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A Chance Inquiry #1
The Waylaid Heart
A husband murdered...
A widow's ruse to find the killer...
A nobleman's curiosity...
Lead to a white slavery ring destroyed and a love found...
Although her marriage to George Waddley has been passionless, the beautiful widow, Cecilia Haukstrom Waddley, vows to unmask the man responsible for her husband's murder. Suspecting the culprit traveled in society circles, she diverts attention from eavesdropping and prying with constant and tiresome complaints of illness.
But nothing is as it seems...
Sir James Branstoke sees straight through Cecilia's feigned fragility. Intrigued by her odd behavior, he believes she has secrets—secrets that could lead to her demise. So, the hunter follows the huntress through society, never imagining that what has started as a chance inquiry could lead to a surprising love greater than either had ever known.
But will the cost of uncovering a murderer be too high? Can Cecilia and James reveal the culprit so love can blossom in the end?
A widow's ruse to find the killer...
A nobleman's curiosity...
Lead to a white slavery ring destroyed and a love found...
Although her marriage to George Waddley has been passionless, the beautiful widow, Cecilia Haukstrom Waddley, vows to unmask the man responsible for her husband's murder. Suspecting the culprit traveled in society circles, she diverts attention from eavesdropping and prying with constant and tiresome complaints of illness.
But nothing is as it seems...
Sir James Branstoke sees straight through Cecilia's feigned fragility. Intrigued by her odd behavior, he believes she has secrets—secrets that could lead to her demise. So, the hunter follows the huntress through society, never imagining that what has started as a chance inquiry could lead to a surprising love greater than either had ever known.
But will the cost of uncovering a murderer be too high? Can Cecilia and James reveal the culprit so love can blossom in the end?
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 19, 2021
655 people are currently reading
597 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
January 27, 2018
Great novel!
Full of humanity, comedy, thrills, mystery, and wonderful characters who were developed well. Reading this one was a very enjoyable experience!
Highly recommended.
Full of humanity, comedy, thrills, mystery, and wonderful characters who were developed well. Reading this one was a very enjoyable experience!
Highly recommended.
Want to read
December 27, 2012Originally published 1990. Free for Kindle.
June 18, 2024
This was an interesting and unique plot for a British mystery romance. In the beginning, the pretended sickness of the main character Cecelia became a bit annoying, but that soon smoothed out and the story, with all its twists and turns began to play out with intrigue, murder, evil-intent and a developing romance. I don't like to give too much away, so I'll just say, it was an enjoyable read.
September 5, 2021
Mrs. Cecilia Waddley is determined to discover who murdered her husband. She feigns ill-health and frailty to eavesdrop and go largely unnoticed by society in general. Sir James Branstoke sees through her ploy, and curiosity sets him on course to learn what she is up to. Will this chance inquiry bring them the solution to a horrific crime, or more danger than they are prepared for?
Coming back to this book after eight years was a lot of fun. I'd forgotten a lot of the details, so I felt like I was reading it for the first time. Therefore, I think I enjoyed it just as much this time around as I did the first time I read the book. Both main characters were enjoyable (though Sir James does get a little more handsy in a kiss than I'm comfortable). Seeing them learn to trust each other and work together was the highlight for me.
And, of course, I'm still amused that a minor character has the same last name as I do.
The plot is interesting and moves at a good pace. The efforts of our two main characters to learn the truth was believable. The reveal of the villain at the end took me by surprise. I'm looking forward to seeing where the author takes these characters next.
Coming back to this book after eight years was a lot of fun. I'd forgotten a lot of the details, so I felt like I was reading it for the first time. Therefore, I think I enjoyed it just as much this time around as I did the first time I read the book. Both main characters were enjoyable (though Sir James does get a little more handsy in a kiss than I'm comfortable). Seeing them learn to trust each other and work together was the highlight for me.
And, of course, I'm still amused that a minor character has the same last name as I do.
The plot is interesting and moves at a good pace. The efforts of our two main characters to learn the truth was believable. The reveal of the villain at the end took me by surprise. I'm looking forward to seeing where the author takes these characters next.
October 31, 2019
I had no idea this was part of a trilogy so obviously it can be read as a standalone. After reading the blurb I was hoping for a dash of mystery with the love story but was a bit disappointed. Our heroine (a recent widow) is convinced her merchant husband was murdered for a reason rather than a random robbery. She wants to find the murderer among the ton and reenters society. Her only investigating seemed to be acting ill in order to be "invisible" and forgotten enough that people would talk freely in front of her and listening at doors but always being caught. Cecilia never really heard anything of merit to her investigation in ballrooms and had little access into the retiring or card rooms usually reserved for men. She rarely probed or questioned her suspects when alone with them and I had no idea why the hero Branstoke was attracted to her. This couples chemistry did not work for me.
March 30, 2022
Appearances are deceiving
Cecilia portrays this fragile creature plagued by many mysterious illnesses! James portrays this idle lazy eyed languid man that chases after each new debutante! Each wearing a mask but James saw through Cecilia much quicker than she his!
Cecilia means to investigate the death of her husband she believes he was a good man murdered intentionally! But she has stirred a hornets nest and she is ill equipped to handle the vile devils she has brought to her aunts doorstep!
James is not fully aware of the danger but he knows that Cecilia needs protecting! A marriage of 8 years has produced no offspring but little is said about that! When secrets come to light concerning Cecilia brother and her deceased husband her life is almost forfeit!
If you like mystery, falling out windows and exploding ships you won't put this one down! This author is new to me! What a wild ride!
Cecilia portrays this fragile creature plagued by many mysterious illnesses! James portrays this idle lazy eyed languid man that chases after each new debutante! Each wearing a mask but James saw through Cecilia much quicker than she his!
Cecilia means to investigate the death of her husband she believes he was a good man murdered intentionally! But she has stirred a hornets nest and she is ill equipped to handle the vile devils she has brought to her aunts doorstep!
James is not fully aware of the danger but he knows that Cecilia needs protecting! A marriage of 8 years has produced no offspring but little is said about that! When secrets come to light concerning Cecilia brother and her deceased husband her life is almost forfeit!
If you like mystery, falling out windows and exploding ships you won't put this one down! This author is new to me! What a wild ride!
November 28, 2018
Extremely enjoyable mystery/romance
This is a period piece set back to the times of Napoleon . Our heroine blunders into the mystery of her husband's murder and finds herself over her head in the darkside of human evil beyond anything she can imagine.
I will be looking for other stories by this author. Her characters are well developed and we can see the time and society her story is set in. Add a big surprising twist into where we think this story was going and you get a very satisfactory story and an easy quick read, although you will also be left with a haunting look at a horrifying problem that we are now desperately fighting to destroy in our modern day society. Read it and share your thoughts on The Waylaid Heart.
This is a period piece set back to the times of Napoleon . Our heroine blunders into the mystery of her husband's murder and finds herself over her head in the darkside of human evil beyond anything she can imagine.
I will be looking for other stories by this author. Her characters are well developed and we can see the time and society her story is set in. Add a big surprising twist into where we think this story was going and you get a very satisfactory story and an easy quick read, although you will also be left with a haunting look at a horrifying problem that we are now desperately fighting to destroy in our modern day society. Read it and share your thoughts on The Waylaid Heart.
December 1, 2017
I was a bit slow getting into this one, but once I did, I loved it. As I mentioned in my review of The Rocking Horse, I really enjoy the author’s prose - it’s more descriptive and drawn out, dialogue is a little more authentic-sounding...not the usual modern-with-dash-of-Ton to tell you “hey I’m a historical romance!” ;) I love those too, but this one just felt a little more real.
There was legit intrigue in this one too! A real mystery that was interesting and drawn out! I liked that it was given serious weight along with the romance. It actually made me curious to research the topic.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and will read more from this author.
There was legit intrigue in this one too! A real mystery that was interesting and drawn out! I liked that it was given serious weight along with the romance. It actually made me curious to research the topic.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and will read more from this author.
September 7, 2019
Got this as a deal on Amazon. I really liked it! Regency romance with a mystery. Although it says #3 in the series, it was completely stand alone.
Both H/h were hiding their true personalities. Hero pretended to be lazy & nonobservant. Heroine pretended to be a ditzy hypochondriac.
The heroine was acting this way to try & discover who killed her merchant husband & why. She uncovers a whole lot of trouble. The hero exposes himself as a handy man to know in a pinch.
All in all, a good read!
Both H/h were hiding their true personalities. Hero pretended to be lazy & nonobservant. Heroine pretended to be a ditzy hypochondriac.
The heroine was acting this way to try & discover who killed her merchant husband & why. She uncovers a whole lot of trouble. The hero exposes himself as a handy man to know in a pinch.
All in all, a good read!
October 22, 2021
Slowly accelerating plot from a sudden and suspicious death
Sensual romance; Sensual kisses 💋, no consummation; Cecilia is trying to investigate the death of her husband. Branstoke notes that she is probably acting. The posing and posturing accelerates to a climax of confrontation and kidnapping followed by dramatic rescue and prisoner revolt. Plenty of supporting and well developed characters including Viscount and Viscountess St. Rine from Honor's Players, the 4th book 📖in Flowers and Thorns.
Sensual romance; Sensual kisses 💋, no consummation; Cecilia is trying to investigate the death of her husband. Branstoke notes that she is probably acting. The posing and posturing accelerates to a climax of confrontation and kidnapping followed by dramatic rescue and prisoner revolt. Plenty of supporting and well developed characters including Viscount and Viscountess St. Rine from Honor's Players, the 4th book 📖in Flowers and Thorns.
September 10, 2024
3.5 stars
The beginning was slow, and I wasn't sure I'd finish this one, but after a few chapters, I enjoyed Murder in Trade. It's more mystery than romance, which I prefer. When I was young, I liked Georgette Heyer's regency novels, and Holly Newman has followed the trend.
The book has a mixture of light and dark, and Cecilia became more interesting and the writing more interesting.
Got the next book immediately. Historical mysteries are a favorite genre with a way of cleansing the palate of some darker more contemporary crime and mystery books which I also enjoy.
The beginning was slow, and I wasn't sure I'd finish this one, but after a few chapters, I enjoyed Murder in Trade. It's more mystery than romance, which I prefer. When I was young, I liked Georgette Heyer's regency novels, and Holly Newman has followed the trend.
The book has a mixture of light and dark, and Cecilia became more interesting and the writing more interesting.
Got the next book immediately. Historical mysteries are a favorite genre with a way of cleansing the palate of some darker more contemporary crime and mystery books which I also enjoy.
April 16, 2018
Mystery with a budding romance
The story is probably more mystery than romance, which is fine by me. Lots of plot twists and a relatively lively pace keep you reading into late night. I liked Sir James' character from the previous book and this provided a little more backstory but i wish there was more. What made him develop this ennui? Etc. Cecilia's is a much more developed backstory.
The story is probably more mystery than romance, which is fine by me. Lots of plot twists and a relatively lively pace keep you reading into late night. I liked Sir James' character from the previous book and this provided a little more backstory but i wish there was more. What made him develop this ennui? Etc. Cecilia's is a much more developed backstory.
March 13, 2018
I really enjoyed this book and plan to follow the author. Hope they are as satisfying.
I do have to mention that the editing of the Kindle version was poorly done. The many punctuation and grammatical errors became very annoying and distracting but I managed to ignore them once I was caught up in the story.
I do have to mention that the editing of the Kindle version was poorly done. The many punctuation and grammatical errors became very annoying and distracting but I managed to ignore them once I was caught up in the story.
April 15, 2018
This was a brilliantly written book. The author has done wonders capturing the social ways and decorum of that era. The main characters were very enjoyable to read and learn about. I loved the surprising romance, certainly from Sir James, between he and recently widowed Cecilia Waddley. A truly wonderful and exciting story. I couldn't put this book down. Well done to Holly Newman
October 16, 2018
The Waylaid Heart
It was a great mystery and fun adventures by our main characters. The action was continuously increasing and many surprises along the way. Well developed characters who make you want to finish the book but hate to see it end. I look forward to more adventures with this writer.
It was a great mystery and fun adventures by our main characters. The action was continuously increasing and many surprises along the way. Well developed characters who make you want to finish the book but hate to see it end. I look forward to more adventures with this writer.
October 28, 2018
Not what I expected
Started out with a ninnyhammer female and bored lord. Many twists and turns later, I was hooked. Good intrigue, and intelligent women, but it bugged me when.common sense deserted them. An occasional heroic rescue is fine, but when.It's the norm, it's irritating.
Started out with a ninnyhammer female and bored lord. Many twists and turns later, I was hooked. Good intrigue, and intelligent women, but it bugged me when.common sense deserted them. An occasional heroic rescue is fine, but when.It's the norm, it's irritating.
November 26, 2018
Another exciting romance by this author
This romance novel had a mystery also. White slavery, murder! Who do we trust!
Love this series. The character insight for the heroine was very intense and interesting. Loved "watching" our heroine learn what would make her happily!
I've got to read the next one in this series.
This romance novel had a mystery also. White slavery, murder! Who do we trust!
Love this series. The character insight for the heroine was very intense and interesting. Loved "watching" our heroine learn what would make her happily!
I've got to read the next one in this series.
July 11, 2022
mostly enjoyable
I liked the story, but it did tend to drag until about half way. I really enjoyed that it had clean romance.
I have to thank the kindle touch dictionary for the extraordinary amount of times I had to look up words! Sometimes even Wikipedia had no answer! Almost too impressive use of obscure words…..lol
I liked the story, but it did tend to drag until about half way. I really enjoyed that it had clean romance.
I have to thank the kindle touch dictionary for the extraordinary amount of times I had to look up words! Sometimes even Wikipedia had no answer! Almost too impressive use of obscure words…..lol
September 5, 2023
Though the plot is not entirely unique in this genre of novels, this murder mystery with a romantic thread running through it had enough twists and turns to keep my full attention. Well written for a casual diversion from the daily problems of the world. (Listened via audio book while driving and doing housework.)
November 22, 2017
Cecelia is sure her husband was murdered and she is determined to find out who killed him and why. James first notices her when she suddenly turns and walks away from him when he is talking to her. As she investigates more things go wrong and danger is eminent. An interesting book.
October 6, 2018
I have up at 30%
The vocabulary was pretentious whether characters in conversation or description. Having to continually look up definitions was ridiculous. I read a lot of regency romance but just couldn't get through this. The story line dragged.
The vocabulary was pretentious whether characters in conversation or description. Having to continually look up definitions was ridiculous. I read a lot of regency romance but just couldn't get through this. The story line dragged.
October 26, 2018
Well written
An unusual storyline with interesting characters. I wasn't bored early on by being able to predict the ending. Also a great example of life as a woman in the time period. Worth the read!
An unusual storyline with interesting characters. I wasn't bored early on by being able to predict the ending. Also a great example of life as a woman in the time period. Worth the read!
January 31, 2019
Magnificent mystery
I couldn’t stop reading and trying to unravel the good guys from the bad. Although I had my suspicions, the twists and turns kept me on tenterhooks until the end.
I couldn’t stop reading and trying to unravel the good guys from the bad. Although I had my suspicions, the twists and turns kept me on tenterhooks until the end.
March 27, 2019
Good Historical Romance
Good fun, well researched, great to read a historical romance where the language is correct for that time. Enjoyed the characterisation of the key protagonists & the interesting subplot
Good fun, well researched, great to read a historical romance where the language is correct for that time. Enjoyed the characterisation of the key protagonists & the interesting subplot
November 2, 2019
Good Read
This is a nice read that I enjoyed. The subject matter is timely, the characters well developed, and the ending is complete with promises of more to come. I recommend this novel.
This is a nice read that I enjoyed. The subject matter is timely, the characters well developed, and the ending is complete with promises of more to come. I recommend this novel.
April 25, 2020
Intriguingly good
Intriguingly good. Loved reading the book and lives of people who were in that era. Of intrigue and machinations of people and society.
How love evolves in the end.
Intriguingly good. Loved reading the book and lives of people who were in that era. Of intrigue and machinations of people and society.
How love evolves in the end.
December 23, 2022
More mystery than romance. Both Cecilia and James were attracted to each other but the mystery got in the way. The side characters were interesting, Cecilia's Aunt Jessamine and her friend Janine and hope to see them in other books.
February 5, 2023
A very different Victorian mystery
The heroine Cecilia begins to try and find the reason for her husband’s death. Her inquiries open up more questions. As she tries to figure out The Who and why, she becomes a target. Many very dark secrets later…..
The heroine Cecilia begins to try and find the reason for her husband’s death. Her inquiries open up more questions. As she tries to figure out The Who and why, she becomes a target. Many very dark secrets later…..
July 1, 2023
not what i expected
This was really good . i remembered the regency books from my youth -good but not exciting-and thought this would be the same fluff. BUT this was intriguing and fun and like a modern day romance. Something i would recommend highly.
This was really good . i remembered the regency books from my youth -good but not exciting-and thought this would be the same fluff. BUT this was intriguing and fun and like a modern day romance. Something i would recommend highly.
May 1, 2025
4.5 stars
I read this book years ago, but really enjoyed it again. Onteresting characters and terrific twists. The plot moved along at an excellent pace. I look forward to the next book in the series!
I read this book years ago, but really enjoyed it again. Onteresting characters and terrific twists. The plot moved along at an excellent pace. I look forward to the next book in the series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews