What do you think?
Rate this book
A Lady Arianna Regency Mystery #3.5
The Stolen Letters
With the hunt for a diabolical traitor finally over, Lady Arianna is looking for some peace and quiet in which to resolve lingering tensions with her husband over her daredevil exploits during the final chase. But an unexpected late night visit from The Dragon—Saybrook’s feisty and independent great aunt—puts her in the middle of a very difficult dilemma . . . Constantina confesses that some very private personal letters, along with some sensitive diplomatic documents, have been stolen from her French paramour. She’s desperately hoping Arianna can help get them back, but says it must be discreetly and without anyone knowing—including Saybook. Yes or No? The task is made even more daunting when Arianna discovers that the political intrigue may entangle her with some very dangerous old enemies . . . Ah, but Arianna can’t resist a challenge, and when she learns that a diplomatic party will provide the perfect opportunity to steal the documents back, she and Constantina, along with their friend Sophia Kirtland, quickly devise a plan to prove the ladies can best the gentlemen at their own devious games . . .
105 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 4, 2017
308 people are currently reading
394 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Penrose
22 books1,981 followersAndrea Penrose is the USA Today bestselling author of Regency-era historical fiction, including the acclaimed Wrexford & Sloane mystery series, as well as Regency romances written under the names Cara Elliott and Andrea Pickens. Published internationally in ten languages, she is a three-time RITA Award finalist and the recipient of numerous writing awards, including two Daphne Du Maurier Awards for Historical Mystery and two Gold Leaf Awards.
A graduate of Yale University with a B.A. in Art and an M.F.A. in Graphic Design, Andrea fell in love with Regency England after reading Pride and Prejudice and has maintained a fascination with the era’s swirling silks and radical new ideas throughout her writing career. She lives in Connecticut and blogs with a community of historical fiction authors at WordWenches.com. She also can be found at AndreaPenrose.com and on Instagram @AndreaPenroseBooks.
A graduate of Yale University with a B.A. in Art and an M.F.A. in Graphic Design, Andrea fell in love with Regency England after reading Pride and Prejudice and has maintained a fascination with the era’s swirling silks and radical new ideas throughout her writing career. She lives in Connecticut and blogs with a community of historical fiction authors at WordWenches.com. She also can be found at AndreaPenrose.com and on Instagram @AndreaPenroseBooks.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 14, 2021
I found this novella satisfying for several reasons…
1. Grantham approaches Arianna for help. Ha!
2. Arianna, Constantina, and Sophia handle the entire situation. Sandro is tricked into leaving for the country.
3. The problem is big enough to require sleuthing and action, but was solvable in one night.
4. The A.J. Quill reference. A.J. Quill!!!
1. Grantham approaches Arianna for help. Ha!
2. Arianna, Constantina, and Sophia handle the entire situation. Sandro is tricked into leaving for the country.
3. The problem is big enough to require sleuthing and action, but was solvable in one night.
4. The A.J. Quill reference. A.J. Quill!!!
July 10, 2020
This felt a bit... slight. I get that it's a novella, and it's perfectly fine. But it didn't satisfy as some of other books in this series do. Maybe because the heart of this series is really Arianna and Saybrook's partnership, both as crime solving duo, and as husband and wife. And Saybrook is largely off-page in this. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for female bonding, but part of me feels like this is more of a set-up to be a potential later source of drama in the marriage of the central characters than anything. I guess it mostly just felt like a digression, rather than part of the larger whole (which I suspect is by design - it's an opportunity to explore a slightly different focus in the same world, with the same characters). I just don't find the digression as compelling as the main story.
Also, it feels like Grentham was being needlessly difficult in this, especially given the previous book.
Also, it feels like Grentham was being needlessly difficult in this, especially given the previous book.
March 24, 2019
Aside from seeing our Great Aunt and Sophia again this is skippable. Plus Grentham is once again backsliding into a horrid manipulative reptile with no human qualities.
Trigger warning -- another attempted rape scene.
Trigger warning -- another attempted rape scene.
August 2, 2022
An interesting peek into a small adventure. I want more of these and I 100% want to see Sandro's emotions MORE thank you very much. This was way faster and easier to read than the full-length novels and I hope the rest of them continue in this vein
July 19, 2022
*Special Content only on my blog, Strange and Random Happenstance during Regency Romp (March-August 2022)
Lady Stirling, Constantina as she is known to her beloved family, or The Dragon as she is known to the ton, is in a quandary. Yet she doesn't want to tell her nephew, as he's involved in government and it could be quite compromising for him, and she doesn't want to tell her great-nephew because while she knows Sandro could help her it's very personal. Therefore she turns to Sandro's wife, Arianna. Constantina knows that Arianna is the real brains behind all the cases that Sandro and she have solved. She also knows that Arianna can keep a secret. Arianna's past is dark and treacherous and something she doesn't talk of, therefore she is the perfect person to help Constantina. Constantina has been foolish. At her age in life she has developed a tendre. Her paramour is French, which given the current peace talks isn't as shocking as it could be. But apparently the contents of their letters are quite shocking, and they have gone missing along with some very sensitive political documents. Constantina is asking Arianna to find the documents and return them to their rightful owner. The problem is, there are literally no clues and too many suspects. Was it the British? Or how about the Russians or the Prussians or anyone else involved in jockeying for more power at the peace conference. When Arianna is approached by Lord Grentham she at least knows it's not the British because they want the documents, supposedly to just keep them safe until after an important meeting, but can Grentham be trusted? No. But he's willing to offer her the identity of the thieves if she will herself retrieve the documents. She agrees because it's better to bargain with the devil you know. The Prussians have the documents and Arianna can steal them back at an upcoming party for the diplomats. First Constantina needs to get Sandro out of town, because he's too clever by half. Second they need an invite, which is gotten through Constantina's nephew at the behest of Lord Grentham. Third they need more help, so they enlist Sophie Kirtland to the coterie. What could possibly go wrong? Oh yeah, the Russians.
The Lady Arianna Regency Mysteries were a serendipitous find at my local Barnes and Noble. It's a precious memory to me of the day I first stumbled on the series because my Dad and I went to the store together and then he said the magic words; "I'll pay." Not wanting to be greedy or bankrupt my father I was very careful in my selections, in fact looking at my database, now don't judge because I have a database of books and you don't, I can see I bought the first two books in this series and well as Cinder by Marissa Meyer and The Soul Mirror by Carol Berg. This series was an obvious must buy with two of my favorite authors, Lauren Willig and Tasha Alexander, both having pull quotes on the cover. But after Recipe for Treason I no longer saw additional volumes. Sometimes I am oddly lazy and don't go online to see what is up with series ending, probably because we rarely get answers, I'm looking at you Madelyn Alt! But when preparing to romp through the Regency and knowing Andrea was going to be a part of Lauren Willig's Pink Carnation Read Along I thought, well, I'll include the Lady Arianna series. So I looked it up and was shocked, there were more books!?! After a five year gap Andrea started self-publishing the further adventures of Arianna and Sandro! I obviously bought them all and am now devouring them at a rapacious rate. The Stolen Letters is a little novella bridging the traditionally published books and the new eBooks. And while I really like the whole "Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves" vibe the whole lying to Sandro stuck in my craw. Years ago I remember my friend Jess and I discussing the whole trope of lying to your significant other. We were both obsessed with Audrey Tautou at the time and were watching all her films and had rented The Spanish Apartment. Now a BIG plot point in this movie is the flatmates helping one of their number to cheat on their significant other. We both agreed that this just made us cringe. It's just wrong. Sure, here there's justification because Arianna is helping her husband's relative and she has asked her to keep it secret from him. But that's just not on. Constantina should not have asked this of Arianna OR Arianna should have told Constantina why she had to tell Sandro. Either way, it's a trope that is common and all too cringe.
Lady Stirling, Constantina as she is known to her beloved family, or The Dragon as she is known to the ton, is in a quandary. Yet she doesn't want to tell her nephew, as he's involved in government and it could be quite compromising for him, and she doesn't want to tell her great-nephew because while she knows Sandro could help her it's very personal. Therefore she turns to Sandro's wife, Arianna. Constantina knows that Arianna is the real brains behind all the cases that Sandro and she have solved. She also knows that Arianna can keep a secret. Arianna's past is dark and treacherous and something she doesn't talk of, therefore she is the perfect person to help Constantina. Constantina has been foolish. At her age in life she has developed a tendre. Her paramour is French, which given the current peace talks isn't as shocking as it could be. But apparently the contents of their letters are quite shocking, and they have gone missing along with some very sensitive political documents. Constantina is asking Arianna to find the documents and return them to their rightful owner. The problem is, there are literally no clues and too many suspects. Was it the British? Or how about the Russians or the Prussians or anyone else involved in jockeying for more power at the peace conference. When Arianna is approached by Lord Grentham she at least knows it's not the British because they want the documents, supposedly to just keep them safe until after an important meeting, but can Grentham be trusted? No. But he's willing to offer her the identity of the thieves if she will herself retrieve the documents. She agrees because it's better to bargain with the devil you know. The Prussians have the documents and Arianna can steal them back at an upcoming party for the diplomats. First Constantina needs to get Sandro out of town, because he's too clever by half. Second they need an invite, which is gotten through Constantina's nephew at the behest of Lord Grentham. Third they need more help, so they enlist Sophie Kirtland to the coterie. What could possibly go wrong? Oh yeah, the Russians.
The Lady Arianna Regency Mysteries were a serendipitous find at my local Barnes and Noble. It's a precious memory to me of the day I first stumbled on the series because my Dad and I went to the store together and then he said the magic words; "I'll pay." Not wanting to be greedy or bankrupt my father I was very careful in my selections, in fact looking at my database, now don't judge because I have a database of books and you don't, I can see I bought the first two books in this series and well as Cinder by Marissa Meyer and The Soul Mirror by Carol Berg. This series was an obvious must buy with two of my favorite authors, Lauren Willig and Tasha Alexander, both having pull quotes on the cover. But after Recipe for Treason I no longer saw additional volumes. Sometimes I am oddly lazy and don't go online to see what is up with series ending, probably because we rarely get answers, I'm looking at you Madelyn Alt! But when preparing to romp through the Regency and knowing Andrea was going to be a part of Lauren Willig's Pink Carnation Read Along I thought, well, I'll include the Lady Arianna series. So I looked it up and was shocked, there were more books!?! After a five year gap Andrea started self-publishing the further adventures of Arianna and Sandro! I obviously bought them all and am now devouring them at a rapacious rate. The Stolen Letters is a little novella bridging the traditionally published books and the new eBooks. And while I really like the whole "Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves" vibe the whole lying to Sandro stuck in my craw. Years ago I remember my friend Jess and I discussing the whole trope of lying to your significant other. We were both obsessed with Audrey Tautou at the time and were watching all her films and had rented The Spanish Apartment. Now a BIG plot point in this movie is the flatmates helping one of their number to cheat on their significant other. We both agreed that this just made us cringe. It's just wrong. Sure, here there's justification because Arianna is helping her husband's relative and she has asked her to keep it secret from him. But that's just not on. Constantina should not have asked this of Arianna OR Arianna should have told Constantina why she had to tell Sandro. Either way, it's a trope that is common and all too cringe.
July 7, 2018
I love this series so much, that I was willing to buy the eBook from Kobo because that was the only way I could read it. I normally won't buy novellas because it feels like too much money for a shorter story. But with this series and these characters, I didn't mind, and I enjoyed the story almost as much as a regular book.
This book was mostly about Arianna, with very little Sandro, which is too bad, but this was a "girls night out" story, since Arianna was helping out Sandro's Aunt Constantina with a problem and enlists Sophia to help as well.
The women manage to get into trouble, but also to deal with it themselves, which is one of the things I most love about Arianna - she doesn't go crying for help, she deals with her own stuff on her own, and usually pretty successfully too.
This was short, but it was sweet, and whetted my appetite for the next full length book.
This book was mostly about Arianna, with very little Sandro, which is too bad, but this was a "girls night out" story, since Arianna was helping out Sandro's Aunt Constantina with a problem and enlists Sophia to help as well.
The women manage to get into trouble, but also to deal with it themselves, which is one of the things I most love about Arianna - she doesn't go crying for help, she deals with her own stuff on her own, and usually pretty successfully too.
This was short, but it was sweet, and whetted my appetite for the next full length book.
October 3, 2021
Food for thought ~ twilight years' Love or Lust between senior citizens of enemy countries... billets~doux (obviously a recipe for blackmail)... confidential papers (recipe for both blackmail and political leverage)... Letters and Papers were stolen... Lord Percival 'Persecute' Grentham knew the thief but could not act without provoking an international incident given the ongoing but contentious Peace Conference in Vienna (an oxymoron there somewhere). The senior in love and sender of love letters was the dowager Lady Constantina Sterling, Staybrook's great aunt. Her careless senior lover was the French envoy, Gerard Dampierre. Furthermore Charles and Sandro must not know... so this would be women's business as Sophia was also recruited into the mix except for Grentham who would clean up the mess.
p.s. ~ Could Arianna be pregnant? Would Grentham and Sophia be a match for each other?
p.s. ~ Could Arianna be pregnant? Would Grentham and Sophia be a match for each other?
May 3, 2024
I have yet to read anything by this author that has not been 10 stars worth and this story was no exception. I have grow to absolutely adore the stories or Wrexford and Sloane and I see this worthy set of characters are just as good, if not better. The characters are endearing from the very first moment, and stay with the reader till the very end. The plot is straightforward and easy to follow and the premise is recovering the diplomatic papers and love letters written by the great aunt dowager of the main character's husband. The plan was laid and with the inevitable hiccups followed through. It is now up to you, the reader, to find out what exactly happened. I most assuredly recommend this book.
May 23, 2018
Yay! I am so glad Andrea Penrose is continuing this series through little vignettes of small cases. This picks up shortly after the events of the third book in the Lady Arianna series, and revolves around a set of stolen love letters that also contain sensitive political communications. Given the sensitive political environment, preventing their disclosure is critical to the peace process, as well as to Arianna’s Great aunt (in law)’s mental peace. As always, Lady Arianna uses her wits and skills at clandestine investigations to solve the mystery — notwithstanding the interference of various governmental and other nefarious characters. Can’t wait to read more of her adventures!
December 31, 2018
I really liked this series when it started and mostly still do. I had some problems with the last book that I stated in my review having to do with Sandro and Arianna's relationship. I liked this book, although it was very short. I would like the author to go back to full-length books because I do not like paying for novellas. Not near enough content for the price. I did purchase the next one as well, but I will not purchase any more novellas even though I like the series.
September 29, 2017
It was fun to catch up with Arianna, Sandro and other familiar characters (assuming that the reader has read Andrea Penrose's delicious chocolate series of mysteries), but this story was frustratingly short. In general I am not a fan of the current novella fad. I prefer to sink my teeth into a big, juicy, complicated book.
September 14, 2018
Avid Reader
Like most reviewers, I felt that this novella was too short and should have been included as part of the last book of the series since Lady Arianna confessed what she had done to help her husband 's great -aunt. Her fight with Prince Orlov was the best part. After 69% we get chapters from the author's other books.
Like most reviewers, I felt that this novella was too short and should have been included as part of the last book of the series since Lady Arianna confessed what she had done to help her husband 's great -aunt. Her fight with Prince Orlov was the best part. After 69% we get chapters from the author's other books.
December 9, 2019
65% out of 100%
this story was only 65% of the kindle document. the rest was first chapters of other books (including different series) of the author. i know it was a short story, but i am annoyed by all the advertising. why tell me about books EARLIER in the series? i have likely read them. sheesh. story blah.
this story was only 65% of the kindle document. the rest was first chapters of other books (including different series) of the author. i know it was a short story, but i am annoyed by all the advertising. why tell me about books EARLIER in the series? i have likely read them. sheesh. story blah.
May 5, 2020
3.5 stars. When her husband's great-aunt begs Arianna to help her retrieve The Stolen Letters of the title, she willingly agrees, although she experiences misgivings at having to keep it a secret from her husband. Of course, the plans don't go quite as expected . . . . While not quite as good as the full-length novels in this series, this is still quite enjoyable. Recommended.
March 22, 2022
short but very sweet
Novellas can often be an absolute waste. But not so with The Stolen Letters. It is a sweet interlude between books in the Lady Arianna series with the same wit and care as the full novels. A lovely treat.
Novellas can often be an absolute waste. But not so with The Stolen Letters. It is a sweet interlude between books in the Lady Arianna series with the same wit and care as the full novels. A lovely treat.
July 25, 2022
I am really bothered by Constantina asking Adrianna to keep her actions from Sandro. And Adriana agreeing. I admit that isn't really about the quality of the book, so I'll go ahead with 3 stars, under protest.:-)
August 23, 2018
Although the description doesn't say so, this is a novella.
July 24, 2019
Not worth the purchase.
Paid for a novella but found the story even shorter because 35% were previews for upcoming books by the author. The story has much unsaid.
Paid for a novella but found the story even shorter because 35% were previews for upcoming books by the author. The story has much unsaid.
May 9, 2020
Good!
This is a great little story. It fills the void well while waiting for the next episode in this series.
This is a great little story. It fills the void well while waiting for the next episode in this series.
July 11, 2020
Okay,but short.
October 10, 2021
Novella interlude in the series which feels a bit thin.
October 14, 2021
Oooooo . . . more intrigue in this short story than most novellas can offer! Sounds like it's a segue into the next story . . . I cannot wait! Excellent audiobook narrator!
January 18, 2022
The story was enjoyable. The narrator/performer was absolutely atrocious. Frankly, she ruined the book for me.
June 30, 2022
A novella that is short and interesting…3.5 stars
October 25, 2022
didnt like her lying at him.
January 10, 2023
This was fun but the short format feels like the 'the second thought' that it was. That said....Penrose's books are a must read for me
August 24, 2023
1.5 stars.
I have nothing against Andrea Penrose but cannot stand the narrator. Pretentious and haughty. Does the narrator think women talked like that then?
I have nothing against Andrea Penrose but cannot stand the narrator. Pretentious and haughty. Does the narrator think women talked like that then?
February 27, 2024
A short romp for the ladies only!
March 29, 2025
Wonderful book and mystery with a touch of romance, I love books by Andrea Penrose!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews