What do you think?
Rate this book
Lady Althea Mystery #1
The Richmond Thief
Someone is snatching priceless jewels right off the necks of British aristocrats. With his intimate access to the parlors and bedrooms of Regency London, the Richmond Thief strikes again and again. The Bow Street Runners, the city’s only detectives, seem powerless to stop him.
Enter Althea, lady scientist.
As the young widow of a country gentleman, Lady Althea Trent is introduced to the upper-class social scene as yet another pretty face. But her own scientific inquiries and an invitation to act as an agent of Bow Street with the enigmatic Duke of Norwich propel her into the hunt for the Richmond Thief. The theft of her host’s diamonds and two potential murders only harden Althea’s resolve to find answers to the thief’s identity.
Unfortunately, Althea’s dangerous entanglements with the law and the mysterious duke inexorably lead her to a darkened library—where the masked Richmond Thief awaits.
This is a new release of an edition originally published by Nerdy Girl Press.
Enter Althea, lady scientist.
As the young widow of a country gentleman, Lady Althea Trent is introduced to the upper-class social scene as yet another pretty face. But her own scientific inquiries and an invitation to act as an agent of Bow Street with the enigmatic Duke of Norwich propel her into the hunt for the Richmond Thief. The theft of her host’s diamonds and two potential murders only harden Althea’s resolve to find answers to the thief’s identity.
Unfortunately, Althea’s dangerous entanglements with the law and the mysterious duke inexorably lead her to a darkened library—where the masked Richmond Thief awaits.
This is a new release of an edition originally published by Nerdy Girl Press.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 12, 2017
344 people are currently reading
409 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
September 3, 2018
This book would have easily been a five star for me, but for one major flaw. The time period of this book was 1811, and Lady Althea, and her sister in law Jane, both widows go to London to visit with family. During this time frame no matter if you helped your deceased husband ,with the study of insects, this would not be normal conversation with a gentleman, especially a titled one. A blue stocking, as over educated readers were called ,would still find this beyond the pale, of polite society. Especially with the interest of a dead body, mostly covered by dirt , in the park with a gentleman at your side. Her anger, and critic remarks when he attempted to shield her, were uncalled for, and quite odd. She was trying to get her husband's scientific notes published, and even though she may be more gifted than he, in some ways, he had made a respected name for himself, and she hoped to present additional papers under his name. It was even amazing that a bow street runner, which was considered the police at that time, would give credit that insects could determine time of death, and she a genteel lady would be asked ,to go undercover on a jewelry heist. I actually liked the story, and Jane, and the different men in her life. I liked John, and Charles, both family where she was staying. Norwich though titled, seemed to come to her rescue quite often, though at times she thought him condescending, and his younger brother, who I hope gets a story of his own. There were deaths, explained away as people leaving employment, and jewels missing, and snooping, and a touch of romance, by a surprise gentleman, and a touch of the ridiculous by a rector. What is it with country ministers, and their over zealous expectations.? The ending was near what I had thought, but a bit more ugly, and I was sure that someone else belonged to a type of notorious club, popular during that period. It kept me reading, and guessing until the end. I will be looking for book two in the series. I hope the author keeps her main character more restricted in her comments, because no scientific society would publish under a woman, in that time period, no matter how smart she is, so her educated comments, and abilities can not be on display ,for members, of the Ton, unless it is backhanded in nature.
September 7, 2018
I liked the spunky, intellectual determination of the heroine to live life on her own terms. I enjoyed that there were multiple small mysteries that the protagonist encountered and she was challenged to figure out whether they were linked together.
The book fell short for me on the development of characters. There was not enough detail in conversations to reveal characters' inner thoughts -- while the dialog was often good, there were few descriptions of the subtleties of look and manner. At one point the heroine is describing to the hero some details on her beetle research and he "stares dumbly". Some description here about a raised eyebrow, the look on his face or his body posture reaction would have been more illuminating and made him sound less like an idiot and more like an intelligent person hearing something that made them uncomfortable.
I thought the heroine's character was inconsistently obtuse when it came to identifying the thief, and jumped to assumptions that weren't warranted. And the other key details that answer some of the mysteries were not shared with us the reader, just so they could be popped up at the end to show us that the heroine had some of it figured out, she just didn't tell anyone about it.
The book fell short for me on the development of characters. There was not enough detail in conversations to reveal characters' inner thoughts -- while the dialog was often good, there were few descriptions of the subtleties of look and manner. At one point the heroine is describing to the hero some details on her beetle research and he "stares dumbly". Some description here about a raised eyebrow, the look on his face or his body posture reaction would have been more illuminating and made him sound less like an idiot and more like an intelligent person hearing something that made them uncomfortable.
