUSE is the twelfth book in the Captain Lacey Regency Mysteries series. These are self contained mysteries and thus can be read as standalones. There is, however, continuing character stories that continue from book to book.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com

[Linda Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Mystery at Carlton House is another enjoyable read in this long-running series. Captain Lacey is embroiled in investigating a series of thefts at the palatial residence of the Prince Regent. Lacey is as usual between a rock and a hard place. The hard place is Bow Street Runner, Timothy Spendlove, who threatens to arrest Lacey for the thefts if Lacey cannot provide evidence to convict the poor soul he has locked up in Newgate. The rock is, as usual, James Denis, the enigmatic crime lord that Lacey owes favors to. Denis forbids him to investigate. And Lacy's great friend, Grenville, has his own problems with his mistress, Marianne Simmons. Lacey, of course, will do what he thinks is right.

The Captain Lacey Series continues to evolve, with captivating characters and relationships. I particularly enjoy seeing the relationship between his titled wife, Donata, and Lacy grow. The near loss of Donata and their daughter in childbirth has brought them closer. The books are well-written and researched, with a wealth of historical detail.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a lot going on in A Mystery At Carlton House. It starts with Captain Lacey and his wife Donata giving birth to their daughter but not without problems. From there Lacey gets involved with the disappearance of objects at Carlton House. Lacey and Donata are an unusual couple and their relationship is explored and strengthened as the story progresses. I loved the moment when Lacey finally convinces Donata that she is the most important person in his life. The mystery itself has a number of twists and turns. Grenville and Maryanne, Mr Denis and Brewster all play an important part in the story as do the Bow Street Runners. This is a great series that just keeps getting better and better. I always have the books on pre-order and read as soon as they up-load to my Kindle.

[Eileen Lynx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story.

[Gerrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 out of 5 stars

[Cindy B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the series and read all I can afford, so it’s off to the library. I’ll miss the narrators voice.

[Barbara Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh My Goodness!!! What an incredible add to the Captain Lacey series - and -- that first chapter keeps you glued to your chair. I began reading it and couldn't put it down until I finished.

Action packed, fast paced and still they have time for a lovely romance between Lacey and his beautiful wife Donata. Then, you add in sweet Anna and Peter and well -- you just can't get any better than this!

What did I love -- well -- EVERYTHING!!! One thing I absolutely adored was the growth in the relationship between Lacey and Donata. Then, there was Grenville and Maryanne -- I can't wait to see where their relationship goes. I also enjoyed Brewster working for Lacey for a little while. I really like Brewster and shux -- I'm even beginning to like Denis a bit. **** Oh yes - and did I mention that there is also a set of somewhat interrelated mysteries to solve. Boy do they keep everybody hopping!

What didn't I love -- well -- Spendlove of the Bow Street Runners. It isn't just that he is not a likable person, I don't understand how he gets away or even has the timerity to barge (repeatedly) into the home of an aristocrat and threaten them in any way. I understand that he's brash and very, very ambitious, but those actions could lead to him being fired, so why would he even risk it? I understand that Lacey isn't titled, but his wife and step-son are so wouldn't he be at least a little afraid. Then, there is the way he barged into the prince's residence barking orders and taking over like he owned the place -- no respect at all. Spendlove just doesn't ring true to me. Maybe I'll come to understand more in future books. At least Spendlove is named correctly :)

Great read -- now -- I have to begin waiting all over again for the next book in the series. OH WOE IS ME!!!

[Ruby Bibi · Rating 4 out of 5]

-As I near the end of the books in this series written to date, it’s a little sad to think that I will not be visiting the very interesting characters and stories that I’ve enjoyed so much. This is book #12 of the series, and we open to find the continuation of the event that Captain Gabriel Lacey was so much looking forward to - the birth of his child.
-Complications ensue, and, wisely, as a precaution, Lacey was able to arrange for the surgeon associate of James Denis to be near his wife’s estate in case he would be needed. It was a cold wintry night, and Lacey’s wife was being attended to by a midwife. The midwife forced Lacey to stay outside of Donata’s room, but in the middle of the night she came rushing out, and told Lacey he must get the doctor. Luckily, though the midwife felt that both the baby and Donata would be lost, this highly skilled surgeon was able to save both.
-From here, the story seems to diverge into several different paths which appear to have nothing to do with each other. Marianne Simmons, who is the love interest of Lacey’s friend, Grenville, has sent for Lacey on a seemingly important matter. They make arrangements to meet the next day at a specified time. Shortly after, he gets a summons from the Crown Prince through Grenville, that he is to appear before the Prince but, both meetings have been set for the same time. He puts off the Prince and goes to meet Marianne at the appointed place but she never appears. Instead, a note is thrust into Lacey’s hand. It’s from Marianne, and he instantly recognized her handwriting. She wrote that she has run off to be the mistress of the Duke of Dunmarron and has left Grenville. His initial reaction is shock, but there’s several things about the note and how she vanished which makes him uneasy.
-His visit to the Crown Prince who resides at Carlton House also presents a puzzle. The Prince is known to purchase works of art from all over the world, regardless of cost. It appears that pieces from the estate have gone missing while still other pieces are found in locations other than the ones they belonged to. To complicate things further, one of the Bow Street runners, Spendlove, who has been trying to capture James Denis, has threatened to arrest Lacey unless he helps him to prove that a suspect that Spendlove has captured is really the guilty party.
-With Spendlove breathing down his neck to solve this crime, and with Denis warning Lacey not to interfere, it would seem he’s caught in the middle. Lacey visits Brewster, who was under the employ of Denis and who had been assigned to watch over Lacey, but he discovers that Brewster has been let go and is now unemployed. Lacey realizes that Brester’s help would be important and he hires Brewster as an assistant. Brewster’s past occupation, before being employed by Denis, was a thief and he guides Lacey through the his former world of fences and methods of how thefts could take place. Events regarding the thefts continue to puzzle the investigators, as a the person in charge of the artworks in Carlton House is killed.
-Questions keep piling up, until the very end, when all of the pieces of the puzzle come together for Lacey, but only to result in both his life and that of his wife Donata, at risk of ending.
-Very enjoyable.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Get a peak at how the highest echelon lived two hundred years ago. In this story, the irritating Spendlove coerces Captain Lacey to investigate a case regarding missing items at Carlton House, the residence of the prince regent. Captain Lacey really doesn't want to take the case, mostly because Spendlove is making him do it. To complicate matters, Denis doesn't want Lacey on the case. While stuck in a catch 22, Lacey would really rather just spend time with his wife and children, but then there's a murder and the stakes go up.
Another excellent look at regency London with Gabriel Lacey and his friends. Gabriel and Donata have a harrowing experience over the birth of their daughter. They get a chance to tell each other how much they mean to each other and maybe even believe it. Perhaps after this one we'll see whether Grenville is ready to throw convention to the wind with respect to Marianne.

[Dee Jay Blaylock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Replicas?

Captain Lacey and Donata have a new daughter and Donata nearly died.
After several weeks of healing, they move to London to begin the season. A Bow Street runner named Spendlove threatens the safety of his family and tries to get Lacey to help him find the people responsible for stealing items from the Prince Regent’s residence at Carlton House.
Lacey finds upon speaking to the Prince Regent and to Higgs who is the conservator that art pieces have been mysteriously moved from room to room.
When following up on the mystery, Lacey accompanied by Brewster finds a copy or the real one in marche overt. When he goes back to Carlton House to check on the item, he finds Higgs has been murdered.
The intrigue that ensues wraps around Gabriel and Donata and their friends.

[Sarah Hearn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first Captain Lacey book I’ve read. I quite enjoyed it and may seek out others. I found bits of it tedious but on the whole, the tone and characterization were good for the period the book was set, i.e., the Regency. The author effectively eschewed all the ersatz Austen-isms that other authors fall prey to, e.g., maidens blushing coyly, handsome men being haughty, ridiculous expressions such as “oh lah, sir”, and others. Everyone, although aristos, seems to speak normal English, the bad guys are not always the lower classes, and the Cockney characters aren’t “winningly humorous” with their rhyming slang and carefully spelled out dialect. On the whole, a good effort.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Someone is stealing expensive artifacts from Carlton House with a very clever scheme. Small pieces are first moved from room to room, then carried away in pockets or small packages, forgeries are made, and the forgery is returned to the house without anyone being the wiser. Finally, after enough objects are misplaced, the Prince calls in Captain Lacey and Grenville to investigate. Then the curator of the collection is murdered and Bow Street gets involved. Forgeries, black markets, clandestine auctions and bored aristocrats all play their roles in these crimes. As always, the details of the underbelly of Regency London are fascinating and plentiful.

[Nina · Rating 3 out of 5]

A so-so novel set in 1818 London. Someone has been taking art objects in the home of the Prince Regent and either moving them around or stealing them all together, leaving copies in their place. Captain Lacey is engaged to find the miscreant. The inter-relationships and events in the novel weren't all that probable, and it wasn't all that interesting other than what one art thief said to Lacey:
"all artwork was stolen, often from the original artist who was promised payment but never received it. Monarchs, aristocrats, and military men went through the world taking what they wanted, never compensating anyone for it." That's something to think about it.

[Inés · Rating 4 out of 5]

The solution to this mystery, when revealed, wasn't as satisfactory as in previous books. It was quite clever, but it felt somewhat convoluted and not completely convincing.
On the other hand, the recreation of Carlton House is extraordinary. It even made me search for drawings of the gothic conservatory! It is a bonus to appreciate the effort made by authors of historical novels to provide a well-researched background for their stories.
The depiction of Lacey's relationship with the remaining usual characters and, in particular here, with his wife and children (beautifully tender) give the captain (and his accolades) a very welcome depth.

[Eva S. Gholami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystery at Carlton House

I have read all of the Captain Lacey books. If you like the original regency mysteries, in the style of Georgette Heyer, you will enjoy this series.
The story is well written, the characters are well fleshed and you get a glimpse into life during this time period.
Once again Captain Lacey and his cohorts are solving another mystery that involves the Prince Regent, James Denis, art forgers and thievery. Lady Donata helps, of course, after she gives birth!
So, I highly recommend this book and series

[Myrna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The boys (and ladies) are back in Town.

It was great to have Lacey, Grenville and Brewster back in London Town! Lovely Donata and Marianne also play important roles in the story, which I applaud. Ashley Gardner deftly wove the strands of several plot lines together into a believable tapestry that included just the right amount of pathos, investigation and action. The addition of the Regent--or more specifically, his opulent residence--also brought some luster to the proceedings. A fabulous read and I can't wait for the next book.

[Kat Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 11 of the Captain Lacey Regency Mysteries series. Another amazing mystery by Ashley Gardner/Jennifer Ashley! I love that this one just takes up right where the previous book ended. Her attention to even the smallest detail in describing the characters, the places they visit, and the things they see and feel around them make you feel submersed into the time and place of the story. You not only enjoy the story lines and plots within plots, but you feel as though you’ve experienced everything right along with the characters. Excellent read! 😍

[A.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Prince Regent has noticed that some of the works in his Carlton House collection are missing, and others have been moving around the mansion. He demands that Grenville attend to him and bring that Captain fellow, too.

Denis warns him off investigating it, and Spendlove the bow street runner demands that he investigate or he will arrest Lacey for any reason he can think up.

The Captain somehow manages to thread a path between these options and ALSO work out the latest Marianne drama. [I am getting very tired of Marianne drama, must say]

4 stars

[Bettye McKee · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engaging Regency mystery

Works of art -- paintings, sculptures and the like -- are disappearing or turning up in odd places at Carlton House. A man has been arrested and charged with theft. Captain Gabriel Lacey is summoned by the Prince Regent to solve the mystery.

Lacey is convinced that the man who has been arrested is innocent of the charges. He must find the real culprit before an innocent man is hanged.

9

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

December 1818 and Lacey and Grenville are invited to investigate the strange going ons at Carlton House, the home of the Prince Regent. Art objects have either going missing or have been moved. Bow Street Runner Timothy Spendlove coerces Lacey to find evidence that the suspect he has for this crime is guilty.
A enjoyable mystery, with some interesting and likeable characters. Another good book in this series. Now all I have to do is wait until the next is written and published.

[Sherry Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Captain Lacey novel

I love the Captain Lacey Regency Mysteries. I am glad to see he is back in London in this novel. I am pleased that the author doesn't feel the need to devise a way to put a rift between the Captain and his beloved Donata. This keeps the book about the mystery. One of my favorite things about the series is the characters. The Captain's strong sense of honor makes him an admirable character and one many of us can identify with.