The Moria Pearls

Lady Diviner #2

by Rosalie Oaks

A missing necklace, a murder, and an extra helping of plum pie...

The magical Moria Pearls are hidden somewhere in Devon, and Miss Elinor Avely and the tiny vampire Miss Zooth are on the case – but a certain washed-up selkie prince is determined to find the powerful necklace before they do.

Pearls aren’t diamonds, curse it, so Elinor’s secret gift for divining jewels cannot help this time. And the bossy Lord Beresford would rather she stay out of trouble. His lordship’s opinion holds some weight, given that they have been (almost) engaged twice now, and Elinor is hoping for a third attempt of a more lasting duration.

When a selkie's murder disrupts the Devonwide hunt, however, Elinor is backed into a troubling corner. She might be able to find both the Pearls and the killer... but everyone still believes that Miss Zooth is the jewel diviner. Somehow, Elinor and her vampiric chaperone must maintain the façade, extend Elinor’s divining gift, and find the Pearls before the murderer does … or risk forfeiting their lives.

Who poisoned the selkie? Where are the pearls? And just why does that plum jam taste so good?

Rosalie Oaks serves up the second novel in the Lady Diviner series, full of magic, comedy, and romance.

Genres: Fantasy, Mystery, Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Magic, Fiction

268 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2021

About the author

Rosalie Oaks writes magic and mystery into Regency England, with side servings of jam, jewels, and the occasional naked shapeshifter.

As a child, Rosalie loved conducting home-made theatre productions with her three younger brothers. Now she directs her characters instead, but like her brothers, they don’t always do what she says.

While writing, Rosalie consumes vast quantities of tea and chocolate, and steadfastly ignores the housework.

Join Rosalie’s newsletter to get writing updates, as well as the exclusive prequel novella, A Pendant for Trouble. Find out more at https://rosalieoaks.com

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

'The magical Moria Pearls are hidden somewhere in Devon, and Miss Elinor Avely and the tiny vampire Miss Zooth are on the case – but a certain washed-up selkie prince is determined to find the powerful necklace before they do.

Pearls aren’t diamonds, curse it, so Elinor’s secret gift for divining jewels cannot help this time. And the bossy Lord Beresford would rather she stay out of trouble. His lordship’s opinion holds some weight, given that they have been (almost) engaged twice now, and Elinor is hoping for a third attempt of a more lasting duration.

When a selkie's murder disrupts the Devonwide hunt, however, Elinor is backed into a troubling corner. She might be able to find both the Pearls and the killer... but everyone still believes that Miss Zooth is the jewel diviner. Somehow, Elinor and her vampiric chaperone must maintain the façade, extend Elinor’s divining gift, and find the Pearls before the murderer does … or risk forfeiting their lives.'
____________________________

4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 stars.

The Moria Pearls is the second book in Rosalie Oaks' debut Lady Diviner series, which is a cozy mystery series with a paranormal spin.

Back for the second book and a new mystery, Elinor is working to hone her abilities in order to help her vampiri companion, Miss Zooth, to find the Moria pearls. Tensions were up in this book between all of the characters, making the dynamics of this mystery quite different from the last.

I seriously adore Elinor, she's quirky and witty and certainly not afraid to embarrass herself or step into danger. Beresford needs to learn though that she is not one to be bossed around. I think he's starting to realize that though and hopefully he'll learn to be a bit less overbearing. But somehow being overbearing is also part of his charm, so he gets away with it.

There's a bit of a cliffhanger twist at the end, which opens the way for the next book in the series, The Sapphire Library. But I don't want to give anything away, so I won't go any further. I will say though that the mystery in this book was unique from the first the series while still having a healthy dose of danger that I greatly enyoyed.

I'm looking forward to reading what mystery and danger Elinor will face next, especially after that warning. I do hope we'll get to learn a little more of the characters' back stories as the series progresses.

This series is fun and whimsical with a mix of romance, danger, and the supernatural. I recommend this series if you enjoy cozy mysteries, but would recommend reading them in order.
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I would like to thank the author, Rosalie Oaks, for sharing an eARC of The Moria Pearls with me. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Jannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finally got round to finishing the last bit. Man this book dragged. It tried to be delightful but instead came off as try hard, haphazard and boring. I mean there was interesting bits don't get me wrong. But I wont be continuing this series anytime soon. I don't like the random way Elinor goes about theorising about this mystery and constantly being swung one way or another in regards to her loyalties and ideas. Theres no coherence, or intelligence. Just bloody idiocy. And Aldredas ideas about the pearls and her right to them..are just childish.
The whole thing is. Childish. Im being harsh probably..over it.

[T. S. Larsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again I was lucky to read this one before the release, and The Moria Pearls is another charming and funny hit from Rosalie Oaks. To top that off this time I didn't guess who the murderer was. I was on the edge of my seat until the very end, and what a great ending it was. Thoroughly satisfying, yet carefully crafted throughout the book so everything made perfect sense.
Again my favourite character is Perry. He steals every scene he is in. I just can't get enough. I can't wait for him to shine in further instalments.
This is a funny, charming and exciting read, and I thoroughly recommend it to anyone into Cosy Mystery/ Fantasy / regency romance.

[Stephanie Curran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent installment in this whimsical and wonderful series! I’m so thankful the next book in the series will be out soon.

[MELISSA · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay

I admit to being impatient with this third book in the ever evolving story of jewels to be found and Elinor’s way (irritating to me) of involving herself in the Earl’s business no matter her reasons. A bit simplistic for me this time. I enjoy mysteries and have found entertainment with this historical setting, however.

[Ivy M M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was positively riveting - I could not put it down. It is so much more than a Regency Romance - it is funny, witty, well-crafted and an all-round uplifting read. The mystery at it's core kept me guessing right to the end, with tightly imagined twists that led to the most excruciatingly delicious twist I would never have guessed at. Complete with a brooding Earl love interest and Selkie Royalty, not to mention a hint of betrayal and lashings of Beresford jam and tea. Oh, those plums! A fine counterfoil to the delicious but dangerous...but there I will stop. Read this book - I dare you. M'hahahaha!

[Tansy Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this, the characters are so much fun to spend time with, and the mystery really worked for me.

[Dr susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable paranormal adventure with romance

I love plums! Secrets are revealed! Pearls are sought! Romance is afoot! And Elinor continues her batty pursuits. Bad things happen, but the surprising villain is caught. And love triumphs.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a whimsical story that involves, selkies, vampiri and a diviner of jewels. I didnt think I would enjoy this type of genre but I’m completely hooked. Elinor is the diviner and she has an on/off romantic relationship with Lord Beresford. Beresford is also a spy for the crown. There is also a murder to solve and missing pearls to locate and several dangerous events. The setting is in Devon, mainly in a small fishing village and includes smugglers. I’m looking forward to reading the next in the series. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Nad · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars


The farce continues! The mystery is better in this book, both of the pearls and of the murder, the "investigation", however, is outrageous. Elinor's conjectures are not only outlandish but also horrifically judgemental - she accuses everyone of adultery left and right, but then after a single conversation with Jaq she jumps to the polar opposite opinion of Daziel and starts defending him as a reformed and faithful man. Alfreda also went from charming to obsessed with Henri and her claims to his pearls are ridiculous. There's still zero chemistry between Elinor and Beresford, but I do like that's he's so big on propriety.

The ever present joke of people showing up naked continues to be treated like an 8-year-old would.

Perry is still adorable and Jaq gets a delightfully bitchy addition of his sister Seraphine.

Oh, also, the effects of Beresford plums are not treated seriously enough.

[Jane · Rating 2 out of 5]

This Regency Romantasy series went south quickly. Elinor becomes a TSTL heroine in this one and the "urgent" tasks and adventures become so nonsensical so rapidly I was befuddled instead of bedazzled. She invents a ruse to visit Lady Beresford for tea and plum jam to cover her true motive: search the jewelry box to see if Lady Beresford has the Moira pearls.
Seriously? You left London in scandal after being accused of stealing an amethyst amulet and now your best plan of action is to covertly check out the jewels of your wealthiest and most prestigious neighbor? Who also happens to be the mother of your not so secret crush and best chance at a suitor? What?! And this is on the basis of... the demands of Miss Zooth, the vampiri who you have known less than a hot minute and you have taken ZERO time to learn anything about her history, her skills (let alone learn the extent of your own skills and further train and refine them), or her relationship with Henri, or why his memories stored in the Moria Pearls are so valuable? Is this just personal sentimental value or is there something larger and/or more sinister / dark forces afoot? Might be good to do some research before plunging headlong into pursuit of said magical object!
Also why would the pearls be hidden in the jewelry box? Seems a rather obvious spot? More likely they are lost somewhere in the crevices of the house and you need a plan to search the place from top to bottom, or vice versa.
Also why would you promise Seraphina, a selkie you literally met two minutes ago, that you will ALSO help her find the Moria perals when you know Miss Zooth has sworn that Seraphina's brother Jaq and ALL selkies are her sworn enemy and the worst possible outcome would be for the pearls to fall into their hands?!
Barely 50 pages in and nothing makes sense anymore. Not even the Earl of Beresford's surface rejection of Elinor's advances and affections when any damn fool can see he's just trying to protect her reputation and her virtue.
The mystery AND the romance AND even the magic and jewels in this one are just nonstarters for me on so many levels. Giving up on this series and this author for books with stronger characters, wittier dialogue, better mystery plotting, etc.

[Etta (Chonky Books Review) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The incredible cast of quirky characters returns for the second novel in the Lady Diviner series, The Moria Pearls . There is a new mystery to solve that was set up at the end of the first novel and pick up shortly after the last one ended. They are all on the search for the elusive Moria Pearls and there’s also a murder to solve! The series continues to be a fun cozy mystery series set in Regency-era England with a touch of a romance story.

Miss Elinor Avely is back as the main character, which is also a jewel diviner. She lives in Devon with her mother and her brother, Perry. Although the readers were introduced to Perry in the first novel, it was great for him to get an even larger role in this story as he added a new layer of fun to every scene. Along for the adventure are Elinor’s vampire friend, Miss Zooth, James, the Earl of Beresford and spy for the Crown, and his selkie companion, Jaq. This story also reintroduces Seraphine, Jaq’s sister, who was introduced in The Selkie Scandal.

The characters are all amazing and I love their interactions with each other. Elinor is still working on finding out where she stands on any potential romance with James, while all of them are working to find out who to trust, where the pearls are, and who murdered the person from town, who may be connected to the pearls. There are many plots that are wrapped up in this novel to make it a very satisfying read while leaving just enough subplots open to leave the reader wanting to continue the series.

Overall, this was an excellent addition to the series. I loved jumping back into this series and catching up with all of the characters. The banter and story were a lot of fun and the novel was difficult to put down. There are new dangers presented at the end of this story that will be explored in The Sapphire Library and I cannot wait to see what will happen next! [4.5 rounded to 5]

[Vivenya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elenor has a gift for magic. She is a diviner, a person who can track things down with a special talent for finding jewels. She is determined to expand her skills to help her friend, the vampire Miss Zooth, find a pearl necklace. Not knowing yet that it will draw her into a conflict between Miss Zooth and the Selkie, but also into a murder case. And that her life may be in danger.

Like in the first volume, I really enjoyed the way the author writes her books. For me the series is like a roman by Jane Austen, mixed with magic, supernatural beings and mysteries. The interplay between Elenor and Miss Zooth is wonderful to read. The side characters also have their very own personality. You can very well understand how Elenor stands between the various parties, with whom friendships are slowly developing, and cannot decide who is in the right. Although the book had somewhat long passages in the middle for me, that was forgotten when the exciting end of the book came around.

What I love about this book is the type of language, the variety of characters and the interesting concept of magic users. She also interwoven the historical setting a few years after the French Revolution interestingly. I’m curious to see what effects it may have in the next book. A mix I find very successful.

[Candy Briggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Moria Pearls, we meet up with Elinor, Beresford, and Aldreda the vampiri. This is a continuation of the Jewel Designer. What a fun story, there is action, having blood for dinner, and all the other strange things that go on. James Beresford is the earl of the manor and Deockley. Daziel Lawdaw, a selkie, had been killed. None really knew why or even how. Elinor was a gifted Jewel Diviner. She was trying to expand her senses. She already felt jewels but she needed to feel pearls. Moria Pearls had been gone for more than ninety years and Aldred had been Henri's companion and when he died he asked her not to give them to the selkies. But she had to find them first, she and Elinor had to work together to find them.
I enjoyed the first book as I did the second one. It was easy to read, engaging, and entertaining. The characters were truly great and fun. the banter between the vampiri and Elinor was amusing. The fierce looks at her from Beresford were kind of cute. He always seemed to be angry with her. I recommend this wonderful novel and hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.
I received this ARC from Book Sirens and voluntarily reviewed it.

[Corey Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Mystery Romp with Elinor & Aldreda

This second installment in the Lady Diviner series was just as entertaining and enjoyable as the first. I found the mystery quite gripping. The characters are a motley bunch, including Elinor & her brother Perry, the Earl of Beresford & his mother, the spinster vampiri Miss Aldreda Zooth, and- my personal favorite- the mischievous selkie rake, Jaq. They are joined in this installment by a slew of new characters (or, perhaps new suspects would be a better way to describe them!) including a selkie princess with an agenda who also happens to be Jaq's sister, and (most interestingly, IMO) a mysterious male vampiri called Pags. Pags is at the heart of an exciting revelation in the book's final pages that has me eager to read the third installment! Overall, a quick, easy, entertaining read for anyone who likes a period mystery with a touch of romance & a healthy dose of the supernatural.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly loved the first book in the series and this second installment does not disappoint. The story picks up where it left, in which new characters (some of them naked) are introduced, James and Elinor' s relationship (or lack thereof) comes to a head and a secret about the Beresford's plums is revealed. Who knew that Devonshire was a paranormal haven? A lot of people in this book are not what they seem (including Elinor, but we knew that) and there is a murder mystery that puts Elinor in mortal danger. The whodunnit keeps well until the end. I recommend reading book 1 and the prequel first to fully appreciate the twists in this book. Overall, an enjoyable read. I can't wait for book 3!!

[Jessica Robinson]

The Moria Pearls picks up where The Lady Jewel Diviner concluded and offers greater depth to the magical possibilities within the world. Elinor and Miss Zooth are hard at work to discover the missing Moria Pearls necklace embued with historical secrets and teachings of various magical talents. Their search finds them caught up in a murder mystery plot and draws them deeper into the plight of the selkie realm. The romantic tension and development between Miss Elinor Avely and Lord Beresford add to the enjoyment of a highly creative and entertaining world Rosalie Oaks introduced readers to in The Lady Jewel Diviner.

[Wendy Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite the fact that I gave this a 4 star rating, I'm highly unlikely to buy another of the series.
The book is cute, fast-paced and an easy read, but I think I can't read another without becoming seriously irritated. There are internal inconsistencies with the logic of the fictional world that I have questioned too often and I am not sure about the romance - if it continues in the same vein then it seems too quick and underdeveloped for me, but if it doesn't stick (in the next book) I fear that the author may use the excuse she's built into this story and I'm irritated by that idea as well.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise is excellent, and just the sort of thing I enjoy, a gaslamp fantasy cozy mystery.

The execution.... not so much.

I couldn't decide if this book's plot dragged, or if it just felt that way because I was not enjoying it. But rather than find the humor amusing, it made me uncomfortable. This book has filled my lifetime quota for naked woman jokes. And Elinor was such an idiot, basically just bumbling around, sticking her nose into everything until finally someone had enough and attacks her and she needs to be rescued.

Also, the ultra slow burn romance might have been okay, except that it involved telling so many lies to Beresford. Not a fan.

[Angelina_Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi!
I just finished your story and wanted to say how much I enjoyed it. Your writing was so vivid and emotional it played out like a movie in my mind. The world and characters have so much heart, and I think they’d look stunning in a comic format.

I’m a commissioned artist and would be honored to work with you if you ever felt like turning this story into a visual project. There’s no rush or expectation I simply wanted to share my admiration for your work.

If you’d like to connect, you can find me on Discord (aangelinaa._).

Thank you for such a beautiful story.

Take care,
Angelina

[Linda Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in this series (the 3rd with the prequel), and neatly ties up some of the common threads.
This my favourite of the three.
I felt that the connecting threads were all nicely wrapped up and I enjoyed the ending.
The relationships were further strengthened and new characters introduced.
The end seems to give a glimpse of a future story, and I look forward to reading it.
I would like to add that I am not a fan of vampire stories but Ms Oaks has a unique twist on her version which works well.

I received this as an ARC, but this is my personal opinion.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continuing the mystery/task that was established in the first book this was a brilliant contiunation that I loved. Finding out more about the characters and seeing different sides of the ones already established was great. These novels feel like a cozy blanket of warmth to me and they are such a joy. I liked the way the plot developed and the cliffhanger at the end makes me want to continue straight into the next and I think I will go and do just that. Just love these stories, I'm so glad that I had started to pay attention to SPFBO and gave the first book a go, hidden gems for sure!

[Emma Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elinor and her vampire companion Aldreda set off to divine the whereabouts of Henri’s pearl necklace which contains diviner knowledge but Jaq and Seraphina are looking for the same necklace to save the selkie kingdom.

Let’s go for four stars because Beresford and Elinor spend the entire book apart because of a misunderstanding. I also hate that Seraphina and Jaq are essentially the antagonists of this book - this isn’t the friendship group I was sold on in the first book and was kind of heartbreaking.

I enjoyed the adventure but I think the relationships didn’t work for me here.

[Anne Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great follow on from the previous books in this series. Elinor & the vampiri Aldreda are still seeking for these precious pearls. Aldreda helps Elinor learn to scope for pearls. The two selkies are on the hunt too. Things get rather heated at times. The Earl of Beresford decides he must take a firm stance as well! Lots of excitement and again, I just had to finish the book to find out what happened.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 in the Lady Jewel Diviner series continues the mystery of the missing pearls begun in book one. New characters from the village and manor are introduced, the selkies make a reappearance, and the relationship between Elinor and Lord Beresford is tested.

This is a very entertaining addition to this cozy-ish historical fantasy series. Lord Beresford and Elinor are engaging characters, there’s lots of humor and a mild mystery. I’m thoroughly enjoying this series!

[Mary King · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is such a quick read with fun twists and turns along the way. I’d definitely say the second is better than the first, but mostly because the first has to take time setting everything up. I’m surprised they aren’t more popular since they are quite charming! Definitely going back to read the prologues and short stories in between now that I adore the characters.

[Josie Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the Lady Jewel Diviner last year and immediately downloaded the Moria Pearls, but it's taken me a while to read it because I wanted to sit back and savour it. I wasn't disappointed, so worth the wait! So full of delight, so witty and full of a kind of charming word play and innuendo. I can't recommend this series highly enough.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another delightful instalment in a favourite series! I love all the historical manners and etiquette but with the added paranormal twist of magic and tiny vampires. A comedy of manners blended with a cozy mystery plot and a great deal of sneaking around and making up increasingly wild cover stories to explain oneself. A lot of fun! I’ll definitely be picking up the rest of this series!

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I may not have been in the mood for this second book; it seemed to take forever to get through it. Elinor seemed to dither too much and everyone was running back and forth and all around to find the pearls. Overall it was a fine second book in the series, but I'm going to wait for the third, etc. for another time.

[Anna Beste · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book, Elinor and Miss Zooth's main focus is finding the Moria Pearls. But so are Jaq and his sister because they believe the selkies should have them. The race to find them is on. It wouldn't be A Lady Diviner book if there wasn't at least one murder to solve along the way and a few new secrets to uncover, such as the Beresford plum jam is more than just delicious.