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Betrayal : Crimes Against the Crown
Betrayal is the sequel to Crimes Against the Crown.
“That was how dishonesty and betrayal started, not in big lies but in small secrets.” - Amy Tan
Lissa and Mile are married and should be on their honeymoon. Instead, they are in Somerset to celebrate Christmas with their families.
But before long, the bodies start to pile up, and betrayal runs rampant. Miles discovers the strength of Lissa’s resolve to confront those seeking to destroy those she loves.
The theft of vital codebooks and murder will lead them back to London to ferret out their enemies and put an end to the smuggler’s consortium once and for all.
They must venture undercover into the rookeries and slums of London’s east end to find their answers about the smugglers using the district to hide. However, the man set to help them is murdered, and they are soon discovered and narrowly escape back to the environs of the upper class.
But revenge is on the mind of the smuggler’s ringleader, and he intends for the family to pay in blood. Bringing down the smugglers before they escape comes with a price. One person escapes and is bent on revenge as Lissa and Miles flee to Scotland to distance themselves from the fallout of this latest investigation.
“That was how dishonesty and betrayal started, not in big lies but in small secrets.” - Amy Tan
Lissa and Mile are married and should be on their honeymoon. Instead, they are in Somerset to celebrate Christmas with their families.
But before long, the bodies start to pile up, and betrayal runs rampant. Miles discovers the strength of Lissa’s resolve to confront those seeking to destroy those she loves.
The theft of vital codebooks and murder will lead them back to London to ferret out their enemies and put an end to the smuggler’s consortium once and for all.
They must venture undercover into the rookeries and slums of London’s east end to find their answers about the smugglers using the district to hide. However, the man set to help them is murdered, and they are soon discovered and narrowly escape back to the environs of the upper class.
But revenge is on the mind of the smuggler’s ringleader, and he intends for the family to pay in blood. Bringing down the smugglers before they escape comes with a price. One person escapes and is bent on revenge as Lissa and Miles flee to Scotland to distance themselves from the fallout of this latest investigation.
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First published January 10, 2021
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About the author
Wendy Bayne
23 books68 followersWendy Bayne weaves themes reflecting her interests and passions in history and social justice throughout her debut novel Untitled: Crimes Against the Crown. Set in 1827 England a young girl coming of age finds herself embroiled in the world of espionage to find not only love but that family secrets are sometimes dark and terrible as she is recruited by England's master of spies as an Agent of the Crown.
Books have been a large part of Wendy's life and she enjoys multiple genres. She is also an avid fan of Toronto Maple Leafs Hockey and Blue Jays Baseball.
You can find Wendy here on Goodreads and on twitter @bayne_wendy
Books have been a large part of Wendy's life and she enjoys multiple genres. She is also an avid fan of Toronto Maple Leafs Hockey and Blue Jays Baseball.
You can find Wendy here on Goodreads and on twitter @bayne_wendy
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 25, 2023
More Exciting Adventures for Lissa and her Family & Friends!
Ms. Bayne's sequel to "Untitled" delivers all the satisfying intrigue, twists, turns, and surprises of the original. Reading this book was much like visiting old friends. A number of new characters are introduced who complicate the lives of newlyweds Lissa and Miles. Like in "Untitled," danger lurks around many corners, and disturbing adult situations are encountered. Our couple handles all with the humor and empathy we have come to expect from them. I look forward to reading more of Lissa & Miles' adventures!
Ms. Bayne's sequel to "Untitled" delivers all the satisfying intrigue, twists, turns, and surprises of the original. Reading this book was much like visiting old friends. A number of new characters are introduced who complicate the lives of newlyweds Lissa and Miles. Like in "Untitled," danger lurks around many corners, and disturbing adult situations are encountered. Our couple handles all with the humor and empathy we have come to expect from them. I look forward to reading more of Lissa & Miles' adventures!
July 17, 2023
“Betrayal” is the second book in the Crimes Against the Crown historical crime and adventure series by Wendy Bayne. Just as I predicted in my review of the first instalment of the series “Untitled”, upon beginning to read the continuation of the story, I had no smallest idea what to expect from it.
After the head-spinning adventures Lissa, Miles, and a versatile set of characters went through in “Untitled”, “Betrayal” doesn’t disappoint in the action department. Events you couldn’t have envisaged happen in every chapter, and you simply can’t stop yourself from turning the pages. Similarly to the first book, the second one is also packed with mysteries, risky endeavours, hard-to-catch villains, as well as heart-melting love stories.
Set in the 19th century, “Betrayal” takes the reader on a risky journey between high society mansions and the neighbourhoods of the poor. The author masterfully portrays the life of different classes, with vivid strokes of her words drawing a picture of human motives and destinies, all with infinite variations and thus, incredibly exciting.
I loved the feeling of “joining the big family” that filled me reading this book. There are a lot of characters in this series, each of them essential to the story and remarkably well-developed. Although Magda probably is the most charismatic of the female characters, I am in the Lady Bruce team. Mothers-in-law remain the same through centuries, countries, and continents – fiercely protective of their sons’ well-being and interests. Even though their vision of what their grown-up sons want and what is best for them, doesn’t always correlate with the ideas of the men in question. Aunt Millicent is an embodiment of a mother-in-law from anecdotes, suspicious of any woman who comes close to her sons. But at the same time – and I applaud the author for having achieved that – you can deeply relate to her inner turmoil since her bad temper comes from the deepest love she feels for her children.
Lissa and Miles are a lovely couple in the centre of the story. After getting married, they are thrown into a whirlwind of events – most of them dark and sinister – and instead of sailing away into the honeymoon, they are forced to deal with investigating murders. Surrounded by their numerous family members, all with their own personal issues that have to be solved in addition to untangling the mysteries for the Crown, the newlyweds do their best to adapt to their life together.
I enjoyed the second book as much as I enjoyed the first. I appreciated the side stories of secondary characters woven into the main plot. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
After the head-spinning adventures Lissa, Miles, and a versatile set of characters went through in “Untitled”, “Betrayal” doesn’t disappoint in the action department. Events you couldn’t have envisaged happen in every chapter, and you simply can’t stop yourself from turning the pages. Similarly to the first book, the second one is also packed with mysteries, risky endeavours, hard-to-catch villains, as well as heart-melting love stories.
Set in the 19th century, “Betrayal” takes the reader on a risky journey between high society mansions and the neighbourhoods of the poor. The author masterfully portrays the life of different classes, with vivid strokes of her words drawing a picture of human motives and destinies, all with infinite variations and thus, incredibly exciting.
I loved the feeling of “joining the big family” that filled me reading this book. There are a lot of characters in this series, each of them essential to the story and remarkably well-developed. Although Magda probably is the most charismatic of the female characters, I am in the Lady Bruce team. Mothers-in-law remain the same through centuries, countries, and continents – fiercely protective of their sons’ well-being and interests. Even though their vision of what their grown-up sons want and what is best for them, doesn’t always correlate with the ideas of the men in question. Aunt Millicent is an embodiment of a mother-in-law from anecdotes, suspicious of any woman who comes close to her sons. But at the same time – and I applaud the author for having achieved that – you can deeply relate to her inner turmoil since her bad temper comes from the deepest love she feels for her children.
Lissa and Miles are a lovely couple in the centre of the story. After getting married, they are thrown into a whirlwind of events – most of them dark and sinister – and instead of sailing away into the honeymoon, they are forced to deal with investigating murders. Surrounded by their numerous family members, all with their own personal issues that have to be solved in addition to untangling the mysteries for the Crown, the newlyweds do their best to adapt to their life together.
I enjoyed the second book as much as I enjoyed the first. I appreciated the side stories of secondary characters woven into the main plot. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
December 1, 2022
'Crimes against the Crown' is a historical fiction thriller series set in post Napoleonic Europe in the 19th century. I always say great historical fiction is that which takes a well paced and wonderful story and integrates it into the history and facts of that period so seamlessly that at not point you feel you're reading a history book rather than a novel. Wendy Bayne does that beautifully. The focus in this book is on Lissa (Clarissa) and Miles although the rest of the family are omnipresent. Talking of couple goals, the two handle spies, subterfuge, gypsies, smugglers and murderers with a panache that will leave you gasping and all the while their love, regard and respect for each other shines through. 'Betrayal,' as are other books of Wendy Bayne, is built on a strong sense of duty, concern for others and empathy. These are the qualities that shine through in all her characters. The action never stops and you are forever on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next, praying that a character you are attached to does not end up dying-you never know because there are knives and guns galore, and many a character are often hanging onto life by a mere thread being willed on by the others ( and you ) to survive, to not give up on life. When you are writing a thriller (which also happens to be historical fiction) the tendency might be to focus on the action and adventure and skip the emotional quotient, but Wendy Bayne never does that. She integrates the doubts, fears, and anxieties of the characters beautifully into their actions making them seem human rather than untouchable superheroes. I would recommend the Crimes Against the Crown Series for readers who are looking for a series, for characters to grow attached to, because that's what Wendy Bayne's writing does to you. You end up caring and that in it self is the mark of a great writer and a wonderful book.
February 16, 2023
Lovers of historical fiction, you need to read this book! Betrayal is the sequel in the Crimes Against the Crown series, and does not disappoint. With murder, conspiracy and duplicity, it will take you on a roller coaster ride. The twists and turns will keep you guessing, and the characters are marvellously portrayed. Set in the 1800s, Miles’ and Lissa’s fraught journey takes them from Somerset to the poverty-stricken ‘Dials’ in London, climaxing in the Highlands of Scotland.
Baynes’ writing remains witty and refreshing, and she is without doubt the master of intrigue and suspense. I’d absolutely recommend Betrayal!
Baynes’ writing remains witty and refreshing, and she is without doubt the master of intrigue and suspense. I’d absolutely recommend Betrayal!
March 4, 2021
“Betrayal” is an excellent sequel to Wendy Bayne’s original novel “Untitled.” It begins directly where the first ended, giving the reader an interrupted story filled with intrigue, secret plots, and suspenseful encounters. Lissa and her new husband, Miles, cannot even enjoy their honeymoon before the adventure begins again. Wonderfully, the love between the two remains strong and endearing. It is clear that Miles, now Lord Tinsley, appreciates a wife who is courageous and passionate in her convictions. The story is filled with twists and turns and readers of “Untitled” with thoroughly enjoy “Betrayal.” This reader, for one, cannot wait for a return of Lissa and Miles in the future!
April 6, 2021
I was trying to think of how I would describe the wonderful Crimes Against the Crown series, when recommending it to a friend. I think I would begin by saying that it’s as if Nancy Drew met Downton Abbey, but that description offers only a small glimpse into this unique, fascinating, and suspenseful saga!
Betrayal is, if anything, even better than its amazing precursor. It’s the kind of book that you devour as quickly as possible because you can’t wait to find out what happens, and yet you also want it to go on forever. I want—no, I NEED more!!
Betrayal is, if anything, even better than its amazing precursor. It’s the kind of book that you devour as quickly as possible because you can’t wait to find out what happens, and yet you also want it to go on forever. I want—no, I NEED more!!
February 1, 2023
Betrayal – Another Great Read
Wendy Bayne’s 2nd book in the ‘Crimes against the Crown’ series, does not disappoint. It continues on from the 1st book, and just gets better.
Lissa and Miles’ honeymoon gets permanently postponed, as they find themselves once again embroiled in espionage, murder, and deceit, where ‘trust’ is a word that is used very lightly, because as the story progresses we discover that certain people are not who they claim to be.
Wendy Bayne is a master at intrigue, her plots have many sub-plots, leading you down blind alleys, where nothing is as it seems, resulting in murder and mayhem.
It is a large book, but there is great depth and detail within its pages. Her colourful descriptions draw you in, that you are lost in the surroundings. Set in the 1800’s the story takes us from the rambling West country to the depths of poverty and degradation in the filthy streets of the ‘Dials’ in London, where danger lurks at every turn, finally ending up in the Scottish Highlands, to a nail-biting finale.
The thing I loved most, was that you can never second guess what is about to happen, and to say it is a page turner is an understatement! You will not be disappointed, and I highly recommend it!
Wendy Bayne’s 2nd book in the ‘Crimes against the Crown’ series, does not disappoint. It continues on from the 1st book, and just gets better.
Lissa and Miles’ honeymoon gets permanently postponed, as they find themselves once again embroiled in espionage, murder, and deceit, where ‘trust’ is a word that is used very lightly, because as the story progresses we discover that certain people are not who they claim to be.
Wendy Bayne is a master at intrigue, her plots have many sub-plots, leading you down blind alleys, where nothing is as it seems, resulting in murder and mayhem.
It is a large book, but there is great depth and detail within its pages. Her colourful descriptions draw you in, that you are lost in the surroundings. Set in the 1800’s the story takes us from the rambling West country to the depths of poverty and degradation in the filthy streets of the ‘Dials’ in London, where danger lurks at every turn, finally ending up in the Scottish Highlands, to a nail-biting finale.
The thing I loved most, was that you can never second guess what is about to happen, and to say it is a page turner is an understatement! You will not be disappointed, and I highly recommend it!
February 1, 2023
Brilliant
The mastermind of epic historical fiction is back. I have read other books from this author and she never ceases to amaze me!
I love the cover and the story of Lissa and Miles captivated me from the first page. The magnificent descriptions and the characters took me on a beautiful journey filled with mystery, enigma and betrayal.
Highly recommend!
The mastermind of epic historical fiction is back. I have read other books from this author and she never ceases to amaze me!
I love the cover and the story of Lissa and Miles captivated me from the first page. The magnificent descriptions and the characters took me on a beautiful journey filled with mystery, enigma and betrayal.
Highly recommend!
July 1, 2022
Lisa and Miles are back as a wedded couple for more murder and intrigue. A lengthy read, it's not for every reader, but Bayne does a lovely job of moving the plot along with the help of a delightful cast of characters. Nicely done.
December 13, 2023
A fantastic sequel
It's taken a few days since finishing this book to write this review because I don't know how to express how much I loved Book 2. There's just so much to love about this series that I don't know where to begin.
We join Lissa and Miles who long to enjoy their honeymoon, but instead, they're sent to London for an undercover assignment. I loved seeing Lissa and Miles together. The tenderness of their relationship and their respect for each other is so well written. We meet lots of new characters in Betrayal all with their secrets. The description in this book is wonderful, and I loved the peek we got of Scotland.
The pacing of the book is perfect and had me flicking pages and staying up late to find out what happened next. I'm looking forward to diving straight into Book 3!
It's taken a few days since finishing this book to write this review because I don't know how to express how much I loved Book 2. There's just so much to love about this series that I don't know where to begin.
We join Lissa and Miles who long to enjoy their honeymoon, but instead, they're sent to London for an undercover assignment. I loved seeing Lissa and Miles together. The tenderness of their relationship and their respect for each other is so well written. We meet lots of new characters in Betrayal all with their secrets. The description in this book is wonderful, and I loved the peek we got of Scotland.
The pacing of the book is perfect and had me flicking pages and staying up late to find out what happened next. I'm looking forward to diving straight into Book 3!
August 17, 2021
The second part of this wonderful trilogy, Betrayal is equally as good as Untitled. Historical fiction combined with a great circle of characters and a thrillingly compelling storyline. Wendy Bayne has touched on facets of the Georgian era and the intricacies of the underworld mixing with high society.
January 24, 2024
I am really enjoying the CRIMES AGAINST THE CROWN series, which is set in 1800s England with regency romance / spy thriller mashup of genres. In book 2, Betrayal, our wonderful Clarissa and Miles, who steal every scene, are enjoying their new lives as newlyweds and trying to celebrate with loved ones in Sommerset, but they soon become entangled in plots of murder and espionage. We later get to travel to Scotland. I love everything about these books. I love the characters, especially Clarissa and Miles and their adoring affection for one another, and Miles’s deep respect for Clarissa when other male characters don’t necessarily show women respect during this time period. His tenderness and love shine on every page. I love the mysteries we get to figure out in every book and I love seeing the character’s lives progress through weddings, and the birth of children. And the ferrets were cute in this one 😊. I think I would have been a ferret keeper, if that position would have been allowed for women back in the time. Can’t wait to see what is in store for Clarissa and Miles in book 3! 5/5 stars.
October 21, 2023
Stunning sequel
Lissa is back and married to Miles. While their estate is being renovated, they are staying in London. But the household is in an uproar because things are not what they should be.
It’s wonderful going back in time to Ms. Bayne’s world where you can feel the grit of the London slums under your fingertips juxtaposed with Lords and Ladies of “leisure” with multiple households.
Needless to say, Lissa and Miles are forward thinkers who work to assure that the people in their employ are taken care of.
A fun period piece with lots of derring-do.
Lissa is back and married to Miles. While their estate is being renovated, they are staying in London. But the household is in an uproar because things are not what they should be.
It’s wonderful going back in time to Ms. Bayne’s world where you can feel the grit of the London slums under your fingertips juxtaposed with Lords and Ladies of “leisure” with multiple households.
Needless to say, Lissa and Miles are forward thinkers who work to assure that the people in their employ are taken care of.
A fun period piece with lots of derring-do.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews