A Promise Given

Henrietta and Inspector Howard #3

by Michelle Cox

The third installment of the Henrietta and Inspector Howard series unveils the long-awaited wedding of Henrietta and Clive-but murder is never far from this sizzling couple.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Mystery, Historical Fiction, Romance, Historical, British Literature, Audiobook

447 pages, ebook

First published April 24, 2018

About the author

Michelle Cox has always been obsessed with stories of the past and has spent a lifetime collecting them. She is the award-winning author of historical fiction, including the Henrietta and Inspector Howard series, The Fallen Woman’s Daughter, and The Merriweather Novels. Cox also pens the wildly popular, “Novel Notes of Local Lore,” a weekly blog chronicling the lives of Chicago’s forgotten residents.

She lives in the northern suburbs of Chicago with her husband, an assortment of children who continually leave and then come back, and one naughty Goldendoodle. Unbeknownst to most, she hoards board games she doesn’t have time to play and is, not surprisingly, in love with both Cary Grant and Jimmy Stewart. Likewise, she is happily addicted to period dramas and big band music. Also marmalade.


Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Promise Given
By
Michele Cox



What it's all about...

Although this is actually the third book in this series the author did a superb job of clarifying the relationship between Henrietta and Clive. However I still wished that I had read these books in order...in their proper order. In this book Henrietta and Clive are to be married. Henrietta is not wealthy and privileged but Clive is. Henrietta should have been just as wealthy and as privileged as Clive but she suffers from the bad choices of her mother. In this book her mother is hateful and irritating and her mother’s poor choices have left her bitter, poor and old...resulting in lots of brothers and sisters for Henrietta.

Why I wanted to read it...

The relationship between Henrietta and Clive is romantic and bold and quite sexy. Clive was a police investigator in the first two books. I believe that he and Henrietta became involved through crime solving. That’s the inference I “inferred” from the first two books.

What made me truly enjoy this book...

Henrietta and Clive share a unique bond. She and Clive are at a country estate in England when another crime is committed. Henrietta has much on her mind...her mother and siblings at home and the disturbing things happening on her honeymoon. There are quite a few unsavory characters in this book. Henrietta is always portrayed as a bright intuitive and vigilant young woman. She has great beauty, too, so men seem to always become interested in her. Henrietta’s heart belongs only to Clive. Meanwhile...while she is away...her sister Elsie is having her own man troubles...

Why you should read it, too...

I loved this book but I wish I would have read the other books within this series in order. The author did a masterful job of clarifying characters and events and it really was enough but I really wanted the order of the books to clarify things even more for me. This is a unique series...quite different and very enjoyable.

I received an advance reader’s copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley and Amazon. It was my choice to read it and review it.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second book featuring Henrietta and Inspector Howard. These two are a couple in love from two different sides of society. That doesn’t bother Clive Howard though – he is in love and he doesn’t care who Henrietta’s family is. He just wants to settle down with her and live their lives. But circumstances, responsibilities and life itself is not going to let that happen.

The bulk of this book is the preparation for and the wedding of Clive and Henrietta. A fair bit of time is also spent on the disposition of Henrietta’s family and her sister’s relationships. I’m sure that this is all laying groundwork for future books which is just fine by me as I thoroughly love being immersed in the lives of the characters that Ms. Cox has created.

The mystery aspect of this novel doesn’t really kick in until the last third of the tale while Henrietta and Clive are on their honeymoon in England visiting family. While staying at the family castle (?!) a man is murdered in the local town and the suspect is Clive’s cousin. Even though Clive has resigned from the police department he is still a detective at heart and so he interjects himself into the investigation – for his cousin’s sake of course! Henrietta also helps but finds herself learning that being Mrs. Howard brings out a side of Clive she does not necessarily like.

I enjoyed this book as it further fleshed out the characters from the A Ring of Truth. Much more of Henrietta’s mother’s story was told and it allows the reader to understand the root of her bitterness. There is not a lot of plot in this tale as the action as it were does not really happen until the end of the book. There is a small subplot involving Henrietta’s sister, Elsie and her romances.

Ms. Cox takes great care in setting the scenes for her characters. It could be the denizens of a dance club or a party in the toniest house in the city. As the reader you will feel as if you are there with the characters as all is so well depicted. I am really looking forward to the next installment in this endearing series.

4.5

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm sorry to say I was disappointed in this book. I LOVED A Ring of Truth. But for those of you who, like me, appreciated the modest characters and their commitment to chastity in the previous book, be prepared. Apparently once they're married, the author has no qualms about giving all the details. I'm more than a little disappointed that the entire first half of the book was focused on the lead-up to the wedding night, and that it was relayed in detail.
I was also sad that the mystery itself was not more of a part of the story. Nothing to do with the mystery even happens until half-way through the book.
I still love Henrietta and Howard's sweet relationship. They defy the standards of the day by being kind and mutually respectful of each other. I get that because of their varied backgrounds and family expectations, defying convention is a struggle for them at times, but I thought in this book they both got very petulant almost to the point of childish in some of their contentions with each other.
Finally, the ending was such a discordant note - it ends with a cliffhanger, but not a suspenseful one, just a depressing one. It makes me think there is serious drama and trouble to come in book 4, but not in a way I'm excited about.
The story had so much potential, and it was still a good story, it just fell flat.

[Pam Carmichael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I could give this more stars, Michelle Cox is one hell of a writer!! I am reading her series of books and have the new one on order now. Time period 1930's!! You will not believe what a period this was, she has just nailed it! I can't say much more as I don't want to spoil you but the 30's was one heck of a time. Poor and rich come together and wow the stuff they did way back then is just awesome, I had no clue! There is murder, a rape and undercover work that the two characters work on and then fall in love, okay enough. Family drama to boot!!! Just pick the first one up and enjoy, I know I did and Michelle is so great a these time periods, blew me away and so fun. Keep on reading folks and enjoy!!

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

The third of the Henrietta and Inspector Howard series doesn't even call itself a mystery, just as well, since the crime doesn't appear until about 200 pages into the book. It gets solved, more or less, but there are many unanswered questions that remain unanswered. The important thing is, apparently, that the honeymooning Inspector Howard and Henrietta, whose romance is the main focus here, prove that Howard's cousin is not guilty. The other plot element is Henrietta's sister and her entrapment into a marriage with a fortune-hunter, while her real love is being vamped by a woman who may want a husband with a steady job.

[Michelle Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

***Audiobook Links***

Chirp: https://bit.ly/3dvzOXQ
Audible: https://amzn.to/2Zssg4m
Apple: https://apple.co/2ZbYvDv
Google: https://bit.ly/39a5KAF
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3etGZ35

[Amy Peele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderfully crafted page turning adventure in the lives of Clive and Henrietta. Cox did a great job of drawing you into an exciting wedding peppered with family drama and tension. The seductive overseas honeymoon is not to be missed. And of course there is a murder sprinkled in the story. Looking forward to book four.

[Teddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Henrietta and Clive can barely contain their passion for each other but it being the 1930’s they will not consummate their love until they are married. So, they decide to move up their wedding. The wedding planning has problems complicated by Clive’s mother who won’t shorten the guest list and will spare no expense. Further complicating not only the wedding but Henrietta’s family is her newly found grandfather, Oldrich Exley. It turns out that Henrietta’s mother kept a huge secret from her children. She comes from wealth but was disowned when she married Henrietta’s father.

After the wedding, Henrietta and Clive ship off the England for their honeymoon. They stay AT Linley Castle where Clive’s father grew up. Once again the become wrapped up in a mystery. Henrietta also fears for her sister, Elsie after receive an alarming letter from her. Then as they get ready to leave Castle Linley for the rest of their honeymoon, the couple are called back home for an emergency.

It took me a bit of time to warm up to the new characters in book 3 but they were well written as all of Michelle Cox’s characters are. I loved how she wove in the landscape of Castle Linley and the surrounding English countryside. It seemed to be a character of its own. The mystery wasn’t quite as riveting in the past books but that is because I was able to guess at least part of Wallace’s secret. Wallace is Clive’s cousin. However, I still enjoyed it!

