What do you think?
Rate this book
Victoria Parker Regency Mysteries #1
Dukes, Drinks, and Murder
After receiving a most unexpected personal invitation for a weekend of leisure and celebration, Miss Victoria Parker leaves London for the country seat of the Duke of Everton. Although unsure as to why a lowly spinster such as she would be invited anywhere by a duke, Victoria's trusted assistant, James Kensington, assures her it must concern her late father’s accounting firm, which she secretly runs.
Unfortunately for them both, James is dead wrong.
On the first night of her stay, events take a murderous turn when Victoria discovers her host dead from apparent poisoning. Worse still, the other guests believe Victoria may have played a part in the duke's untimely death.
With a killer on the loose and her name on the line, Victoria sets out to solve the mystery of His Grace's murder. But discovering "whodunit" might prove more difficult than she first believed; it seems everyone at Stanting Estate has a motive to want the duke dead.
Knowing that she cannot complete this task alone, Victoria turns to James for help. As the two work closely together, new feelings begin to emerge, yet Victoria attempts to suppress them. After all, it would not do to fall in love with an employee. For each clue she unravels, however, Victoria finds herself not only closer to unmasking the murderer, but closer to James, as well. Can she solve the murder before she loses both her reputation and her heart?
A cozy, romantic Regency murder mystery that will keep you guessing til the end.
Unfortunately for them both, James is dead wrong.
On the first night of her stay, events take a murderous turn when Victoria discovers her host dead from apparent poisoning. Worse still, the other guests believe Victoria may have played a part in the duke's untimely death.
With a killer on the loose and her name on the line, Victoria sets out to solve the mystery of His Grace's murder. But discovering "whodunit" might prove more difficult than she first believed; it seems everyone at Stanting Estate has a motive to want the duke dead.
Knowing that she cannot complete this task alone, Victoria turns to James for help. As the two work closely together, new feelings begin to emerge, yet Victoria attempts to suppress them. After all, it would not do to fall in love with an employee. For each clue she unravels, however, Victoria finds herself not only closer to unmasking the murderer, but closer to James, as well. Can she solve the murder before she loses both her reputation and her heart?
A cozy, romantic Regency murder mystery that will keep you guessing til the end.
177 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 31, 2021
777 people are currently reading
806 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Monroe
67 books94 followersJennifer Monroe writes sweet Regency Romance you can’t resist. Her stories are filled with first loves and second chances with dashing dukes and strong heroines. Each turn of the page promises an adventure in love and many late nights of reading.
Not sure where to start? Download my free ebook, A Lady’s Promise, from my website and have it delivered to your inbox today!
https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
Not sure where to start? Download my free ebook, A Lady’s Promise, from my website and have it delivered to your inbox today!
https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
September 24, 2021
Barbara’s rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars
Series: Victoria Parker Regency Mysteries #1
Publication Date: 1/31/21
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: 177
This was the first book I’ve read by this author and I fully intend to try the second book in the series. I understand her future focus will be on writing Regency romance rather than mysteries and I have not tried reading a romance by her.
Miss Victoria (Vicky) Parker inherited her father’s accounting business, Parker Accounting, several years ago after her father died. The only choices she had was to close the firm or find a male to be the face of the business – because – well – none of their clients would do business with a female. Luckily for her, she has just the perfect person to be the face of the business. James Kensington was her father’s assistant for years and he has been Vicky’s friend for years as well and he had no qualms about stepping up to become the face of the company.
One of the largest and most important clients of their firm is Felton Warwick, the Duke of Everton, and he has always been most cordial when he has been in their offices. However, he is a duke and the Parkers are common business people, so it was a great surprise when Vicky and James received an invitation to spend the weekend at the duke’s country estate about an hour outside London. Vicky frets about the reason for the invitation – is he planning to sever his relationship with their firm? Has he discovered that Vicky is the one in charge? If he knows, will he tell others and will they quit doing business with them?
Upon arrival at the estate, they find there are other guests as well. Besides the residents of the home – the duke, his much younger duchess (Charlotte), his son (George), and his son’s wife (Lavinia), there is Baron William Gerard and Richard Kent who Vicky considers to be vile and outrageous in his behavior. Had Vicky known Richard was going to be in attendance she might have reconsidered attending.
The duke has set appointments to speak with each of his guests and nobody has any idea why – he has only said the meetings are ‘important’. Vicky is very nervous when her appointed time – midnight – arrives. She pushes the door open and greets the duke – who doesn’t respond. She addresses him again and still no response. Then – she realizes he is dead and he has written one word on the paper beneath his hand - BETRAYED! OMGoodness! She doesn’t scream and starts to back out of the room.
I guessed who the perpetrator was almost as soon as the murder happened, so it isn’t too much of a puzzle. Just logic. However, the suspects are all entangled in some sort of other intrigue, affairs, etc. and they all lie and tell half-truths when questioned. It amazed me that it took Vicky so long to put the clues together or to look at the logic of it.
While this book didn’t bowl me over, I will try the next book in the series. I did like James and Vicky and will enjoy seeing where their relationship leads them. I thought the writing was a bit stilted and conversations were stiff. I thought perhaps the author was trying to emulate the more formal speech patterns of the times, but this version seemed more stilted than not. One thing that also bothered me was that George wasn’t immediately recognized as the new duke by the attendees and staff. As soon as his father died, George was the duke and should have been addressed as Your Grace, etc. Yes, the formalities had to be done in London, but he was the duke at that point.
I can recommend the book for a quick read – and if you choose to read it, I hope you enjoy it.
Series: Victoria Parker Regency Mysteries #1
Publication Date: 1/31/21
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: 177
This was the first book I’ve read by this author and I fully intend to try the second book in the series. I understand her future focus will be on writing Regency romance rather than mysteries and I have not tried reading a romance by her.
Miss Victoria (Vicky) Parker inherited her father’s accounting business, Parker Accounting, several years ago after her father died. The only choices she had was to close the firm or find a male to be the face of the business – because – well – none of their clients would do business with a female. Luckily for her, she has just the perfect person to be the face of the business. James Kensington was her father’s assistant for years and he has been Vicky’s friend for years as well and he had no qualms about stepping up to become the face of the company.
One of the largest and most important clients of their firm is Felton Warwick, the Duke of Everton, and he has always been most cordial when he has been in their offices. However, he is a duke and the Parkers are common business people, so it was a great surprise when Vicky and James received an invitation to spend the weekend at the duke’s country estate about an hour outside London. Vicky frets about the reason for the invitation – is he planning to sever his relationship with their firm? Has he discovered that Vicky is the one in charge? If he knows, will he tell others and will they quit doing business with them?
Upon arrival at the estate, they find there are other guests as well. Besides the residents of the home – the duke, his much younger duchess (Charlotte), his son (George), and his son’s wife (Lavinia), there is Baron William Gerard and Richard Kent who Vicky considers to be vile and outrageous in his behavior. Had Vicky known Richard was going to be in attendance she might have reconsidered attending.
The duke has set appointments to speak with each of his guests and nobody has any idea why – he has only said the meetings are ‘important’. Vicky is very nervous when her appointed time – midnight – arrives. She pushes the door open and greets the duke – who doesn’t respond. She addresses him again and still no response. Then – she realizes he is dead and he has written one word on the paper beneath his hand - BETRAYED! OMGoodness! She doesn’t scream and starts to back out of the room.
I guessed who the perpetrator was almost as soon as the murder happened, so it isn’t too much of a puzzle. Just logic. However, the suspects are all entangled in some sort of other intrigue, affairs, etc. and they all lie and tell half-truths when questioned. It amazed me that it took Vicky so long to put the clues together or to look at the logic of it.
While this book didn’t bowl me over, I will try the next book in the series. I did like James and Vicky and will enjoy seeing where their relationship leads them. I thought the writing was a bit stilted and conversations were stiff. I thought perhaps the author was trying to emulate the more formal speech patterns of the times, but this version seemed more stilted than not. One thing that also bothered me was that George wasn’t immediately recognized as the new duke by the attendees and staff. As soon as his father died, George was the duke and should have been addressed as Your Grace, etc. Yes, the formalities had to be done in London, but he was the duke at that point.
I can recommend the book for a quick read – and if you choose to read it, I hope you enjoy it.
February 4, 2021
Concerning The Death🍸💀 of The Duke
CLEAN Regency Whodunit 💀 with Romantic💕 Elements.
Vicky's father, an Accountant for a Duke and other wealthy clients, dies, leaving her in charge of the business. Since she is a woman, she must have a front man, because women just do not become accountants in the Regency Era. James🐺, her father's assistant, becomes the front man but they work together, and it seems James🐺 has a Tendre for Vicky💃💋, who considers herself a spinster. Vicky💃💋 seems oblivious although she is razor sharp in the business of bookkeeping and her powers of observation. Why doesn't she see that James🐺 wants to be more than friends and partners?
The Duke invites both James🐺 and Vicky💃💋, among other guests, to a weekend at his estate🏰 just outside London. That very night, the old Duke is poisoned with a glass of brandy🍸, and he dies💀. A scrap of paper with the word "betrayal" is found with his body. It seems his very young second wife 👰and his adult son have motive to kill him, as do most of the other guests! A constable👲 is brought in to investigate, but he is incompetent, and Vicky💃💋 and James🐺 must do their own investigation.
ARC Provided by Booksprout 🌱
I also got this ebook with KU.
This was an intriguing whodunit all The way through! Recommend for lovers of this genre.
CLEAN Regency Whodunit 💀 with Romantic💕 Elements.
Vicky's father, an Accountant for a Duke and other wealthy clients, dies, leaving her in charge of the business. Since she is a woman, she must have a front man, because women just do not become accountants in the Regency Era. James🐺, her father's assistant, becomes the front man but they work together, and it seems James🐺 has a Tendre for Vicky💃💋, who considers herself a spinster. Vicky💃💋 seems oblivious although she is razor sharp in the business of bookkeeping and her powers of observation. Why doesn't she see that James🐺 wants to be more than friends and partners?
The Duke invites both James🐺 and Vicky💃💋, among other guests, to a weekend at his estate🏰 just outside London. That very night, the old Duke is poisoned with a glass of brandy🍸, and he dies💀. A scrap of paper with the word "betrayal" is found with his body. It seems his very young second wife 👰and his adult son have motive to kill him, as do most of the other guests! A constable👲 is brought in to investigate, but he is incompetent, and Vicky💃💋 and James🐺 must do their own investigation.
ARC Provided by Booksprout 🌱
I also got this ebook with KU.
This was an intriguing whodunit all The way through! Recommend for lovers of this genre.
October 17, 2021
London, England. Regency Era. Jennifer Monroe’s Dukes, Drinks, and Murder (Victoria Parker Regency
Mysteries, Book 1) begins with the protagonist, Victoria ‘Vicky’ Parker, becoming the head of her recently departed father’s accounting firm, and understanding “men of the highest caliber would never accept that Vicky herself was in charge of the accounting firm……”. Thus, Vicky hired Mr. James
Kensington, a man who had “studied under” Vicky’s father and now was sitting at her father’s desk, but, in truth, Vicky is running the company, and James acted as a front man for the company although he did his share of the work. Please remember the time period - Regency - women did not run companies “What would people think of a notion of a woman taking over the position that should belong to a man?” I find that extremely annoying! Enter: an invitation to a weekend “of leisure and celebration” at the ‘country seat’ of the Duke of Everton. Vicky and James accept, and that is where Vicky begins her sleuthing. I found this mystery stilted. There is a lack of descriptive prose. The characters appear one dimensional except for the friendship between Vicky and James. 2.5 stars.
Mysteries, Book 1) begins with the protagonist, Victoria ‘Vicky’ Parker, becoming the head of her recently departed father’s accounting firm, and understanding “men of the highest caliber would never accept that Vicky herself was in charge of the accounting firm……”. Thus, Vicky hired Mr. James
Kensington, a man who had “studied under” Vicky’s father and now was sitting at her father’s desk, but, in truth, Vicky is running the company, and James acted as a front man for the company although he did his share of the work. Please remember the time period - Regency - women did not run companies “What would people think of a notion of a woman taking over the position that should belong to a man?” I find that extremely annoying! Enter: an invitation to a weekend “of leisure and celebration” at the ‘country seat’ of the Duke of Everton. Vicky and James accept, and that is where Vicky begins her sleuthing. I found this mystery stilted. There is a lack of descriptive prose. The characters appear one dimensional except for the friendship between Vicky and James. 2.5 stars.
May 29, 2021
I wanted to like this since it seemed to meet all of my recent preferences:
1) It's a historical.
2) It's a cozy.
3) There seems to be a smidge of romance.
4) It's clean.
5) And let's be honest, the cover is adorable.
That being said, I was said when this didn't do it for me. The writing wasn't strong: the dialogue was stiff and the monologue was simplistic. The characters, other than the heroine and her fellow, were caricatures. And as other reviewers have mentioned, the fact that the marquess, the son of the duke, wasn't immediately referred to as the duke, or "His Grace", irked.
It's a shame really, since I want to see if the heroine and her fellow make steady inroads into a relationship. I really hope they do, since he is a wonderful man. Maybe if the reviews of the subsequent books note the writing improving, I'll get to see for myself their HEA! :)
1) It's a historical.
2) It's a cozy.
3) There seems to be a smidge of romance.
4) It's clean.
5) And let's be honest, the cover is adorable.
That being said, I was said when this didn't do it for me. The writing wasn't strong: the dialogue was stiff and the monologue was simplistic. The characters, other than the heroine and her fellow, were caricatures. And as other reviewers have mentioned, the fact that the marquess, the son of the duke, wasn't immediately referred to as the duke, or "His Grace", irked.
It's a shame really, since I want to see if the heroine and her fellow make steady inroads into a relationship. I really hope they do, since he is a wonderful man. Maybe if the reviews of the subsequent books note the writing improving, I'll get to see for myself their HEA! :)
August 28, 2021
Just
Overall, the story was good. With everyone lying and framing each other, it kept me guessing.... I appreciated that it was clean. But the writing left much to be desired... Simplistic, with most of the characters being caricatures and then randomly acting completely out of their "character". The heroine had all the confidence in the world one moment and then none the next, it was just incongruous for me. Lots of mistakes with the regency time period. Sadly I just don't think I'll continue on with the series.
Overall, the story was good. With everyone lying and framing each other, it kept me guessing.... I appreciated that it was clean. But the writing left much to be desired... Simplistic, with most of the characters being caricatures and then randomly acting completely out of their "character". The heroine had all the confidence in the world one moment and then none the next, it was just incongruous for me. Lots of mistakes with the regency time period. Sadly I just don't think I'll continue on with the series.
April 29, 2024
Miss Victoria Parker inherited her father’s accounting business but as a woman needed a man to ‘front’ the business & she chooses James Kensington who was her father’s assistant. The couple have received a very unexpected invitation from one of their most important clients. To spend a weekend at the country seat of the Duke of Everton. On the first night of their stay, events take a murderous turn when Victoria discovers her host dead from apparent poisoning. Worse still, the other guests believe Victoria may have played a part in the duke's untimely death. With a killer on the loose and her name on the line, Victoria sets out to solve the mystery of His Grace's murder. Knowing that she cannot complete this task alone, Victoria turns to James for help. As the two work closely together, new feelings begin to emerge, yet Victoria attempts to suppress them.
I thoroughly enjoyed this cosy mystery. I really liked Vicky & look forward to her relationship with James deepening. The murderer wasn’t hard to work out but I did enjoy Vicky’s sleuthing. The other characters are a mixed bunch & added to my enjoyment.
I thoroughly enjoyed this cosy mystery. I really liked Vicky & look forward to her relationship with James deepening. The murderer wasn’t hard to work out but I did enjoy Vicky’s sleuthing. The other characters are a mixed bunch & added to my enjoyment.
February 10, 2021
Why murder?
Victoria aka Vicky has taken over her fathers accounting firm with James as the male figure head! Vicky has been invited to the Duke's home for a weekend retreat with James but no indication as to why? They travel to a beautiful estate and fabulous food unlike any they have eaten!
After the Duke's murder everyone is a suspect! James is a strong rock in the middle of turmoil and everyone lies, suspicion and false innuendo! Mr. Kent is suspicious and offensive with constant overtures to Vicky! But someone is a murderer can she figure out who the culprit is with a bungling constable who couldn't find crumpets for tea! The is humour, intrigue and lots of tiptoe at night! But will the true villain be found? Or will someone get away with murder?
Victoria aka Vicky has taken over her fathers accounting firm with James as the male figure head! Vicky has been invited to the Duke's home for a weekend retreat with James but no indication as to why? They travel to a beautiful estate and fabulous food unlike any they have eaten!
After the Duke's murder everyone is a suspect! James is a strong rock in the middle of turmoil and everyone lies, suspicion and false innuendo! Mr. Kent is suspicious and offensive with constant overtures to Vicky! But someone is a murderer can she figure out who the culprit is with a bungling constable who couldn't find crumpets for tea! The is humour, intrigue and lots of tiptoe at night! But will the true villain be found? Or will someone get away with murder?
November 20, 2023
Victoria is pleased to be attending a leisurely weekend with one of her late father's clients and a handful of other guests. But when she goes to speak to him about important accounting matters, she discovers that he has been poisoned. The local constable is no help at all, so despite being a woman, Vicky begins to do some investigating of her own.
This is a charming little whodunit with only a hint of cringe faux feminism. I found it difficult to figure out the characters at first, and nothing happens in this book besides an investigation (despite hints that Vicky has some romantic tension), but otherwise, it's a cozy little mystery with a lot of spunk and creativity.
This is a charming little whodunit with only a hint of cringe faux feminism. I found it difficult to figure out the characters at first, and nothing happens in this book besides an investigation (despite hints that Vicky has some romantic tension), but otherwise, it's a cozy little mystery with a lot of spunk and creativity.
April 2, 2021
sometimes she was a bit silly
all the accusing became silly. but i also cannot say it wouldn’t have worked. she was good at playing “her station” to get people to talk. as you get more info, the murderer is obvious. glad to be rid of the trouble maker too. i’ll try another book.
all the accusing became silly. but i also cannot say it wouldn’t have worked. she was good at playing “her station” to get people to talk. as you get more info, the murderer is obvious. glad to be rid of the trouble maker too. i’ll try another book.
May 13, 2023
This is the first in the series. The main character is Vicky. Vicky with the help of her friend James, took over her father's accounting business. They are asked to spend the weekend at the estate of the Duke and decide to go. The first night there the Duke is murdered. Vicky sets out to kind who did it. She asks a lot of questions and is pretty sure she know who but will anyone in the ton believe her?
February 4, 2021
A brilliant Regency "whodunnit" and a great start to a new series. Dying to read more of Miss Parker's adventures!
November 7, 2021
This is a delightful who-done-it mystery. Well worth the time to read it.
August 9, 2024
I regret there's very little to like in this book:
The mystery is not so surprising, one can more or less guess who the killer is from the beginning.
The characters are not very believable and sometimes feel like bipolar caricatures. For example, there's a character who's supposed to be a dangerous rogue but most of the time he just feels like a clumsy opportunist. Another one sways from being a simpleton everyone takes advantage of to being a good wise person who knows how to handle everyone...
The dialogues are far from the witty banter they're meant to be. "Thankfully", we are told by the narrator that some comment is meant to be a seductive innuendo or some other reply a witty remark to put someone in their place... otherwise, I would just believe them to be crude openings or rude replies. Also, we only know how the characters feel because we are explicitly told, not because we can deduce it from the dialogues or the situations...
KiWe also need to take it for granted that everyone trusts the main female character to solve the mystery and confides in her out of the blue, there's certainly no hint that she's especially clever or knowledgeable or trustworthy.
But what grates me more is the total disregard for historical accuracy. Why set a story in the Regency if the characters are not going to behave according to the conventions of the time? To start with, the premise of the story (a female accountant who is invited to a Duke's house party and turns into an amateur sleuth who solves a murder) may fit better in an Edwardian or even 1920s setting, where social strictures begin to relax and women gain more independence. But even allowing for this breach of social and gender barriers in the early 19th century, I'd still expect a minimum of credibility. Instead, we have a recent widow who dresses in blue, two "lowly" accountants who dinner and socialise with aristocrats and members of the ton as equals, characters calling each other by their Christian names even if they're recently acquainted, a lack of basic knowledge regarding titles and manners of address...
The mystery is not so surprising, one can more or less guess who the killer is from the beginning.
The characters are not very believable and sometimes feel like bipolar caricatures. For example, there's a character who's supposed to be a dangerous rogue but most of the time he just feels like a clumsy opportunist. Another one sways from being a simpleton everyone takes advantage of to being a good wise person who knows how to handle everyone...
The dialogues are far from the witty banter they're meant to be. "Thankfully", we are told by the narrator that some comment is meant to be a seductive innuendo or some other reply a witty remark to put someone in their place... otherwise, I would just believe them to be crude openings or rude replies. Also, we only know how the characters feel because we are explicitly told, not because we can deduce it from the dialogues or the situations...
KiWe also need to take it for granted that everyone trusts the main female character to solve the mystery and confides in her out of the blue, there's certainly no hint that she's especially clever or knowledgeable or trustworthy.
But what grates me more is the total disregard for historical accuracy. Why set a story in the Regency if the characters are not going to behave according to the conventions of the time? To start with, the premise of the story (a female accountant who is invited to a Duke's house party and turns into an amateur sleuth who solves a murder) may fit better in an Edwardian or even 1920s setting, where social strictures begin to relax and women gain more independence. But even allowing for this breach of social and gender barriers in the early 19th century, I'd still expect a minimum of credibility. Instead, we have a recent widow who dresses in blue, two "lowly" accountants who dinner and socialise with aristocrats and members of the ton as equals, characters calling each other by their Christian names even if they're recently acquainted, a lack of basic knowledge regarding titles and manners of address...
June 21, 2022
Disappointed that a very good premise -woman taking over father's business, but reliable assistant provides cover as the purported male head of the company- was ruined by the adolescent behavior of the heroine, among other big flaws. The total disregard for the mores of the time, as well as the complete muddle of inheritance laws and titles was just too much. It was nearly farcical but with no humor to carry off a comedy. So if serious, who believes people actually speak and behave like that? It's as if everyone was 15. Just no.
February 24, 2021
Intrigue and mystery keep you turning the pages. Wonderful characters with interesting dialogue and good interaction. Lots of twists and turns with plenty of drama thrown in. Good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 21, 2021
Twists and Turns
The relationship between Vicky and James reminded me a lot of the tv show “Remington Steele.” Just different time periods. I enjoyed the mystery and the perhaps romance.
The relationship between Vicky and James reminded me a lot of the tv show “Remington Steele.” Just different time periods. I enjoyed the mystery and the perhaps romance.
July 28, 2021
Dukes, Drinks and Murder...( Victoria Parker Regency Mysteries Book 1)
You have capture a wonderful love affair between to sweet people! ..this Book is full of mystery
But the best part is the respect and the love and patience shown...thank you💖
You have capture a wonderful love affair between to sweet people! ..this Book is full of mystery
But the best part is the respect and the love and patience shown...thank you💖
June 26, 2021
Good idea, writing could have been better. Didn’t really flow well.
December 9, 2021
I don't think I'll continue this series. It's all very standard formula for character stereotypes, basic plot, development of romantic interests and tensions, more and more secret scandals and back stories being revealed among the aristocrats gathered at a duke's country home for a weekend getaway. But it is often flat and at times inane.
The heroine, Vicky, nominally a spinster accountant's aide but actually the brains running the business, is invited for a weekend with members of the ton, and she brings along her front man James, figurehead leader of their firm. The host is poisoned in his library at midnight. Everyone else but Vicky and James, it turns out, had motives. So, who did it?
Vicky goes around and talks to everyone, believing whatever they say while speaking to them and changing her mind as to who probably did it every few pages, again and again. The conversations and behaviors are unbelievably simple and at times farcical, though the author doesn't intend this. The knowledge of correct social behaviors and language is lacking for many of these exchanges. I did not really care what happened to any of these characters, except for the victim's son, who was presented as a good-natured fellow who liked people and treated all with respect. I suppose Vicky's assistant was nice enough, and the rogue aristocrat love interest and the swooning duchess had their moments, but in the end I don't think I'll read more in this series.
The heroine, Vicky, nominally a spinster accountant's aide but actually the brains running the business, is invited for a weekend with members of the ton, and she brings along her front man James, figurehead leader of their firm. The host is poisoned in his library at midnight. Everyone else but Vicky and James, it turns out, had motives. So, who did it?
Vicky goes around and talks to everyone, believing whatever they say while speaking to them and changing her mind as to who probably did it every few pages, again and again. The conversations and behaviors are unbelievably simple and at times farcical, though the author doesn't intend this. The knowledge of correct social behaviors and language is lacking for many of these exchanges. I did not really care what happened to any of these characters, except for the victim's son, who was presented as a good-natured fellow who liked people and treated all with respect. I suppose Vicky's assistant was nice enough, and the rogue aristocrat love interest and the swooning duchess had their moments, but in the end I don't think I'll read more in this series.
February 3, 2021
Miss Victoria Parker is very surprised to receive a personal invitation from the Duke of Everton to attend a weekend of leisure and celebration. There seems to be no reason why he would want the woman who handles his accounting to attend such a function. Nevertheless, Victoria and her assistant, James Kensington, travel to their destination. But on the first night there, Victoria discovers her host is dead from an apparent poisoning and some guests think Victoria may be involved in the Duke's death. With her own name at risk, Victoria decides to investigate the mystery and find the killer. But apparently everyone there has some sort of motive to wish the duke dead!
As Victoria questions the guests, there are lies to sort and narrow down the search. With James beside her, going through the clues, the two are becoming aware of their attraction to each other. Will they find the murderer before they get too involved with each other? Can they clear her name?
This was a delightful story that I enjoyed from start to finish! The story line was well-paced and the characters were varied and intriguing, not giving away to the reader who the murderer was. Grab this exciting story and follow the clues with Victoria and James as they try to find the murderer and the reason why the Duke was killed!
As Victoria questions the guests, there are lies to sort and narrow down the search. With James beside her, going through the clues, the two are becoming aware of their attraction to each other. Will they find the murderer before they get too involved with each other? Can they clear her name?
This was a delightful story that I enjoyed from start to finish! The story line was well-paced and the characters were varied and intriguing, not giving away to the reader who the murderer was. Grab this exciting story and follow the clues with Victoria and James as they try to find the murderer and the reason why the Duke was killed!
May 28, 2021
OKAY, BEFORE I START, LET'S PRAISE THE SIMPLE BEAUTIFUL COVER. I AM A FAN OF THIS TYPE OF BOOK COVER, JUST SO PRETTY!
I CANNOT SAY ANYTHING BAD ABOUT THE BOOK BECAUSE I TRULY ENJOYED EVERY ASPECT OF THIS BOOK. THE STORY LINE WILL KEEP YOU EXCITED. EVERY NEW CONCLUSIONS LEADS TO MORE QUESTIONS AND LAYERS OF NEW INFORMATION. I KNOW I AM LIKE BABBLING RIGHT NOW ITS BECAUSE THE BOOK WILL KEEP YOU GUESSING AND WILL TRY TO CONFUSE YOU. AT FIRST I THOUGHT I ALREADY KNOW WHO DONE IT BUT I WAS WRONG, SO YEAH!
AND I LIKE VICTORIA, SHE IS FUNNY AND A SILLY CHARACTER I HAVE EVER MET OR READ, RATHER. I ALSO LOVE THE WAY JAMES AND HER WOULD TEASE EACH OTHER. THERE IS ALSO A ROMANCE HERE BUT NOT SO MUCH DETAILED. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK! I WOULD BE READING ANOTHER BOOK BY THIS AUTHOR. YOU CAN CHECK MORE OF MY HISTORICAL MYSTERY REVIEWS. SEE YOU ON MY NEXT REVIEW. THANK YOU FOR READING.
HAVE YOU READ THIS BOOK? WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS NOVEL? PLEASE COMMENT BELOW.
I CANNOT SAY ANYTHING BAD ABOUT THE BOOK BECAUSE I TRULY ENJOYED EVERY ASPECT OF THIS BOOK. THE STORY LINE WILL KEEP YOU EXCITED. EVERY NEW CONCLUSIONS LEADS TO MORE QUESTIONS AND LAYERS OF NEW INFORMATION. I KNOW I AM LIKE BABBLING RIGHT NOW ITS BECAUSE THE BOOK WILL KEEP YOU GUESSING AND WILL TRY TO CONFUSE YOU. AT FIRST I THOUGHT I ALREADY KNOW WHO DONE IT BUT I WAS WRONG, SO YEAH!
AND I LIKE VICTORIA, SHE IS FUNNY AND A SILLY CHARACTER I HAVE EVER MET OR READ, RATHER. I ALSO LOVE THE WAY JAMES AND HER WOULD TEASE EACH OTHER. THERE IS ALSO A ROMANCE HERE BUT NOT SO MUCH DETAILED. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK! I WOULD BE READING ANOTHER BOOK BY THIS AUTHOR. YOU CAN CHECK MORE OF MY HISTORICAL MYSTERY REVIEWS. SEE YOU ON MY NEXT REVIEW. THANK YOU FOR READING.
HAVE YOU READ THIS BOOK? WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS NOVEL? PLEASE COMMENT BELOW.
August 18, 2021
DUKES,DRINKS AND MURDER is the first in the Victoria Parker Regency Mysteries. It is a very entertaining cozy mystery by JENNIFER MONROE. WITH NARRATION BY DEBORAH BALM.
Victoria Parker, accountant and her helper James Kensington receive an invitation to the Duke of Everton,a very very important client. When Victoria and James arrive they are told the Duke is leaving for India and her very important client might be taking their accounting with him. The Duke has a houseful of guests, all of them beholden to the Duke. When Victoria finds the Duke dead of poisoning she is number one suspect,as she found the body. Its up to Victoria to find out who murdered the Duke in a houseful of business acquaintances and a houseful of family who arent too keen on the Duke.
As someone who loves historical mysteries as well as cozy mysteries ,I found this a very entertaining read. Deborah Balm did a great job with narration and voices. Not an easy job when you have two women bickering with each other ! I cant wait to listen to more of the series to see how the characters develop as well as how the plots develop
I recieved this audiobook free in exchange for a honest review..
Victoria Parker, accountant and her helper James Kensington receive an invitation to the Duke of Everton,a very very important client. When Victoria and James arrive they are told the Duke is leaving for India and her very important client might be taking their accounting with him. The Duke has a houseful of guests, all of them beholden to the Duke. When Victoria finds the Duke dead of poisoning she is number one suspect,as she found the body. Its up to Victoria to find out who murdered the Duke in a houseful of business acquaintances and a houseful of family who arent too keen on the Duke.
As someone who loves historical mysteries as well as cozy mysteries ,I found this a very entertaining read. Deborah Balm did a great job with narration and voices. Not an easy job when you have two women bickering with each other ! I cant wait to listen to more of the series to see how the characters develop as well as how the plots develop
I recieved this audiobook free in exchange for a honest review..
May 23, 2023
#1 in the Victoria Parker Regency mystery series.
Vicky's father, an Accountant for a Duke and other wealthy clients, dies, leaving her in charge of the business. As a woman, she must have a front man because women did not become accountants in the Regency Era. James Kensington, her long time friend and her father's assistant, becomes the front man.
She receives a very unexpected personal invitation from the Duke of Everton, one her father's clients, to a weekend of leisure and celebration. This is extremely awkward as she it places her a commoner, into a household full titled aristocracy, so totally out of place. Due to the duke's status as an important client, she has to go and brings James along as he is the person representing the firm. On their first night there, the duke is poisoned after announcing plans that financially upset most of the people there.
Due to her status, Victoria is an immediate suspect and things don't get any better when the constable investigating is incompetent. With a killer on the loose and her name on the line, Victoria sets out to solve the mystery of His Grace's murder.
Vicky's father, an Accountant for a Duke and other wealthy clients, dies, leaving her in charge of the business. As a woman, she must have a front man because women did not become accountants in the Regency Era. James Kensington, her long time friend and her father's assistant, becomes the front man.
She receives a very unexpected personal invitation from the Duke of Everton, one her father's clients, to a weekend of leisure and celebration. This is extremely awkward as she it places her a commoner, into a household full titled aristocracy, so totally out of place. Due to the duke's status as an important client, she has to go and brings James along as he is the person representing the firm. On their first night there, the duke is poisoned after announcing plans that financially upset most of the people there.
Due to her status, Victoria is an immediate suspect and things don't get any better when the constable investigating is incompetent. With a killer on the loose and her name on the line, Victoria sets out to solve the mystery of His Grace's murder.
February 2, 2021
What a fun who-dunnit! Vicky and James, mere accountants, get invited to a duke’s home for a weekend celebration. After dinner on the first night, the duke is murdered. Vicky spends the rest of the time questioning the other guests to discover the culpret. The cast of characters is great. There’s a bumbling constable; a rogue; a duchess fifty years younger than her deceased husband; an overbearing soon-to-be duchess who constantly battles with the current duchess; a baron who is playing footsy with a married woman; the duke-to-be who appears incompetent; James, who is a steadfast ally of Vicky; and Vicky, herself, who is down-to-earth, smart and determined. This book will take you on a merry chase as you sift through the lies and misdirections to determine who poisoned the duke. You will find wonderful dialogue, ridiculous blunders and unexpected encounters. Added to that is the ever faithful James and his feelings for Vicky. This is just a delightful story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 17, 2021
Delightful Clean Regency Mystery
I have been on a kick this year for the Regency Mystery genre... I think they're just a fun escape from many of new the books in other categories coming out that seem to be sneaking in a push in the author's politics. This book is in line with other regencies mysteries and although I did enjoy it, I felt the pacing was a bit off and the main character seemed more clumsy then astute in figuring out the murder. That being said the characters were likable and I did myself invested and wanted to see how it ended. There were some good twists but without saying too much, I just wasn't shocked by the discovery of the murder... but I do listen to many so that could also explain it.
Parents- PG - No bad language, nothing graphic in the murder, there are situations that insinuate affairs, other insinuations made and amorous intentions put forward but that's as far as it goes.
The narrator did a great job and was enjoyable to listen to.
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I have been on a kick this year for the Regency Mystery genre... I think they're just a fun escape from many of new the books in other categories coming out that seem to be sneaking in a push in the author's politics. This book is in line with other regencies mysteries and although I did enjoy it, I felt the pacing was a bit off and the main character seemed more clumsy then astute in figuring out the murder. That being said the characters were likable and I did myself invested and wanted to see how it ended. There were some good twists but without saying too much, I just wasn't shocked by the discovery of the murder... but I do listen to many so that could also explain it.
Parents- PG - No bad language, nothing graphic in the murder, there are situations that insinuate affairs, other insinuations made and amorous intentions put forward but that's as far as it goes.
The narrator did a great job and was enjoyable to listen to.
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
May 11, 2024
Victoria Parker, Vicky to her friends, has secretly taken over her father's accounting firm after his passing. As a man, her friend James is the face of the company. When a client, a duke, invites James and her to a house party they excitedly attend only to entangled in a classic who-done-it when the duke is murdered the first night. Hoping to clear suspicions from herself, Vicky begins her own investigation into the host of characters at the estate.
This story is entertaining. It keeps you guessing with new motives throughout the chapters. I enjoyed the suspense of trying to determine who the killer was. Vicky's personal struggles with her past and fighting feelings for James became a little tiring, however. The chemistry between James and Vicky is in the early stages with this book, so it makes sense that there is a bit of a struggle there.
Overall, I enjoyed the storyline and would read it again.
This story is entertaining. It keeps you guessing with new motives throughout the chapters. I enjoyed the suspense of trying to determine who the killer was. Vicky's personal struggles with her past and fighting feelings for James became a little tiring, however. The chemistry between James and Vicky is in the early stages with this book, so it makes sense that there is a bit of a struggle there.
Overall, I enjoyed the storyline and would read it again.
June 16, 2023
Badly written mystery with no romance
I totally disliked this story. The author wrote about an incident occuring after the Duke's death. A key piece of evidence was found. Then nothing! The particular piece of evidence and the incident itself ceased to exist anymore. As Vicky did her Clouseau speech when revealing the murderer, this incident was never mentioned, nor its culprit found. And the supposed romance was a joke. One embrace with Vickie thinking about James as a boyfriend, he says he loves her, then nothing happens, nothing is mentioned until last page. Suddenly Vickie speaks up, james just accepts it like it's not the best news he's ever heard. No big deal. I almost fell asleep 3 times while trying to finish it. It wasn't worth losing sleep over.
I totally disliked this story. The author wrote about an incident occuring after the Duke's death. A key piece of evidence was found. Then nothing! The particular piece of evidence and the incident itself ceased to exist anymore. As Vicky did her Clouseau speech when revealing the murderer, this incident was never mentioned, nor its culprit found. And the supposed romance was a joke. One embrace with Vickie thinking about James as a boyfriend, he says he loves her, then nothing happens, nothing is mentioned until last page. Suddenly Vickie speaks up, james just accepts it like it's not the best news he's ever heard. No big deal. I almost fell asleep 3 times while trying to finish it. It wasn't worth losing sleep over.
February 6, 2021
A very different regency romance.
Victoria is the brains behind her father’s business now that he has passed away. But men, especially powerful and wealthy gentlemen would not ever trust their accounts and finances with a woman so she has James act as the main person for the business and the one who talks to clients. When they are asked to go for the weekend to a Dukes residence they are confused. Why would the Duke ask people who are only a few steps up from servants to his estate? When he is murdered Victoria and James try to find out the culprit. And they have many.I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Victoria is the brains behind her father’s business now that he has passed away. But men, especially powerful and wealthy gentlemen would not ever trust their accounts and finances with a woman so she has James act as the main person for the business and the one who talks to clients. When they are asked to go for the weekend to a Dukes residence they are confused. Why would the Duke ask people who are only a few steps up from servants to his estate? When he is murdered Victoria and James try to find out the culprit. And they have many.I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 26, 2022
A different take on murder mystery series--a capable woman who recognizes the society of her times and manages to not put herself into the customary position of "a woman's place." While having a close male friend stand in as the head of her dead father's accounting business, she actually does most of the work in the background. Her friend--who actually loves her but does not wish to risk their friendship by announcing it--encourages her to be herself and stand up for herself.
While the book is a good "who done it?" series, it also deals with what women in that time period (Regency England of the early 19th Century) face while remaining true to themselves.
While the book is a good "who done it?" series, it also deals with what women in that time period (Regency England of the early 19th Century) face while remaining true to themselves.
June 17, 2022
Nice mystery for a middle class girl running her deceased fathers accounting business in London. During a time when women were not allowed to run a business. Therefore her fathers business associate James Kennington acted as the face of the business.
Invited to a clients home for a weekend celebration, the Duke had a great announcement to make. At dinner he announced his plan to travel indefinitely to India. Not everyone was deleted with the announcement. The plan was to meet individually with each guest. Unfortunately, by midnight the Duke had been murdered.
Vicky now has to unravel the clues to determine who is the murderer and why.
Invited to a clients home for a weekend celebration, the Duke had a great announcement to make. At dinner he announced his plan to travel indefinitely to India. Not everyone was deleted with the announcement. The plan was to meet individually with each guest. Unfortunately, by midnight the Duke had been murdered.
Vicky now has to unravel the clues to determine who is the murderer and why.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews