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Casebook of Barnaby Adair #7
The Confounding Case of the Carisbrook Emeralds
#1 New York Times-bestselling author Stephanie Laurens brings you a tale of emerging and also established love and the many facets of family, interwoven with mystery and murder.
A young lady accused of theft and the gentleman who elects himself her champion enlist the aid of Stokes, Barnaby, Penelope, and friends in pursuing justice, only to find themselves tangled in a web of inter-family tensions and secrets.
When Miss Cara Di Abaccio is accused of stealing the Carisbrook emeralds by the infamously arrogant Lady Carisbrook and marched out of her guardian’s house by Scotland Yard’s finest, Barnaby Adair’s cousin Hugo Adair takes umbrage and descends on Scotland Yard, breathing fire in Cara’s defense.
Hugo discovers Inspector Stokes has been assigned to the case, and after surveying the evidence thus far, Stokes calls in his big guns when it comes to dealing with investigations in the ton—namely, the Honorable Barnaby Adair and his wife, Penelope.
Soon convinced of Cara’s innocence and, given Hugo’s apparent tendre for Cara needing to clear her name, Penelope and Barnaby join Stokes and his team in pursuing the emeralds and, most importantly, who stole them.
But the deeper our intrepid investigators delve into the Carisbrook household, the more certain they become that all is not as it should be. Lady Carisbrook is a harpy, Franklin Carisbrook is secretive, Julia Carisbrook is overly timid, and Lord Carisbrook, otherwise a genial and honorable gentleman, holds himself distant from his family. More, his lordship attempts to shut down the investigation. And Stokes, Barnaby, and Penelope are convinced the Carisbrooks’ staff are not sharing all they know.
Meanwhile, appointed Cara’s watchdog until the mystery is resolved, Hugo, fascinated by Cara as he’s been with no other, seeks to entertain and amuse her…and, increasingly intently, to discover the way to her heart. Consequently, Penelope finds herself juggling the attractions of the investigation and the Adair family’s demands for her to actively encourage the budding romance.
What would her mentors advise? On that, Penelope is crystal clear.
Aided by Griselda, Violet, and Montague and calling on contacts in business, the underworld, and ton society, Penelope, Barnaby, and Stokes battle to peel back each layer of subterfuge and, step by step, eliminate the innocent and follow the emeralds’ trail…
Yet instead of becoming clearer, the veils and shadows shrouding the Carisbrooks only grow murkier…until, abruptly, our investigators find themselves facing an inexplicable death, with a potential murderer whose conviction would shake society to its back teeth.
A historical novel of 78,000 words interweaving mystery, romance, and social intrigue.
Praise for the works of Stephanie Laurens
“Stephanie Laurens’ heroines are marvelous tributes to Georgette Heyer: feisty and strong.” Cathy Kelly
“Stephanie Laurens never fails to entertain and charm her readers with vibrant plots, snappy dialogue, and unforgettable characters.” Historical Romance Reviews
“Stephanie Laurens plays into readers’ fantasies like a master and claims their hearts time and again.” Romantic Times Magazine
Praise for The Cofounding Case of the Carisbrook Emeralds
“(An) alluring mystery brimming with red herrings, lots of intrigue, and that perfect touch of romance for which Laurens is rightly revered.” Angela M., Copy Editor, Red Adept Editing
“Laurens crafts a story as elegant as the gentlemen and women who populate it.” Kim H., Proofreader, Red Adept Editing
"I really enjoyed this well-written historical mystery novel! The characters unravel exciting plot twists and turns as they investigate the disappearance of a famous set of emeralds." Kristina B., Proofreader, Red Adept Editing
A young lady accused of theft and the gentleman who elects himself her champion enlist the aid of Stokes, Barnaby, Penelope, and friends in pursuing justice, only to find themselves tangled in a web of inter-family tensions and secrets.
When Miss Cara Di Abaccio is accused of stealing the Carisbrook emeralds by the infamously arrogant Lady Carisbrook and marched out of her guardian’s house by Scotland Yard’s finest, Barnaby Adair’s cousin Hugo Adair takes umbrage and descends on Scotland Yard, breathing fire in Cara’s defense.
Hugo discovers Inspector Stokes has been assigned to the case, and after surveying the evidence thus far, Stokes calls in his big guns when it comes to dealing with investigations in the ton—namely, the Honorable Barnaby Adair and his wife, Penelope.
Soon convinced of Cara’s innocence and, given Hugo’s apparent tendre for Cara needing to clear her name, Penelope and Barnaby join Stokes and his team in pursuing the emeralds and, most importantly, who stole them.
But the deeper our intrepid investigators delve into the Carisbrook household, the more certain they become that all is not as it should be. Lady Carisbrook is a harpy, Franklin Carisbrook is secretive, Julia Carisbrook is overly timid, and Lord Carisbrook, otherwise a genial and honorable gentleman, holds himself distant from his family. More, his lordship attempts to shut down the investigation. And Stokes, Barnaby, and Penelope are convinced the Carisbrooks’ staff are not sharing all they know.
Meanwhile, appointed Cara’s watchdog until the mystery is resolved, Hugo, fascinated by Cara as he’s been with no other, seeks to entertain and amuse her…and, increasingly intently, to discover the way to her heart. Consequently, Penelope finds herself juggling the attractions of the investigation and the Adair family’s demands for her to actively encourage the budding romance.
What would her mentors advise? On that, Penelope is crystal clear.
Aided by Griselda, Violet, and Montague and calling on contacts in business, the underworld, and ton society, Penelope, Barnaby, and Stokes battle to peel back each layer of subterfuge and, step by step, eliminate the innocent and follow the emeralds’ trail…
Yet instead of becoming clearer, the veils and shadows shrouding the Carisbrooks only grow murkier…until, abruptly, our investigators find themselves facing an inexplicable death, with a potential murderer whose conviction would shake society to its back teeth.
A historical novel of 78,000 words interweaving mystery, romance, and social intrigue.
Praise for the works of Stephanie Laurens
“Stephanie Laurens’ heroines are marvelous tributes to Georgette Heyer: feisty and strong.” Cathy Kelly
“Stephanie Laurens never fails to entertain and charm her readers with vibrant plots, snappy dialogue, and unforgettable characters.” Historical Romance Reviews
“Stephanie Laurens plays into readers’ fantasies like a master and claims their hearts time and again.” Romantic Times Magazine
Praise for The Cofounding Case of the Carisbrook Emeralds
“(An) alluring mystery brimming with red herrings, lots of intrigue, and that perfect touch of romance for which Laurens is rightly revered.” Angela M., Copy Editor, Red Adept Editing
“Laurens crafts a story as elegant as the gentlemen and women who populate it.” Kim H., Proofreader, Red Adept Editing
"I really enjoyed this well-written historical mystery novel! The characters unravel exciting plot twists and turns as they investigate the disappearance of a famous set of emeralds." Kristina B., Proofreader, Red Adept Editing
226 pages, Paperback
First published June 14, 2018
377 people are currently reading
1598 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Laurens
206 books5,584 followersStephanie Laurens was born in Sri Lanka, which was at the time the British colony of Ceylon. When she was 5, her family moved to Melbourne, Australia, where she was raised. After continuing through school and earning a Ph.D. in Biochemistry in Australia, Stephanie and her husband moved to Great Britain, taking one of the last true overland journeys from Katmandu to London.
Once in London, Stephanie and her husband both began work as research scientists in Kent. They lived in an area surrounded by history. Their own cottage was built in the 16th century, while next door were the protected ruins of an early Roman villa, and nearby was a 14th century castle.
After four years in England, Stephanie and her husband returned to Australia, where she continued to work in cancer research, eventually heading her own research laboratory. One evening Stephanie realized that she did not have any more of her favorite romance novels to read. After years of thinking about writing her own novel, during nights and weekends for the next several months, she began crafting her own story. That manuscript, Tangled Reins, was the first of her books to be published. After achieving a level of success with her novels, Stephanie "retired" from scientific research and became a full-time novelist. Her novels are primarily historical romances set in the Regency time period.
Stephanie and her husband live on peaceful acreage on the outskirts of Melbourne. If she isn't writing, she's reading, and if she's not reading, she's tending her garden.
Once in London, Stephanie and her husband both began work as research scientists in Kent. They lived in an area surrounded by history. Their own cottage was built in the 16th century, while next door were the protected ruins of an early Roman villa, and nearby was a 14th century castle.
After four years in England, Stephanie and her husband returned to Australia, where she continued to work in cancer research, eventually heading her own research laboratory. One evening Stephanie realized that she did not have any more of her favorite romance novels to read. After years of thinking about writing her own novel, during nights and weekends for the next several months, she began crafting her own story. That manuscript, Tangled Reins, was the first of her books to be published. After achieving a level of success with her novels, Stephanie "retired" from scientific research and became a full-time novelist. Her novels are primarily historical romances set in the Regency time period.
Stephanie and her husband live on peaceful acreage on the outskirts of Melbourne. If she isn't writing, she's reading, and if she's not reading, she's tending her garden.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
January 16, 2019
Series: Casebook of Barnaby Adair #4
Publication Date: 6/14/18
Number of Pages: 228
This is another lovely, well-written, well-plotted visit with Barnaby Adair and his wife Penelope along with their investigating friends Inspector Stokes and his wife Griselda, and Montague and his wife Violet. You’ll love the characters, you met most of them in earlier books in the series, and the new characters are very sweet and I’ll hope we see more of them in future books.
Miss Cara Di Abaccio’s is the daughter of an Italian painter and the sister of an English Viscount. Her parents were madly in love and had a wonderful life filled with happiness and love until they both died a year ago, leaving Cara nothing to inherit. Her father’s Italian family took her in, but when her mother’s English brother showed he was her guardian, she went to live with him. Cara is a lovely young woman, bright, funny and filled with love and life. Her uncle’s wife, Livvy, hates her and what she represents and doesn’t want her under her roof. So, when the Carisbrook emeralds disappear, Livvy calls Scotland Yard and has them arrest Cara.
When Scotland Yard’s Sergeant Wilkes arrived to make the arrest, he knows something isn’t right and doesn’t want any part of a Mayfair investigation. Even though it was Sunday morning, he knew he needed to involve Senior Inspector Basil Stokes. Stokes, of course, will involve his ton friends, the Adairs, in the case.
Everyone believes that Cara is totally innocent, but has been accused only because her aunt hates her. The aunt is a viper of a woman who runs rough-shod over everyone in her household. The investigators soon realize there is much more to the case than meets the eye – and that Car has nothing to do with the theft.
Hugo Adair is Barnaby’s cousin and he’s admired Cara for a while. He rushes to her aid and stays by her side throughout the whole ordeal. While he doesn’t participate in the investigation, Hugo keeps Cara safe and occupied. There is, of course, some matchmaking going on there and it is a sweet bit of a love story.
The investigation leads us through the relationships within a very dysfunctional family. You have to wonder how anyone can love the shrew who is Viscountess Livvy.
We have a lovely mystery and a lovely romance – what more could you ask for?
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
Publication Date: 6/14/18
Number of Pages: 228
This is another lovely, well-written, well-plotted visit with Barnaby Adair and his wife Penelope along with their investigating friends Inspector Stokes and his wife Griselda, and Montague and his wife Violet. You’ll love the characters, you met most of them in earlier books in the series, and the new characters are very sweet and I’ll hope we see more of them in future books.
Miss Cara Di Abaccio’s is the daughter of an Italian painter and the sister of an English Viscount. Her parents were madly in love and had a wonderful life filled with happiness and love until they both died a year ago, leaving Cara nothing to inherit. Her father’s Italian family took her in, but when her mother’s English brother showed he was her guardian, she went to live with him. Cara is a lovely young woman, bright, funny and filled with love and life. Her uncle’s wife, Livvy, hates her and what she represents and doesn’t want her under her roof. So, when the Carisbrook emeralds disappear, Livvy calls Scotland Yard and has them arrest Cara.
When Scotland Yard’s Sergeant Wilkes arrived to make the arrest, he knows something isn’t right and doesn’t want any part of a Mayfair investigation. Even though it was Sunday morning, he knew he needed to involve Senior Inspector Basil Stokes. Stokes, of course, will involve his ton friends, the Adairs, in the case.
Everyone believes that Cara is totally innocent, but has been accused only because her aunt hates her. The aunt is a viper of a woman who runs rough-shod over everyone in her household. The investigators soon realize there is much more to the case than meets the eye – and that Car has nothing to do with the theft.
Hugo Adair is Barnaby’s cousin and he’s admired Cara for a while. He rushes to her aid and stays by her side throughout the whole ordeal. While he doesn’t participate in the investigation, Hugo keeps Cara safe and occupied. There is, of course, some matchmaking going on there and it is a sweet bit of a love story.
The investigation leads us through the relationships within a very dysfunctional family. You have to wonder how anyone can love the shrew who is Viscountess Livvy.
We have a lovely mystery and a lovely romance – what more could you ask for?
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
March 18, 2022
Very enjoyable mystery.
August 18, 2018
3 stars.
What's with Stephanie Laurens' books lately? The covers are all so amateurish and the synopsis are so long-winded that they virtually give the plots away!
I'm finding the writing draggy as well. Sadly, it's beginning to feel that Ms Laurens may go the way of Johanna Lindsey for me... an old favorite author whose writing no longer appealing to me.
What's with Stephanie Laurens' books lately? The covers are all so amateurish and the synopsis are so long-winded that they virtually give the plots away!
I'm finding the writing draggy as well. Sadly, it's beginning to feel that Ms Laurens may go the way of Johanna Lindsey for me... an old favorite author whose writing no longer appealing to me.
August 10, 2018
FINAL DECISION: This is really a mystery with only a dash of secondary romance -- not between the main characters -- this is really the continuing stories of Barnaby and his wife Penelope and their friends who have joined together to work through mysteries of the aristocracy. I enjoyed this mystery and getting to see the characters again.
THE STORY: Miss Cara Di Abaccio is accused by her aunt of stealing the family jewels. This begins an investigation into the theft conducted by Inspector Stokes along with Barnaby and Penelope Adair, Stoke's wife Griselda, and their friends Violet and Montague. Barnaby's own cousin, Hugo, has taken a romantic interest in Cara and knows she is innocent. The investigation takes a serious turn when one of the maids is found dead.
OPINION: I enjoyed this book which is really a mystery and the romance is really minimal unlike the others in the series. I believe that because of the recurring characters, I didn't mind that the "romance" that is new here isn't particularly interesting to me. Instead, I really liked the updates about the characters that I already loved.
The story was one that kept me turning the pages until the end because I liked that there were various stories going on which all had to be resolved in order for the mystery to be "solved".
The mystery was a good one with a well-developed group of suspects. Each character has a purpose for being in the story and felt like a developed personality. Each character has secrets that are revealed in the course of the story. This is a mystery really based on the characters and thus having a cast of interesting suspects is vital. I enjoyed these characters and their motivations kept the story moving.
WORTH MENTIONING: Very clean story with no sex except implied.
CONNECTED BOOKS: THE CONFOUNDING CASE OF THE CARISBROOK EMERALDS is the sixth book in the Casebook of Barnaby Adair series. The mystery in this book is completely self-contained. The characters who do the investigation continue through the series and we get some personal moments and information, but this book can be read as a standalone.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
THE STORY: Miss Cara Di Abaccio is accused by her aunt of stealing the family jewels. This begins an investigation into the theft conducted by Inspector Stokes along with Barnaby and Penelope Adair, Stoke's wife Griselda, and their friends Violet and Montague. Barnaby's own cousin, Hugo, has taken a romantic interest in Cara and knows she is innocent. The investigation takes a serious turn when one of the maids is found dead.
OPINION: I enjoyed this book which is really a mystery and the romance is really minimal unlike the others in the series. I believe that because of the recurring characters, I didn't mind that the "romance" that is new here isn't particularly interesting to me. Instead, I really liked the updates about the characters that I already loved.
The story was one that kept me turning the pages until the end because I liked that there were various stories going on which all had to be resolved in order for the mystery to be "solved".
The mystery was a good one with a well-developed group of suspects. Each character has a purpose for being in the story and felt like a developed personality. Each character has secrets that are revealed in the course of the story. This is a mystery really based on the characters and thus having a cast of interesting suspects is vital. I enjoyed these characters and their motivations kept the story moving.
WORTH MENTIONING: Very clean story with no sex except implied.
CONNECTED BOOKS: THE CONFOUNDING CASE OF THE CARISBROOK EMERALDS is the sixth book in the Casebook of Barnaby Adair series. The mystery in this book is completely self-contained. The characters who do the investigation continue through the series and we get some personal moments and information, but this book can be read as a standalone.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
June 25, 2018
This book less romance than mystery, but still enjoyable. However, I wanted more Hugo and Cara. After the beginning, they mostly disappeared except as background to solving the mystery.
January 9, 2021
A parure of heirloom though extremely ugly emeralds goes missing and Lady Carisbrook takes the opportunity to rid herself of the too vivaciously beautiful Italian niece, Cara, whom her husband added to the household when she was orphaned. Fortunately Inspector Stokes along with Barnaby and Penelope Adair, the ton couple who assist Scotland Yard with ton cases, is on the job and manages to solve the theft and a subsequent murder in the same household all while helping Cara to her HEA. It's also a rather fascinating study of Regency marriages, romances, and family relationships.
I actually give this 3.5 stars. It's very enjoyable bringing together a number of familiar characters from other of Laurens' books but it can be read as a standalone quite easily. This one is part of Laurens' Casebook of Barnaby Adair series that are far more about detecting and mystery/murder than they are romance. In fact, these are not steamy at all, bearing a closer relationship to the Lady Osbaldestone Christmas series than to many of her other series. Speaking of Lady O, she makes a short but very important appearance early on.
I actually give this 3.5 stars. It's very enjoyable bringing together a number of familiar characters from other of Laurens' books but it can be read as a standalone quite easily. This one is part of Laurens' Casebook of Barnaby Adair series that are far more about detecting and mystery/murder than they are romance. In fact, these are not steamy at all, bearing a closer relationship to the Lady Osbaldestone Christmas series than to many of her other series. Speaking of Lady O, she makes a short but very important appearance early on.
April 26, 2025
3 1/2, I suppose. I enjoyed it but I didn’t love it. The moral of the story as the author sees it is that love is such a powerful thing one must do anything to find it and hold on to it. The moral as I see it is if you want to engage in bad behavior and get away with it just be a member of Londons Upper Ten Thousand in the 19th century. Sheesh! These people!Personally, I’ll follow the Ten Commandments. A much better way to live, imho. I need a shower to wash off all the filth I just exposed myself to, and I’m not referring to the sex because there isn’t any!
January 24, 2019
Good detective story. Very entertaining read. 5☆
July 15, 2018
A satisfying ending to a mystery with no real villains. A missing necklace and a dead body, combined with members of high society who are not always what they seem creates an interesting set of complications. The main characters are familiar to readers of Stephanie’s novels and this makes this story as comfortable to read as a pair of good winter slippers. There is good dialogue amongst the characters in the story. This allows the reader to form opinions about them and create their personalities. You do not need to have read any other books by Stephanie, but it may convince you to go on and read some.
September 17, 2020
Every time I pick up a Stephanie Laurens book I just fall back into the universe she's created. I forget every time just how easy her novels are to read and fall into. I seem surprised every time, which is really nice actually.
Barnaby, Penelope and Stokes I swear are my favourite trio, and the addition of Griselda, Violet and Montague make for a really interesting dynamic, although the latter three had less to do in this novel than some of the previous ones. The way that the characters bounce off each other is really clever, and even the new characters introduced just seem to fall into place because the main characters are so well fleshed out.
There are threethings I really didn't like about this book. 1 - The covers are nowhere near as nice as they used to be, can we go back please? 2 - The book is a taller size so difficult to fit in my bookcase. 3 - The synopsis is really long, and doesn't leave much to the imagination when you're actually reading the book.
I've only got one Barnaby Adair novel left to read (The Murder at Mandeville Hall) and I'll be gutted when I've finished and haven't got any more to look forward to. I don't think there's been a new one in the series since 2018, and I don't know if she's planning to write any more or not. I'll just have to re-read, and carry on with the Cynster Next Generation novels.
Barnaby, Penelope and Stokes I swear are my favourite trio, and the addition of Griselda, Violet and Montague make for a really interesting dynamic, although the latter three had less to do in this novel than some of the previous ones. The way that the characters bounce off each other is really clever, and even the new characters introduced just seem to fall into place because the main characters are so well fleshed out.
There are threethings I really didn't like about this book. 1 - The covers are nowhere near as nice as they used to be, can we go back please? 2 - The book is a taller size so difficult to fit in my bookcase. 3 - The synopsis is really long, and doesn't leave much to the imagination when you're actually reading the book.
I've only got one Barnaby Adair novel left to read (The Murder at Mandeville Hall) and I'll be gutted when I've finished and haven't got any more to look forward to. I don't think there's been a new one in the series since 2018, and I don't know if she's planning to write any more or not. I'll just have to re-read, and carry on with the Cynster Next Generation novels.
May 3, 2019
Another great mystery and romance by Stephanie Laurens!
I love SL's books, but I will admit that I waited awhile before I got this one and book 7. Then I waited even longer, before reading this book. I can now say that I have no idea why I waited so long! This story moved very quickly from start to finish, and nothing was just as it seemed at the start. I loved all the different relationships and characters that were woven into the story. This was different from the others in the series, but really good.
The fast pace and melodramatic, but hopeful tone keep you guessing throughout the whole character and action oriented storyline. The characters are varied and fascinating in their depth. There was only one mildly steamy scene, but the focus was on character development and the unraveling of the mystery. If that sounds good to you, then you will want to read this story yourself. You may want to read the others in the series first, but you don't have to. Reading the Cynster books doesn't hurt, but is also not necessary. However I will warn you, if that is the case and you read this...you may have a lot of other reading to do afterwards to read all those I just mentioned! Enjoy!
I love SL's books, but I will admit that I waited awhile before I got this one and book 7. Then I waited even longer, before reading this book. I can now say that I have no idea why I waited so long! This story moved very quickly from start to finish, and nothing was just as it seemed at the start. I loved all the different relationships and characters that were woven into the story. This was different from the others in the series, but really good.
The fast pace and melodramatic, but hopeful tone keep you guessing throughout the whole character and action oriented storyline. The characters are varied and fascinating in their depth. There was only one mildly steamy scene, but the focus was on character development and the unraveling of the mystery. If that sounds good to you, then you will want to read this story yourself. You may want to read the others in the series first, but you don't have to. Reading the Cynster books doesn't hurt, but is also not necessary. However I will warn you, if that is the case and you read this...you may have a lot of other reading to do afterwards to read all those I just mentioned! Enjoy!
May 2, 2019
“A life without love may not be perfect, but it doesn’t have to be a disaster, either.”
The Confounding Case of the Carisbrook Emeralds is book six in the Barnaby Adair series by Stephanie Laurens. The Barnaby Adair series is a spin-off of the Cynster series. Barnaby is a third son with a reputation of assisting in ton investigations. Per the title, this novel is about the mystery of a stolen emerald necklace. A young woman, Cara, is accused by her aunt of stealing it. Hugo, who has an eye for Cara, intercedes and enlists the help of his cousin, Barnaby. Barnaby and his small group of friends start their investigation and soon find the thief responsible. I really enjoy how Stephanie Laurens mixes mystery and romance in this series. I appreciate how she was able to show other types of love that many novels do not pursue on the way to a happily ever after.
Bookstagram: @hopeless.book.romantic
The Confounding Case of the Carisbrook Emeralds is book six in the Barnaby Adair series by Stephanie Laurens. The Barnaby Adair series is a spin-off of the Cynster series. Barnaby is a third son with a reputation of assisting in ton investigations. Per the title, this novel is about the mystery of a stolen emerald necklace. A young woman, Cara, is accused by her aunt of stealing it. Hugo, who has an eye for Cara, intercedes and enlists the help of his cousin, Barnaby. Barnaby and his small group of friends start their investigation and soon find the thief responsible. I really enjoy how Stephanie Laurens mixes mystery and romance in this series. I appreciate how she was able to show other types of love that many novels do not pursue on the way to a happily ever after.
Bookstagram: @hopeless.book.romantic
September 23, 2024
This is okay. The tone is solid, and the anachronisms are relatively minor and aren't jarring, aside from the repetitive use of the ridiculously American term 'ton'. Laurens lacks the pull and engagement that any mystery/romance author should create, but it is still enjoyable. Laurens' misunderstanding of love, marirage, pregnancy, parenting, and the male psyche are irritating but fairly usual for the genre.
The major downfall is Laurens defending extra marital affairs, especially in such a childish manner. The absolutely pathetic notion that feelings make acting horrible and somehow convert immoral actions into justifiable choices is ludicrous, incredibly modern, and completely ruins the novel.
The major downfall is Laurens defending extra marital affairs, especially in such a childish manner. The absolutely pathetic notion that feelings make acting horrible and somehow convert immoral actions into justifiable choices is ludicrous, incredibly modern, and completely ruins the novel.
February 23, 2019
Jewelry Gone Missing
Lady Carisbrook's prized emeralds have disappeared, and she has accused her poor relation niece of the theft. Her accusations would have worked but for the fact no one believes the Lady. That's when Inspector Stokes and the Adairs step in. I enjoyed the strong opening scenes and all the twists and turns to the story. I'm not certain the addition of the Lady Carisbrook's maid was needed, but it did answer one question outstanding on the case. Overall, a good read! Plus we see the main and supporting characters move forward in their lives and loves.
Lady Carisbrook's prized emeralds have disappeared, and she has accused her poor relation niece of the theft. Her accusations would have worked but for the fact no one believes the Lady. That's when Inspector Stokes and the Adairs step in. I enjoyed the strong opening scenes and all the twists and turns to the story. I'm not certain the addition of the Lady Carisbrook's maid was needed, but it did answer one question outstanding on the case. Overall, a good read! Plus we see the main and supporting characters move forward in their lives and loves.
March 5, 2019
One morning, Lady Carisbrook storms downstairs, accuses her husband's niece of stealing the family emeralds, and has the police called to arrest her, and in the meantime, throwing her out of the house. At Scotland Yard, Hugo Adair storms in, ready to save the lady in distress. Luckily for Cara, Hugo, and the Carisbrooks, the case brings in Inspector Stokes, and Barnaby Adair, who have worked together in the past, with their wives, solving criminal cases involving the aristocracy. Many twists and turns in the plot, and surprises at the end.
September 17, 2025
2.5 ⭐️ rounded down. My first book by this author and I seem to have started in the middle of this series. It’s a nice little story, but way too heavy on the sappy romance for me. The many characters in this company of sleuths were interesting and likable, but the plot was so obvious that there was really no mystery to the mystery. The ending of the story was a 30 minute elocution on the meaning of true love (yawn!) and if I had to hear “Penelope pushed her spectacles further up her nose” one more time…ugh! And this is nothing against the author, but I didn’t care for the narrator at all.
February 9, 2019
Family secrets abound in this mystery. Hugo and Cara are essentially relegated to the background of the story, used only as a set up and then fading into obscurity for the majority of the book. So the romance aspect wasn't that interesting, more in it for form, since that's what SL's genre is. I am still not fond of the narrator - I don't see why the women's voices are so breathy or why he pauses where he does, but it was less distracting than last time.
February 27, 2019
I got this from the library solely on the strength of the audiobook narrator. Napolean Ryan has a voice like hot buttered butter. And I like historical cozy mysteries. The only thing that gave me pause was the author. I haven't liked the couple of books I had read by this author previously.
My instincts were correct. While the narrator lived up to my expectations, the story didn't do anything really to change my mind about my tepid response to this author's work.
My instincts were correct. While the narrator lived up to my expectations, the story didn't do anything really to change my mind about my tepid response to this author's work.
June 23, 2024
A fun mystery though it gets bogged down in repeating itself sometimes (the characters have a habit of getting together to review the case and what they learned each day at night but as the reader, we already know it all since we were with them all day too so it gets repetitive ). I do appreciate Laurens remembers her own mythology and as some of her other characters get a mention, I always smile!
lost-interest
January 21, 2020#1 Where the Heart Leads - ★★★★☆
#2 The Masterful Mr. Montague - ★☆☆☆☆
#3 Loving Rose: The Redemption of Malcolm Sinclair - DNF
#2 The Masterful Mr. Montague - ★☆☆☆☆
#3 Loving Rose: The Redemption of Malcolm Sinclair - DNF
June 14, 2018
Another great book
Finally another Barnaby Adair novel! This one is just as great ad the other 5. A good bit of mystery with a bit of romance & intrigue added. A great read for a lazy day.
Finally another Barnaby Adair novel! This one is just as great ad the other 5. A good bit of mystery with a bit of romance & intrigue added. A great read for a lazy day.
June 19, 2018
Surprising
This was not at all the romance I expected. It is more a reflection of love wrapped up in a mystery. I have to admit I enjoyed that twist and found it quite satisfying. I look forward to the next book in the series, coming soon.
This was not at all the romance I expected. It is more a reflection of love wrapped up in a mystery. I have to admit I enjoyed that twist and found it quite satisfying. I look forward to the next book in the series, coming soon.
June 19, 2018
I loved this book. I can't wait for the next Casebook of Barnaby Adair Novel on August 16tth. I love the interaction with Stokes, Barnaby Adair, Penelope, Griselda, Violet, and Montague. I was hoping that Glendower and Rose would appear in this story.
June 22, 2018
I enjoy a good mystery
Historical romance mystery gives me a change of pace and always gives me a lift. There is enough twist and turns In this plot to keep you trying to figure out each clue. Enjoyable, and enticing me to the next case.
Historical romance mystery gives me a change of pace and always gives me a lift. There is enough twist and turns In this plot to keep you trying to figure out each clue. Enjoyable, and enticing me to the next case.
June 24, 2018
Really quite good if one ignores the personality of someone. And I like the explication of types of love (allegedly) in the Regency era. My problem is with "true love" supposedly in place for an utter bitch decades later. Still LOVE Barnaby and Penelope and their crew--all of them.
June 24, 2018
Another fantastic casebook!
As with the others, I didn't put it down until I reached the ending. And as with the others, I was sorry to reach the end. I will try and patiently wait for August and casebook #7.
As with the others, I didn't put it down until I reached the ending. And as with the others, I was sorry to reach the end. I will try and patiently wait for August and casebook #7.
June 24, 2018
Splendid
Definitely did not expect the ending that this book had. But once it was through and I revisited things, it made sense. Attention grabbing book as always. Can't wait to see what this group of "investigators" get into next.
Definitely did not expect the ending that this book had. But once it was through and I revisited things, it made sense. Attention grabbing book as always. Can't wait to see what this group of "investigators" get into next.
July 25, 2018
Another great read from Stephanie Laurens. I really enjoyed the mystery and the unraveling threads this story brings. The romance is muted in this story but it is more about the mystery and the various people within the group and how they interact that makes this story.
July 27, 2018
Much improve storyte!ling
I've read most of Ms Laurens oevre and this is the first that.doesn't have paragraphs describing sexual activity without hyperbole. I found this off putting., The story was vastly improved.
I've read most of Ms Laurens oevre and this is the first that.doesn't have paragraphs describing sexual activity without hyperbole. I found this off putting., The story was vastly improved.
October 12, 2018
Love
Excellent story written by Stephanie Laurens! The Carisbrook Emeralds are missing and Lady Carisbrook claims that her husband’s niece Cara took them.
Inspector Stokes calls on his friends the Adair’s to help him. This is a book I would recommend to anyone.
Excellent story written by Stephanie Laurens! The Carisbrook Emeralds are missing and Lady Carisbrook claims that her husband’s niece Cara took them.
Inspector Stokes calls on his friends the Adair’s to help him. This is a book I would recommend to anyone.
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