[Carolyn Breckinridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another 5 stars for Ms. Cox's third in her Henrietta and Inspector Howard series. This novel, set both in 1930's Chicago and in Europe remains true to historical detail and subtle cultural differences. Interestingly, this novel begins more like a family saga and a romance rather than a mystery, but by book's end, the author adds the element of mystery very effectively. Her plot is plausible, complicated and compelling, and her characterization is stellar. Henrietta is strong-willed, courageous, and in my mind, a feminist before her time. Her relationship with Clive Howard is sweet but not without fireworks as the two attempt to work out her determination to be an active partner at a time when women were generally treated with delicacy. There are myriad other characters woven into the plot, many with their own issues to help make this novel a page-turner. It has been quite a while since I have enjoyed a series so much, and I can honestly see these books one day becoming a series on a BBC-type production.

[Barbara Stark-Nemon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Promise Given brings the characters in Michele Cox’s Henrietta and the Inspector Howard series to a new level of depth and interest. Moving into the loftier worlds of Chicago’s north side and the upper classes of early 20th century England, Cox’s deft writing whets the readers appetite for the next books in the series. Romance, mystery, detective work, and period perfection- it’s all here!

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clive and Henrietta are back and getting married in this third book in the series. A lot more family stories this time from both sides and not a much mystery as I would like, but I still really enjoyed the storyline and all the characters. Can’t wait to see where their story goes next.

[Bonnye Reed]

author gift 99

[Kristine Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 STARS. AUDIO BOOK / PRINT COMBO REVIEW. I am whipping through author Michelle Cox’s Henrietta and Inspector Howard series and having so much fun in the process. Every time I start a new book in the series, a door is opened into a different world, that of the 1930s, and I am fully immersed and lost there until the final page.

“How strange it was that the future mistress of Highbury received her first real, and only, actually, wedding-night advice from a lesbian cocktail waitress, formerly employed as an usherette at a burlesque theater.”

A PROMISE GIVEN is the third book, and romance lovers will be thrilled with it. Much of the first half is dedicated to the build-up to Henrietta and Clive’s wedding. Of course, there’s plenty of drama on the way to the altar, and the descriptions of the clothing, food, and decorum were wonderful reminders of the era. And at last: there’s the wedding night. Readers who’ve been along from the start of the series have witnessed the electricity and tension between the main two characters as they’ve struggled to contain their passion for each other. Now that the couple is legally wed, there’s a steamy new aspect to their relationship. Happily, the author handles this tastefully, but there’s enough to make this audio listener’s ears turn red.

For readers like me, who are less interested in the romance aspect, the heavy emphasis on the romance made this my least favorite of the four books I’ve read so far. Not that I disliked the book, but I was glad that this was out of the way so we could get back to the other elements that Michelle Cox writes so well: superb character development, excellent world-building, and intriguing mysteries!

In A PROMISE GIVEN, some new themes are introduced and explored, providing fascinating insight into some characters who have been thus far hard to understand. The question of how one reconciles loving feelings for someone whose true colors are shown to be vile is a timeless question and still applicable in modern times of #MeToo. And there’s the accompanying question of how to forgive what seems unforgivable. Several of the characters are dealing with working through complicated emotional issues, and through their points-of-view, Cox gives readers a deeper understanding that helps explain words and actions.

For a delightful change of pace, the second half of the book takes us to England, where we meet Lord and Lady Lindley, Clive’s aunt and uncle. Narrator Jayne Entwistle shines in her voicing of them, and as with the other books in the series, she provides an across-the-board wonderful performance nailing: male and female, young and old, American and British, refined and unrefined. I listened at 1.2x speed on the Authors Direct platform, which was glitch-free and easy. (Just wish I could post reviews there.)

It is while Clive and Henrietta are on their honeymoon in England that we finally get some mysterious goings-on, though there isn’t the danger and tension that’s been present in the prior books. There’s an ongoing, unresolved, dangerous issue that’s been present since the first book, A GIRL LIKE YOU, and I expected and looked forward to it carrying over into this book. However, it’s put on the back burner, which was a little disappointing, but which also raises the stakes and anticipation for book four, A VEIL REMOVED, which is already downloaded and ready for me to push “play” for another reading-with-my-ears experience. No chance I'll stop here given the ending we were left with!

Though I purchased a print copy of this book, I thank the author and iRead Book Tours for providing me an audio download in exchange for my honest opinion—the only kind I give. This full review and other special features on Hall Ways Blog.

[Reader Views · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by Kimberly Luyckx for Reader Views (10/18)

The novel “A Promise Given” tells the story of the Howards and the Exleys - two prominent families living in Chicago in the mid-1930s. Author Michelle Cox details the history within and between these families soon to be united by the marriage of Henrietta Von Harmon and Inspector Clive Howard.

As Henrietta prepares to join the prestigious Howard household, the family convinces Martha Exley Von Harmon, Henrietta’s estranged mother, to move back into society for the sake of the family’s new alliance. This provides the Von Harmon sisters the opportunity to mix with the social elite that can transport them from Chicago’s seedy nightclubs to its north shore neighborhood soirees. Henrietta, who has the personality and more opportunity to adapt, converts rather easily but her sister Elsie has more difficulty navigating her new status.

“A Promise Given” is the third installment of Cox’s Henrietta and Inspector Howard series and portrays a time steeped in romanticism. The flavor of which is wonderfully detailed through its scenery and characters. One such example is the elegance rendered in the couples’ wedding day - each moment captured in its splendor. Many of the book’s scenes could easily read like a Jane Austin novel as Cox possesses that distinct ability to plant a reader directly into a specific room or landscape.

Midway through the story, Cox’s main players segue from the bustling town of Chicago to the quaint, traditional setting of Derbyshire, England. Here the novel’s plot slowly thickens as Henrietta and her husband Clive encounter a mysterious murder that threatens to shake the roots of the Howard family tree.

Knowing that this was the third book of a series, I was apprehensive of starting in the middle. I wondered if I would have the perspective necessary to grasp the narrative and its characters. My fears were allayed when the individuals and their relationships were ingeniously introduced through flashbacks to previous encounters. Cox does a superb job of reformulating her characters connections and providing the background information needed to create a book that can stand alone as a complete story.

I love the way that author Michelle Cox combines historical fiction with mystery. The two partners, Henrietta and Clive make a perfect sleuthing team that left me wanting more. My only complaint is that they did not formulate their investigative alliance sooner in the story. Hopefully “A Promise Given” will not be their final episode. Meanwhile, I look forward to picking up copies of the first two novels in this series and getting more acquainted with these clever and complex characters.

[Amy’s Booket List · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a quick reminder, here is my rating structure:

A Promise Given instagram picture
1 star: Did not finish
2 Stars: Finished but I do not recommend
3 Stars: Liked but could use some improvements
4 Stars: Loved this book!
5 Stars: Rare. The unput-down-able, binge read obsession.
My Thoughts
A Promise Given finds Henrietta and Inspector Howard getting married. Most of the focus of this novel is the preparation for the wedding, the wedding night, and the honeymoon. We don’t get a lot of mystery, as that doesn’t begin until almost 200 pages in, but who cares???

Henrietta is a married lady, despite all odds, and she and Clive FINALLY get together-together. 😉

I really appreciated the obvious detail and thought Michelle Cox put into the sex scenes. The previous books avoided having outright sex scenes, though there was plenty of tension. Therefore, it’s obvious that this part of Henrietta’s story is important and, moreover, I’m glad Cox chose to show the scenes rather than skip over them. Sex is important in every relationship, and sometimes, hiding it behind closed doors only furthers the stigma about it for women.

Women shouldn’t be ashamed of sex, having it or enjoying it. I was completely here for the evolution of their relationship.

If you aren’t into sex scenes in books, I will say that though they detailed, I wouldn’t say that were overly steamy. They were sexy, to be sure, but with a little restraint.

As I said before, A Promise Given doesn’t have a lot of mystery, but that’s ok because the characters shine and evolve so much. This is more about the moving the series forward, so I would definitely recommend reading the first two books before this one.

not a fan of…
My only criticism is Elsie and Stan. This is a secondary relationship, so definitely not the focus of the book, but every time they get involved I cringe a little bit. I have an active dislike of Stan, though I think that’s on purpose, but still. I’m hoping for a large redemption arc for these two in the next installment.

On to book 4, and I can hardly wait.

[Virginia Tican · Rating 5 out of 5]

This deals with first, Henrietta's wedding and the various accoutrements necessary for its success and that includes the obdurate newly acknowledged Patriarch of the Exley clan. Grandfather Exley, Henrietta's mother's father who demanded, nay declared, that he would give away his newly found granddaughter, whilst Henrietta have already decided on Mr. Hennessy who had taken the place of her dead father as sire and protector plus Clive went to him to ask for Henrietta's hand in marriage in Book 2. Second, their planned honeymoon tour starting in England in Castle Linley (the Howards' ancestral home) then to the Continent ~ to Paris and Venice. England turned out to be full of unexpected surprises ~ some pleasant and some not so... like murder. There are events that needed to be resolved in the next book... plus a big change in both their lives is inevitably looming because of the sudden and unforeseen tragic circumstances that cut short their honeymoon plans... Finally, there is also pathetic and needy~for~love, Elsie... who got herself so entangled and trapped into a relationship with a fortune hunter... and tragically, she is also in denial, mired in self~delusion. More tragically, she not only resembles her mother in looks, disposition and stature but what happened to her with Harrison is uncannily exactly what happened to Martha with Leslie Van Harmon. This, for me, is the best yet of the series so far for as the books and story continue, the character development of the characters like Elsie would be further explored and expanded.

P.S. ~ Forgot what chapter but I am pretty sure I read the phrase "window of opportunity" which made me think of a hitman's timetable or that of a drone targeting a terrorist camp somewhere in the Middle East. This work maybe set in Chicago following the days of Al Capone but the aforementioned phrase is still not a usual part of the language then... again citing Nero Wolfe.

[Marilyn Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

While there is a murder and mystery in the 2nd half of this book, the first half falls solidly in the genre of historical romance. Early on we learn about Henrietta's mother elite lineage and how she came to bitterly walk away and leave it behind. Now that family is stepping in forcefully to take charge of the family - house, servants, education for the kids and an allowance. While not welcomed by her mother, there is no choice, and it takes some of the burden off of Henrietta's shoulders.

Back at the family estate, we continue follow the intricacies of daily life with servants and social demands as all the plans for the wedding day are finalized. We celebrate with the happy couple at their beautiful wedding while seeing the hint of trouble brewing behind the scenes. These hints will continue to bubble up as the story moves between Henrietta and Clive on their honeymoon, and Stanley and Elsie's problems back home. There is their first night together and the beautiful surprise Clive had waiting, as well as the lovely voyage to England where the happy couple finally have some time alone, with nothing to distract them.

England takes the couple back into the world of societal expectations. Much is demanded of them. Then a murder happens in the village. Clive, missing his work in the force, is drawn into the case. Henrietta wants to be by his side but is thwarted at every turn, creating a great wedge between them. When a Wallace, one of their relatives becomes the main suspect, the stakes become high. And he's hiding something? What is it? And why won't he tell them to clear his name?

Note - There are two sexual scenes included in this book, one positive and one not, but both are written with a lighter hand.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series. Henrietta and Clive feel like old friends and I can't wait to see what adventures they come up with in each installment. A delightful romp through the English countryside and back.
Anxious to be married, Henrietta and Clive push forward with their wedding plans despite their family differences, made worse now by Oldrich Exley’s attempts to control the Von Harmons. When the long-awaited wedding day arrives, there is more unfolding than just Clive and Henrietta’s vows of love. Stanley and Elsie’s relationship is sorely tested by the presence of the dashing Lieutenant Harrison Barnes-Smith and by Henrietta’s friend Rose—a situation that grows increasingly dark and confused as time goes on.
As Clive and Henrietta begin their honeymoon at Castle Linley, the Howards’ ancestral estate in England, they encounter a whole new host of characters, including the eccentric Lord and Lady Linley and Clive’s mysterious cousin, Wallace. When a man is murdered in the village on the night of a house party at the Castle, Wallace comes under suspicion—and Clive and Henrietta are reluctantly drawn into the case, despite Clive’s anxiety at involving his new bride and Henrietta’s distracting news from home.
Delicately attempting to work together for the first time, Clive and Henrietta set out to prove Wallace’s innocence, uncovering as they do so some rather shocking truths that will shake the Linley name and estate forever.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Promise Given continues the Henrietta and Inspector Howard series by Michelle Cox. This third installment brings readers back to the characters of Henrietta and Clive. I have enjoyed this couple from the first book, A Girl Like You, as well as, book two, A Ring of Truth. The two books were entertaining but this one is by far my favorite of the series to date. I thought it was great catching up with Henrietta and Clive and finding out where they are currently. I love being able to witness their wedding finally. And, of course, I was quickly immersed in the mystery and suspense. This one is not one I could have predicted. It was so very good.

I had the pleasure to listening the audio version of A Promise Given. Jayne Entwistle’s performance was once again superb. Her voice was perfect bringing this story to life. I loved hearing her all throughout the book. I had no problem listening to the whole book in one day. I could not find myself to push pause and chose to continue to listen.

I am giving A Promise Given five stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy suspenseful mysteries. I look forward to seeing what will happen next in the fourth book from Henrietta and Inspector Howard series, A Veil Removed. I can not wait to catch up with Henrietta and Clive again.

I received A Promise Given from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

[Letty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I found the beginning of the book a bit slow as it led up to Henrietta and Clive's wedding, once they married and headed off to England to spend part of their honeymoon at Castle Linley, Clive Howards’ ancestral estate, the story did pick up for me. There, readers are introduced to Clive's aunt and uncle, Lord and Lady Linley and cousin, Wallace. When a murder takes place in the village on the night of a party at the castle, Wallace becomes a prime suspect which leads to Henrietta and Clive working together to clear his name. There is a surprising revelation about Wallace towards the end of the book that may or may not indeed clear his name. Also, Henrietta's sister Elsie is featured even more in this book and she herself is struggling with her relationship with Stan and a possible new love interest in Lieutenant Harrison Barnes-Smith. My heart did ache for Elsie and the position she was put into. So now I am very curious where the next book will lead us to and am hoping it won't take too long to find out.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance review copy of this book.

[Rita Dragonette · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Little Downton Abbey, a LOT of Jane Austen, and a bit of Nick and Nora Charles

This third book in a series featuring a couple that was destined to be together in a variety of adventures and family intrigue is a fun ditty that mixes up several genres (romance, mystery, historical fiction) with liberal nods to the archetype works on which it’s based. Though readers will benefit from reading the first two books, the many references will just make you want to go back and delve deeper. This episode in the life of Henrietta and Inspector Howard is clearly designed to take these beloved characters into a new era, just as possibly into English country house territory as into the tradition of married sleuths who hang out a shingle. Each time you’re certain you know which way this is headed, Cox throws in another ringer. It’s a stay-tuned novel that will make the news that a fourth is coming soon very welcome.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This third book in the series covers Henrietta's wedding and part of their honeymoon trip abroad. They go to England to visit Clive's uncle Lord Linley and his family. While there, Clive gets involved in a local murder case, in which his cousin Wallace is suspected. Clive and Henrietta manage to track down Wallace and reveal his secret. Meanwhile back in Chicago, her sister Elsie is being courted by a questionable gentleman who may only be interested in a dowry from her rich grandfather; she can't decide if she still loves Stan or not. But Stan is being tempted by Rose, a friend of Henrietta's, and wondering if he should break up with Elsie. The book ends with bad news which will curtail the honeymoon. I didn't find the Stan/Elsie story all that interesting, since they are both rather silly (not to say stupid) people. But Clive and Henrietta continue to be good reading. If/when there is a 4th volume, I'll probably break down and buy that too!

[Evelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third book in this series, but my least favorite so far. The first half of the book seems to just be a description of Henrietta and Clive's wedding. We get Stan's point of view of the reception, which is very depressing, since he is still hooked on Henrietta. The newlyweds travel to England to visit Clive's family there. Their "castle" is not really a castle at all, but a slightly rundown estate home. When someone gets murdered in the nearby village the night of a party at Castle Linley, son Wallace is suspected. He refuses to give himself an alibi, so the Howards set out to see where he goes so often. The mystery takes up very little of the plot, and is solved so quickly that it is somewhat of a letdown. I also was disappointed in the actions of Henrietta and Clive. For honeymooners, they seem to have a lot of petty squabbles. Overall, I did enjoy the read, and the ending leaves you waiting to read more.

[Entrada Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Promise Given follows Clive and Henrietta through their impending nuptials and into their honeymoon. The third book in the series, A Promise Given does not require the reader to have read the previous books, giving plenty of background to understand that story line.

A period fiction, this well written book has plenty of angles and interconnected story lines all happening at the same time. Contrasting views of poverty and factory workers to the highest society in the Chicago area as well as abroad will keep all readers interested.

Interspersed in the drama is a healthy dose of sexuality, romance and mystery. Clive and Henrietta learn to depend on each other and come into their own. The story ends with a cliffhanger which will keep the reader interested in the next book.

A Promise Given promises to entertain you!

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book I have read in this series. I just loved the prior novel, which was the second one in this series. I could not get over how easily I was able to jump right in. The time period and characters, Henrietta and Clive were great. Thus I could not wait to read this book.

It is great to visit with Henrietta and Clive again. Married life has not changed these two. If anything, it has brought them closer. They are finding a good work/life balance. It is because of these two that I enjoy this series. Although, I found myself struggling this time to find my footing with this book. The other characters in the story and the story itself did not entice me as much. You could say that it was kind of unmemorable. However, as I said a moment ago, I do enjoy Henrietta and Clive. Here is to hoping that the next book grabs me like the prior novel.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an emotional book this was! The book starts with the wedding of Clive and Henrietta which was written beautifully and very poignantly. The first bout of tears. Then the newly-weds travel to England to begin their honeymoon with Clive's uncle, Lord Lynley at the old pile, don't you know! LOL. Here Clive gets involved in a murder case involving his cousin Wallace, which causes strain between himself and Henrietta. But, that is soon cleared up and the discover the truth.

Meanwhile, back in Chicago, Elsie is rudderless without her sister, and the absence of Stanley, and is flattered by the attentions of Lieutenant Barnes-Smith, a ne'er-do-well reminiscent of Jane Austin's Wickham. That's going to lead to no good.

At the end, an unexpected turn of events sends the newly-weds back to Chicago. As I said, along the way, several scenes that brought tears to my eyes

[Anne Rightler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am enjoying the Henrietta and Inspector Howard series and in this third book enjoyed their wedding and subsequent honeymoon in England. It was interesting to see the beginning of their marriage relationship as they are learning to make a life together and work through and around each other's personalities and expectations. Readers are introduced to a whole new set of characters as the couple journey to England to visit an uncle and his family. Another murder mystery to solve kept my interest. Henrietta's sister's story is fleshed out more and I'm wondering where her struggles will lead. A bit of a cliffhanger which, of course, whets the appetite for continuing to read more of the series. I listened to a library copy of the audiobook and was not required to write a review. Jane Entwistle does a great job narrating the book which made for an entertaining listening experience.

[Ferne (Enthusiastic Reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wedding bells! Wedding bells!! Wedding bells!!!

Is the wedding and celebration to be the bride's wishes or will she have to accept all the plans of her future Mother-in-law Antonia? Can the wedding plans be resolved to the delight and satisfaction of Henrietta and Antonia? Then it's time for the honeymoon in England and introduction of Henrietta to more of the family at Castle Linley, the Howards’ ancestral estate in England.

There are also changes ahead for Henrietta's Mother and siblings as planned by father/grandfather Oldrich Exley. Oldrich isn't used to having his willful decisions questioned or challenged.

I am enchanted with reading this series and can't wait to read the next novel in this series!

[Elise Schiller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series but the first I’ve read. This wasn’t difficult at all; the author did a good job of tipping her hat to a few things from books past, but tailoring this book so it can be read independent of the first two in the series. Two things stand out for me in this book. First, the characterization is well-done, of both the primary and secondary characters. Michelle Cox is able to create a memorable secondary character with just a few telling mannerisms or speeches. Secondly, I found the settings, particularly in England, very easy to picture, very accessible. I am not generally a reader of “cozy” mysteries or romances so I have little to compare this book against, but I enjoyed it very much.

[Anne Wingate · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Lot of Fun

Cox is an excellent writer and her plots and characters ring true, despite the occasional grating anachronisms.

But the mystery element falls on its nose. I have read only two of her books, but in both I had the situation figured out as soon as it was much past being introduced, and often the culprit.

I think the books would be better described as women's thrillers.

That does not alter the fact that I bought the third book after reading the second, although I had promised not to buy any more books this month. I am not going to buy the first until I have more money.

By the way, if you need to look up 26 girl, it is on Wikipedia.