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Lady Katherine Regency Matchmaker #4
A Murderous Affair
Lady Katherine juggles Christmas festivities, a perplexing cold case and a wager with the annoying Captain Wayland that will prove once and for all which of them is the better detective.It’s the Christmas season in London, but the holiday festivities don’t deter Lady Katherine from investigating a death that happened months earlier. Since the victim was a maid, investigative resources were sparse, and the police hastily wrote it off as a random killing. But Lady Katherine and her friends believe it was nothing short of premeditated murder, and they vow to seek justice.With her Bow Street Runner friend Lyle acting as a neutral party, Katherine teams up with her friend Prudence Burwick, her maid Harriett, and of course her pug Emma. Wayland has the aid of Pru’s fiancé Lord Annandale and his valet McTavish.The two teams race against each other in a hunt for clues that takes them through the servants’ quarters, stables, and seedy underbelly of London in search of a dangerous killer who thinks they got away with murder.Will the best men... or women… win?
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 21, 2019
883 people are currently reading
327 people want to read
About the author
Leighann Dobbs
135 books1,862 followersUSA Today bestselling author, Leighann Dobbs, discovered her passion for writing after a twenty year career as a software engineer. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband Bruce, their trusty Chihuahua mix Mojo and beautiful rescue cat, Kitty.
Her book "Dead Wrong" won the "Best Mystery Romance" award at the 2014 Indie Romance Convention.
Her book "Ghostly Paws" was the 2015 Chanticleer Mystery & Mayhem First Place category winner in the Animal Mystery category.
Her book "Dead Wrong" won the "Best Mystery Romance" award at the 2014 Indie Romance Convention.
Her book "Ghostly Paws" was the 2015 Chanticleer Mystery & Mayhem First Place category winner in the Animal Mystery category.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
May 29, 2020
There are scads of historical mystery series with British ladies of the peerage as the main character sleuth. I'd been seeing these Lady Katherine books by Leighann Dobbs offered on Amazon for some time now and decided to try this one (#4) since it was on sale.
Nothing much to report here. It reads as if written for dullards. The characters are uninteresting and unappealing; their behavior is baffling; the dialogue is less than sparkling; the simplistic mystery is solved in a haphazard manner; the understated romances are silly.
This particular series, IMO, has nothing to add to a genre which is already stuffed to the gills with better "ladies" who solve mysteries.
Nothing much to report here. It reads as if written for dullards. The characters are uninteresting and unappealing; their behavior is baffling; the dialogue is less than sparkling; the simplistic mystery is solved in a haphazard manner; the understated romances are silly.
This particular series, IMO, has nothing to add to a genre which is already stuffed to the gills with better "ladies" who solve mysteries.
April 8, 2019
4.5 stars for this latest caper of Lady Katherine. This one involves what is basically a cold case--the murder of maid that happened 6 months earlier. Why is she investigating a murder that is 6 months old? Because Lady Lucy Brackley is doing research for another novel.
The gang's all present--Lady Katherine, Captain Wayland, Prudence Burwick (Lord Annandale's fiancee), Lyle Murphy (Katherine's friend and a Bow Street Runner), Lord Annandale, and Annandale's valet, McTavish, and of course Emma (Katherine's pug)--at a meeting Lady Brackley has called to see if they can solve the murder. They've all worked together before solving a couple of other murders, but this time it's the men against the women and there's a wager on the line! It's Lady Katherine, Pru, and Lady Katherine's maid, Harriet vs. Captain Wayland, Lord Annandale and his valet McTavish. Lyle is the neutral party. Oh, and the wager? The winner gets to pick the costume for the loser to wear to the upcoming The Twelfth Night Ball, and you have to act as the character of your costume!!
The investigation leads them to some not so nice parts of town, and to the kitchens and backrooms of some upper crust homes, which means Katherine has to borrow clothing to try and blend it. It's slightly comical since the clothing never fits because her height. There are a few other funny scenes such as the men in the store that sold ladies underthings. Lol Remember this is Regency times.
I always enjoy these cozy Regency mysteries. Lady Katherine's cover (because women couldn't be investigators back then) is that she's a matchmaker and she finds herself slightly attracted to Captain Wayland, but she doesn't want to be. We still don't know why her father doesn't like Captain Wayland and I'm dying to know why. Her father, stepmother and few other characters from the previous books make a few appearances but don't have anything to do with the murder investigation. I'm not saying who won the bet--you'll have to read it to find out.
This is a clean read concerning language and romance.
The gang's all present--Lady Katherine, Captain Wayland, Prudence Burwick (Lord Annandale's fiancee), Lyle Murphy (Katherine's friend and a Bow Street Runner), Lord Annandale, and Annandale's valet, McTavish, and of course Emma (Katherine's pug)--at a meeting Lady Brackley has called to see if they can solve the murder. They've all worked together before solving a couple of other murders, but this time it's the men against the women and there's a wager on the line! It's Lady Katherine, Pru, and Lady Katherine's maid, Harriet vs. Captain Wayland, Lord Annandale and his valet McTavish. Lyle is the neutral party. Oh, and the wager? The winner gets to pick the costume for the loser to wear to the upcoming The Twelfth Night Ball, and you have to act as the character of your costume!!
The investigation leads them to some not so nice parts of town, and to the kitchens and backrooms of some upper crust homes, which means Katherine has to borrow clothing to try and blend it. It's slightly comical since the clothing never fits because her height. There are a few other funny scenes such as the men in the store that sold ladies underthings. Lol Remember this is Regency times.
I always enjoy these cozy Regency mysteries. Lady Katherine's cover (because women couldn't be investigators back then) is that she's a matchmaker and she finds herself slightly attracted to Captain Wayland, but she doesn't want to be. We still don't know why her father doesn't like Captain Wayland and I'm dying to know why. Her father, stepmother and few other characters from the previous books make a few appearances but don't have anything to do with the murder investigation. I'm not saying who won the bet--you'll have to read it to find out.
This is a clean read concerning language and romance.
March 21, 2019
Lady Katherine is a non-traditional woman for her time. Her passion is solving murder mysteries, and only a few people know that's what she does. Most people believe she's a matchmaker. In this story, she makes a wager with an investigator that her father loathes, on who will solve the case of a young woman's death 6 months ago. It's a fun twist to the dangerous work of crime solving and makes for a great easy read.
December 1, 2022
4 solid stars
This was easily my favorite installment in the series.
I loved the team approach to the crime as well as the increasing storyline with Harriet.
This was easily my favorite installment in the series.
I loved the team approach to the crime as well as the increasing storyline with Harriet.
March 9, 2019
Lady Katherine arrives at Lord Annondale's home to discuss a murder that had happened six months prior. She's there at the invite of Lady Lucy Brackley, who is researching material for a new novel, She has asked Lady Katherine, Captain Dorian Wayland, Prudence Burwick (Lord Annondale's fiancee). Lyle Murphy (a Bow Street Runner), and Annondale's Valet, Mctavish together to see if they can solve the murder of a lowly maid. They had all worked together once before to solve a couple of other murders.
The two teams would be going through some of the not nicer area of London, including clubs, liveries, and servants quaters, and work places.
Ellie Simpson, was killed not four blocks from the local pub that had burned down from a lightening strike from a sever thunderstorm. And the Peer's always got more attention than the servants.
After learning of the circumstances of the victim from Lyle, and a short debate. It was agreed that Katherine's maid would join in the investigation, and the men would pair against the women, and they would see who could solve the murder first, Lyle would remain neutral. The wager was between Lady Katherine, and Captain Wayland, the loser had to were the costume of the winners choice, which was going to be very embarrassing to the loser. Captain Wayland would be dressed as a Jester if he lost, while Lady Katherine would have to dress up as Lucy Leerwell. A maid who was desperate to be married. They not only had to dress like them, but also had to act like the characters they were dressed up in.
Another fun story from Leighann Dobbs. A good mystery with a fun battle of the sexes, early 1800's style,
The two teams would be going through some of the not nicer area of London, including clubs, liveries, and servants quaters, and work places.
Ellie Simpson, was killed not four blocks from the local pub that had burned down from a lightening strike from a sever thunderstorm. And the Peer's always got more attention than the servants.
After learning of the circumstances of the victim from Lyle, and a short debate. It was agreed that Katherine's maid would join in the investigation, and the men would pair against the women, and they would see who could solve the murder first, Lyle would remain neutral. The wager was between Lady Katherine, and Captain Wayland, the loser had to were the costume of the winners choice, which was going to be very embarrassing to the loser. Captain Wayland would be dressed as a Jester if he lost, while Lady Katherine would have to dress up as Lucy Leerwell. A maid who was desperate to be married. They not only had to dress like them, but also had to act like the characters they were dressed up in.
Another fun story from Leighann Dobbs. A good mystery with a fun battle of the sexes, early 1800's style,
June 7, 2019
I'm so sad that this was the 4th in a 4 book series and I'm now done with them. This book was as good as the other three. I love these books, they're great for those times when you want a good enjoyable read without a lot of heavy, in depth subject matter. I read them after reading a few heavy books because they're really great, they have fantastic characters and they are so entertaining. This one had to do with a murder of a maid. Lady Katherine the female detective and her cohorts her maid, her friend, who works for the police, and of course her dog Emma try to solve the mystery at the same time her nemesis, or is he? tries to do the same. She must solve all these crimes under the guise of being a matchmaker, so she gets invited to all these society functions where these crimes are taking place. She always manages to make her match, and solve her crime. How she does it is what makes these stories so fun. I hope the author continues the series because I've really grown to love Lady Katherine and her cohorts. Great Book and great series!
March 16, 2019
Lady Katherine Irvine has been called to a meeting at Lord Annandale's home. Being the last to arrive due to Christmas activities with her family, she sees that Lord Annandale, his fiancee', Prudence Burwick (Katherine's best friend), Lady Lucy Brackley (sister of the Duke of Tenwick), Captain Dorian Wayland, Lyle Murphy, a Bow Street Runner detective and McTavish, Annandale's manservant are already seated.
Lady Lucy has her leather bound tome in her hand waiting to make notes for her next book. She has asked Lyle to investigate a murder of Ellie Simpson, a maid who was found in an alley six months earlier, the same night as a terrible thunderstorm and a fire at the Hound and Ale Pub. Lyle has been unable to find much because the Runners have chalked it up to a random act of violence. He found that she was stabbed with a short, sharp object that was not found at the scene. The body had three stab wounds. Lady Lucy asked the group if they would investigate what she feels is a murder. The group accepts the task but split into two groups -- the men against the women. The men will consist of Wayland, Annandale and McTavish. The ladies will be Katherine, Pru and Katherine's maid, Harriet. Wayland and Katherine make a wager because they both feel they can solve this case before the other. The Twelfth Night Ball is approaching. Whoever solves the murder the quickest will choose the costume for the other person.
Katherine and Wayland each have a different idea about finding clues. The ladies begin by talking with Sarah Simpson, Ellie's twin sister. She shows them what the police have given to her. It is Ellie's small silk reticule, a silk and lace nightgown with an embroidered "M" inside (items they don't feel a maid could afford), faded blue handkerchiefs apparently made from Ellie's dress, a small Bible, another dress that was plain and worn, a pair of serviceable clothes, a pile of underclothes, a bracelet of braided scraps of embroidery thread. Sarah also said Ellie had a silver bracelet with a clasp in the shape of a heart with a little ruby set into the center (another item a maid could not afford).
In this book you are reintroduced to characters you have met in the previous books in this series -- Lady Dalhousie who has a necklace that she constantly wears and loves telling a different story each time about how she obtained it; Philomena, the Duchess of Tenwick; Mrs. Fairchild, a rival matchmaker - a profession that is Katherine's cover because women don't investigate; the Earl of Dorchester, Katherine's father; Lady Susanna Irvine, Katherine's pregnant stepmother.
The book is fast-paced and will keep you on the edge of the chair wanting to find out who wins the wager -- the men or the women.
I received an advanced copy of this book. However, I have pre-ordered it as well.
This is my honest review.
Lady Lucy has her leather bound tome in her hand waiting to make notes for her next book. She has asked Lyle to investigate a murder of Ellie Simpson, a maid who was found in an alley six months earlier, the same night as a terrible thunderstorm and a fire at the Hound and Ale Pub. Lyle has been unable to find much because the Runners have chalked it up to a random act of violence. He found that she was stabbed with a short, sharp object that was not found at the scene. The body had three stab wounds. Lady Lucy asked the group if they would investigate what she feels is a murder. The group accepts the task but split into two groups -- the men against the women. The men will consist of Wayland, Annandale and McTavish. The ladies will be Katherine, Pru and Katherine's maid, Harriet. Wayland and Katherine make a wager because they both feel they can solve this case before the other. The Twelfth Night Ball is approaching. Whoever solves the murder the quickest will choose the costume for the other person.
Katherine and Wayland each have a different idea about finding clues. The ladies begin by talking with Sarah Simpson, Ellie's twin sister. She shows them what the police have given to her. It is Ellie's small silk reticule, a silk and lace nightgown with an embroidered "M" inside (items they don't feel a maid could afford), faded blue handkerchiefs apparently made from Ellie's dress, a small Bible, another dress that was plain and worn, a pair of serviceable clothes, a pile of underclothes, a bracelet of braided scraps of embroidery thread. Sarah also said Ellie had a silver bracelet with a clasp in the shape of a heart with a little ruby set into the center (another item a maid could not afford).
In this book you are reintroduced to characters you have met in the previous books in this series -- Lady Dalhousie who has a necklace that she constantly wears and loves telling a different story each time about how she obtained it; Philomena, the Duchess of Tenwick; Mrs. Fairchild, a rival matchmaker - a profession that is Katherine's cover because women don't investigate; the Earl of Dorchester, Katherine's father; Lady Susanna Irvine, Katherine's pregnant stepmother.
The book is fast-paced and will keep you on the edge of the chair wanting to find out who wins the wager -- the men or the women.
I received an advanced copy of this book. However, I have pre-ordered it as well.
This is my honest review.
March 19, 2021
3 stars.
It was ok. I do like the ensemble cast but I think I was hoping the cases would get more interesting. But it's good to see Katherine waking up to what life is like for her maid Harriet.
Still have no idea what Katherine's father's deal is with Wayland but I get the impression it's reverse psychology. Let's see if I'm correct. There are also hints of a love triangle between Harriet, Lyle and McTavish? So it's going to be interesting to see what happens in the next book.
It was ok. I do like the ensemble cast but I think I was hoping the cases would get more interesting. But it's good to see Katherine waking up to what life is like for her maid Harriet.
Still have no idea what Katherine's father's deal is with Wayland but I get the impression it's reverse psychology. Let's see if I'm correct. There are also hints of a love triangle between Harriet, Lyle and McTavish? So it's going to be interesting to see what happens in the next book.
March 28, 2019
Lady Katherine and the gang are intentionally looking at a murder on behalf of their author friend. The maid was killed 6 months ago and ignored due to a big storm, large fire, and her social class. Somehow this becomes a boys versus girls bet situation with Wayland, Annandale, and his valet McTavish against Katherine, Pru, and Harriet with Lyle busy at working supporting as a neutral. A touch of matchmaking thrown in accidentally. Curious how and when the Wayland and Katherine's father business will be revealed. Fun little cozy.
March 30, 2019
I love this series, and look forward to the next book. It's interesting to see the group working together to solve the mysteries at hand... I look forward to seeing if Wayland and Katherine will end up a couple...
March 25, 2019
I enjoy this cast of characters more with each book. A Murderous Affair does not disappoint. The Royal Society for Investigative Techniques is meeting on the feast of St. Stephens. Lady Lucy Brackley, former spy and current novelist, brought a cold case to the society for consideration. The crime in question is a murder of a servant that happened 6 months prior. Lady Katherine's pride and distain for Captain Wayland spark a rivalous contest to see who can solve the mystery first. This is a wonderful story and great addition to the series.
September 8, 2019
The fourth novel in the “Lady Katherine Regency Mystery” series, “A Murderous Affair” revolves around a contest of detective skills when Lady Katherine, her pug Emma, her friend Prudence (Pru) Burwick and maid Harriet begin investigating the murder of a maidservant killed in an alley during a rainstorm and a devastating fire at the Hound and Ale Pub. Pitted against Captain Dorian Wayland, Lord Annandale (Pru’s fiancée) and his valet McTavish, the winner gets to pick the loser’s costume, whose character has to be acted out during the upcoming The Twelfth Night Ball. With the only clues a stolen silver bracelet with a ruby clasp, and a delicate lace nightgown with the letter “M” embroidered inside, the two teams race against time to identify the killer and win the bet.
Set in 1816 in Mayfair,London during the Christmas Season Lady Katherine an investigator under the guise of a matchmaker accepts an invitation from novelist Lady Brackley, to delve into the death of a lowly maid working for a wealthy entrepreneur. Intriguing as the case takes Harriet to her sources in the Blake household, while Pru and Katherine prowl the alley and shops around the crime scene, suspense escalates when they discover a disgruntled lover, a smuggling operation, and a blackmail scheme. Well-written and humorous the independent Katherine struggles to stay away from Captain Wayland, a man she’s attracted to but who her father detests while her friend Lyle, a Bow Street Runner tries to stay neutral in this 18th century clash of the sexes.
Among the compelling characters that fuel the story with intensity and credibility are strong-willed unconventional Lady Katherine Irvine who’s determined to buy a house and live on her own; her gregarious, stubborn and loyal maid Harriet; her blunt, no-nonsense friend Prudence Burwick; and the intelligent, capable yet arrogant Captain Dorian Wayland, the heir to a Viscount.
I thoroughly enjoyed “ A Murderous Affair”, light reading at its best and would rate it a 4.5 if the scale allowed. I look forward to reading other novels in this series.
Set in 1816 in Mayfair,London during the Christmas Season Lady Katherine an investigator under the guise of a matchmaker accepts an invitation from novelist Lady Brackley, to delve into the death of a lowly maid working for a wealthy entrepreneur. Intriguing as the case takes Harriet to her sources in the Blake household, while Pru and Katherine prowl the alley and shops around the crime scene, suspense escalates when they discover a disgruntled lover, a smuggling operation, and a blackmail scheme. Well-written and humorous the independent Katherine struggles to stay away from Captain Wayland, a man she’s attracted to but who her father detests while her friend Lyle, a Bow Street Runner tries to stay neutral in this 18th century clash of the sexes.
Among the compelling characters that fuel the story with intensity and credibility are strong-willed unconventional Lady Katherine Irvine who’s determined to buy a house and live on her own; her gregarious, stubborn and loyal maid Harriet; her blunt, no-nonsense friend Prudence Burwick; and the intelligent, capable yet arrogant Captain Dorian Wayland, the heir to a Viscount.
I thoroughly enjoyed “ A Murderous Affair”, light reading at its best and would rate it a 4.5 if the scale allowed. I look forward to reading other novels in this series.
March 21, 2019
An interesting case that I really liked!
Lady Katherine has another case. This time she has to solve the murder of a maid. Together with friend Pru and maid Harriet she investigates. A lot of the story is about the wager between Lady Katherine and Wayland on who is the better detective. To the point where Katherine has to be careful not to lose sight of the real goal here and that is not to win the wager but to solve the murder and with that get justice for the victim.
A well-written, quite serious book. I found it a little hard to get into, but once it got going it was very interesting! An interesting case that I really liked! I think you could read this as a standalone perfectly well. Maybe you’d struggle just a bit with all the names in the beginning, but everything and everyone is explained well. For readers who already know the characters the beginning was maybe a bit slow. The language is Regency-appropriate. A few chapters are from Harriet’s POV, and I really liked that.
Lady Katherine has another case. This time she has to solve the murder of a maid. Together with friend Pru and maid Harriet she investigates. A lot of the story is about the wager between Lady Katherine and Wayland on who is the better detective. To the point where Katherine has to be careful not to lose sight of the real goal here and that is not to win the wager but to solve the murder and with that get justice for the victim.
A well-written, quite serious book. I found it a little hard to get into, but once it got going it was very interesting! An interesting case that I really liked! I think you could read this as a standalone perfectly well. Maybe you’d struggle just a bit with all the names in the beginning, but everything and everyone is explained well. For readers who already know the characters the beginning was maybe a bit slow. The language is Regency-appropriate. A few chapters are from Harriet’s POV, and I really liked that.
May 8, 2020
Middle of the road..
Unfortunately it's nothing special. Another case, although this time it's of a maid's murder and some 6 months old, which, through a painfully convoluted investigation, Katherine is determined to solve. So much so she's placed a wager with Wayland, whomsoever solves the case first picks the costume the other wears to a fancy dress ball. Two teams form up Katherine, Pru and Harriet versus Wayland, Annandale and MacTavish.
The Wayland situation is too obvious and overplayed.. the fact remains that there is a limited number of Dukes and Earl's and yet still the authors persist in pairing everyone off with one.. class distinctions mean Mrs Fairchild would not have spoken to Lady Katherine in such a manner.. Americanisms and spellings, Joe the Jester should be Court Jester.. irritating.. although the irritation did take my thoughts from the current pandemic so it's served a purpose, as have it's equally irritating siblings!
Unfortunately it's nothing special. Another case, although this time it's of a maid's murder and some 6 months old, which, through a painfully convoluted investigation, Katherine is determined to solve. So much so she's placed a wager with Wayland, whomsoever solves the case first picks the costume the other wears to a fancy dress ball. Two teams form up Katherine, Pru and Harriet versus Wayland, Annandale and MacTavish.
The Wayland situation is too obvious and overplayed.. the fact remains that there is a limited number of Dukes and Earl's and yet still the authors persist in pairing everyone off with one.. class distinctions mean Mrs Fairchild would not have spoken to Lady Katherine in such a manner.. Americanisms and spellings, Joe the Jester should be Court Jester.. irritating.. although the irritation did take my thoughts from the current pandemic so it's served a purpose, as have it's equally irritating siblings!
December 20, 2020
I liked the setting and the plot but the characters and their interactions were not great. I felt that I was following around a bunch of teenagers who were playing at being adults and trying to solve crimes. The constant competition and bickering between most of the characters was downright annoying. It was hard to take anything in this book seriously when the characters try so hard to make "evidence" fit with their theory so they can win a wager. I was annoyed that Katherine didn't actually seem to be that great a detective at all, she spent the whole book running around guessing and trying to make things fit without any hard evidence at all. I didn't like her smug attitude and her interactions with the male characters. 2 out of 5 stars.
June 28, 2023
A Murderous Affair (Lady Katherine Regency Mysteries, #4) — Leighann Dobbs/Narrator: Beverley A. Crick (23 chapters) June 14, 2023
Lady Katherine is investigating a death during the holiday season. Everyone says it was suicide, but the victim’s sister disagrees. However, the woman, a maid, had expensive jewelry on her, and it looked like she may have seduced her married employer.
Katherine brings Pru, Harriett, and Emma in to solve the mystery. But there is more at stake than finding the murderer, as Wayland has enlisted Lord Annandale and McTavish to also solve the case.
It’s the women vs. the men to see who is the best detective.
Lovely character plot, and the narrator is spot on.
Five stars.
Lady Katherine is investigating a death during the holiday season. Everyone says it was suicide, but the victim’s sister disagrees. However, the woman, a maid, had expensive jewelry on her, and it looked like she may have seduced her married employer.
Katherine brings Pru, Harriett, and Emma in to solve the mystery. But there is more at stake than finding the murderer, as Wayland has enlisted Lord Annandale and McTavish to also solve the case.
It’s the women vs. the men to see who is the best detective.
Lovely character plot, and the narrator is spot on.
Five stars.
April 12, 2019
Love Leighann's Books
To be honest, I like historical romance stories but not as much as present day ones. Book 4 in this series was enjoyable & I liked the competition between the men & the women! I can only hope that a romance between Katherine & Wayland will arise, as well as Harriet & McTavish!! 😊 I highly recommend any of Leighann's books, I've read all of hers except for a couple of the series. I would start those but I have thousands of books I haven't had a chance to read yet so I'm only getting getting her new ones from all of her series that I do make time to read!!! 👍 If you like mystery, romance & paranormal, check out her books!!!
To be honest, I like historical romance stories but not as much as present day ones. Book 4 in this series was enjoyable & I liked the competition between the men & the women! I can only hope that a romance between Katherine & Wayland will arise, as well as Harriet & McTavish!! 😊 I highly recommend any of Leighann's books, I've read all of hers except for a couple of the series. I would start those but I have thousands of books I haven't had a chance to read yet so I'm only getting getting her new ones from all of her series that I do make time to read!!! 👍 If you like mystery, romance & paranormal, check out her books!!!
June 5, 2019
I enjoy Regency books and mysteries in particular. I thought the author did a good job showing how an investigation would proceed without modern technologies (DNA, fingerprints).
Although I did give each in the series four stars, I must admit Kathreen was wearing on me by the end of the fourth book. She suspects everyone (even her closest friends and relatives) and at times, for being an astute detective, can't see her nose in front of her face. Of course, I don't know how many books are planned in the series and this could be the author's objective.
All-in-all I would recommend the series if for nothing else than to see how Kathreen's relationship develops with Captain Wayland.
Although I did give each in the series four stars, I must admit Kathreen was wearing on me by the end of the fourth book. She suspects everyone (even her closest friends and relatives) and at times, for being an astute detective, can't see her nose in front of her face. Of course, I don't know how many books are planned in the series and this could be the author's objective.
All-in-all I would recommend the series if for nothing else than to see how Kathreen's relationship develops with Captain Wayland.
March 22, 2019
This is not my favorite Lady Katherine mystery ; as main characters from previous book just presented themselves ( or barely mentioned) in start of the book and in last chapter .. no “danger” so Pru can not club villain 🦹♀️ with blunt instrument... no interaction with Lyle (Bow street runner), or with old nemesis matchmaker ( matchmaking career of Lady Katherine -in all previous books - was in fact crucial “cover” And excuse to snoop around ) , no society “ton “ in a way to uncover valuable leads.. very simplistic plot ...
Disappointed
Disappointed
January 22, 2022
This series is primarily a detective / mystery series that follows our protagonist Lady Katherine, daughter of an Earl, as she uses matchmaking as cover to hide her sleuthing among the ton. This review is more a reflection of the series than individual books as with series like this (at least for me) the mystery is really just an excuse to revisit the characters and the little pocket of the world they inhabit. The mysteries don't really amount to anything special or memorable, but if you like the characters you won't mind spending time with them as they solve the next case. The romances are slow-burn, extending over several books.
Lady Katherine Regency Matchmaker Series
Book 1: An Invitation to Murder
Book 2: The Baffling Burglaries of Bath
Book 3: Murder at the Ice Ball
Book 4: A Murderous Affair
Book 5: Murder on Charles Street
Book 6:
Series Overview (thus far)
I read the first 5 books and they definitely fall under the cozy murder mystery genre, where the mysteries are more of a means to revisit our cast of characters as they develop closer relationships and friendships as they solve crimes. Even though the series is called the 'matchmaker' series, the matchmaking is really an afterthought and is barely taken seriously (by her), it is almost farcical how easily she is able to setup love matches, as she really puts as little effort into them as she can get away with - her entire focus is being a detective.
In the first book our MC Lady Katherine makes a deal with her father that if she can solve the case of the Pink Ribbon Killer before her 25th birthday, he will release her dowry directly to her so she can live her own life on her own terms (ie without getting married).
In the second book, Lady Katherine agrees to play matchmakers for Prudence (from book 1) and the two travel to Bath, where the real attraction is a series of baffling burglaries. Prudence, ends up accepting a proposal from Lord Annandale, Captain Wayland's best friend.
In book third book, Lady Katherine literally has a woman fall dead at her feet. Among the list of suspects is Katherine's newest client, Lord Bath (from book 2), how can she find him a match in good faith if he might be a killer! Her new friend Prudence is also taking an interest in detecting and in playing matchmaker for Katherine. And a love triangle starts to form around Harriet between bow street runner Lyle and Annondale's valet, Mctavish.
In the fourth book, Lady Lucy wants to solve a murder of a maid as research for her latest novel, this turns into a wager between the boys (Wayland, Annondale, and Mctavish) and girls (Katherine, Prue, and Harriet) on who will solve the case first - Lyle, stays neutral. Detecting is made a little more difficult with family Christmas events to navigate around. Her matchmaking client's is already in love and just needs Katherine to help her family accept the match. I found this mystery to be the most interesting of the 5 first novels. Poor Wayland and poor Harriet... recognizing love isn't easy.
I like cozy mystery series and find these kinds of books light and easy reading. They are like reading an episode of your favorite TV detective series. There is nothing really that remarkable with the mysteries in this series, the cast of characters is likable enough. The 'romance' is a real slow-burn, so not as satisfying, especially since it is sooo obvious, even all the other characters recognize that they would be 'perfect' for each other.
I tend to be less harsh on books that are what they are. This is a particular type of mystery series that either you enjoy or not based mostly on the characters and setting. If I had to make a criticism, it is that Katherine is quite impatient and stubborn often takes unnecessary risks much too often, but as it seems to be a part of her character, it is hard to really criticize it... it is just facepalming when she literally confronts the killers and needs to be rescued over and over again (no, not by Wayland)... she is even aware of the danger but can't help but do it anyway in the heat of the moment. But, perhaps that is how her friends will finally convince her she and Wayland need to partner up, she needs someone watching her back, professionally speaking, at the very least.
*** Light Fun Read
Easy and enjoyable read. Nothing really remarkable or new, but worth reading if you like the genre and/or author. Baseline for most books I read, they are neither good nor bad, they are simply a light fun read.
Lady Katherine Regency Matchmaker Series
Book 1: An Invitation to Murder
Book 2: The Baffling Burglaries of Bath
Book 3: Murder at the Ice Ball
Book 4: A Murderous Affair
Book 5: Murder on Charles Street
Book 6:
Series Overview (thus far)
I read the first 5 books and they definitely fall under the cozy murder mystery genre, where the mysteries are more of a means to revisit our cast of characters as they develop closer relationships and friendships as they solve crimes. Even though the series is called the 'matchmaker' series, the matchmaking is really an afterthought and is barely taken seriously (by her), it is almost farcical how easily she is able to setup love matches, as she really puts as little effort into them as she can get away with - her entire focus is being a detective.
In the first book our MC Lady Katherine makes a deal with her father that if she can solve the case of the Pink Ribbon Killer before her 25th birthday, he will release her dowry directly to her so she can live her own life on her own terms (ie without getting married).
In the second book, Lady Katherine agrees to play matchmakers for Prudence (from book 1) and the two travel to Bath, where the real attraction is a series of baffling burglaries. Prudence, ends up accepting a proposal from Lord Annandale, Captain Wayland's best friend.
In book third book, Lady Katherine literally has a woman fall dead at her feet. Among the list of suspects is Katherine's newest client, Lord Bath (from book 2), how can she find him a match in good faith if he might be a killer! Her new friend Prudence is also taking an interest in detecting and in playing matchmaker for Katherine. And a love triangle starts to form around Harriet between bow street runner Lyle and Annondale's valet, Mctavish.
In the fourth book, Lady Lucy wants to solve a murder of a maid as research for her latest novel, this turns into a wager between the boys (Wayland, Annondale, and Mctavish) and girls (Katherine, Prue, and Harriet) on who will solve the case first - Lyle, stays neutral. Detecting is made a little more difficult with family Christmas events to navigate around. Her matchmaking client's is already in love and just needs Katherine to help her family accept the match. I found this mystery to be the most interesting of the 5 first novels. Poor Wayland and poor Harriet... recognizing love isn't easy.
I like cozy mystery series and find these kinds of books light and easy reading. They are like reading an episode of your favorite TV detective series. There is nothing really that remarkable with the mysteries in this series, the cast of characters is likable enough. The 'romance' is a real slow-burn, so not as satisfying, especially since it is sooo obvious, even all the other characters recognize that they would be 'perfect' for each other.
I tend to be less harsh on books that are what they are. This is a particular type of mystery series that either you enjoy or not based mostly on the characters and setting. If I had to make a criticism, it is that Katherine is quite impatient and stubborn often takes unnecessary risks much too often, but as it seems to be a part of her character, it is hard to really criticize it... it is just facepalming when she literally confronts the killers and needs to be rescued over and over again (no, not by Wayland)... she is even aware of the danger but can't help but do it anyway in the heat of the moment. But, perhaps that is how her friends will finally convince her she and Wayland need to partner up, she needs someone watching her back, professionally speaking, at the very least.
*** Light Fun Read
Easy and enjoyable read. Nothing really remarkable or new, but worth reading if you like the genre and/or author. Baseline for most books I read, they are neither good nor bad, they are simply a light fun read.
July 14, 2020
I have liked this series, but this one seemed to be getting silly.
Katherine, Pru, and Harriet work together to solve the murder of maid 6 months earlier. The challenge is to solve the murder before Wayland, Pru's fianece, and manservant do. The mystery and the steps the 3 women follow was good, but I got annoyed with the whole "I can't like Wayland because my father doesn't like him" story plot. It is just tired and doesn't make a lot of sense.
I'll probably read the last one in the series just to finish it out, but enough already!
Katherine, Pru, and Harriet work together to solve the murder of maid 6 months earlier. The challenge is to solve the murder before Wayland, Pru's fianece, and manservant do. The mystery and the steps the 3 women follow was good, but I got annoyed with the whole "I can't like Wayland because my father doesn't like him" story plot. It is just tired and doesn't make a lot of sense.
I'll probably read the last one in the series just to finish it out, but enough already!
October 28, 2021
I have a lot of fun reading this series. This one was really funny in having the girls verses the guys trying to solve a murder that is 6 months old. These are just so easy and quick to listen to. The story isn't to bad and the writing is good. They are really enjoyable as long as you don't go in expecting huge plot and character developments, with extreme action because that's not this book. Mostly these are my guilty pleasure. Can't wait to start the next one.
May 7, 2019
Thoroughly Enjoyable
The setting, the era, the characters, the challenging etiquette are all satisfying in the midst of this puzzle, but I thoroughly enjoyed the two investigative teams besting each other for the win. The slight romantic character of this mystery is also fun to watch. I look forward to the next book in this series.
The setting, the era, the characters, the challenging etiquette are all satisfying in the midst of this puzzle, but I thoroughly enjoyed the two investigative teams besting each other for the win. The slight romantic character of this mystery is also fun to watch. I look forward to the next book in this series.
August 23, 2019
Lady Katherine has a tense to repeat herself throughout the whole book. As if the reader will forget that she’s in a wager and she doesn’t like so and so... you could skip pages and she’s still be talking about the same thing. All in all the story was a good one not as entertaining as the others. 🎭
September 7, 2019
Get on with it!
The books seem to drag out, but they are good. I gave four stars due to material within not the length. I wish whatever is going to happen with Wayland happens in next book. Honestly that’s why I keep reading this series. Katherine is getting on my nerves a little.
The books seem to drag out, but they are good. I gave four stars due to material within not the length. I wish whatever is going to happen with Wayland happens in next book. Honestly that’s why I keep reading this series. Katherine is getting on my nerves a little.
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September 10, 2020Fantastic
I can't wait to read the next un this series and a little heartbroken that the next will be the last one of there adventures 💔. I love Katherine and her friends and the mysteries they solve and of course the dash of romance sweetens it up and its always fun and exciting.
I can't wait to read the next un this series and a little heartbroken that the next will be the last one of there adventures 💔. I love Katherine and her friends and the mysteries they solve and of course the dash of romance sweetens it up and its always fun and exciting.
October 4, 2020
Loved it,
The interplay and competition between the characters was amusing and enjoyable. I’m looking forward to seeing the future romance of Katherine and Wayland. They appear as if they were made for each other. I’m looking forward to future books as this was the last book in the series that I hadn’t read. I’m hoping for many more,
The interplay and competition between the characters was amusing and enjoyable. I’m looking forward to seeing the future romance of Katherine and Wayland. They appear as if they were made for each other. I’m looking forward to future books as this was the last book in the series that I hadn’t read. I’m hoping for many more,
August 8, 2022
Murderous Affair
Another fun romp through Regency England with Katherine and her cohorts. My only disappointment was that she didn't buy some shoes from the nice old man. And what became of Ellie's twin sister Sarah and Rita, with the heads of their household being under arrest? Just little details... Other than that, it was a delicious holiday treat.
Another fun romp through Regency England with Katherine and her cohorts. My only disappointment was that she didn't buy some shoes from the nice old man. And what became of Ellie's twin sister Sarah and Rita, with the heads of their household being under arrest? Just little details... Other than that, it was a delicious holiday treat.
January 7, 2024
This series gets better over time, in my opinion. I like the continuity of the characters and watching their stories but the love story between the main character, Catherine and wayland is a tad annoying and a bit pointless. If they do get together now, it will seem a bit ridiculous. The premise of this story and a historical case was good though.
March 29, 2019
Cozy mystery
I love Katherine and her friends. The adventure of solving the mystery makes the story hard to stop reading. Pleanty of twist and turns throughout the story that will keep you thinking.
I love Katherine and her friends. The adventure of solving the mystery makes the story hard to stop reading. Pleanty of twist and turns throughout the story that will keep you thinking.
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