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Captain Lacey #15
The Custom House Murders
Captain Lacey encounters an old army friend just returned from Antigua, who is being accused of smuggling and possibly murder. Lacey decides to help the man, whom he considers honorable, to clear his name.
Meanwhile James Denis has given Lacey a task, to deliver a mysterious package to a man with an office near the Custom House on the bank of the Thames. Lacey, who has been drawn into danger delivering items for Denis before, opens the package beforehand to find a single chess piece, a white queen.
The piece tells Lacey nothing, but he soon realizes it plays deeply into Denis’s ongoing battle for control of London’s underworld.
Meanwhile James Denis has given Lacey a task, to deliver a mysterious package to a man with an office near the Custom House on the bank of the Thames. Lacey, who has been drawn into danger delivering items for Denis before, opens the package beforehand to find a single chess piece, a white queen.
The piece tells Lacey nothing, but he soon realizes it plays deeply into Denis’s ongoing battle for control of London’s underworld.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2020
264 people are currently reading
306 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Gardner
48 books678 followersAshley Gardner is the pseudonym for NY Times bestselling and award-winning author Jennifer Ashley and nationally bestselling and award-winning author Allyson James. Her award-winning Captain Lacey Regency mysteries have garnered top reviews and an enthusiastic following. These books are now available as digital editions. More about the series can be found at http://www.gardnermysteries.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
November 11, 2022
The Custom House Murders is the one of the most enjoyable Captain Lacy Mysteries I have read in a very long while. This book was exciting and stayed focused on solving a perplexing case without a lot of manufactured drama to fill pages. This time, Captain Gabriel Lacey is caught in the middle of a dangerous turf war between James Denis and his evil opponent, Mr. Creasy.
Finally, the author has crafted a plot that was tense and fluid. I loved that the new characters were portrayed as complex yet upstanding characters rather than disposable plot moppets. I also appreciated that the issues of slavery and colonial plantation owners was fleshed out in a realistic manner. Usually colonial plantation owners are portrayed as gentle sugar cane/cotton landowners while bypassing the element of of human slaves who worked these lands.
The only downer was the appearance of the now emasculated Lucius Grenville and his trollop, gold-digging wife Marianne. I can't believe Grenville is launching a plan to foist this creature onto the Ton. He made his choice and should live in obscurity with his misalliance of a marriage. Thankfully, Marianne has a minuscule presence in this story and Grenville is mostly an after thought near the end.
Captain Lacey as usual shines in his decency and persistence for the truth. I simply adore Brewster and James Denis, these two have become bookends to Gabriel's character. Gabriel's wife Donata is a fierce woman to behold, especially when her family is threatened.
This story was so enjoyable that I might read the next book in the Captain Lacey series.
Finally, the author has crafted a plot that was tense and fluid. I loved that the new characters were portrayed as complex yet upstanding characters rather than disposable plot moppets. I also appreciated that the issues of slavery and colonial plantation owners was fleshed out in a realistic manner. Usually colonial plantation owners are portrayed as gentle sugar cane/cotton landowners while bypassing the element of of human slaves who worked these lands.
The only downer was the appearance of the now emasculated Lucius Grenville and his trollop, gold-digging wife Marianne. I can't believe Grenville is launching a plan to foist this creature onto the Ton. He made his choice and should live in obscurity with his misalliance of a marriage. Thankfully, Marianne has a minuscule presence in this story and Grenville is mostly an after thought near the end.
Captain Lacey as usual shines in his decency and persistence for the truth. I simply adore Brewster and James Denis, these two have become bookends to Gabriel's character. Gabriel's wife Donata is a fierce woman to behold, especially when her family is threatened.
This story was so enjoyable that I might read the next book in the Captain Lacey series.
November 21, 2020
Series: Captain Lacey Mysteries #15
Publication Date: 11/17/20
Number of Pages: 292
Who knew James Denis had a rival for control of London’s underworld? Well, he does, and their rivalry has broken out into full-fledged war – with Captain Lacey caught in the middle. To add to that mayhem, Lacey encounters an old army friend who has been accused of murder. Lacey has it coming at him from every direction in this fast-paced, exciting, well-written story. And yes, I’ve done it to myself again – I was so excited to start reading the book, I read it straight through. I had planned to read it slowly and savor every word, but – well – I just couldn’t put it down. Now, I have to wait for the next one and that is a bummer.
