What do you think?
Rate this book
The Regency Romance Mysteries #3
The Rum and the Fox
Lady Keziah Todd is bored to death.
Surely the daughter of a Viscount, even an impoverished one, ought to be able to live a little? But her father, Lord Rennard, is a tyrant, and one that is hard to thwart, as he harshly restricts Keziah's society.
But when Keziah learns of her father's plans to marry the recently widowed and fabulously wealthy Lady Ashwicke, it doesn't take the lovely Lady Todd long to figure out that the woman's only son, Horatio—the new Duke of Chartley, is a fly in her father's ointment.
Horatio might be a pink of the ton, but feisty Keziah believes he has more hair than wit and is no match for her cunning father. Deciding that saving a Duke's life ought to be adventure enough for any young woman, Keziah takes a risk, and Horatio's life in her hands.
Surely the daughter of a Viscount, even an impoverished one, ought to be able to live a little? But her father, Lord Rennard, is a tyrant, and one that is hard to thwart, as he harshly restricts Keziah's society.
But when Keziah learns of her father's plans to marry the recently widowed and fabulously wealthy Lady Ashwicke, it doesn't take the lovely Lady Todd long to figure out that the woman's only son, Horatio—the new Duke of Chartley, is a fly in her father's ointment.
Horatio might be a pink of the ton, but feisty Keziah believes he has more hair than wit and is no match for her cunning father. Deciding that saving a Duke's life ought to be adventure enough for any young woman, Keziah takes a risk, and Horatio's life in her hands.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2018
276 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Emma V. Leech
115 books796 followersBestselling author hiding mostly in 19th-century England, venturing out only for chocolate and tea.
Emma V. Leech is the award-winning author of multiple bestselling series across Regency romance, Regency mystery and paranormal romance. Fall in love with swoon-worthy rogues, bold heroines, witty banter and deeply romantic happily-ever-afters. Follow Emma on BookBub for new releases and exclusive deals.
EMMA’S BOOKS
Rogues And Gentlemen
Regency romance – 17-book series (ongoing)
Sexy, tumultuous and irresistibly romantic. From pirates and smugglers to earls and dukes, these unforgettable rogues will sweep you away!
Winter Rogue
A Regency Christmas romance within the Rogues & Gentlemen world
A scandal-weary earl, a runaway heiress and a crumbling country estate snowed in for Christmas. A sensual, heart-tugging holiday novella about redemption, desire and a love neither of them expects.
A Rogues and Gentlemen Christmas
A standalone Regency Christmas romance
A collection of three romantic holiday stories featuring beloved Rogues & Gentlemen characters. Expect snowstorms, sizzling tension, unexpected proposals, mistletoe moments and heart-melting happily-ever-afters – a cosy festive escape for Regency romance lovers.
The Girl Is Not For Christmas
A standalone Regency Christmas romance
Miss Olivia Penrose is the only thing standing between her family and ruin when a brooding aristocrat crashes into her carefully laid plans. Sparks fly amid family secrets, snowy scandals and irresistible festive longing in this passionate, witty and deeply romantic winter read.
Girls Who Dare
Regency romance – 12-book series
Inside every wallflower is the heart of a lioness. When these overlooked young women make a pact to change their lives, rules are broken, reputations are risked and love becomes the most daring adventure of all.
Daring Daughters
Victorian romance – 19-book series and two compilations
The next generation of the Girls Who Dare. Their mothers risked everything for love – now their daughters are ready to be even bolder. An ongoing series of fiercely romantic stories set in a rapidly changing world.
Wicked Sons
Victorian romance – 12-book series
Their mothers dared all for love. Their sisters did the same. Now it’s the sons’ turn… dangerous, tempting and determined not to fall – until the right woman brings them to their knees.
The Venturesome Ladies Of Little Valentine
Regency romance – my current series
A quiet seaside village, a wave of scandalous newcomers and local ladies who refuse to be swept aside. A warm, witty Regency series full of secrets, second chances and delicious enemies-to-lovers romance.
