What do you think?
Rate this book
Rannoch Fraser Mysteries #9
The Duke's Gambit
December 1818
The Rannoch Fraser Mysteries
Former spies Malcolm and Melanie Suzanne Rannoch return to Dunmykel Castle in Scotland in response to a secret summons from Malcolm's grandfather, the Duke of Strathdon. The duke has a plan that will allow the Rannochs to resume their former life in Britain. Malcolm, worried that Melanie could face treason charges for her past as a French spy, wants nothing more than to take his family safely back to Italy. But when Malcolm's sister Gisele disappears from Dunmykel, Malcolm instead find himself doing the one thing he didn't want to do-risking a return to London in search of his missing sister.
Meanwhile in Scotland, Melanie uncovers information that connects her own shadowy past with Gisele's disappearance, which sends Melanie on a quest of her own. As they unravel the tangled threads, Malcolm and Melanie learn Gisele's disappearance is part of a dangerous game involving two old enemies and the highest reaches of Britain's government. The stakes rise still higher when one of their enemies is arrested for murder. From snowy Scotland to glittering Mayfair drawing rooms and the stews of St. Giles, the Rannochs unearth a conspiracy that could topple kings-and shake their family to the core...
The Rannoch Fraser Mysteries
Former spies Malcolm and Melanie Suzanne Rannoch return to Dunmykel Castle in Scotland in response to a secret summons from Malcolm's grandfather, the Duke of Strathdon. The duke has a plan that will allow the Rannochs to resume their former life in Britain. Malcolm, worried that Melanie could face treason charges for her past as a French spy, wants nothing more than to take his family safely back to Italy. But when Malcolm's sister Gisele disappears from Dunmykel, Malcolm instead find himself doing the one thing he didn't want to do-risking a return to London in search of his missing sister.
Meanwhile in Scotland, Melanie uncovers information that connects her own shadowy past with Gisele's disappearance, which sends Melanie on a quest of her own. As they unravel the tangled threads, Malcolm and Melanie learn Gisele's disappearance is part of a dangerous game involving two old enemies and the highest reaches of Britain's government. The stakes rise still higher when one of their enemies is arrested for murder. From snowy Scotland to glittering Mayfair drawing rooms and the stews of St. Giles, the Rannochs unearth a conspiracy that could topple kings-and shake their family to the core...
474 pages, Paperback
First published May 16, 2018
59 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Tracy Grant
55 books177 followersTracy Grant studied British history at Stanford University and received the Firestone Award for Excellence in Research for her honors thesis on shifting conceptions of honor in late fifteenth century England. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her young daughter and three cats. In addition to writing, Tracy works for the Merola Opera Program, a professional training program for opera singers, pianists, and stage directors. Her real life heroine is her daughter Mélanie, who is very cooperative about Mummy’s writing. Tracy is currently at work on her next book chronicling the adventures of Malcolm and Mélanie Suzanne Rannoch.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 23, 2023
Upon a reread, I like this more than I did before, but it's still possibly the weakest one in the series. The Elsinore League plot line doesn't go anywhere for a while, so I was wrong about that, although it's honestly getting on my nerves. Still don't understand Gisele's motivations, but the entire second half felt like a long slog so I might've missed something. The mystery isn't that interesting or compelling. I stand by saying it's repetitive and melodramatic.
--
1 1/2 stars.
Which is the best way to describe this novel: a long slog that felt like it went nowhere; a melodrama that would put the CW to shame (and might be able to pass as a soap opera); or a repetition of the past few novels?
So, Gisele, Malcolm's sister, runs off with Tommy Belmont, who works for the Elsinore League, our main characters' enemy. Her reasons for doing so are not romantic, but no one has the slightest idea why she's left, so we end up in London with them trying to find her, like she's not an adult who can make her own decisions. At the same time, Carfax the spymaster is arrested for the murder of a prostitute. Why Malcolm gives a fuck is entirely beyond me. Extraordinary reasonableness seems to be Malcolm's main trait, and quite frankly, it makes no real sense as it makes him seem too inhumanly unemotional. So once again, I'm a little irritated by him and wish more of the story was in Melanie's point of view.
Anyway, once in London, they assume the Carfax and Gisele things are connected, and I guess they are, but frankly, I'm not entirely convinced the author didn't just forget about Gisele from time to time. So there's an investigation, I guess, but there's no action or suspense so it's really just a bunch of people talking about things. And then at the end, everything is fine and everyone is forgiven and fine I think we're trying to wrap up the whole League plot but frankly I've never cared about it so this doesn't matter to me.
--
1 1/2 stars.
Which is the best way to describe this novel: a long slog that felt like it went nowhere; a melodrama that would put the CW to shame (and might be able to pass as a soap opera); or a repetition of the past few novels?
So, Gisele, Malcolm's sister, runs off with Tommy Belmont, who works for the Elsinore League, our main characters' enemy. Her reasons for doing so are not romantic, but no one has the slightest idea why she's left, so we end up in London with them trying to find her, like she's not an adult who can make her own decisions. At the same time, Carfax the spymaster is arrested for the murder of a prostitute. Why Malcolm gives a fuck is entirely beyond me. Extraordinary reasonableness seems to be Malcolm's main trait, and quite frankly, it makes no real sense as it makes him seem too inhumanly unemotional. So once again, I'm a little irritated by him and wish more of the story was in Melanie's point of view.
Anyway, once in London, they assume the Carfax and Gisele things are connected, and I guess they are, but frankly, I'm not entirely convinced the author didn't just forget about Gisele from time to time. So there's an investigation, I guess, but there's no action or suspense so it's really just a bunch of people talking about things. And then at the end, everything is fine and everyone is forgiven and fine I think we're trying to wrap up the whole League plot but frankly I've never cared about it so this doesn't matter to me.
June 3, 2018
This was a very long (I thank the author), very complicated and intriguing plot. I have never been as drawn to a series as I am to this series of regency novels. In my opinion, this is the author’s most ambitious and lengthy plot yet. A very large, intertwined cast of characters are listed in the beginning of the book. That was so helpful as many times I had to refer to it while trying to keep all the plot twists straight. And plot twists are many in this latest book. I do own that all of the machinations of some of the characters was sometimes confusing, but all twists and questions were answered satisfactorily by the end of the book. And what an ending, everything came crashing down in the last few chapters and were sewn up quite neatly by Malcolm and Melanie. I have to admit I’m glad the author has the main characters stay in Britain at the end, it’s much more compelling as a place of intrigue for Malcolm and friends. Thank you so much to Tracy Grant for starting out my summer with this deliciously complicated mystery.
June 28, 2018
Great read as usual - Tracy Grant has a real gift for presenting you the twists and turns of a spy novel and mystery and then keeping you going until there is a resolution. The Rannoch's are again involved in what seems like a simple murder investigation. But as always there is much more to the case than the obvious and pretty soon there are a number of suspects and plenty of motives - enough to keep the pages turning until the finish. And of course, Tracy never completely resolves all the issues because she wants to lure you into the next book in the series. This was definitely a fast paced and exciting entry into one of my favorite series.
June 6, 2018
Be prepared for excitement, suspense, and danger in this latest offering of the Rannoch mystery/spy series. The sudden disappearance of Malcolm's sister, Gisele, from the holiday celebrations at Dunmykel sends Malcolm and company rushing back to London. There, they are informed of a surprising murder, an unlikely arrest, and mysterious events surrounding Gisele, all compounded by Malcolm's ever present nemesis, the Elsinore League. Tracy Grant delivers in creating this novel filled with unexpected twists and revelations that will keep you guessing and anxiously awaiting the next installment.
November 18, 2025
Another great chapter in the historical series. Threads/story lines from previous books resolved and new ones presented. I love the characters and all the inter-relationships. Including children makes the risks riskier, but also makes the characters more human and realistic. Malcolm and Andrew have left Dunmykel for London to search for Gisèle. Not long after their departure, Mélanie and Raoul receive some news that they know Malcolm will need, so they pack up Laura, Cordie and the children and go off to London. When Malcolm arrives in London, he discovers Carfax has been arrested for murder. And so another investigation is begun.
April 10, 2019
Sadly, this series is past its prime with convoluted plots and an unwieldy cast of characters who never seem to grow. We retread every issue over and over again, it feels like I've read it all before and better handled in previous installments. The whole thing could benefit from some much tighter editing. I found Gisele's plot, whom I've always wanted to read more about, particularly farfetched. I'll probably keep reading this series out of obligation and hope it returns to its previous page-turning glory.
June 15, 2025
The novel is populated with a diverse array of characters who leap off the pages—valiant heroes who navigate the treacherous landscapes of loyalty and betrayal, and cunning villains whose motives are as dark as the night. With exquisite attention to detail, Grant paints vivid scenes that transport you to glamorous ballrooms echoing with whispered secrets and fog-shrouded streets pulsating with danger. Each plot twist grips you tighter, leaving your heart racing as you anticipate the next revelation. Full review you can find on my blog:https://poetryofreading.blogspot.com
July 12, 2019
First of all, the book was pretty good. it tied up a lot of the story and resolved several issues, it contained several plot twists (I was surprised about Gellie!).
I really liked this quote ‘I’ve learned I can see eye to eye with my greatest enemies over certain things. And quite fail to do so with my dearest friends over others.’
A few pet peeves: there seems to be quite a bit of repetition - for instance, does everyone call everyone else ‘My dear (insert character name)? Does everyone say ‘To own the truth’? ’A palpable hit’. There were several typos or grammatical errors. There were a few continuity gaps also...for instance in Chapter 10, Malcolm talks about the missing jade pendant but there was no mention of it being made of jade when he spoke to the witness.
Towards the end, I started to laugh when all the characters start to appear one by one in the scene about revealing the Wanderer - Beverston, Carfax, Talleyrand, St. Just, etc., etc. It was like a parlour room farce and I though quite unbelievable that all these people would assemble together.
I don’t know if I will read the Glenister Papers. I’m kind of over the constant guilt trip that Suzanne/Melanie indulges in. It seems every chapter has her asking Malcolm something about how can he still love her when she betrayed him and he has to reassure her for the millionth time that he forgives her. Gosh
It’s been a very long, confusing journey reading the Rannoch series. In spite of trying to follow Grant’s suggested reading order posted on her website, I got the books mixed up and read them in the wrong chronological order. Argh! I found it confusing that several books had similar names like The Paris Plot vs The Paris Affair, also Incident at Berkeley Square vs The Berkeley Square Affair. I admit it’s my own fault for not paying better attention but it was still irritating. I also found the constant extramarital affairs pretty confusing (I almost had to draw a chart!) and after all while, it became ridiculous. As a plot device, I think it was overused.
In retrospect, binge reading the series probably wasn’t a good idea. After a while, I just kept noticing the same themes, the same plot devices, the same tired phrases, the same situations used over and over.
I really liked this quote ‘I’ve learned I can see eye to eye with my greatest enemies over certain things. And quite fail to do so with my dearest friends over others.’
A few pet peeves: there seems to be quite a bit of repetition - for instance, does everyone call everyone else ‘My dear (insert character name)? Does everyone say ‘To own the truth’? ’A palpable hit’. There were several typos or grammatical errors. There were a few continuity gaps also...for instance in Chapter 10, Malcolm talks about the missing jade pendant but there was no mention of it being made of jade when he spoke to the witness.
Towards the end, I started to laugh when all the characters start to appear one by one in the scene about revealing the Wanderer - Beverston, Carfax, Talleyrand, St. Just, etc., etc. It was like a parlour room farce and I though quite unbelievable that all these people would assemble together.
I don’t know if I will read the Glenister Papers. I’m kind of over the constant guilt trip that Suzanne/Melanie indulges in. It seems every chapter has her asking Malcolm something about how can he still love her when she betrayed him and he has to reassure her for the millionth time that he forgives her. Gosh
It’s been a very long, confusing journey reading the Rannoch series. In spite of trying to follow Grant’s suggested reading order posted on her website, I got the books mixed up and read them in the wrong chronological order. Argh! I found it confusing that several books had similar names like The Paris Plot vs The Paris Affair, also Incident at Berkeley Square vs The Berkeley Square Affair. I admit it’s my own fault for not paying better attention but it was still irritating. I also found the constant extramarital affairs pretty confusing (I almost had to draw a chart!) and after all while, it became ridiculous. As a plot device, I think it was overused.
In retrospect, binge reading the series probably wasn’t a good idea. After a while, I just kept noticing the same themes, the same plot devices, the same tired phrases, the same situations used over and over.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2022
I am so torn about how to review this. I have really enjoyed this series, but I'm not sure I will be continuing with it.
There are lots of aspects in this series I love. I love the ridiculous nonsense rules and posturing in the aristocracy of this era and the ways the members of the ton get around those rules to do whatever they like anyway. I like the intelligent, thoughtful and complicated characters - both male and female - this author writes very much. I am tremendously fond of the main characters - all of them - in this series! I also like that the history of the real years these books are set in is woven into the fictional plots of the books in very clever ways that fit.
What has begun to wear me down, unfortunately, is the excessively Machiavellian, labyrinthine plots the author has created for the last few books. Look, I like a suspensful, well-crafted and complex plot as much as the next reader, but when I need to create a spreadsheet to keep track of who is doing what to whom, who is spying on whom and for whom (which changes throughout the book) to the "nth" degree it becomes more of a chore than enjoyment in reading the book.
I am really sad to write this because I really, really do love these characters, but reading for me is meant to be enjoyable and an escape from having to track everything and keep notes just to keep track of what's going on, it isn't fun..
Maybe I will return to this series at a later time when I am feeling more equipped to keep track of the highly detailed and complex plots this author creates. Just now however, that isn't what I'm looking for in my books.
There are lots of aspects in this series I love. I love the ridiculous nonsense rules and posturing in the aristocracy of this era and the ways the members of the ton get around those rules to do whatever they like anyway. I like the intelligent, thoughtful and complicated characters - both male and female - this author writes very much. I am tremendously fond of the main characters - all of them - in this series! I also like that the history of the real years these books are set in is woven into the fictional plots of the books in very clever ways that fit.
What has begun to wear me down, unfortunately, is the excessively Machiavellian, labyrinthine plots the author has created for the last few books. Look, I like a suspensful, well-crafted and complex plot as much as the next reader, but when I need to create a spreadsheet to keep track of who is doing what to whom, who is spying on whom and for whom (which changes throughout the book) to the "nth" degree it becomes more of a chore than enjoyment in reading the book.
I am really sad to write this because I really, really do love these characters, but reading for me is meant to be enjoyable and an escape from having to track everything and keep notes just to keep track of what's going on, it isn't fun..
Maybe I will return to this series at a later time when I am feeling more equipped to keep track of the highly detailed and complex plots this author creates. Just now however, that isn't what I'm looking for in my books.
July 3, 2018
This is a great series, and the current instalment does not disappoint. With new revelations, challenges and dilemmas for these favorite and oft-tried characters, I blitzed through the book, biting my nails until the end, which was surprising and satisfying, as endings in this series are...with the promise of a new fight in the future. Can't wait!
December 26, 2018
Layers of deceit, intrigue and murder draw the reader in from the first word in "The Duke's Gambit." Tracy Grant is a skilled writer, who knows how to spin a captivating tale with an engaging cast of characters, both heroes and villains. I can't wait for the next installment in this wonderful series.
September 12, 2018
Great
I enjoy reading about the lives of Malcolm and Suzanne Rannoch and their friends! The bonds they develop with their friends and relatives. I can’t wait for the next book in this series to be published!
I enjoy reading about the lives of Malcolm and Suzanne Rannoch and their friends! The bonds they develop with their friends and relatives. I can’t wait for the next book in this series to be published!
March 21, 2020
So glad to have a complete story, since the preceding novella (Midwinter Intrigue) didn't feel complete. This one finishes the events that began in Midwinter Intrigue, with lots of additional twists.
August 6, 2020
The Rannochs have returned to England via Scotland at the request of Malcolm's grandfather who thinks he has a way for them to return without fear. However a much deeper secret is about to become known which will lead to many more secrets being revealed. The book was an easy read.
October 20, 2020
Wonderful!
Another fabulous read!!!!!! This author never ever disappoints!!! I’m always sad to realize I’m at the end of the book with these! Love them and looking forward to the next one!!!
Another fabulous read!!!!!! This author never ever disappoints!!! I’m always sad to realize I’m at the end of the book with these! Love them and looking forward to the next one!!!
July 20, 2018
I actually enjoyed this better than the previous e-book that lead into The Duke's Gambit.
June 3, 2019
Lots of characters in this book, but I still really like Malcolm, Melanie and O'Rourke. I look forward to what is next for these characters.
January 19, 2025
This was a great book. It kept me interested until I finished it. It needs a sequel though.
August 7, 2019
Quite Boring, Quite Repetitious, Quite Bad Editing
I stopped counting the number of times one of the characters uttered "Quite" . Moreover, why did the author feel it was necessary to explain relationships each time the characters spoke: his lover, her lover,etc. We know!!! You told us three hundred times! Save your money and read something from C.S. Harris
I stopped counting the number of times one of the characters uttered "Quite" . Moreover, why did the author feel it was necessary to explain relationships each time the characters spoke: his lover, her lover,etc. We know!!! You told us three hundred times! Save your money and read something from C.S. Harris
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews