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Atlas Catesby #3
Murder at the Opera
When a nobleman's mistress is gunned down on the steps of the Covent Garden opera house, brilliant adventurer Atlas Catesby discovers a sinister family connection that compels him to investigate.London, 1815. Amateur sleuth Atlas Catesby is about to discover the dark side of the bright lights. His long-awaited night at the opera with Lady Lilliana ends abruptly when a notorious courtesan is shot to death in Covent Garden. The infamous victim was the mistress of the powerful Marquess of Vessey. Atlas believes that the marquess--his former brother in law--is responsible for the long-ago death of Atlas's sister, Phoebe. Atlas seizes the opportunity to potentially avenge his sister's death. But his inquiry is complicated when Phoebe's grown son implores Atlas to help prove Vessey's innocence.Plunging into the cutthroat backstage life of the theatre community, the adventurer and the noblewoman soon discover that ruthless professional rivalries can escalate into violence, setting the stage for death in Murder at the Opera, D. M. Quincy's third riveting Atlas Catesby mystery set in Regency England.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 10, 2019
87 people are currently reading
354 people want to read
About the author
D.M. Quincy
3 books253 followersD.M. Quincy is an award-winning television journalist who has covered dozens of crimes, including violent unsolved murders that stayed with her for years afterwards.
She’s pretty sure that had something to do with her decision to write her own stories in which a brilliant amateur detective always gets the bad guy (or girl), thus making sure that justice is always served.
As a US Foreign Service brat, D.M. spent most of her childhood roaming the world, which is probably why the protagonist in her Atlas Catesby mystery series travels to far-flung places as often as he can.
When she isn’t hunched over her laptop researching ways for her villains to kill people, D.M. reads, spends time with her family, devours foreign television mystery series on Netflix, and plots her next travel adventure.
She’s pretty sure that had something to do with her decision to write her own stories in which a brilliant amateur detective always gets the bad guy (or girl), thus making sure that justice is always served.
As a US Foreign Service brat, D.M. spent most of her childhood roaming the world, which is probably why the protagonist in her Atlas Catesby mystery series travels to far-flung places as often as he can.
When she isn’t hunched over her laptop researching ways for her villains to kill people, D.M. reads, spends time with her family, devours foreign television mystery series on Netflix, and plots her next travel adventure.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
May 7, 2023
Book three and apparently the last in the Atlas Catesby series. Which is a shame because I would have enjoyed more!
In Murder at the Opera Atlas and Lilliana are leaving Covent Garden Opera House when a woman is murdered. Events lead Atlas to believe that she was murdered by his late sister's husband - whom he also believes was responsible for her death. Of course he has to pursue this investigation as a chance to get a degree of revenge for his sister.
Overarching threads from the previous books were finalised and everything was concluded in a very satisfactory manner. This was a very well written and enjoyable trilogy and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good historical mystery.
In Murder at the Opera Atlas and Lilliana are leaving Covent Garden Opera House when a woman is murdered. Events lead Atlas to believe that she was murdered by his late sister's husband - whom he also believes was responsible for her death. Of course he has to pursue this investigation as a chance to get a degree of revenge for his sister.
Overarching threads from the previous books were finalised and everything was concluded in a very satisfactory manner. This was a very well written and enjoyable trilogy and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good historical mystery.
November 24, 2019
Series: Atlas Catesby #3
Publication Date: 12/10/19
Number of Pages: 283
This is a very well-written, well-plotted, page-turning, adventurous romance and mystery with wonderfully well-developed characters. There are twists and turns aplenty and you are always wondering – right to the end. You will think you know who the villain is – but, you can’t be sure. My only complaint is that is has been over a year-and-a-half since the last book. I definitely hope we don’t have to wait that long for the next book.
Solving the murder of Mrs. Wendela Pike turns out to be bittersweet for Atlas Catesby. If you read the earlier books, you are aware that Atlas has been haunted by the murder of his sister, Phoebe. Twenty years ago, her husband pushed her down the stairs and eleven-year-old Atlas, who was in the house at the time, was sure it was a deliberate act. Now, that same husband, Malcolm Lennox, the Marquess of Vessey, is involved in another murder. You see, Mrs. Pike is the long-time mistress of the Marquess. Atlas would love for the Marquess to be guilty – but – that would hurt his nephew Nicholas, and Atlas is only just getting to know him – so – bittersweet.
There are actually several suspects – the Marquess had several children with Mrs. Pike, could it be one of them? Then, there is the vicar who says he was betrothed to Mrs. Pike – could he have done it? Was she involved with someone besides the Marquess? Could it be Atlas’ nephew, Nicholas, who murdered her? Then, of course, there is the Marquess himself. Yes, there are lots of twists and turns and more suspects than you can shake a stick at. Just buckle your seatbelt and hang on for the ride.
Atlas is still, of course, besotted with Lilliana and their romance is softly and unobtrusively woven within the mystery. As always, Lilliana helps with the solutions and constantly confounds Atlas by insisting on going places he doesn’t want her to be. It is too bad Atlas is still feeling that he, the fourth son of a baron, isn’t good enough for the daughter and sister of a duke. He probably just needs a big shock to get him moving – maybe he’ll get it.
It was fun visiting with all of the returning characters. I thoroughly enjoyed Jaimie and it was nice to see how he’s growing and adapting as Atlas’s Valet. Of course, we couldn’t have a book without Atlas’s best friend, the Earl of Charlton and Lilliana’s brother, the Duke of Somerville.
I can definitely recommend this book and this series. I hope you will enjoy them as much as I have.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 12/10/19
Number of Pages: 283
This is a very well-written, well-plotted, page-turning, adventurous romance and mystery with wonderfully well-developed characters. There are twists and turns aplenty and you are always wondering – right to the end. You will think you know who the villain is – but, you can’t be sure. My only complaint is that is has been over a year-and-a-half since the last book. I definitely hope we don’t have to wait that long for the next book.
Solving the murder of Mrs. Wendela Pike turns out to be bittersweet for Atlas Catesby. If you read the earlier books, you are aware that Atlas has been haunted by the murder of his sister, Phoebe. Twenty years ago, her husband pushed her down the stairs and eleven-year-old Atlas, who was in the house at the time, was sure it was a deliberate act. Now, that same husband, Malcolm Lennox, the Marquess of Vessey, is involved in another murder. You see, Mrs. Pike is the long-time mistress of the Marquess. Atlas would love for the Marquess to be guilty – but – that would hurt his nephew Nicholas, and Atlas is only just getting to know him – so – bittersweet.
There are actually several suspects – the Marquess had several children with Mrs. Pike, could it be one of them? Then, there is the vicar who says he was betrothed to Mrs. Pike – could he have done it? Was she involved with someone besides the Marquess? Could it be Atlas’ nephew, Nicholas, who murdered her? Then, of course, there is the Marquess himself. Yes, there are lots of twists and turns and more suspects than you can shake a stick at. Just buckle your seatbelt and hang on for the ride.
Atlas is still, of course, besotted with Lilliana and their romance is softly and unobtrusively woven within the mystery. As always, Lilliana helps with the solutions and constantly confounds Atlas by insisting on going places he doesn’t want her to be. It is too bad Atlas is still feeling that he, the fourth son of a baron, isn’t good enough for the daughter and sister of a duke. He probably just needs a big shock to get him moving – maybe he’ll get it.
It was fun visiting with all of the returning characters. I thoroughly enjoyed Jaimie and it was nice to see how he’s growing and adapting as Atlas’s Valet. Of course, we couldn’t have a book without Atlas’s best friend, the Earl of Charlton and Lilliana’s brother, the Duke of Somerville.
I can definitely recommend this book and this series. I hope you will enjoy them as much as I have.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 11, 2022
Regency Era. London, England. Autumn, 1815. D. M. Quincy’s Murder at the Opera (Atlas Catesby #3) appears to bring this dynamic three book mystery series to an end which is such a shame as the character of Atlas Catesby, the youngest son of a baron, an adventurer, and a man of honor, is a supremely written character who as an amateur sleuth has fantastically solved three murders while discovering the woman ‘he purchased’ in the first mystery (Murder in Mayfair) is in actuality Lady Roslyn ‘Lilliana’ Sterling, daughter then sister of the powerful Duke of Somerville. The author keeps the reader riveted to the developing relationship between Atlas and Lilliana, the original name Lady Roslyn uses when these two characters ‘meet’. In Murder at the Opera Atlas and Lilliana are leaving the Covent Garden Opera House after a performance starring a ‘former friend’ of Atlas’ when the word
‘Murder’ is heard by Atlas. He leaves the carriage to discover a well-dressed woman murdered at the entrance of the theater, a Mrs. Pike. Atlas becomes involved in an investigation that touches him in a familial way. The murder victim is the mistress of Atlas’ former brother-in-law, the Marquess of Vessey. Atlas blames the Marquess for the death of his beloved sister, Phoebe. The author handles all the intricacies facing Atlas famously! How I wish that there would be more Atlas Catesby mysteries to read! 5 stars.
‘Murder’ is heard by Atlas. He leaves the carriage to discover a well-dressed woman murdered at the entrance of the theater, a Mrs. Pike. Atlas becomes involved in an investigation that touches him in a familial way. The murder victim is the mistress of Atlas’ former brother-in-law, the Marquess of Vessey. Atlas blames the Marquess for the death of his beloved sister, Phoebe. The author handles all the intricacies facing Atlas famously! How I wish that there would be more Atlas Catesby mysteries to read! 5 stars.
February 18, 2020
This may be my favorite Regency mystery series. The characters are complex and compelling, the writing is good and the mystery is solid. There is a nice touch of romance but the mystery is the main focus of the book.
Not all things are sparkle in the ton, filled with infidelities, struggles for social position, reputation, financial security and occasionally true love. Pride and prejudice ran rampant in society. However, the really ugly sides of humanity and the deplorable conditions of the slums are not highlighted in this series. I wouldn't call it a lighthearted series but you don't feel like you've waded through the waste of human depravity or the hopelessness of the struggle to just survive.
It is a compelling series that entertains with high society which also provides great backdrop of motivations for murder. Can't wait for the next one.
Not all things are sparkle in the ton, filled with infidelities, struggles for social position, reputation, financial security and occasionally true love. Pride and prejudice ran rampant in society. However, the really ugly sides of humanity and the deplorable conditions of the slums are not highlighted in this series. I wouldn't call it a lighthearted series but you don't feel like you've waded through the waste of human depravity or the hopelessness of the struggle to just survive.
It is a compelling series that entertains with high society which also provides great backdrop of motivations for murder. Can't wait for the next one.
March 31, 2021
This is the 3rd in the series and I hope there will be more as I found the books very enjoyable. This could be read as a stand alone but would be much more enjoyable if first 2 are read. The mystery is well laid out and a bit of a surprise at the end. The romance is still secondary but moves along more in this book.
December 17, 2020
I really enjoy this series, and particularly enjoyed this installment due to a key plot development - which I will not detail to avoid spoilers - as well as for this author's dependably entertaining and well plotted mystery stories.
I love that the main character in this series is a man. Atlas Catesby is the perfect mystery main character. Although he's technically aristocracy, he in no way fits any of the expectations of that society, either in words or actions. He is, however, honourable, intelligent and bulldog-determined when it comes to gaining justice for the victims of the murders he is asked to investigate.
This author is a great writer with a strong way with characters. I love all the characters in this series, especially Atlas's slightly nutty family, who really make the stories come to life and are very engaging, likable people.
This is a "must read" series for me, and I look forward to continuing to read the future books.
I love that the main character in this series is a man. Atlas Catesby is the perfect mystery main character. Although he's technically aristocracy, he in no way fits any of the expectations of that society, either in words or actions. He is, however, honourable, intelligent and bulldog-determined when it comes to gaining justice for the victims of the murders he is asked to investigate.
This author is a great writer with a strong way with characters. I love all the characters in this series, especially Atlas's slightly nutty family, who really make the stories come to life and are very engaging, likable people.
This is a "must read" series for me, and I look forward to continuing to read the future books.
August 21, 2020
Murder at the Opera is the third book in a fantastic series with excellent storytelling, wonderful historical detail, and deeply-drawn characters and interpersonal dynamics, and a well-crafted mystery. The audio version was a pleasure for the accents! You don't have to read these in order, but you'll enhance your experience if you do, because the third Atlas Catsby wraps up some overarching family and romantic threads to such a satisfying end! Highly recommend!
December 17, 2019
A complex and satisfying mystery
I appreciate that the author remains true to the period in the tools available to the detective and the behaviors allowed women in that time. Atlas and Lillian are well matched in intellect and chemistry. Makes for a satisfying conclusion all round.
I appreciate that the author remains true to the period in the tools available to the detective and the behaviors allowed women in that time. Atlas and Lillian are well matched in intellect and chemistry. Makes for a satisfying conclusion all round.
December 7, 2019
4.5 Stars
Atlas Catesby is about to discover the dark side of the bright lights. His long-awaited night at the opera with Lady Lilliana ends abruptly when a notorious courtesan is shot to death in Covent Garden.
The infamous victim was the mistress of the powerful Marquis of Vessey. Atlas believes that the marquis--his former brother in law--is responsible for the long-ago death of Atlas's sister, Phoebe. Atlas seizes the opportunity to potentially avenge his sister's death. But his inquiry is complicated when Phoebe's grown son implores Atlas to help prove Vessey's innocence.
This is the third book in the series & the first I’ve read, I loved it. Murder & mystery set in the Regency era ticked all the boxes for me. I was drawn in from the start & engrossed until the end. A very well written book with characters that have depth & well developed. There are red herrings & the identity of the villain isn’t obvious. I now need to go & read the first two books & look forward to more in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Atlas Catesby is about to discover the dark side of the bright lights. His long-awaited night at the opera with Lady Lilliana ends abruptly when a notorious courtesan is shot to death in Covent Garden.
The infamous victim was the mistress of the powerful Marquis of Vessey. Atlas believes that the marquis--his former brother in law--is responsible for the long-ago death of Atlas's sister, Phoebe. Atlas seizes the opportunity to potentially avenge his sister's death. But his inquiry is complicated when Phoebe's grown son implores Atlas to help prove Vessey's innocence.
This is the third book in the series & the first I’ve read, I loved it. Murder & mystery set in the Regency era ticked all the boxes for me. I was drawn in from the start & engrossed until the end. A very well written book with characters that have depth & well developed. There are red herrings & the identity of the villain isn’t obvious. I now need to go & read the first two books & look forward to more in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
December 28, 2019
there was something at the end
that let me down. this was so much an “ask questions, bother people, potentially get friends killed, ultimately put it all together in your head” solution. had the opera singer just told the truth, the answer would have been obvious. none of the other detection would have been necessary. it was all so very...i am not sure. easy? and was this a trilogy? or will there be more? i’ll read one more and see what happens.
that let me down. this was so much an “ask questions, bother people, potentially get friends killed, ultimately put it all together in your head” solution. had the opera singer just told the truth, the answer would have been obvious. none of the other detection would have been necessary. it was all so very...i am not sure. easy? and was this a trilogy? or will there be more? i’ll read one more and see what happens.
March 26, 2020
A good narrator makes all the difference. Very fun story to listen to
April 22, 2021
Audio version, borrowed, narrator Matthew Lloyd Davies
Another enjoyable light, historical, mystery featuring Atlas and Liliana.
Another enjoyable light, historical, mystery featuring Atlas and Liliana.
September 29, 2023
Too bad this series didn't continue on, it has a really similar vibe as Sherry Thomas' Lady Sherlock series. Good mystery in this last installment. I wish the author could have produced more for the series as the other characters introduced are so interesting and well fleshed that I'm curious how their lives continued on after the wedding. I'm sure its a HEA for ML and FL but the best friend, the sister, the boys, the eager valet, the nephew, the Duke, etc. so many interesting side characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2019
I love historical mysteries and I also love Heyeresque regencies. You'd think I'd enjoy some of the regency era with female protagoists, but somehow I never did. All the ones I tried were a bit too much on the cozy side and I prefer a grittier mystery.. Then I stumbled upon the Captain Lacey mysteries and the Sebastian St. Cyr mysteries, both with male protagonists (but featuring badass women, too!) and fell in love. Atlas Catesby is a worthy successor to those two gentlemen and I think anyone who enjoys those series will also enjoy this one.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC copy for my review.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC copy for my review.
June 1, 2021
Probably a 2.5 star book. It was fine. I don't think I have read the previous Atlas Catesby books but I can't be sure. If I did and can't remember, it might be because this series is quite forgettable. In this book, Atlas investigates the murder of the Marquess of Vessay's longtime mistress. Atlas hates the marquess, who was once married to Atlas' sister. Atlas is convinced that Vessay murdered his sister. Could he also have murdered his mistress? Honestly, I really didn't care. Also Atlas is a real prig and quite irritating. If you want to read an excellent regency mystery series, then go for C.S. Harris' St. Cyr books.
November 19, 2019
1815 London. As the theatre crowd are leaving the opera in Covent Garden the Marquess of Vessey's lost term mistress, Mrs Pike, is shot. Twenty-two years previously the wife of Vessey died. Atlas is convinced that his former brother-in-law Vessey killed his wife Phoebe. Phoebe being Atlas's older sister. So he takes the opportunity to investigate hoping to prove Vessey guilty of this murder.
I enjoyed this well-written mystery with its cast of well-developed characters. Hopefully the series will stay more mystery than romance to keep my interest.
A NetGalley Book
I enjoyed this well-written mystery with its cast of well-developed characters. Hopefully the series will stay more mystery than romance to keep my interest.
A NetGalley Book
November 12, 2020
Murder at the Opera
D.M.Quincy
11/03-11/11
5☆ Review
Atlas Catesby has become a new favorite protagonist along with the Lady Lilliana. D.M. Quincy has further developed her characters in the third book of the series.
She introduces you to rest of Atlas's family; his brothers as well as his nephew.This series is delightful, if murder can be that! Set in 1800s London around the turn of the century. An amazing romantic mystery with a twist at the end. I highly recommend this book and can hardly wait for number 4.
D.M.Quincy
11/03-11/11
5☆ Review
Atlas Catesby has become a new favorite protagonist along with the Lady Lilliana. D.M. Quincy has further developed her characters in the third book of the series.
She introduces you to rest of Atlas's family; his brothers as well as his nephew.This series is delightful, if murder can be that! Set in 1800s London around the turn of the century. An amazing romantic mystery with a twist at the end. I highly recommend this book and can hardly wait for number 4.
December 11, 2019
It's the first book i read in this series and won't surely be the last.
It's an engrossing and entertaining read, with a cast of fleshed out characters and a well researched historical background.
The mystery is solid, full of twists and turns, and it kept me guessing.
I can't wait to read the next instalment.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
It's an engrossing and entertaining read, with a cast of fleshed out characters and a well researched historical background.
The mystery is solid, full of twists and turns, and it kept me guessing.
I can't wait to read the next instalment.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
February 2, 2021
3.5 stars Sadly, my expectations didn't meet-up to this third (final?) book of the Atlas Catesby series. Perhaps I don't remember her writing being so obvious, pedestrian. Could have been really good (can't they all?). I'm glad I read it, hard not to when you're looking for the conclusion of the romance part of the series. This book is mainly a murder mystery, but not at the level of the C.S. Harris series.
November 29, 2019
I received a copy of this title from the publisher for an honest review; 4.25 stars rounded down to 4. Murder at the Opera is the third title to feature Atlas Catsby; if you haven't read the previous titles, I highly recommend reading them first to get the most out of this book. While leaving an opera performance he had attended with Lady Lilliana Warwick, Atlas responds to a cry of murder and discovers a woman who had been shot. Atlas is shocked to find out the dead woman, Mrs. Pike, is the mistress of his former brother-in-law, the Marquess of Vessey, who killed Atlas's elder sister Phoebe years ago when he was just a young boy. Unable to obtain justice for his sister, Atlas is determined to prove that Vessey was behind Mrs. Pike's death after being asked by a Samuel Brown to look into the death. Atlas soon discovers that Mrs. Pike may have been Vessey's mistress, but there was more to her than that. A talented singer, Vessey took her as a mistress when she was just 16 and had been her only lover in the many years since. The two even shared two daughters together that Vessey was caring for. Things get even more complicated when Atlas's nephew, Nicholas asks Atlas to help prove his father's innocence. Will Atlas be able to put aside his feelings about Vessey in pursuit of justice, or will he allow them to cloud his vision?
The writing is top notch and the mystery is very well done with a number of plausible suspects and twists to keep the reader guessing as to the killer's identity and motive until close to the end. I love the secondary characters in this book and they are given some nice developments - his friend Charlton and his sister in particular. Lilianna and Atlas are at a crossroads in their blossoming relationship; will Atlas put aside his past and be willing to move forward, or will his wonderlust prevent him from being able to give Lilianna and her children the stability they need given her first husband? I really love this series and hope that we get many more books featuring Atlas and crew.
The writing is top notch and the mystery is very well done with a number of plausible suspects and twists to keep the reader guessing as to the killer's identity and motive until close to the end. I love the secondary characters in this book and they are given some nice developments - his friend Charlton and his sister in particular. Lilianna and Atlas are at a crossroads in their blossoming relationship; will Atlas put aside his past and be willing to move forward, or will his wonderlust prevent him from being able to give Lilianna and her children the stability they need given her first husband? I really love this series and hope that we get many more books featuring Atlas and crew.
December 12, 2019
A much anticipated evening at the opera turns deadly for Atlas Catesby. Leaving the performance he hears a gun shot and a woman is dead. Before he knows it, his past comes back to haunt him. The woman who has died is Mrs. Pike, a well known singer and her long time lover and father of two of her children turns out to be the Marquess of Vessey, Malcolm Lennox, known to Atlas as his former brother in law. When Atlas was just 11 years old, his sister, Phoebe, was married to him and Atlas blames him for her death. As he learns more about Mrs. Pike and her relationship with Lennox, Atlas wants to finally find him guilty of the past crime.
Atlas is eager to prove Lennox's guilt until his nephew, Nicholas, comes to him, asking him to help prove his innocence. It turns out that there is more to the life of the late Mrs. Pike than meets the eye and the list of possible suspects isn't short. Atlas needs to put aside his feelings about Lennox if he expects to track down Mrs. Pike's killer. along the way the reader is immersed in the sights and sounds of 1815 London. From the high life to the low life, the reader sees it all. Which makes this one historical mystery series keep its place on my must read list. In the genre of historical mysteries it's one of the best. The mystery itself is well crafted with more than enough twists and turns and some red herrings to keep me guessing to the reveal. I hope this series has a long run.
My thanks to the publisher Crooked Lane and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Atlas is eager to prove Lennox's guilt until his nephew, Nicholas, comes to him, asking him to help prove his innocence. It turns out that there is more to the life of the late Mrs. Pike than meets the eye and the list of possible suspects isn't short. Atlas needs to put aside his feelings about Lennox if he expects to track down Mrs. Pike's killer. along the way the reader is immersed in the sights and sounds of 1815 London. From the high life to the low life, the reader sees it all. Which makes this one historical mystery series keep its place on my must read list. In the genre of historical mysteries it's one of the best. The mystery itself is well crafted with more than enough twists and turns and some red herrings to keep me guessing to the reveal. I hope this series has a long run.
My thanks to the publisher Crooked Lane and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
December 24, 2019
I didn't like this one *quite* as much as the others. I don't like it when details obtrude, and in this book what was up with the smoking? We had to hear about every inhalation and every exhalation, practically, in some of the conversations, with detail about the smoke and how it's spiraling or rising or whatever the hell else it's doing, Why?? How does this add to the story? The plot is that a woman who is the long-time mistress of a prominent aristocrat is shot with a pistol on the street outside of an opera house in the crowd departing from a performance. The premise is that nobody realized the pistol shot was a shot; some witnesses thought it was thunder? which seems odd to me. Anyway, a clergyman who claims he was engaged to marry Mrs. Pike, the victim, hires Atlas Catesby, who was kind of- sort of- not really-a witness to the crime, to find the murderer. I'm not sure it ever made sense to me why this man would engage a private investigator. The plot thickens with new revelations about illegitimate children and unsuspected conflicts around the dead woman's career as both a mistress and a singer. I just thought the plot didn't make a lot of sense at times and I am no longer enjoying whatever love interest is playing out between Atlas's married sister Thea and Atlas' close friend. I'll look at the next in this series, probably, but with lesser anticipation.
January 12, 2023
Another great addition to a series which I sincerely hope continues.
Atlas Catesbury has just spent the evening at the opera with Lady Lilliana and her brother when a woman is murdered in front of the opera house. The woman is an infamous courtesan, who as it happens is the long-time mistress of his former brother-in-law. A minster who claims to be the fiancé of the woman requests that Atlas finds her murderer. As Atlas looks into the past of the victim, he finds that she was "purchased" by Vessey, his former brother-in-law, when she was a young girl. She gave birth to their son before Vessey married Atlas' sister, Phoebe, and had remained his mistress before during and after the marriage and had two daughters with Vessey since Phoebe's death. During the story, Atlas and his sister, Thea, finally get to spend time with Phoebe's son, Nicholas.
Atlas becomes reacquainted with an old lover during the progress of the investigation and he and Lilliana become closer. Atlas also meets Vessey's oldest son, Francis Pike and discovers that there was a growing dissatisfaction by Wendela Pike regarding her relationship with Vessey, he shows her off to society, but makes a point of putting her in her place and he refuses to promise a monetary settlement on her and their three children. Was this dissatisfaction the reason behind the murder?
Atlas Catesbury has just spent the evening at the opera with Lady Lilliana and her brother when a woman is murdered in front of the opera house. The woman is an infamous courtesan, who as it happens is the long-time mistress of his former brother-in-law. A minster who claims to be the fiancé of the woman requests that Atlas finds her murderer. As Atlas looks into the past of the victim, he finds that she was "purchased" by Vessey, his former brother-in-law, when she was a young girl. She gave birth to their son before Vessey married Atlas' sister, Phoebe, and had remained his mistress before during and after the marriage and had two daughters with Vessey since Phoebe's death. During the story, Atlas and his sister, Thea, finally get to spend time with Phoebe's son, Nicholas.
Atlas becomes reacquainted with an old lover during the progress of the investigation and he and Lilliana become closer. Atlas also meets Vessey's oldest son, Francis Pike and discovers that there was a growing dissatisfaction by Wendela Pike regarding her relationship with Vessey, he shows her off to society, but makes a point of putting her in her place and he refuses to promise a monetary settlement on her and their three children. Was this dissatisfaction the reason behind the murder?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2020
Atlas Catesby is an enigma. He is the son of a baron, yet shuns society festivities. He is very intelligent, preferring to spend his time solving intricate puzzles. He shuns settling down and has traveled extensively. At times he seems like a teenage boy. He admires and is attracted to Lady Lilliana. Not only is he afraid his affection is not returned not does he feel he is good enough for him, even though she gives enough hints that she wants to be more than friends. In this third of the Altas Catesby mysteries, Altas is face to face with his nemesis, the Marquess of Vessey, his late sister's husband. After attending a night at the opera, Atlas witnesses the murder of Vessey's mistress, Wendy Pike. What secrets will Altas uncover as he searches for her killer? Why does he care? How does investigating the murder bring him closer to Lilliana? As you read through this book, the reader can almost hear the wheels turning in his brain as Altas rules out one suspect after another. Although I seemingly guessed who the killer was before Altas, as the story progresses, you know he had this suspect in mind all along. This is a very nice addition to the Altas Catesby mysteries, I do hope there will be more. I received this eBook from NetGalley for an honest review. These are my opinions.
April 23, 2022
I really liked that one. I think Diana Quincy is a very good writer.
I did have my guess about who did it but I still couldn't see the motive. And truth be said, I'm still uncomfortable about it. I thought it was a.. bit lightly explained perhaps.
And I could really slap Atlas at times for how thick he is. lol.
Unfortunately, I haven't read book 1 and 2 as they are still quite expensive as Kindle books (about 10 Euro each) but they've been on my list for quite a while. I had the third book at a special price and finally gave in and read it.
I don't think there are much 'spoilers' from the first two books so I think it is fine to read the third as a standalone. Although I would certainly recommend to read them in order if you can.
It was even very much rewarding and interesting to put down the book at some point and try to play detective and try to 'guess' who the murderer was.
I don't know if we see more of that or not in the previous books, but I still have some questions, such as, could Atlas be wrong about Lennox delibarately killing his wife, Phoebe and could it have been an accident instead? I would very much like to know that for sure.
I did have my guess about who did it but I still couldn't see the motive. And truth be said, I'm still uncomfortable about it. I thought it was a.. bit lightly explained perhaps.
And I could really slap Atlas at times for how thick he is. lol.
Unfortunately, I haven't read book 1 and 2 as they are still quite expensive as Kindle books (about 10 Euro each) but they've been on my list for quite a while. I had the third book at a special price and finally gave in and read it.
I don't think there are much 'spoilers' from the first two books so I think it is fine to read the third as a standalone. Although I would certainly recommend to read them in order if you can.
It was even very much rewarding and interesting to put down the book at some point and try to play detective and try to 'guess' who the murderer was.
I don't know if we see more of that or not in the previous books, but I still have some questions, such as, could Atlas be wrong about Lennox delibarately killing his wife, Phoebe and could it have been an accident instead? I would very much like to know that for sure.
December 5, 2019
I have read the two previous Atlas Catesby books and I think the series is growing stronger and more entertaining.
Atlas Catesby is leaving the theater in Regency London when a murder occurs. The victim is the mistress of a member of the aristocracy, a man who happens to be Atlas' former brother in law. The Catesbys believe he was responsible for the death of their sister, his late wife.
Catesby is still pursuing justice, 20 years later, for his sister and vows to find the murderer, especially if it's the peer in question. Family loyalties complicate everything, and so do the untruths floating around when Catesby investigates.
And of course, Catesby's yearning for his lady love Liliana is a major plot theme. Atlas has no fortune or title and she is the daughter of a duke. Their relationship is appealing with lots of sparks flying. This was a fun and enjoyable read with a nicely plotted mystery and likable main characters.
Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Atlas Catesby is leaving the theater in Regency London when a murder occurs. The victim is the mistress of a member of the aristocracy, a man who happens to be Atlas' former brother in law. The Catesbys believe he was responsible for the death of their sister, his late wife.
Catesby is still pursuing justice, 20 years later, for his sister and vows to find the murderer, especially if it's the peer in question. Family loyalties complicate everything, and so do the untruths floating around when Catesby investigates.
And of course, Catesby's yearning for his lady love Liliana is a major plot theme. Atlas has no fortune or title and she is the daughter of a duke. Their relationship is appealing with lots of sparks flying. This was a fun and enjoyable read with a nicely plotted mystery and likable main characters.
Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 18, 2020
Mrs. Wendela Pike was notorious as a Marquess' kept woman, but unlike most mistresses, she remained the Marquess of Vessey's (Catesby's brother~in~law's) mistress for about 23 years. She was sold to Vessey by her father when she was only 13 and had remained his exclusive property for more than 2 decades despite his various liaisons with other women. She gave Vessey 3 children while the Marquess had one heir from his marriage with Phoebe Catesby, Atlas' eldest sister long dead for more than 2o years. Atlas blamed Vessey for her death and her murder... he had always maintained that Vessey pushed her down the stairs of their home to her death during an altercation. And now, Mrs. Pike was gunned downed in front of Covent Garden's theatre after a performance. A family drama of epic proportions with betrayals... the burden of illegitimacy and secrets that lead to murder and then another murder to cover up the first. This one would resolve some very important family issues for the Catesbys and for Atlas and Lily.
November 10, 2019
I absolutely love this series and the third book is just as good as the first two! In this one, Set in Regency London, Atlas is investigating the death of Wendy Pike who is the longtime mistress of the Marquess of Vessey whose history with Atlas goes back years. There's many twists and turns regarding the whodunit and I really didn't guess who the murderer was until it was revealed. I also particularly liked how some threads of previous books regarding Phoebe, Atlas's late sister, were resolved as this story unfolded.
I've loved the relationship between Lilliana and Atlas since the first book, with realistic hesitation from the both, but with a happy outcome in this! I absolutely love the secondary characters, Charlton and Thea is parthcular.
I love Regency mysteries and this series has become a favorite and I absolutely hope there's a fourth book!
I've loved the relationship between Lilliana and Atlas since the first book, with realistic hesitation from the both, but with a happy outcome in this! I absolutely love the secondary characters, Charlton and Thea is parthcular.
I love Regency mysteries and this series has become a favorite and I absolutely hope there's a fourth book!
November 21, 2019
This is a very enjoyable historical mystery set in 1815 involving the murder of the mistress of a Marquess, right outside of the opera house in Covent Garden. An added twist for the sleuth, Atlas Catesby, is that the Marquess is the former brother in law of Catesby and the man Catesby has blamed for his sister's death.
This outstanding mystery featured an intriguing plot and a top-notch cast of supporting characters, particular the love of Atlas's life, Lady Lilliana.
As I started this book, I thought this was the first book in the series but, alas, I've discovered that it is not (to my delight, I might add) and so I immediately picked up the first two books in the Atlas Catesby series. I hope there are many more to come in this highly recommended series.
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via Net Galley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.)
This outstanding mystery featured an intriguing plot and a top-notch cast of supporting characters, particular the love of Atlas's life, Lady Lilliana.
As I started this book, I thought this was the first book in the series but, alas, I've discovered that it is not (to my delight, I might add) and so I immediately picked up the first two books in the Atlas Catesby series. I hope there are many more to come in this highly recommended series.
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via Net Galley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.)
December 25, 2019
The third book in the Atlas Catesby mystery series, Murder at the Opera is a thoroughly engaging mystery that can be read as a stand-alone, but I definitely recommend reading its predecessors. The mystery here starts with the murder of a marquess’s long time mistress, and Atlas is first on the scene.
The truly beautiful part of the story is the subtly character growth from both the primary and (brilliant) secondary characters, and how it never overwhelms the main mystery plot. It’s a testament to the writing that both storylines were so compelling.
I look forward to the next in the series, hoping it’s not as long in coming as this one was. I need to understand the backstory of Thea (Atlas’ sister) and her husband!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
The truly beautiful part of the story is the subtly character growth from both the primary and (brilliant) secondary characters, and how it never overwhelms the main mystery plot. It’s a testament to the writing that both storylines were so compelling.
I look forward to the next in the series, hoping it’s not as long in coming as this one was. I need to understand the backstory of Thea (Atlas’ sister) and her husband!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
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