The Regency Romance Mysteries
Regency romantic suspense – 3-book series
Dashing heroes, wicked villains, murder, mystery – and heroines who refuse to sit prettily and wait to be rescued. Perfect if you like your Regency romance served with danger and intrigue.
The French Vampire Legend
Paranormal romance – 4-book series
A dark, dramatic and heart-wrenching tale of courage, sacrifice and a love that not even time, war or monsters can destroy. Gothic atmosphere, high stakes and a romance that refuses to die.
The French Fae Legend
Fantasy romance – 4-book series
An award-winning saga with close to sixteen million online reads. Moving between modern-day France and the Fae Lands, these books weave powerful magic, danger and an all-consuming love that proves stronger than any enchantment.
The Book Lover
A standalone paranormal romance novella
A book-obsessed young woman, an infuriatingly charming stranger and the unnerving sense that stories might be bleeding into real life. A short, intensely romantic tale for anyone who has ever fallen in love with books… and perhaps with something not entirely of this world.
Emma V. Leech is the award-winning author of multiple bestselling series across Regency romance, Regency mystery and paranormal romance. Fall in love with swoon-worthy rogues, bold heroines, witty banter and deeply romantic happily-ever-afters. Follow Emma on BookBub for new releases and exclusive deals.
EMMA’S BOOKS
Rogues And Gentlemen
Regency romance – 17-book series (ongoing)
Sexy, tumultuous and irresistibly romantic. From pirates and smugglers to earls and dukes, these unforgettable rogues will sweep you away!
Winter Rogue
A Regency Christmas romance within the Rogues & Gentlemen world
A scandal-weary earl, a runaway heiress and a crumbling country estate snowed in for Christmas. A sensual, heart-tugging holiday novella about redemption, desire and a love neither of them expects.
A Rogues and Gentlemen Christmas
A standalone Regency Christmas romance
A collection of three romantic holiday stories featuring beloved Rogues & Gentlemen characters. Expect snowstorms, sizzling tension, unexpected proposals, mistletoe moments and heart-melting happily-ever-afters – a cosy festive escape for Regency romance lovers.
The Girl Is Not For Christmas
A standalone Regency Christmas romance
Miss Olivia Penrose is the only thing standing between her family and ruin when a brooding aristocrat crashes into her carefully laid plans. Sparks fly amid family secrets, snowy scandals and irresistible festive longing in this passionate, witty and deeply romantic winter read.
Girls Who Dare
Regency romance – 12-book series
Inside every wallflower is the heart of a lioness. When these overlooked young women make a pact to change their lives, rules are broken, reputations are risked and love becomes the most daring adventure of all.
Daring Daughters
Victorian romance – 19-book series and two compilations
The next generation of the Girls Who Dare. Their mothers risked everything for love – now their daughters are ready to be even bolder. An ongoing series of fiercely romantic stories set in a rapidly changing world.
Wicked Sons
Victorian romance – 12-book series
Their mothers dared all for love. Their sisters did the same. Now it’s the sons’ turn… dangerous, tempting and determined not to fall – until the right woman brings them to their knees.
The Venturesome Ladies Of Little Valentine
Regency romance – my current series
A quiet seaside village, a wave of scandalous newcomers and local ladies who refuse to be swept aside. A warm, witty Regency series full of secrets, second chances and delicious enemies-to-lovers romance.
The Regency Romance Mysteries
Regency romantic suspense – 3-book series
Dashing heroes, wicked villains, murder, mystery – and heroines who refuse to sit prettily and wait to be rescued. Perfect if you like your Regency romance served with danger and intrigue.
The French Vampire Legend
Paranormal romance – 4-book series
A dark, dramatic and heart-wrenching tale of courage, sacrifice and a love that not even time, war or monsters can destroy. Gothic atmosphere, high stakes and a romance that refuses to die.
The French Fae Legend
Fantasy romance – 4-book series
An award-winning saga with close to sixteen million online reads. Moving between modern-day France and the Fae Lands, these books weave powerful magic, danger and an all-consuming love that proves stronger than any enchantment.
The Book Lover
A standalone paranormal romance novella
A book-obsessed young woman, an infuriatingly charming stranger and the unnerving sense that stories might be bleeding into real life. A short, intensely romantic tale for anyone who has ever fallen in love with books… and perhaps with something not entirely of this world.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 27, 2022
A bit of a pansy dandy with a rough-and-tumble chick? I'll take it!
September 11, 2018
Unusual hero in this murder mystery--the duke, while handsome, is kind, good-hearted, not athletic, and is browbeaten by his formidable grandmother. The murder happens early in the story. The duke shoots the heroine's father Lord Todd, then there is another murder of the valet, and it is inspector Formby's job to solve the crimes. The dead father was really nasty in life, the heroine is desperate, the dowager duchess is a dragon, and there is a nice twist at the end. It took me until the last chapter to figure out the strange title. One quibble: the daughter of a viscount would not be Lady Todd (that would be her mother)--she would be Miss Todd.
March 30, 2019
I love the unlikely hero plot line; it isn’t too often a really nice guys wins. Keziah is a very likeable heroine and the story it’s self is cute and has just enough darkness to not be too wholesome.
I did take issue with the portrayal of Formby in this book. We have come to know and love the Inspector in the first books and his demeanor has fundamentally changed in this one. He was a patient, steadfast, intelligent and kind hearted man in the first books. He was a great detective, revered the law, but saw past all facades to the heart of the matter. In this book he is irritable, rude, a bit brash and mistreats his constable. He is not the man we were introduced to and nothing was mentioned about the change. Was he sick? Hurt? Did some tragic event change him? I miss the real Formby.
I did take issue with the portrayal of Formby in this book. We have come to know and love the Inspector in the first books and his demeanor has fundamentally changed in this one. He was a patient, steadfast, intelligent and kind hearted man in the first books. He was a great detective, revered the law, but saw past all facades to the heart of the matter. In this book he is irritable, rude, a bit brash and mistreats his constable. He is not the man we were introduced to and nothing was mentioned about the change. Was he sick? Hurt? Did some tragic event change him? I miss the real Formby.
September 8, 2018
Keziah tried to stay awY from her abusive father but when she over hears him and his valet arranging the accidental death of a Duke she decides to step in a try and stop it. Ash, The Duke of Chartley is more worried about his appearance then anything else but when he is approached by Keziah, Lady Todd at what she over heard he knows he needs to do something. Ash is not a sportsman, he can’t even hit the side of a barn so Keziah decides to teach him to shoot. When Ash meets Lord Todd at his home he realizes that he is a cunning man and needs to watch his back. When Keziah and her abigail Molly are beaten by Lord Todd they both run to Ash for help. When he sees what her father has done he grabs his pistol and goes after him. When Lord Todd is found dead Inspector Formby is glad but wished he was able to bring him to justice 20 years ago and knows he needs to find the culprit. A great read with a few twists and Ash and Keziah finding forever love with each other!
November 12, 2018
Not your usual who done it.
The murder happens early and the hero is the least likely fellow, something of a dandy who cannot shoot straight.
Lord Rennard, the Fox, is a rather despicable man who uses people until he no longer can and then disposes of them. His daughter is the target of much of his abuse and held as a minion to keep his house which is impoverished.
After she is beaten again as well as her Abigail, she runs to the only place where she feels she can be safe. The Duke of Ashwicke, Ash, has befriended Keziah after she comes to him to tell of another of her father’s evil plans which may mean his death.
The murder is a mystery that Inspector Formby intends to find the answer. Although he thinks that Lord Rennard is well deserved of his death, he needs to find the culprit.
Who did what and when is the key to the mystery and it is not resolved until the end.
The murder happens early and the hero is the least likely fellow, something of a dandy who cannot shoot straight.
Lord Rennard, the Fox, is a rather despicable man who uses people until he no longer can and then disposes of them. His daughter is the target of much of his abuse and held as a minion to keep his house which is impoverished.
After she is beaten again as well as her Abigail, she runs to the only place where she feels she can be safe. The Duke of Ashwicke, Ash, has befriended Keziah after she comes to him to tell of another of her father’s evil plans which may mean his death.
The murder is a mystery that Inspector Formby intends to find the answer. Although he thinks that Lord Rennard is well deserved of his death, he needs to find the culprit.
Who did what and when is the key to the mystery and it is not resolved until the end.
February 24, 2019
Keziah’s horrible father is a gold digger, and she overhears him planning to murder his next wife to be’s son.
She goes to warn Ash, and they embark on a plot for Ash to kill him before he is killed. But, Ash can’t fire a pistol worth a darn, nor is he much of a fighter.
The plot thickens when Keziah is beaten by her father and escapes to Ash. The father is murdered, then Ash is blackmailed, and everyone lies to Inspector Formby, who knows something is amiss.
With the couple protecting each other, and Ash falling for Keziah, his grandmother is concerned about scandal, and the other ladies in his family are grief stricken by the old man’s demise.
The murders are interesting, and the layers deep. I had some portion figured out, but it was cool how it all came together.
Love Keziah’s strength, Ash’s protectiveness, and Formby’s persistence.
KU
She goes to warn Ash, and they embark on a plot for Ash to kill him before he is killed. But, Ash can’t fire a pistol worth a darn, nor is he much of a fighter.
The plot thickens when Keziah is beaten by her father and escapes to Ash. The father is murdered, then Ash is blackmailed, and everyone lies to Inspector Formby, who knows something is amiss.
With the couple protecting each other, and Ash falling for Keziah, his grandmother is concerned about scandal, and the other ladies in his family are grief stricken by the old man’s demise.
The murders are interesting, and the layers deep. I had some portion figured out, but it was cool how it all came together.
Love Keziah’s strength, Ash’s protectiveness, and Formby’s persistence.
KU
December 16, 2020
Definitely not one of Emma’s best books.
The story starts off with a bang and instead of staying interesting, the plot gets bogged down with mundane filler. There was very little in the way of character development and the instant love between Keziah and Ash seemed a bit far fetched. The story does contain an interesting mystery and some suspense to keep the reader entertained but the majority of the book was just boring. One character who ends up being very important to the plot, is called one name at the beginning of the story and something completely different by the end. The epilogue was sweet but definitely in need of editing. Overall, not the author’s best work. 2.5 stars rounded up to 3.
The story starts off with a bang and instead of staying interesting, the plot gets bogged down with mundane filler. There was very little in the way of character development and the instant love between Keziah and Ash seemed a bit far fetched. The story does contain an interesting mystery and some suspense to keep the reader entertained but the majority of the book was just boring. One character who ends up being very important to the plot, is called one name at the beginning of the story and something completely different by the end. The epilogue was sweet but definitely in need of editing. Overall, not the author’s best work. 2.5 stars rounded up to 3.
March 2, 2018
How does she do it
Yet again Emma has given a read to fall in love with. More beautiful characters, such as Ash, not the usual strapping hero but none the less, he's just as lovable, loyal to his own detriment but a fierce protector to those he loves. Lady Todd is strong, beautiful and a crack shot, what more could you ask for in a female lead. If you try this story and like it you might want to try out Emma's other series, such has the Fae Legends, they are fantastic, Corin is without doubt the ideal male, he is perfection. Thank you Emma for another fabulous read, just keep them coming, please.
Yet again Emma has given a read to fall in love with. More beautiful characters, such as Ash, not the usual strapping hero but none the less, he's just as lovable, loyal to his own detriment but a fierce protector to those he loves. Lady Todd is strong, beautiful and a crack shot, what more could you ask for in a female lead. If you try this story and like it you might want to try out Emma's other series, such has the Fae Legends, they are fantastic, Corin is without doubt the ideal male, he is perfection. Thank you Emma for another fabulous read, just keep them coming, please.
November 8, 2018
Oh dear God. I had to stop this in the middle of the fifth chapter. This is so simply written, but in a way that is so frustrating to read! And the Hero comes off as weak, unintelligent, afraid of violence, not into manly things, but very into fashion.
The way the conversations were did not get me involved in the book at all. Instead, it kept me ever aware that this is a story written from someone's imagination. I never felt a part of the story. I could go on but suffice it to say I HAD to stop because life is too short for bad books.
The way the conversations were did not get me involved in the book at all. Instead, it kept me ever aware that this is a story written from someone's imagination. I never felt a part of the story. I could go on but suffice it to say I HAD to stop because life is too short for bad books.
January 15, 2019
Hero in disguise
A man looks doesn’t always deem him as a hero a man’s heart, love and passion and what he does to save the woman he loves. The prime and proper Duke always a the height of fashion throws out the rules of ton. To fall in love with a daughter of a crook when she saves him from her fathers plot of death. Tables are turned when her fathers is found murdered. And they become suspects in the crime.
Enjoyed reading this book there’s twist and turns very interesting. Thanks for the great adventure.
A man looks doesn’t always deem him as a hero a man’s heart, love and passion and what he does to save the woman he loves. The prime and proper Duke always a the height of fashion throws out the rules of ton. To fall in love with a daughter of a crook when she saves him from her fathers plot of death. Tables are turned when her fathers is found murdered. And they become suspects in the crime.
Enjoyed reading this book there’s twist and turns very interesting. Thanks for the great adventure.
May 7, 2019
Good story, but....
Ease review the ranking of the aristocracy. A Duke should never be referred to as lord. He is always referred to as 'Your Grace' or 'the Duke of -'. If he has a lesser title of Lord -, he is still referred to as the highest rank he has. Miss Todd should have been referred to as 'Duchess of Asheford' or 'Her Grace' when they came home. Please check your references. The author has a wonderful style and lively characters; I would buy all of her books. Just ease check your rankings.
Ease review the ranking of the aristocracy. A Duke should never be referred to as lord. He is always referred to as 'Your Grace' or 'the Duke of -'. If he has a lesser title of Lord -, he is still referred to as the highest rank he has. Miss Todd should have been referred to as 'Duchess of Asheford' or 'Her Grace' when they came home. Please check your references. The author has a wonderful style and lively characters; I would buy all of her books. Just ease check your rankings.
December 10, 2018
Romantic mystery
Finally a hero who is not your standard; tall, rugged and good at every manly pursuit but still the hero. I was disappointed in the inspector character, he turned into his superior in the first book (that he didn't like and got fired) rude to his coworkers and his suspects, more interested in the law than the truth. The sister and mother did not have much appeal. The story was light, enjoyable and easy to read.
Finally a hero who is not your standard; tall, rugged and good at every manly pursuit but still the hero. I was disappointed in the inspector character, he turned into his superior in the first book (that he didn't like and got fired) rude to his coworkers and his suspects, more interested in the law than the truth. The sister and mother did not have much appeal. The story was light, enjoyable and easy to read.
May 17, 2019
Great book!
This book has a very unusual plot line. I've never seen anything similar in any other book.
There were several twists and a couple of surprises. And, of course, a really mean villain (two actually).
The hero was most unusual also. Not an alpha bone in his body. But a true hero in every sense of the word!
And our heroine (well, really there turned out to be two) was very multilayered and wonderful.
One of the best books I have ever read.
This book has a very unusual plot line. I've never seen anything similar in any other book.
There were several twists and a couple of surprises. And, of course, a really mean villain (two actually).
The hero was most unusual also. Not an alpha bone in his body. But a true hero in every sense of the word!
And our heroine (well, really there turned out to be two) was very multilayered and wonderful.
One of the best books I have ever read.
October 10, 2024
I have officially joined the Emma fan club. Homegirls doesn’t miss. This was another great read with a unique set of characters. I love that the MMC was different from your typical alpha rakes in HR. The heroine was by contrast a strong and formidable character. I just loved it all around. So good!
March 10, 2018
Delightful!
Once again, Ms. Leech has entertained her readers with delightful romance mysteries that came like waves on a dark ocean. As always her stories satisfy readers with a happy ending. I would recommed this book to other historical romances and mysteries lovers.
Once again, Ms. Leech has entertained her readers with delightful romance mysteries that came like waves on a dark ocean. As always her stories satisfy readers with a happy ending. I would recommed this book to other historical romances and mysteries lovers.
June 22, 2019
Most interesting
Ms. League's stories are always good. In this one she truly upsets the Apple cart. All the traditional things,plot, character and surprise are there. Hoever, the apples are truly astray and,as usual,make an excellent cobbler.
Ms. League's stories are always good. In this one she truly upsets the Apple cart. All the traditional things,plot, character and surprise are there. Hoever, the apples are truly astray and,as usual,make an excellent cobbler.
June 27, 2021
This was so fun! This author writes fantastically paced mysteries. The romance always seems to start strong, but loses the pacing by the end, but not here. This one was delightful and very thoughtful for such a fun read.
December 4, 2023
Great conclusion.
I adored Keziah. She was such a strong character who endured a lifetime of abuse and misery. She was brave and resilient and because of her Ash found strength to be more courageous. Beautiful ending!
I adored Keziah. She was such a strong character who endured a lifetime of abuse and misery. She was brave and resilient and because of her Ash found strength to be more courageous. Beautiful ending!
March 16, 2018
Thank you
I want more of these wonderful books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books.Thank you again for these books.
I want more of these wonderful books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books.Thank you again for these books.
May 16, 2018
The Rum and the Fox
Loved this story and the diverse characters with their strengths and weaknesses. There is always another twist in the story to keep you interested.
Loved this story and the diverse characters with their strengths and weaknesses. There is always another twist in the story to keep you interested.
August 7, 2018
A hysterical romance in more than one way a wimpy hero a strong heroine couldn't get into it
September 13, 2018
Entertaining
An entertaining read. The story had a strong heroine and a not typical hero. But, he was a hero nevertheless. We all would like to meet a man like Ash.
An entertaining read. The story had a strong heroine and a not typical hero. But, he was a hero nevertheless. We all would like to meet a man like Ash.
February 16, 2019
Lovely
How nice to read a story where the hero is simply a nice man who is kind and loving and unsure of himself.
How nice to read a story where the hero is simply a nice man who is kind and loving and unsure of himself.
August 18, 2019
5 stars
Another delightful read. Am still trying to figure the title. This book was also not as predictable as most books written today. Highly recommended.
Another delightful read. Am still trying to figure the title. This book was also not as predictable as most books written today. Highly recommended.
November 19, 2021
I enjoyed this story. Loved the characters, Keziah and Ash. Each trying to protect the other but only making matters worse. Great story line, great dialog.
December 1, 2022
Loved the story of lady Todd and Ash. It’s a nice live story with some suspense.
decided-not-to-read
May 8, 2023Note to self- Book is not for me
September 13, 2024
Sorry, I really like this author's work in general, but this is one of her less successful books as the plot seems clumsy and the characters less convincing than usual
May 30, 2022
It was ok
A little dark but definitely a great read and it gives a great spin romance and mystery. I do plan on following miss Emma
A little dark but definitely a great read and it gives a great spin romance and mystery. I do plan on following miss Emma
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews