The Duke and the Lady Sleuth

by Nancy Pirri

Set in London, 1851. After Miss Scarlet Warden proves to her sister that her husband is being unfaithful, word spreads. Soon Scarlet is getting calls from her other female friends begging her to spy on their husbands. To help them, Scarlet goes undercover as the governess in various households in her quest for the truth. Guilty men soon fear her, but Hugh Henry Hamilton, the Duke of Danescliffe, agrees with what Scarlet is doing. When Scarlet is accosted, Hugh takes is upon himself to watch after her. It does not take long for the duke to decide that Scarlet is the only lady for him.

*For those readers who enjoy an Alpha Male who has no qualms taking a feisty, independent woman over his knee. If this offends you do not purchase this novella.

70 pages, Paperback

Published January 23, 2018

Reviews

[GG · Rating 1 out of 5]

The PBS show Lady Scarlet and the Duke is based loosely on this novella, I understand. Very loosely. The premise was interesting, but never fully developed, nor were the characters. I would have liked to know both Scarlet and Hugh better. This may have worked as a novel with increased page time. The writing was choppy, and it seemed to be assumed the reader would know what she had skipped over. I think I will stick with the PBS version.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would have made a much better full length novel so that I could have gotten to know the characters better, but overall I liked the story. Scarlet is a strong woman for her time (and it's important to remember that last part - FOR HER TIME!)

The steam level on this is medium-low, giving the readers just a little taste, but keeping things clean.

I liked the Duke as well, mostly. He had some alpha male asshole moments I didn't care for. Again, in a full length novel I think I would have been able to better appreciate his full personality.

Definitely not as good as Nancy Pirri's "The MacAulay Bride", but still worth checking out if you're into Victorian romance.

[Heidi J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love historical romance, and I always enjoy Nancy Pirri's books.

Scarlet Warden can only imagine what it would be like to be swept up in a man's embrace and kissed - women admire her; men hate her, because she has made a profession out of 'sleuthing,' unearthing evidence of marital infidelity, not only to reveal the truth, but to give those women the legal protection they would need to keep their home and children under the unequal laws governing divorce. Her activities have not escaped the notice of the domineering Hugh, Duke of Danescliffe, who takes a personal interest in her protection in a way that puts him in conflict with Scarlet in a sexy battle of two strong wills.

[Jennie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved Scarlett & Hugh & the end was fab but I feel it did not explain everything as still unsure who was following Scarlett or even if that was actually happening. Normally I love novellas as can read them quick as have only evenings & with a child the lack of sleep finishing books is tough!! But this book needed more so it could be rounded up better (I do not think an epilogue could have helped & I love them!) I will have to read again at some point to see if I can find the answers in case missed. I did enjoy reading this book though

[Mary Tufts · Rating 5 out of 5]

the origin of….Miss Scarlet and The Duke

So this is where the PBS writers (supposedly) got their ideas for the PBS series?!?! Wow. True bodice ripper. Typical romance in a by-gone era. Short, sweet, and to the point.