Just at breakfast, a package was delivered to Lacey with an accompanying message. The package and message, from James Denis, instruct Lacey to deliver the package to Mr. H. Creasey at an address that is near the Custom House. Lacey opens the package to see the contents and it is a simple chess piece – a white queen. Well, that seems innocuous enough – doesn’t it? Little does Lacey know the chaos that will follow that simple delivery.
As Lacey and the ever-protective Brewster pass the front of the Custom House, Lacey is hailed by someone. That someone turns out to be Major Miles Eden who Lacey had served with during the wars. Eden was one of the few officers Lacey respected and liked.
When Lacey’s delivery ignites a long-smoldering battle between Denis and Creasey, Lacey and his family are caught in the middle. Murder attempts, kidnapping, and more mayhem than you can name ensues before the war comes to its fiery end. Who wins the war? Is it Denis? Is it Creasey? Oh! You’ll just have to read the story to see.
In the middle of the underground’s war, Lacey learns that his friend Major Eden is wanted for murder – and Bow Street Runner Pomeroy arrests Eden while he is with Lacey. Lacey is convinced Eden isn’t guilty, but he’s sure he’s hiding something. Lacey manages to keep Eden from arrest while the investigation continues, but Pomeroy will be looking for ways to convict him. The murder of yet another passenger from the ship that conveyed them all back from Antigua convinces Lacey that the reasons for the murders all go back to the cargo that was stolen off their ship. But who stole it? What was it? Why did they need to commit those murders?
The suspects are many, and the solution will surprise you. With all of the red herrings as well as the many twists-and-turns, I was guessing until the very end when the villain was revealed. I hope you will read and love this book as much as I did. I can hardly wait for the next one.
Publication Date: 11/17/20
Number of Pages: 292
Who knew James Denis had a rival for control of London’s underworld? Well, he does, and their rivalry has broken out into full-fledged war – with Captain Lacey caught in the middle. To add to that mayhem, Lacey encounters an old army friend who has been accused of murder. Lacey has it coming at him from every direction in this fast-paced, exciting, well-written story. And yes, I’ve done it to myself again – I was so excited to start reading the book, I read it straight through. I had planned to read it slowly and savor every word, but – well – I just couldn’t put it down. Now, I have to wait for the next one and that is a bummer.
Just at breakfast, a package was delivered to Lacey with an accompanying message. The package and message, from James Denis, instruct Lacey to deliver the package to Mr. H. Creasey at an address that is near the Custom House. Lacey opens the package to see the contents and it is a simple chess piece – a white queen. Well, that seems innocuous enough – doesn’t it? Little does Lacey know the chaos that will follow that simple delivery.
As Lacey and the ever-protective Brewster pass the front of the Custom House, Lacey is hailed by someone. That someone turns out to be Major Miles Eden who Lacey had served with during the wars. Eden was one of the few officers Lacey respected and liked.
When Lacey’s delivery ignites a long-smoldering battle between Denis and Creasey, Lacey and his family are caught in the middle. Murder attempts, kidnapping, and more mayhem than you can name ensues before the war comes to its fiery end. Who wins the war? Is it Denis? Is it Creasey? Oh! You’ll just have to read the story to see.
In the middle of the underground’s war, Lacey learns that his friend Major Eden is wanted for murder – and Bow Street Runner Pomeroy arrests Eden while he is with Lacey. Lacey is convinced Eden isn’t guilty, but he’s sure he’s hiding something. Lacey manages to keep Eden from arrest while the investigation continues, but Pomeroy will be looking for ways to convict him. The murder of yet another passenger from the ship that conveyed them all back from Antigua convinces Lacey that the reasons for the murders all go back to the cargo that was stolen off their ship. But who stole it? What was it? Why did they need to commit those murders?
The suspects are many, and the solution will surprise you. With all of the red herrings as well as the many twists-and-turns, I was guessing until the very end when the villain was revealed. I hope you will read and love this book as much as I did. I can hardly wait for the next one.
April 28, 2021
First Sentence: I pondered the package that reposed on the dining-room table for a long time.
Retired Army Captain Gabriel Lacey has a complicated tit-for-tat relationship with James Denis, ruler of London's underworld. Instructed by Denis to deliver a package containing a White Queen chess piece, to competitor and nemesis Harlow Creasy, Lacey must comply. Waylaid by an old Army friend, Major Miles Eden, newly arrived from Antigua, they, along with bodyguard Brewster, confront Creasy landing Lacey in the middle of a dangerous turf war. Afterward, Eden asks for Lacey's help clearing him of a murder charge.
The first thing one notices is Gardner's voice. She has captured the formality and speech of the period without it being ponderous or disruptive—"Barnstable, who would never profess interest in a gentleman's correspondence, had discreetly departed."—while also differentiating the speech of the classes—"Then it could mean anything, guv."
It is the relationships that hold one to the story. With Lacey at the nucleus, he respects and is respected by those at all levels. He believes in helping if he can but is not gullible. With a leg lamed during the war, he knows his physical limitations and resents them as anyone would. The relationship with his family is lovely, with scenes of intimacy done behind closed doors. When disaster comes, introduced with a wicked twist, you feel his anguish and fear, offset by a determination to make things right. The inclusion of chess is wonderfully done.
Gardner knows how to keep a story moving and the reader involved. The pacing is brilliantly done, alternating between peaceful family scenes, and those of investigation followed by extreme risk. The addition of Eden allowed a perspective of slavery that was realistic and thought-provoking without overshadowing the overall plot while Eden's case is one of no one being who they seem.
At the core, Gardner writes about relationships, even eliciting some sympathy for Denis—"I did not consider him a friend. Until this moment, when I realized that if Denis were killed, I'd be sorry." In turn, Lacey is flummoxed by those who consider him their friend—"I'm damned if I know why. I have a foul temper." Eden studied me in amusement. 'You intrigue people with your honesty. They never know what to make of it.'" Ashley Gardner, whose real name is Jennifer Ashley, writes under other pseudonyms as well and is an incredibly prolific author. In an interesting way, her writing reminds me of Louise Penny.
"The Custom House Murders" is a terrific entry to a series that only gets better with each book. It is atmospheric, emotional, exciting, catches your breath, and warms your heart. One appreciates not having an abrupt ending, but one where the ends are neatly tied up and the door opened to the next book.
THE CUSTOM HOUSE MURDERS (HisMys-Gabriel Lacey-London-1819) - Ex
Gardner, Ashley – 15th in series
JA/AG Publishing, Nov 2020, 309 pp.
Retired Army Captain Gabriel Lacey has a complicated tit-for-tat relationship with James Denis, ruler of London's underworld. Instructed by Denis to deliver a package containing a White Queen chess piece, to competitor and nemesis Harlow Creasy, Lacey must comply. Waylaid by an old Army friend, Major Miles Eden, newly arrived from Antigua, they, along with bodyguard Brewster, confront Creasy landing Lacey in the middle of a dangerous turf war. Afterward, Eden asks for Lacey's help clearing him of a murder charge.
The first thing one notices is Gardner's voice. She has captured the formality and speech of the period without it being ponderous or disruptive—"Barnstable, who would never profess interest in a gentleman's correspondence, had discreetly departed."—while also differentiating the speech of the classes—"Then it could mean anything, guv."
It is the relationships that hold one to the story. With Lacey at the nucleus, he respects and is respected by those at all levels. He believes in helping if he can but is not gullible. With a leg lamed during the war, he knows his physical limitations and resents them as anyone would. The relationship with his family is lovely, with scenes of intimacy done behind closed doors. When disaster comes, introduced with a wicked twist, you feel his anguish and fear, offset by a determination to make things right. The inclusion of chess is wonderfully done.
Gardner knows how to keep a story moving and the reader involved. The pacing is brilliantly done, alternating between peaceful family scenes, and those of investigation followed by extreme risk. The addition of Eden allowed a perspective of slavery that was realistic and thought-provoking without overshadowing the overall plot while Eden's case is one of no one being who they seem.
At the core, Gardner writes about relationships, even eliciting some sympathy for Denis—"I did not consider him a friend. Until this moment, when I realized that if Denis were killed, I'd be sorry." In turn, Lacey is flummoxed by those who consider him their friend—"I'm damned if I know why. I have a foul temper." Eden studied me in amusement. 'You intrigue people with your honesty. They never know what to make of it.'" Ashley Gardner, whose real name is Jennifer Ashley, writes under other pseudonyms as well and is an incredibly prolific author. In an interesting way, her writing reminds me of Louise Penny.
"The Custom House Murders" is a terrific entry to a series that only gets better with each book. It is atmospheric, emotional, exciting, catches your breath, and warms your heart. One appreciates not having an abrupt ending, but one where the ends are neatly tied up and the door opened to the next book.
THE CUSTOM HOUSE MURDERS (HisMys-Gabriel Lacey-London-1819) - Ex
Gardner, Ashley – 15th in series
JA/AG Publishing, Nov 2020, 309 pp.
December 12, 2020
I can't believe there are 15 books in the Captain Lacey Regency Mysteries. If ever there was a set of books that should be turned into a TV series, this is it. Each story gets better and better. This story has a murder or two, explosions, returning favorite characters, and lots more. Don't want to give away any plots. If you are a fan of mysteries, I think you will like this book and the previous ones as well.
January 5, 2023
This was one of those installments in the Lacey series where I was way more interested in the personal conflicts than in the main mystery. Denis battling with a rival and lots of family time for Gabriel made me love this one, even though I didn’t really care about the smuggling plot.
Peter and Anne are scene stealers.
Peter and Anne are scene stealers.
August 23, 2021
A task for James Denis goes wrong (as they so often do), putting Lacey and his entire family at risk. Could have used more Marianne and Grenville, but it looks like they will be a big part of the next in the series.
December 3, 2020
It’s always a treat to dive back into this historical mystery series, and at number 15, the cast feels like family now.
Captain Lacey steps in to investigate whether an old army friend is involved in smuggling/murder, while also trying to avoid becoming the middle man between Mr. Denis and a rival for his territory.
Good plots and wonderful characters always make this series a winner. Ever looking forward to the next one.
Captain Lacey steps in to investigate whether an old army friend is involved in smuggling/murder, while also trying to avoid becoming the middle man between Mr. Denis and a rival for his territory.
Good plots and wonderful characters always make this series a winner. Ever looking forward to the next one.
January 2, 2021
1819 Captain Lacey has been given a parcel by James Denis to deliver to the neighbourhood of the Custom House, a parcel which contains a chess piece. Accompanied by Brewster he meets an old army friend, Major Eden, who acquires his help as he is about to be arrested by ex-sergeant Pomeroy, of the Thirty-Fifth Light, for the murder of a Mr George Warrilow.
Another entertaining well-written historical mystery with its cast of delightful characters.
Another entertaining well-written historical mystery with its cast of delightful characters.
December 9, 2020
I am addicted to this series
Another intriguing mystery and an enjoyable time spent with beloved characters. I am truly addicted to this series. And I think I am beginning to fall in love with the “dreaded” His Nib, Mr. Denis.😀
Another intriguing mystery and an enjoyable time spent with beloved characters. I am truly addicted to this series. And I think I am beginning to fall in love with the “dreaded” His Nib, Mr. Denis.😀
November 20, 2020
5 stars
Excellent story, all the elements are there for me to solve but I didn't. Lovely to read the interaction between Donata and the Captain, and like a real marriage when Lacey is in the dog house over Peter he has to work hard to get back into her good books. Always a delight to read this author's work.
Excellent story, all the elements are there for me to solve but I didn't. Lovely to read the interaction between Donata and the Captain, and like a real marriage when Lacey is in the dog house over Peter he has to work hard to get back into her good books. Always a delight to read this author's work.
March 9, 2021
Excellent, as always. This is one of my most favorite series. Never fails to please!
October 22, 2021
An excellent read and quite a mystery to solve alongside Captain Lacy.
January 15, 2021
These are always good, exciting stories
June 29, 2021
Have long enjoyed the series and the characters, plots have remained steady throughout— interesting and lots of twists. Narrator is perfect for the parts. Clean.
December 22, 2020
I think theses books would be better read in order since references are made in this book which make little sense. It's still an okay read, but less appealing than might have been. Plus the author relies on the all-too-familiar ending of a family member in danger being put in danger, etc.
April 28, 2021
-In this latest adventure with Captain Gabriel Lacey, James Denis, that politically connected underworld figure who Lacey is bound to, has called in a “favor” which Lacey has obligated himself to. A package is delivered to the home that Lacey shares with his wife, Donata, the former Viscountess, with instructions from Denis to deliver the package to a Mr. Creasy near the docks. Not one to resist his curiosity and wanting to insure that the package is not something illegal, Lacey opens it up. There’s a box, and inside is a white queen. It’s a curious request by Denis, as the person that dropped it off to him could just as well have dropped it off to Mr. Creasy.
-Wanting to get it over with, Lacey sets off soon after receiving the package and is accompanied by his “bodyguard”, Brewster. They set off for the dock area, where warehouses line the shoreline. Before entering the building where Mr. Creasy resides, they run into a former soldier who was in Lacey’s regiment, Major Miles Eden. Eden had also left the army and for the past few years was trying his luck with a sugar plantation in the island of Antigua. He just returned and seemed to have just bumped into Lacey, but asked Lacey if he could speak to him in private about some problem that Eden has to work out.
-When Lacey explains to whom he’s going, which, according to Brewster, is a dangerous character, Eden volunteers to accompany the men in case he’s needed to fight. Lacey gives the package and when Creasy opens it and sees the white queen, his face turns white, and he tells Lacey “With this white queen that you’ve given to me, I can kill you right here”. Brewster, Eden and Lacey freeze in their position and ready themselves for a fight, but Creasy adds that he can, but has chosen not to. Creasy explains that he and Denis are competitors and have divided up the city into two territories. There is a truce between them. The white queen is a signal from Denis that the truce is over and only one of them will remain to take over the city. But Creasy said that he knows of Lacey and that he is a reluctant ally of Denis. He wants him to consider coming over to Creasy’s side, but Lacey says he’s owned by no one. Creasy relaxes into a more charming version of himself and shows a chess table which is on the side of the room to Lacey and tells him he’d like to play him sometime. Lacey gives a non answer as he’s just looking to get out of there as quickly as possible.
-Lacey will now be played, like a living pawn, in the power struggle between Denis and Creasy. But it’s the investigation of a murder that also draws in Lacey. When Lacey, Eden and Brewster are leaving Creasy, they happen upon Pomeroy, the ex-Sergeant under Lacey who is now a Bow Street Runner and he quickly takes hold of Eden to bring him in as a suspect in a murder case.
-Lacey accompanies Eden and discovers that a fellow traveler by the name of Warrilow, aboard the ship that Eden recently arrived on, was found murdered in his room. Because Eden was seen in a heated argument with the man which almost came to blows, he was a prime suspect. Eden was exonerated but Lacey realized during the questioning that there was something that Eden was trying to hide.
-The investigation now involves the small group of people who were passengers on the ship. Each one seems to have something to hide and it doesn’t help that Warrilow had managed to be in heated arguments with everyone that he came into contact with. But Lacey has a limited time in order to solve this murder, which quickly turns into multiple killings, as Creasy has now threatened everyone associated with Denis, including Lacey and his wife Donata, so that they decide to leave for the countryside in their summer estates for safety.
-Trouble seems to follow Lacey wherever he goes as Creasy’s reach proves extensive, while, at the same time, another murder connected to the passengers from Antigua takes place.
-The characters we have come to enjoy make their appearances, though briefly. Colonel Brandon and his wife Louisa along with Grenville and Marianne enter the story, but assist in the unraveling of the murders. It’s a credit to the author that the independent planning of Denis, Grenville and Lacey, that complement each other perfectly, allowing them to overcome the dangers that face them. Lacey, though, proves his resourcefulness as well as his intelligence, as he manages to piece together the various plots and even the killer involving the murders that have taken place.
-This is another excellent story in the series with the foundation of the next story introduced at the end.
-Wanting to get it over with, Lacey sets off soon after receiving the package and is accompanied by his “bodyguard”, Brewster. They set off for the dock area, where warehouses line the shoreline. Before entering the building where Mr. Creasy resides, they run into a former soldier who was in Lacey’s regiment, Major Miles Eden. Eden had also left the army and for the past few years was trying his luck with a sugar plantation in the island of Antigua. He just returned and seemed to have just bumped into Lacey, but asked Lacey if he could speak to him in private about some problem that Eden has to work out.
-When Lacey explains to whom he’s going, which, according to Brewster, is a dangerous character, Eden volunteers to accompany the men in case he’s needed to fight. Lacey gives the package and when Creasy opens it and sees the white queen, his face turns white, and he tells Lacey “With this white queen that you’ve given to me, I can kill you right here”. Brewster, Eden and Lacey freeze in their position and ready themselves for a fight, but Creasy adds that he can, but has chosen not to. Creasy explains that he and Denis are competitors and have divided up the city into two territories. There is a truce between them. The white queen is a signal from Denis that the truce is over and only one of them will remain to take over the city. But Creasy said that he knows of Lacey and that he is a reluctant ally of Denis. He wants him to consider coming over to Creasy’s side, but Lacey says he’s owned by no one. Creasy relaxes into a more charming version of himself and shows a chess table which is on the side of the room to Lacey and tells him he’d like to play him sometime. Lacey gives a non answer as he’s just looking to get out of there as quickly as possible.
-Lacey will now be played, like a living pawn, in the power struggle between Denis and Creasy. But it’s the investigation of a murder that also draws in Lacey. When Lacey, Eden and Brewster are leaving Creasy, they happen upon Pomeroy, the ex-Sergeant under Lacey who is now a Bow Street Runner and he quickly takes hold of Eden to bring him in as a suspect in a murder case.
-Lacey accompanies Eden and discovers that a fellow traveler by the name of Warrilow, aboard the ship that Eden recently arrived on, was found murdered in his room. Because Eden was seen in a heated argument with the man which almost came to blows, he was a prime suspect. Eden was exonerated but Lacey realized during the questioning that there was something that Eden was trying to hide.
-The investigation now involves the small group of people who were passengers on the ship. Each one seems to have something to hide and it doesn’t help that Warrilow had managed to be in heated arguments with everyone that he came into contact with. But Lacey has a limited time in order to solve this murder, which quickly turns into multiple killings, as Creasy has now threatened everyone associated with Denis, including Lacey and his wife Donata, so that they decide to leave for the countryside in their summer estates for safety.
-Trouble seems to follow Lacey wherever he goes as Creasy’s reach proves extensive, while, at the same time, another murder connected to the passengers from Antigua takes place.
-The characters we have come to enjoy make their appearances, though briefly. Colonel Brandon and his wife Louisa along with Grenville and Marianne enter the story, but assist in the unraveling of the murders. It’s a credit to the author that the independent planning of Denis, Grenville and Lacey, that complement each other perfectly, allowing them to overcome the dangers that face them. Lacey, though, proves his resourcefulness as well as his intelligence, as he manages to piece together the various plots and even the killer involving the murders that have taken place.
-This is another excellent story in the series with the foundation of the next story introduced at the end.
November 25, 2020
Captain Lacey
This felt like being reunited with old friends again. I love these amazing characters. I liked that we got more substantial moments between Lacey, Donata, Peter and Anne. We need more moments like this. I like seeing the interaction between the family.
I was afraid we wouldn’t get any Grenville in this book. But, he did eventually make an appearance. I thought from the previous book that this book would take place in France with Gabriella and was a little disappointed that it didn’t. I did enjoy the brief sojourn to the countryside.
I liked the introduction of Lacey’s military friend Eden. Maybe we will get more of him as well.
I look forward to more adventures with the Lacey crew.
This felt like being reunited with old friends again. I love these amazing characters. I liked that we got more substantial moments between Lacey, Donata, Peter and Anne. We need more moments like this. I like seeing the interaction between the family.
I was afraid we wouldn’t get any Grenville in this book. But, he did eventually make an appearance. I thought from the previous book that this book would take place in France with Gabriella and was a little disappointed that it didn’t. I did enjoy the brief sojourn to the countryside.
I liked the introduction of Lacey’s military friend Eden. Maybe we will get more of him as well.
I look forward to more adventures with the Lacey crew.
November 5, 2021
Not really happy to read 15th book in the series (whether I'm starting with it or god forbid having read all of them), but it seemed like a great escape from wet and humid day/week. Historical mysteries certainly have got that special charm where you try to imagine everything and in this case a good opportunity to transport myself to early XIX century. I believe the setting and the weather outside worked out perfectly. It was all quite atmospheric. It's rather fast paced with some slower parts, twists and turns to keep you entertained and guessing, it holds attention so it doesn't get boring. But, personally I'm not a series fan so Captain Lacey's adventures end for me here.
August 21, 2023
Excellent
I am picky about what series I purchase. I started as a fan of Jennifer Ashley's shifters unbound books years ago. I happened to see the captain lacey mysteries under her other pen name. I was hooked after the first one. Once I had my first kindle, I started buying them all. While the mysteries are good, its the characters that keep me enthra!led. Her research has been so thorough that you feel like part of the era. Today's society is accustomed to driving several miles at speed. We have supermarkets and fast food. These books remind us life was slower not so very long ago. These are well worth sitting down with a pot of tea and indulging in great writing.
I am picky about what series I purchase. I started as a fan of Jennifer Ashley's shifters unbound books years ago. I happened to see the captain lacey mysteries under her other pen name. I was hooked after the first one. Once I had my first kindle, I started buying them all. While the mysteries are good, its the characters that keep me enthra!led. Her research has been so thorough that you feel like part of the era. Today's society is accustomed to driving several miles at speed. We have supermarkets and fast food. These books remind us life was slower not so very long ago. These are well worth sitting down with a pot of tea and indulging in great writing.
November 26, 2020
From the opening paragraph until the last page this latest in the beautifully sustained Captain Lacey series is a breathtaking ride. I could barely put it down and breathed a pent up breath of relief at the end. How Jennifer Ashley continues to write intriguing stories with a large supporting cast is a wonder. The complex and at time frightening relationships between Lacey, Denis, and Brewster always keeps me turning the page. The Custom House Mystery is exciting and kept me guessing from beginning to end. What a page-turner!! More Captain Lacey please, I can never get enough.
December 14, 2020
Praise fir Captain Lacey
Captain Lacy is at it again! He sees Miles Eden, a fellow officer of the Thirty-Fifth Light Dragoons. They are at the Custom’s House, Eden is there to pick up his belongs that he brought back from Antigua. Lacy is there to check on stolen goods.
There is so many things happening that the book needs to be read. Jennifer Ashley is such a great writer that I look forward to reading her books and trying to figure out who did it!!
I definitely recommend this book.
Captain Lacy is at it again! He sees Miles Eden, a fellow officer of the Thirty-Fifth Light Dragoons. They are at the Custom’s House, Eden is there to pick up his belongs that he brought back from Antigua. Lacy is there to check on stolen goods.
There is so many things happening that the book needs to be read. Jennifer Ashley is such a great writer that I look forward to reading her books and trying to figure out who did it!!
I definitely recommend this book.
October 11, 2022
I adore this series. Captain Lacey is honorable but stubborn while he pursues a mystery. His wife is the perfect aristocrat at all times until she is at home with her husband. This time Lacey is ensnared in another murder mystery but also between a battle of kingpins in Denis and a new character, Creasey. Danger is high, not only for Lacey this time but for his family too. Plus, he has to find a way to ferret out the truth of a murder that might see an old friend off to Newgate or worse. Such a good read and I can’t wait for the next one.
November 11, 2023
This is a long, swerving, curving novel that encompasses smuggling, class distinctions, kidnapping, slavery, religion and marital strife. LAcey becomes embroiled when an old army colleague, newly arrived from Antigua, is arrested for murder in front of him. Brewster, as ever, tries to head off Lacey's headstrong intentions to clear his friend and of course, fails. Lady Donata also becomes incensed with her husband, but they manage to remain true to each other. Grenville is, as ever, a true friend and James Denis appears in quite another light.
November 20, 2020
Great story
I always enjoy reading the adventures of Captain Lacey. The characters are very well developed and after a few books it's like visiting with old friends to read the next installment. This book added a new character into the mix, Major Eden, and I can't help but wonder if we'll be seeing more of him in books to come. Either way I'll eagerly look forward to the next book in the series.
I always enjoy reading the adventures of Captain Lacey. The characters are very well developed and after a few books it's like visiting with old friends to read the next installment. This book added a new character into the mix, Major Eden, and I can't help but wonder if we'll be seeing more of him in books to come. Either way I'll eagerly look forward to the next book in the series.
December 6, 2020
Not quite as good
I will never not like a Captain Lacey mystery but this one seemed to move more slowly than I am used to with this series. Noticeably missing from this book at least til the very end, was Lacey’s interactions with the very dapper Lucius Grenville and his wife Marianne. They always add an extra dimension of interest to the story.
As always, the story is engaging but the slower pacing dimmed my enjoyment just a bit.
I will never not like a Captain Lacey mystery but this one seemed to move more slowly than I am used to with this series. Noticeably missing from this book at least til the very end, was Lacey’s interactions with the very dapper Lucius Grenville and his wife Marianne. They always add an extra dimension of interest to the story.
As always, the story is engaging but the slower pacing dimmed my enjoyment just a bit.
December 15, 2024
This is one of the best books in the series. Lacey is involved in three different but intertwined storylines. There's a murder mystery, a smuggling mystery and a war between Denis and another criminal lord. Of course, Lacey finds himself in the thick of it all, with his usual mix of curiosity, determination, sense of honour, loyalty to his friends and love for his family. He's surrounded by the usual cast as well as some characters from previous books. Overall, a great historical mystery.
November 19, 2020
I liked this one better than the last one. All my favorite characters make an appearance and there are two plot lines that wrap up neatly in the end. The book was hovering around a three star, which is an ok read for me, until the end where it all came together. That bumped it to a four star. Some of the mysteries I guessed but there were a few surprises. Looking forward to the next one.
November 24, 2020
Nice continuation
Nice addition to the series. Nice to visit with the Captain again and all his family and friends. This one is a little quieter than some of the past ones, but almost stood alone. It could have been read and enjoyed without knowing the whole series. A nice mystery - held close until the very end.
Nice addition to the series. Nice to visit with the Captain again and all his family and friends. This one is a little quieter than some of the past ones, but almost stood alone. It could have been read and enjoyed without knowing the whole series. A nice mystery - held close until the very end.
January 10, 2021
A real feel for the period
Reading the Regency mysteries of Captain Lacey gives you a real feel for the period. The characters are believable and for the most part are easy to like ( not the villains of course), though even James Denis grows on you. These books are well worth the time it takes to read them. I can heartily recommend them.
Reading the Regency mysteries of Captain Lacey gives you a real feel for the period. The characters are believable and for the most part are easy to like ( not the villains of course), though even James Denis grows on you. These books are well worth the time it takes to read them. I can heartily recommend them.
July 27, 2021
Another wonderful Captain Lacey story
I love each of the Captain Lacey books. They are amazing on audible too! I anxiously await the next one which will probably be set in Rome from the ending of this one. I love all the characters that keep reappearing and how Ms. Ashley describes places, people, fashion and, oh, everything. Very enjoyable reads!
I love each of the Captain Lacey books. They are amazing on audible too! I anxiously await the next one which will probably be set in Rome from the ending of this one. I love all the characters that keep reappearing and how Ms. Ashley describes places, people, fashion and, oh, everything. Very enjoyable reads!
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