I thought the heroine's character was inconsistently obtuse when it came to identifying the thief, and jumped to assumptions that weren't warranted. And the other key details that answer some of the mysteries were not shared with us the reader, just so they could be popped up at the end to show us that the heroine had some of it figured out, she just didn't tell anyone about it.
August 12, 2018
great heroine
great first in the series. the author has done well at balancing modern ideas of an intrepid female, and the historical constraints placed on women.
great first in the series. the author has done well at balancing modern ideas of an intrepid female, and the historical constraints placed on women.
November 9, 2019
Congratulations, Madame Beetle!
If you are looking for an extremely intelligent, independent female protagonist in a historical murder mystery, then fear not. The Richmond Thief might just be the book for you.
Althea is a very educated woman, who was raised by a widowed father the best way he knew how. This resulted in a confident and logical woman who manages to throw a spanner in the works for some of the men involved in hunting down the notorious jewel thief.
I enjoyed this immensely (got my fingers crossed for a second book) as it portrays the women of the time as more than ornamental arm candy or drab women sporting widows weeds.
4 stars ⭐️
If you are looking for an extremely intelligent, independent female protagonist in a historical murder mystery, then fear not. The Richmond Thief might just be the book for you.
Althea is a very educated woman, who was raised by a widowed father the best way he knew how. This resulted in a confident and logical woman who manages to throw a spanner in the works for some of the men involved in hunting down the notorious jewel thief.
I enjoyed this immensely (got my fingers crossed for a second book) as it portrays the women of the time as more than ornamental arm candy or drab women sporting widows weeds.
4 stars ⭐️
December 1, 2024
I enjoyed this historical mystery series starter more than I anticipated and plan to continue on with subsequent books.
Lady Althea is a very clever and determined woman ahead of her time. I enjoyed her character a little more than her counterpart, the Duke of Norwich. He starts off as condescending and dismissive because of her sex, but she shows she's very adept at proving people wrong by overcoming his attitude and winning him over.
Good start, and I'm looking forward to seeing how this series plays out.
Lady Althea is a very clever and determined woman ahead of her time. I enjoyed her character a little more than her counterpart, the Duke of Norwich. He starts off as condescending and dismissive because of her sex, but she shows she's very adept at proving people wrong by overcoming his attitude and winning him over.
Good start, and I'm looking forward to seeing how this series plays out.
January 5, 2019
an excellent mystery
i had generally guessed the “villains” identity, but was surprised by its....uh, depth. always love rebellious females. the diversity of the ton is richer than usual. somehow i think that may be the greatest fiction.
i had generally guessed the “villains” identity, but was surprised by its....uh, depth. always love rebellious females. the diversity of the ton is richer than usual. somehow i think that may be the greatest fiction.
July 7, 2019
Fast and fun read! I liked the MC and her love interest. It was a cross between Pride and Prejudice and a mystery. I hope there are more books in the series because I'd love to find out more about John and his wife.
May 3, 2020
I rolled my eyes so many times reading this. It helped when I thought of it as fantasy, rather than historical fiction. There were a few things I enjoyed - cousin Jane was great, and I did enjoy the science aspect of Althea's character, though it seemed a bit unlikely.
What really got me was how there was so much just LIFTED from Pride and Prejudice - turns of phrase like being "a great walker" or the words in a proposal scene being the same as the famous one in P&P. Squire Pettigrew WAS Mr. Collins, even talking about the "affability and condescension" of his mother.
A lot of men were REALLY HORRIBLE to Althea, telling her over and over again to her face that she didn't know what she wanted and that OF COURSE she really wanted to marry them (because she is rich). And she just kind of had to take it. And didn't even seem to really mind, or feel like she had any power to tell them to step off.
Even the hero has a line that's something like "I was weak and stupid, but it's just because I love you so much." And I have steam coming out of my ears. "You were just so tempting, I couldn't help myself." There was more than one instance along the theme of men being helpless to control themselves because they just desire her so much.
Never mind the mystery. At one point she goes to the magistrate to talk about something that happened that was a huge clue, but then suddenly decides she can't say it because somebody kissed her. I was like, "You could LEAVE THAT PART OUT." There was some awful and weird violence at the end, and then the solution to the mystery came out of left field.
I love the IDEA of P&P fan fiction with a scientific heroine, but ... the plot and characterization here were not sufficient to the task. I'm really glad it's done.
ONE LAST THING: when it's convenient, the lower orders are all going out of their way to help her because she's a gentlewoman. But when the whims of the plot require it, there's a mob of the lower classes out to get her. The way she treated her maids actually came off as high-handed and overly trusting of them to keep secrets, when I think it was supposed to look like she was treating them as equals.
If you know anything about how people thought in the time period, don't read this, because you will be annoyed.
What really got me was how there was so much just LIFTED from Pride and Prejudice - turns of phrase like being "a great walker" or the words in a proposal scene being the same as the famous one in P&P. Squire Pettigrew WAS Mr. Collins, even talking about the "affability and condescension" of his mother.
A lot of men were REALLY HORRIBLE to Althea, telling her over and over again to her face that she didn't know what she wanted and that OF COURSE she really wanted to marry them (because she is rich). And she just kind of had to take it. And didn't even seem to really mind, or feel like she had any power to tell them to step off.
Even the hero has a line that's something like "I was weak and stupid, but it's just because I love you so much." And I have steam coming out of my ears. "You were just so tempting, I couldn't help myself." There was more than one instance along the theme of men being helpless to control themselves because they just desire her so much.
Never mind the mystery. At one point she goes to the magistrate to talk about something that happened that was a huge clue, but then suddenly decides she can't say it because somebody kissed her. I was like, "You could LEAVE THAT PART OUT." There was some awful and weird violence at the end, and then the solution to the mystery came out of left field.
I love the IDEA of P&P fan fiction with a scientific heroine, but ... the plot and characterization here were not sufficient to the task. I'm really glad it's done.
ONE LAST THING: when it's convenient, the lower orders are all going out of their way to help her because she's a gentlewoman. But when the whims of the plot require it, there's a mob of the lower classes out to get her. The way she treated her maids actually came off as high-handed and overly trusting of them to keep secrets, when I think it was supposed to look like she was treating them as equals.
If you know anything about how people thought in the time period, don't read this, because you will be annoyed.
January 21, 2020
Charming! I enjoyed Lady Althea’s spirit, wit and manner very much. She is a quirky blue stocking without becoming a caricature - intelligent, brave and just the sort of person to nose around for the good of others. Her sister-in-law makes a lovely foil as the requisite sidekick, and the other characters are intriguing as well. A good first installment that left me eager to read the next.
November 5, 2023
За да може една поредица да ви стане любима, не е нужно тя да е от хиляда части, нито пък главните герои да изстрадат цялата палитра от неприятности и житейски ужасии. Вижте само лейди Алтеа на Лиса Боеро. Тя е богата и красива – никакви щети от нищета и недояждане. Тя е вдовица, но нито е била обект на домашно насилие, нито се е простила с любовта на живота си, ами просто е погребала близък приятел, който е имал достойството да не ѝ вгорчава живота с изневери или тъпота. Има дете, вече поотраснало и самостоятелно, което не ѝ разкъсва майчиното сърце с далечноста си, а самото му съществуване ѝ спестява кривите погледи на бон тона, че нещо е поизсъхнала отвътре. И сега малките ви черни сърчица крещят – е как така, трябва сега да ѝ се случи някакъв абсолютен ужас, за да компенсира това нечовешко щастие, което никой литературен герой не споделя. Спокойно, труповете идват.
Лейди Алтеа има една ужасна тайна – тя е умна и харесва да гледа буболечки, особено от трупоядния вид, заради увлечението на покойния ѝ съпруг към флората и фауната в тяхната морбидна фаза. Обича да ги наблюдава, рисува и в крайна сметка да открива смели процедури в криминалистиката по отношение на дедукцията колко точно е пресен тоя труп, дето изпадна от канавката. Да речем, че е женският вариант на Гил Грисъм от Местопрестъплението, но с боне и меки кожени ръкавички. То и на Гил ще му отиват много като се замисля, но да се върнем към реалната история. Лейди Алтеа бива елегантно забъркана в шпионаж, кражби и убийства, които по силата на криминалните дамски романи винаги се случват в краката ѝ, докато е леко разсеяна и се опитва да танцува, да си търси мъж или поне да локализира стаята за почивка а.к.а. мястото с цукало зад параван. И естествено като любимият ми вид детективски настроени дами, не ѝ мигва окото дори за секунда в присъствието на тела с температура несъвместима с живота, и не се колебае да се впусне с хладно чело и свити устнички в поредния човешки план за унищожение на невинните, незаконно обогатяване или и двете.
Въпреки обективно тъмните си теми поредицата на Лиса Боеро – състояща се към момента от две, но някак достатъчни и така, книги е приятно уютна, симпатична и лесно четима без да дотяга, без да напряга прекомерно или целево отвращава. Самите криминални загадки са с повече от неочакван край, и разкриването им се дължи колкото на късмет, така и на интелигентна провокация, така че са напълно задоволяващи вътрешния детектив във всеки читател. И все пак ми се искат още книги за лейди Алтеа, толкова приятен и приятелски образ, изграден с искрена любов от автора си рядко ще срещнете.
Лейди Алтеа има една ужасна тайна – тя е умна и харесва да гледа буболечки, особено от трупоядния вид, заради увлечението на покойния ѝ съпруг към флората и фауната в тяхната морбидна фаза. Обича да ги наблюдава, рисува и в крайна сметка да открива смели процедури в криминалистиката по отношение на дедукцията колко точно е пресен тоя труп, дето изпадна от канавката. Да речем, че е женският вариант на Гил Грисъм от Местопрестъплението, но с боне и меки кожени ръкавички. То и на Гил ще му отиват много като се замисля, но да се върнем към реалната история. Лейди Алтеа бива елегантно забъркана в шпионаж, кражби и убийства, които по силата на криминалните дамски романи винаги се случват в краката ѝ, докато е леко разсеяна и се опитва да танцува, да си търси мъж или поне да локализира стаята за почивка а.к.а. мястото с цукало зад параван. И естествено като любимият ми вид детективски настроени дами, не ѝ мигва окото дори за секунда в присъствието на тела с температура несъвместима с живота, и не се колебае да се впусне с хладно чело и свити устнички в поредния човешки план за унищожение на невинните, незаконно обогатяване или и двете.
Въпреки обективно тъмните си теми поредицата на Лиса Боеро – състояща се към момента от две, но някак достатъчни и така, книги е приятно уютна, симпатична и лесно четима без да дотяга, без да напряга прекомерно или целево отвращава. Самите криминални загадки са с повече от неочакван край, и разкриването им се дължи колкото на късмет, така и на интелигентна провокация, така че са напълно задоволяващи вътрешния детектив във всеки читател. И все пак ми се искат още книги за лейди Алтеа, толкова приятен и приятелски образ, изграден с искрена любов от автора си рядко ще срещнете.
November 14, 2020
1.5 stars.
This year I have been reading a lot of Regency/Victorian murder-mystery romcoms (what a fun genre), and I’d say this one was on the low end of the spectrum. The book’s plot devices were transparent, the hero was a sexist ass who treated the heroine like an idiot, and the heroine unfortunately wasn’t clever enough to see through some rather obvious ploys. I think I can count on one hand the number of deductions that she made during the entire book, and she was either a terrible judge of character or wasn’t suspicious of anyone, because she never seemed to consider a person and think through whether or not they might be the culprit.
The heroine “solved” the mystery of the murders by being kidnapped by the villain and given the classic “villain explains everything” speech, before she was handily rescued by the hero, true to damsel-in-distress form. The identity of the villain was obvious to me from the beginning, however Althea never suspected him despite some pretty sketchy interactions which I thought should have put her on the alert. With respect to character construction and consistency, I don’t think the villain’s character earlier in the book really fit with the breadth of his crimes (multiple rapes/murders). I’m not sure a character can be that unhinged without arousing some amount of instinctual fear in the people around him, but no one seemed to notice anything off about him, which I just didn’t find believable.
The other large thing that bothered me was the romance. It mostly consisted of the heroine arguing with the hero over his assertion that women are intellectually inferior to men (what a great guy!), and an incredibly contrived, out-of-the-blue deception that felt obvious to the reader, but apparently wasn’t to Althea. Given that she didn’t figure it out, her reaction to the deception was completely inexplicable .
I won't be continuing with this series and I wouldn't recommend it when you could read Lynn Messina's Beatrice Hyde-Clare series instead and get an actually smart heroine and a non-sexist duke and a lot of hilarious episodes in between.
This year I have been reading a lot of Regency/Victorian murder-mystery romcoms (what a fun genre), and I’d say this one was on the low end of the spectrum. The book’s plot devices were transparent, the hero was a sexist ass who treated the heroine like an idiot, and the heroine unfortunately wasn’t clever enough to see through some rather obvious ploys. I think I can count on one hand the number of deductions that she made during the entire book, and she was either a terrible judge of character or wasn’t suspicious of anyone, because she never seemed to consider a person and think through whether or not they might be the culprit.
The heroine “solved” the mystery of the murders by being kidnapped by the villain and given the classic “villain explains everything” speech, before she was handily rescued by the hero, true to damsel-in-distress form. The identity of the villain was obvious to me from the beginning, however Althea never suspected him despite some pretty sketchy interactions which I thought should have put her on the alert. With respect to character construction and consistency, I don’t think the villain’s character earlier in the book really fit with the breadth of his crimes (multiple rapes/murders). I’m not sure a character can be that unhinged without arousing some amount of instinctual fear in the people around him, but no one seemed to notice anything off about him, which I just didn’t find believable.
The other large thing that bothered me was the romance. It mostly consisted of the heroine arguing with the hero over his assertion that women are intellectually inferior to men (what a great guy!), and an incredibly contrived, out-of-the-blue deception that felt obvious to the reader, but apparently wasn’t to Althea. Given that she didn’t figure it out, her reaction to the deception was completely inexplicable .
I won't be continuing with this series and I wouldn't recommend it when you could read Lynn Messina's Beatrice Hyde-Clare series instead and get an actually smart heroine and a non-sexist duke and a lot of hilarious episodes in between.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2018
This book will delight fans of Deanna Raybourne, an historical mystery with strong romantic elements that do not overshadow the story. The heroine, Lady Althea, is a young widow who is emerging from her two year morning period as she travels to London with her former sister-in-law. She’s a blue stocking (intellectual, educated woman) raised by a widower-Physician who believed in educating women and then married an older man who also supported her scholarly interest. She and the late Lord Trent engaged in scientific studies together, particularly focused on insects.
As the book begins, she develops an acquaintance with the Magistrate of Bow Street who engages her to help identify a jewel thief who’s targeting the upper class (the ton).
A web of characters are introduced as the mystery unfolds, particularly a host of gentleman all pursuing the wealthy young widow. Lady Althea declines multiple marriage proposals and pushes off suitors as she enjoys her intellectual pursuits.
I enjoyed how deftly Lady Althea maneuvered the many awkward social situations and the constant challenges to her intellect. The most intriguing aspect was how she relied on science to solve the underlying mystery. After all this build up of Lady Althea as a smart capable indepdent woman it was disappointing that the story concluded with a damsel in distress needing to be rescued by a man scene. Other than that, I really enjoyed the book and already bought the next book in the series!
4/5 on the romance scale
June 13, 2020
3.5 stars, actually.
I am a huge fan of Lady Grey and Lady Darby, so I was hoping Lady Althea would be similar to those two other sleuthful ladies of the ton, connected by their shared passion for science/inquiry.
Lady Althea is less fully formed as a person in my reading of this novel than the other two. This is more polite conversation with just a smidge of sleuthing. I did enjoy the parts where Althea makes the very unlady-like converation about decay, beetles, etc. part of her ton conquest of several suitors, but at times I felt like skimming the overly-polite chatter with non-consequential folks.
As a passing diversion, this book hits the spot, but it didn't quite make me fall in love with either Althea or Norwich (who was decidedly boorish at times in a way that didn't appeal to me as much as Nicholas Brisbane's angsty boorishness). Also Althea's encounter with the masked thief struck me as out of the blue...and the kind of insta-attraction that doesn't really appeal to my particular tastes when a more drawn out relationship where we see Althea suspect who the thief is and then wrestles with her reactions to him would have made this better in my opinion.
I can get the second book for free with the Kindle owner lending library so I'll go on one more book to see if the dialogue tightens up or the romantic tension notches up.
I am a huge fan of Lady Grey and Lady Darby, so I was hoping Lady Althea would be similar to those two other sleuthful ladies of the ton, connected by their shared passion for science/inquiry.
Lady Althea is less fully formed as a person in my reading of this novel than the other two. This is more polite conversation with just a smidge of sleuthing. I did enjoy the parts where Althea makes the very unlady-like converation about decay, beetles, etc. part of her ton conquest of several suitors, but at times I felt like skimming the overly-polite chatter with non-consequential folks.
As a passing diversion, this book hits the spot, but it didn't quite make me fall in love with either Althea or Norwich (who was decidedly boorish at times in a way that didn't appeal to me as much as Nicholas Brisbane's angsty boorishness). Also Althea's encounter with the masked thief struck me as out of the blue...and the kind of insta-attraction that doesn't really appeal to my particular tastes when a more drawn out relationship where we see Althea suspect who the thief is and then wrestles with her reactions to him would have made this better in my opinion.
I can get the second book for free with the Kindle owner lending library so I'll go on one more book to see if the dialogue tightens up or the romantic tension notches up.
December 4, 2019
I enjoyed this first in a series -- and the price is good. It's in Kindle Unlimited and also available via KOLL and maybe sometimes Prime. But even the 'to buy' price is reasonable.
Lady Althea is a widow in Regency England who shared her husband's passion for entomology, specifically beetles. She was married fairly young and never really had a 'season' though she's still in her 20s, roughly. But now, 2 years after her husband's death, she's traveled up to London with her sister-in-law to stay with some distant cousins to make a sort of debut into society, though she really has no interest in marrying again. Many are interested in HER, however, as she's been left fairly wealthy.
She becomes involved in searching out "The Richmond Thief" -- a thief who's been stealing family heirlooms, usually during big society events. The local magistrate has no idea and the bow street runners aren't much use in investigations as they can't mingle with society. But Althea can, and her scientific reasoning skills are useful as well.
There's definitely an element of romance, but mostly it's the mystery. I'm looking forward to reading more.
Lady Althea is a widow in Regency England who shared her husband's passion for entomology, specifically beetles. She was married fairly young and never really had a 'season' though she's still in her 20s, roughly. But now, 2 years after her husband's death, she's traveled up to London with her sister-in-law to stay with some distant cousins to make a sort of debut into society, though she really has no interest in marrying again. Many are interested in HER, however, as she's been left fairly wealthy.
She becomes involved in searching out "The Richmond Thief" -- a thief who's been stealing family heirlooms, usually during big society events. The local magistrate has no idea and the bow street runners aren't much use in investigations as they can't mingle with society. But Althea can, and her scientific reasoning skills are useful as well.
There's definitely an element of romance, but mostly it's the mystery. I'm looking forward to reading more.
July 1, 2020
This was a good read. There were some surprising aspects, that made this a step up from the usual Regency-era cozy mystery, but that was a plus for me.
Althea was a wonderful main character. As she is a widow and in possession of an income she has the freedom to do pretty much as she likes, which made her activities in the book - both in investigating the murder, and in general - plausible and believable.
The storyline was interesting, and well-crafted, and I liked how the story played out quite a lot.
The supporting characters were good. They were either support for Althea's activities or they were in her way, but both were good additions to the book.
The "extra" I mentioned was a plot point that was a bit disturbing for this type of book. I didn't mind it, and I don't think it would bother most readers of this type of fiction, but it was slightly out-of-the-ordinary for this sort of book usually. Personally, I thought it added to the interest of the story.
This was overall a good, solid and interesting mystery, with a strong main character and a good premise for potential future books. I would read more in this series.
Althea was a wonderful main character. As she is a widow and in possession of an income she has the freedom to do pretty much as she likes, which made her activities in the book - both in investigating the murder, and in general - plausible and believable.
The storyline was interesting, and well-crafted, and I liked how the story played out quite a lot.
The supporting characters were good. They were either support for Althea's activities or they were in her way, but both were good additions to the book.
The "extra" I mentioned was a plot point that was a bit disturbing for this type of book. I didn't mind it, and I don't think it would bother most readers of this type of fiction, but it was slightly out-of-the-ordinary for this sort of book usually. Personally, I thought it added to the interest of the story.
This was overall a good, solid and interesting mystery, with a strong main character and a good premise for potential future books. I would read more in this series.
May 24, 2022
I really must resist books that are free on Kindle Unlimited. This is a pleasant enough story about a rich and educated widow. The author does spend rather too much time detailing the period clothing. Anyway, said widow comes to town and settles with a family with secrets. The older son with a dark heart, the younger son with a guilty secret, the nearly bankrupt father etc etc. Then enters the handsome Duke of Norwich. This grated. Dukes are named for significant lands, never a mere city. He might be the Duke of Suffolk or the Earl of Essex but never the Duke of Norwich.
So, to the plot: there is a jewel thief at large and our heroine comes into the orbit of Magistrate Read and is (inevitably) thrown together with the haughty chauvinist Duke to investigate the thefts.
Throw in a couple of murders, a masquerade, a kidnapping and spies for the Frenchies and it all gets frightfully diverting. However it's all rather linear
So, to the plot: there is a jewel thief at large and our heroine comes into the orbit of Magistrate Read and is (inevitably) thrown together with the haughty chauvinist Duke to investigate the thefts.
Throw in a couple of murders, a masquerade, a kidnapping and spies for the Frenchies and it all gets frightfully diverting. However it's all rather linear
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2023
I’m a sucker for novels about British aristocrats, especially audiobooks. I adore the elegant ways of expression used by the upper classes. They certainly know how to deliver a verbal smack down most artfully. If I attempted to mimic such speech I would be driven from the room by peals of ridiculing laughter.
Additionally I found the exceptionally well educated Lady Grant most appealing. I have long suspected that sprinkled amongst the strictures of society at the time there were fathers that permitted the education of their daughters. It may have been because the family lacked make heirs or because the daughters captured the favor of their indulgent fathers who had a rebellious streak.
Clever Lady Grant found a way to insert her scientific observations related to solving crimes into an esteemed group of scientists that prohibited entry by women into their society.
I found the story entertaining.
Additionally I found the exceptionally well educated Lady Grant most appealing. I have long suspected that sprinkled amongst the strictures of society at the time there were fathers that permitted the education of their daughters. It may have been because the family lacked make heirs or because the daughters captured the favor of their indulgent fathers who had a rebellious streak.
Clever Lady Grant found a way to insert her scientific observations related to solving crimes into an esteemed group of scientists that prohibited entry by women into their society.
I found the story entertaining.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2018
Very fun little series. Althea is the young widow of a country gentleman. After her husband's death she has lived retired in the countryside with his spinster sister. Neither woman is very old in reality, but in the days of the ton and Almack's it seems as such. Althea was the daughter of a doctor not the gentry so was previously shunned by her husband's family. But now as a wealthy widow out of mourning, she and her sister-in-law are invited to town for the season. Along the way to town, she meets a Bow Street Runner and shows off her prodigious intellect. When family jewels go missing, she calls him in to investigate and is invited to join his other noble investigator in helping in places Runners cant go. Heavy touch of romance and a good dose of the gothic. Good story and reasonably in depth historical touches.
March 22, 2020
Promising Start but Less Than Exciting.
What can I say? When I started this book, I almost contacted a dear friend to download it. So glad I didn't. Lady Althea seemed smart, witty, and charming at first blush. As the book wore on (and I mean wore on), she proved to be bloodless and dull. Even the concluding drama seemed a retread of so many historical romance novels. Save yourself some time and focus on more lively works featuring more lifelike and passionate women of action. There are so many strong and accomplished woman in historical fiction more worthy of your attention.
What can I say? When I started this book, I almost contacted a dear friend to download it. So glad I didn't. Lady Althea seemed smart, witty, and charming at first blush. As the book wore on (and I mean wore on), she proved to be bloodless and dull. Even the concluding drama seemed a retread of so many historical romance novels. Save yourself some time and focus on more lively works featuring more lifelike and passionate women of action. There are so many strong and accomplished woman in historical fiction more worthy of your attention.
August 21, 2020
This book was well written and quite fun to read. The mystery was well done also. This is really just a very light love story with absolutely great dialogue. I'm looking forward to reading the next book and hoping there will be more to the series.
I enjoy the science that Althea uses and the Duke learning to get along with her interesting ways is also fun.
One problem I had was that Althea sometimes uses Latin phrases and I can't seem to figure out what they meant with out turning on the computer and searching on the web for the meaning which can be a pain. Otherwise terrific book. Easy to read - the flow is continuous.
I enjoy the science that Althea uses and the Duke learning to get along with her interesting ways is also fun.
One problem I had was that Althea sometimes uses Latin phrases and I can't seem to figure out what they meant with out turning on the computer and searching on the web for the meaning which can be a pain. Otherwise terrific book. Easy to read - the flow is continuous.
November 14, 2024
Kept me guessing
Well-done mystery romance. Althea was a bit stiff but otherwise likable and very smart. The males were all interesting, and some clever misdirection kept me from figuring out who the thief and murderer were and whom Althea would end up with romantically. Great twist at the end.
The writing is exceptional. No drag. Scientific subjects are handled smoothly without turning pedantic. Things moved along at a good pace and held my interest.
Only one glaring grammatical error: between was followed by the subject pronoun I instead of me, twice. I was surprised by that as this piece was otherwise beautifully edited.
I look forward to more by this author.
Well-done mystery romance. Althea was a bit stiff but otherwise likable and very smart. The males were all interesting, and some clever misdirection kept me from figuring out who the thief and murderer were and whom Althea would end up with romantically. Great twist at the end.
The writing is exceptional. No drag. Scientific subjects are handled smoothly without turning pedantic. Things moved along at a good pace and held my interest.
Only one glaring grammatical error: between was followed by the subject pronoun I instead of me, twice. I was surprised by that as this piece was otherwise beautifully edited.
I look forward to more by this author.
July 7, 2025
Enjoyable Recency mystery with some nice twists
An enjoyable Regency mystery with some nice twists and misdirection. Lady Althea, widow, scholar and insect lover comes to London with her sister in law for the season and is asked to assist the Bow Street Runners in investigating a series of jewel thefts. I really enjoyed this book, loved Althea with her independent spirit and intelligence and her love of beetles. The story is well written with some nice period details, a well thought out mystery with a little romance thrown in. Good characters and an unexpected twist. The audio narration is excellent bringing the characters to life. Highly recommended.
An enjoyable Regency mystery with some nice twists and misdirection. Lady Althea, widow, scholar and insect lover comes to London with her sister in law for the season and is asked to assist the Bow Street Runners in investigating a series of jewel thefts. I really enjoyed this book, loved Althea with her independent spirit and intelligence and her love of beetles. The story is well written with some nice period details, a well thought out mystery with a little romance thrown in. Good characters and an unexpected twist. The audio narration is excellent bringing the characters to life. Highly recommended.
September 7, 2018
This is not a complicated story/mystery. It takes a simplistic view of the Regency Period. The characters put me in mind of the Regency series written by Marion Chesney. At least, I didn't have to skip through some detailed love scenes. There is romance in the air, but it doesn't result in 'too much information' scenes. This is the first of the series recommended by a library friend. The author took to heart to write about what she knows. This time it's insects. I am not sure I want to learn anything about them. I'll read the second book in the series and see if I'll read the next one.
January 13, 2020
This period type of mystery usually hooks me early and captivates me, but this series started off rather slowly, and somehow it took me longer to get acquainted with Lady Althea and her sister-in-law Jane. I just didn't warm to them easily, I guess.
But about 1/3 of the way in I was finally acclimated, and the book paced fairly quickly after that. The author led me astray a couple of times on red herrings, but the book resolved as I thought it might in the end. I'm planning to read book 2 to get a better feel for things, and I'm looking forward to more of Lady Althea's exploits.
But about 1/3 of the way in I was finally acclimated, and the book paced fairly quickly after that. The author led me astray a couple of times on red herrings, but the book resolved as I thought it might in the end. I'm planning to read book 2 to get a better feel for things, and I'm looking forward to more of Lady Althea's exploits.
November 18, 2017
3.75* while I️ did enjoy the book I️ got frustrated with how Lady Trent would seem to over react mentally to things certain people said. Now I️ understand that was part of the draw between her and Norwich, but I️ felt like the reaction in those scenes was forced because he statements didn’t seem that provoking.
Aside from that it was a good quite good. I️ love Jane and that she was so involved secondarily. I️ wish her the best in future books.
Aside from that it was a good quite good. I️ love Jane and that she was so involved secondarily. I️ wish her the best in future books.
April 29, 2020
Women Scientist? Oh My!
After Althea Trent's scientist husband dies, she finds herself going to London for a Season. Having grown up the only child of a prominent country Doctor, Althea was far more educated than what a proper young lady should have been. However, she finds the social scene entertaining complete with a jewel thief to catch, and many men seeking her attention. Enjoyable diversion.
After Althea Trent's scientist husband dies, she finds herself going to London for a Season. Having grown up the only child of a prominent country Doctor, Althea was far more educated than what a proper young lady should have been. However, she finds the social scene entertaining complete with a jewel thief to catch, and many men seeking her attention. Enjoyable diversion.
March 20, 2022
Who knew a carapace could be so lively and engaging?
Here's to enjoying a good mystery. The characters of this story were engaging and even feisty when need be. Interestingly one of my favorite lines seemed to be a nod to Jane Austin. I'll let you see if you can spot that tongue-in-cheek homage. A hearty thank you for this diverting and carapace-filled story. I'll be anticipating my next read by Ms. Boero.
Here's to enjoying a good mystery. The characters of this story were engaging and even feisty when need be. Interestingly one of my favorite lines seemed to be a nod to Jane Austin. I'll let you see if you can spot that tongue-in-cheek homage. A hearty thank you for this diverting and carapace-filled story. I'll be anticipating my next read by Ms. Boero.
April 29, 2023
A very interesting mystery
The widowed Lady Trent comes to London for the season with her sister in law, they are invited to stay with their cousins. On her journey Althea met Mr Read a famous judge of Bow Street and learns of the Richmond Thief. Althea offers to help discover the thief and is embroiled almost immediately in mystery after mystery. The intrigue is complicated and very well told.
The widowed Lady Trent comes to London for the season with her sister in law, they are invited to stay with their cousins. On her journey Althea met Mr Read a famous judge of Bow Street and learns of the Richmond Thief. Althea offers to help discover the thief and is embroiled almost immediately in mystery after mystery. The intrigue is complicated and very well told.
July 24, 2024
I do love the mix of history and mystery. Lady Althea makes a unique heroine -- a female with a scientific mind -- oh horrors! And her bluestocking ways raise eyebrows among the condescending gentlemen in the social sphere. Gah! So many pompous buffoons! Except for the enigmatic Duke of Norwich. So there's romance -- an enemies to more trope that I felt rushed at the end (even though I'm a true blue romance lover.) An enjoyable mystery with a bit of a gothic feel.
Read
April 26, 2025The Richmond Thief was an enjoyable listen. Unfortunately, the author has only released the first 2 books of the series so I will probably not read the 2nd unless the author reappears to wrap it up. The mystery was resolved in this installment and and new one begins in book 2, so I know at least Book 1 can be read as a 'stand alone', so to speak. I believe the personal relationships are the only ongoing story arc planned throughout the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews