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Captain Lacey #2
A Regimental Murder
London 1816
Returning home through a sticky London night in July 1816, Captain Gabriel Lacey is surprised to see a well-dressed, elegant woman stride to the middle of an unfinished bridge. Following her in curiosity, Lacey is on hand to rescue her from an attack by a footpad. As grateful as she is for the help, the lady refuses to give her name and direction, and so Lacey takes her to his own rooms in a street off Covent Garden to rest.
He discovers that she is one Lydia Westin, wife of Colonel Roehampton Westin, who has recently been accused of murdering an English officer in Portugal during the Peninsular War. Before he could come to trial, however, Colonel Westin was found dead at the foot of the staircase in his own house.
Lydia Westin, to Lacey's surprise, declares he was murdered and that she knows the culprits' identities. Intrigued, Lacey begins to investigate, and soon finds himself mired in scandals past and present, with a journalist dogging his footsteps, eager to print Lacey's latest adventure.
Lacey also becomes embroiled with Lydia, a lady with many secrets, and with James Denis, who continues his quest to bring Lacey under his thumb.
Returning home through a sticky London night in July 1816, Captain Gabriel Lacey is surprised to see a well-dressed, elegant woman stride to the middle of an unfinished bridge. Following her in curiosity, Lacey is on hand to rescue her from an attack by a footpad. As grateful as she is for the help, the lady refuses to give her name and direction, and so Lacey takes her to his own rooms in a street off Covent Garden to rest.
He discovers that she is one Lydia Westin, wife of Colonel Roehampton Westin, who has recently been accused of murdering an English officer in Portugal during the Peninsular War. Before he could come to trial, however, Colonel Westin was found dead at the foot of the staircase in his own house.
Lydia Westin, to Lacey's surprise, declares he was murdered and that she knows the culprits' identities. Intrigued, Lacey begins to investigate, and soon finds himself mired in scandals past and present, with a journalist dogging his footsteps, eager to print Lacey's latest adventure.
Lacey also becomes embroiled with Lydia, a lady with many secrets, and with James Denis, who continues his quest to bring Lacey under his thumb.
313 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 4, 2004
356 people are currently reading
919 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Gardner
48 books678 followersAshley Gardner is the pseudonym for NY Times bestselling and award-winning author Jennifer Ashley and nationally bestselling and award-winning author Allyson James. Her award-winning Captain Lacey Regency mysteries have garnered top reviews and an enthusiastic following. These books are now available as digital editions. More about the series can be found at http://www.gardnermysteries.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
December 13, 2015
Written November 30, 2015
3.8 Stars - My favorite mystery solving Captain Lacey did it great once again.
Book #2
There are already ten books about Captain Lacey solving crime and mystery cases and this is my second. The first part, The Hanover Square Affair (4 stars) was a good start and I couldn't wait to start the next. — Once again 8 hours narrated by James Gillies in his own grumpy way.
Truly good historical whodunnit fiction
I like these stories, the all over storyline, to learn more about old times, this male and manly world, and I very very much like to listening to these audiobooks. Maybe not a narration for every one but it works great with me.
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July 1816, London England
Our hero, the limping, often moody but always very brave, Captain Gabriel Lacey once again touched my heart and got my interest. This time was the crime-case mostly about to solve a murder during the war a couple of years earlier. A beautiful widow asks for Lacey's help and as that gentleman he is of course he starts a private investigation.
The mystery thickens, many strange characters are involved, cruel injustice has been committed, and we even get some true suspense filled fast-paced action and gunfire.
I'm not going to be lengthy about all the intricacies of this well told murder mystery. A Regimental Murder just shows that Jennifer Ashley likes to tell a good story. Be aware this series is not steamy romances as Ms. Ashley usually writes (very well). This is crime fiction. But there is also much fun, nice male and female friendship, heartwarming scenes and smile-inducing sweet moments.
I will never give up my hope. One day will my dear poor Captain Lacey find, or get, the lady of his heart. It will be grand.
Not too long books, not too bloody crime cases, a tiny touch of love & heart and a bunch of interesting second characters. ~ Just jolly good listenings. It will be more. ~ Eight more to download.
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I LIKE - and I want more time with Lacey
3.8 Stars - My favorite mystery solving Captain Lacey did it great once again.
Book #2
There are already ten books about Captain Lacey solving crime and mystery cases and this is my second. The first part, The Hanover Square Affair (4 stars) was a good start and I couldn't wait to start the next. — Once again 8 hours narrated by James Gillies in his own grumpy way.
Truly good historical whodunnit fiction
I like these stories, the all over storyline, to learn more about old times, this male and manly world, and I very very much like to listening to these audiobooks. Maybe not a narration for every one but it works great with me.
*********************************************************
July 1816, London England
Our hero, the limping, often moody but always very brave, Captain Gabriel Lacey once again touched my heart and got my interest. This time was the crime-case mostly about to solve a murder during the war a couple of years earlier. A beautiful widow asks for Lacey's help and as that gentleman he is of course he starts a private investigation.
The mystery thickens, many strange characters are involved, cruel injustice has been committed, and we even get some true suspense filled fast-paced action and gunfire.
‘My own leg ached and throbbed, but I had not broken it, as I'd feared. I'd simply wrenched and strained the muscles. I often forgot I could no longer run about with impunity.’
I'm not going to be lengthy about all the intricacies of this well told murder mystery. A Regimental Murder just shows that Jennifer Ashley likes to tell a good story. Be aware this series is not steamy romances as Ms. Ashley usually writes (very well). This is crime fiction. But there is also much fun, nice male and female friendship, heartwarming scenes and smile-inducing sweet moments.
I will never give up my hope. One day will my dear poor Captain Lacey find, or get, the lady of his heart. It will be grand.
"I thought I had found something I'd always wanted. Instead . . ."
I paused and drew a burning breath. "I found something I can never have."
Not too long books, not too bloody crime cases, a tiny touch of love & heart and a bunch of interesting second characters. ~ Just jolly good listenings. It will be more. ~ Eight more to download.
*********************************************************
I LIKE - and I want more time with Lacey
May 1, 2022
The heroine's introduction is a bit odd....but then there is a book to read to find out why. I just finished the book and am wavering between 4 and 5*. It was a bit of a slow start but once it got going its full of action. Several plot threads and I did not guess the "bad guy". I really look forward to continuing the series. Interesting point is that Captain Lacey suffers from melancholia and the battles with it. Enjoyable secondary characters.
April 8, 2018
Gabriel Lacey encounters a woman in distress on a London bridge and promises to investigate her husband's murder.
And the series starts getting really absorbing. This was a remarkably good story and I really warmed to Lacey, not least because of his flaws and blind spots (which mostly involve women). Secondary characters Grenville and Brandon are becoming a whole lot more interesting, although I don't like the Moriarty-style Denis much as a baddie. The Regency background comes to life during the country house party and the descriptions of Lacey's former military life were also convincing.
This is part of a boxed set so I know for sure I'll be reading the next one. I'm looking forward to it.
And the series starts getting really absorbing. This was a remarkably good story and I really warmed to Lacey, not least because of his flaws and blind spots (which mostly involve women). Secondary characters Grenville and Brandon are becoming a whole lot more interesting, although I don't like the Moriarty-style Denis much as a baddie. The Regency background comes to life during the country house party and the descriptions of Lacey's former military life were also convincing.
This is part of a boxed set so I know for sure I'll be reading the next one. I'm looking forward to it.
July 28, 2014
Rating: 3* of five
The Publisher Says: Captain Lacey returns in the second book of this series. After saving a beautiful woman from a mysterious assailant near the docks, Captain Lacey helps in her search for her husband's murderers. Her late husband was accused of committing a crime during the atrocities after a Peninsular War battle, and Lydia Westin wants Lacey to clear his name. Lacey investigates with his usual thoroughness, bringing in Lucius Grenville, the immensely wealthy Regency dandy, to help him. But murder and mayhem follow, and James Denis once more tries to recruit Lacey to help him with his underworld activities. This book introduces the characters of Lady Breckenridge and Grenville's irrepressible footmen, Matthias and Bartholomew.
My Review: How unpleasant it was to find that the criminals were portrayed as evil, and that evil took the form of...gasp!...sodomy! Perish forbid!
Well, that might just be it for me and the author. I have not yet decided whether or not to bail on the series. I'm angry about this, and I won't soon forgive the shoddiness of the trick.
The Publisher Says: Captain Lacey returns in the second book of this series. After saving a beautiful woman from a mysterious assailant near the docks, Captain Lacey helps in her search for her husband's murderers. Her late husband was accused of committing a crime during the atrocities after a Peninsular War battle, and Lydia Westin wants Lacey to clear his name. Lacey investigates with his usual thoroughness, bringing in Lucius Grenville, the immensely wealthy Regency dandy, to help him. But murder and mayhem follow, and James Denis once more tries to recruit Lacey to help him with his underworld activities. This book introduces the characters of Lady Breckenridge and Grenville's irrepressible footmen, Matthias and Bartholomew.
My Review: How unpleasant it was to find that the criminals were portrayed as evil, and that evil took the form of...gasp!...sodomy! Perish forbid!
Well, that might just be it for me and the author. I have not yet decided whether or not to bail on the series. I'm angry about this, and I won't soon forgive the shoddiness of the trick.
February 23, 2024
Short review now since I couldn't put this one down and my alarm clock will be sounding in a few short hours.
This series just keeps getting better and better!! So glad I bought the next two so I don't have to wait to delve into Lacey's and Grenville's Regency London.
(Reviewed 1/16/13)
This series just keeps getting better and better!! So glad I bought the next two so I don't have to wait to delve into Lacey's and Grenville's Regency London.
(Reviewed 1/16/13)
October 10, 2016
I enjoyed the first of this historical mystery series, but I think maybe I read the second book too soon after the first, as it seemed a bit too similar. I do like the hero, ex-soldier of the Napoleonic wars Gabriel Lacey, but will wait a while before I read any more in this series.
April 21, 2024
3.5 stars bumped up to 4 stars. This dragged somewhat in the middle and then had a powerful ending.
December 12, 2011
Captain Lacey is back after his debut in "The Hanover Square Affair" and more embroiled than ever in a new mystery that surrounds who killed an English officer in Portugal during the Peninsular War with Napoleon.
On a late night walk, Lacey encounters a beautiful, but tragic looking woman who might be going to commit suicide by throwing herself off a bridge. Lacey follows the woman, trying to prevent her suicide only to find himself fighting off a street thug who accosted the poor woman. Badly frightened and chilled, the woman refuses to tell Lacey her name or where her home is, so he has no choice but to take her to his home, where he offers her his own bed and a fire. Lacey is captured by her beauty and the sorrow he sees in her eyes, and he's sorely tempted when she throws herself at him, but his honor prevails. Lacey has had enough of his ex-friend and mentor Brandon's accusations that Lacey has been having an affair with Brandon's wife, Louisa; Lacey wants the woman in his home, but he wants to know that he has a clear path first.
When Brandon crashes into Lacey's home the next morning, Brandon believes his own suspicions confirmed about Lacey, and tells him that this woman is Lydia Westin, recent widow of Colonel Roehampton Westin. Col. Westin conveniently died (by falling down the stairs in his home) just days before he would have been arrested for the murder of Spencer, the English officer killed in the looting and pillaging in Portugal. Spencer's sons say they've found proof that Westin was the one responsible for their father's death - that it wasn't an unfortunate accident, as it was presumed. And the Spencers are bringing a whole lot of scandal and dishonor with their accusations.
Lydia Westin begs Lacey to help her clear her husband's name. She's adamant that Westin couldn't possibly have murdered Spencer; she suspects the other 3 officers who were present: Eggleston, Breckenridge, and Cannaught. Lydia also confides to Lacey that her husband didn't fall down the stairs. He was murdered in his bed the night before he was to meet with Spencer's sons. Lydia found him in his bed the next morning - he'd been stabbed in the neck with a stiletto. To preserve the last bit of her husband's dignity and honor, Lydia and 3 of her most trusted servants staged the accident on the stairs.
Lacey is more than willing to help Lydia, and so once again, he turns to his friend, Grenville, for assistance. Grenville has the "in" to get Lacey close to Eggleston, Breckenridge, and Cannaught, as well as others who might be able to reveal the truth about the long ago incident in Portugal.
Along the way, Lacey is exposed to another raw and rough side of the underbelly of London Society: a card game played over stays at country house parties, where each gentleman is "assigned" a lady attending the house party and is supposed to "attend" her as much as he likes, even if she's not his wife. Lacey also learns that Col. Westin had difficulties with intimacy, even seeking the help of specialists of that time (no Viagra available then), which leads to speculation between Lacey and Grenville about who the father of the Westins' daughter, Chloe, might be.
Someone is following Lacey in his investigations... is it Brandon, who is half-mad because Louisa has left home, and Brandon suspects that Lacey not only knows where she is but is responsible for her leaving? Is it one of the 3 remaining subordinate officers that Lacey is interviewing, because Lacey and Grenville are getting too close to the truth? Or is it James Denis, the odious man capable of procuring anything for the very wealthy who fears Lacey and wants to put Lacey in his debt?
And what will happen between Lydia and Lacey after they being an affair? Is Lydia using Lacey to cover up her own guilt? Does she truly have feelings for him? Can they ever be together, if Lacey can clear up this whole mystery? And what about Lydia's daughter's fiancee, Allandale? What role does he play in all of this?
-----------------
As much as I enjoy these books and these characters, the melancholy of them almost makes it unbearable. Lacey is such a tragic hero, that it makes my heart hurt just to read his stories. I want him to go into partnership with Grenville in a way that brings him a steady income. I want him to find some happiness, and perhaps even romance. But I fear that can't happen, or the Lacey stories won't resonate and would stop. And I know that there are several more to go...
Louisa Brandon is a remarkable woman. I'm so glad that there is a true friendship between Louisa and Lacey - not based on sexual desire. Yes, there's chemistry between them, but Louisa loves her husband, and Lacey loves Louisa too much to dishonor her. Yet you get the feeling that if Brandon were out of the way... or would they? It's delightful to have someone who knows Lacey and all his secrets and can offer him comfort, advice, and support like Louisa.
There's a lot of pain and loss and deception in this book... the unforgiving kind that tears people and lives apart. But there's hope, too. Lacey makes a new set of friends, a wealthy family known for their good hearts and good works; the Derwents aren't involved in the gossip and scandal of the day, they're innocents. And they happen to be related to a widow that Lacey had previously had his eye on. To the Derwents, Lacey is a remarkable man and hero. Perhaps good things will come of this connection.
Denis tempts Lacey just like Satan, himself, would. And Lacey gives in to one of those temptations, when Denis offers him information on how to locate Louisa. The price is that Lacey owes Denis a favor, godfather style -- when Denis asks his return favor, Lacey must comply without question. Denis seeks to control Lacey in a way that would prevent Lacey from being truly dangerous to him. In fact, when Lacey is contemplating marriage and trying to clear up his past, Denis offers Lacey information about his ex-wife... or the wife who abandoned him fourteen years earlier in France for a French officer, taking Lacey's daughter with her. But Lacey doesn't want to be in debt to Denis, and he realizes that he can be free of his ex without the information. But for how long?
Lacey and Grenville uncover the ugly truths behind the mysteries of both Spencer's and Westin's deaths. Lacey is heartbroken, again, but he also discovers and avenges the true reason for that heartbreak at the very end of the book. But it's never quite a happy ending in these books.... If they weren't so well written and so engaging, I'd not read them simply because they are so dark - so full of ugliness and sorrow and heartbreak. Which must mean they're good reads, because they stick with me even after I've finished them.
On a late night walk, Lacey encounters a beautiful, but tragic looking woman who might be going to commit suicide by throwing herself off a bridge. Lacey follows the woman, trying to prevent her suicide only to find himself fighting off a street thug who accosted the poor woman. Badly frightened and chilled, the woman refuses to tell Lacey her name or where her home is, so he has no choice but to take her to his home, where he offers her his own bed and a fire. Lacey is captured by her beauty and the sorrow he sees in her eyes, and he's sorely tempted when she throws herself at him, but his honor prevails. Lacey has had enough of his ex-friend and mentor Brandon's accusations that Lacey has been having an affair with Brandon's wife, Louisa; Lacey wants the woman in his home, but he wants to know that he has a clear path first.
When Brandon crashes into Lacey's home the next morning, Brandon believes his own suspicions confirmed about Lacey, and tells him that this woman is Lydia Westin, recent widow of Colonel Roehampton Westin. Col. Westin conveniently died (by falling down the stairs in his home) just days before he would have been arrested for the murder of Spencer, the English officer killed in the looting and pillaging in Portugal. Spencer's sons say they've found proof that Westin was the one responsible for their father's death - that it wasn't an unfortunate accident, as it was presumed. And the Spencers are bringing a whole lot of scandal and dishonor with their accusations.
Lydia Westin begs Lacey to help her clear her husband's name. She's adamant that Westin couldn't possibly have murdered Spencer; she suspects the other 3 officers who were present: Eggleston, Breckenridge, and Cannaught. Lydia also confides to Lacey that her husband didn't fall down the stairs. He was murdered in his bed the night before he was to meet with Spencer's sons. Lydia found him in his bed the next morning - he'd been stabbed in the neck with a stiletto. To preserve the last bit of her husband's dignity and honor, Lydia and 3 of her most trusted servants staged the accident on the stairs.
Lacey is more than willing to help Lydia, and so once again, he turns to his friend, Grenville, for assistance. Grenville has the "in" to get Lacey close to Eggleston, Breckenridge, and Cannaught, as well as others who might be able to reveal the truth about the long ago incident in Portugal.
Along the way, Lacey is exposed to another raw and rough side of the underbelly of London Society: a card game played over stays at country house parties, where each gentleman is "assigned" a lady attending the house party and is supposed to "attend" her as much as he likes, even if she's not his wife. Lacey also learns that Col. Westin had difficulties with intimacy, even seeking the help of specialists of that time (no Viagra available then), which leads to speculation between Lacey and Grenville about who the father of the Westins' daughter, Chloe, might be.
Someone is following Lacey in his investigations... is it Brandon, who is half-mad because Louisa has left home, and Brandon suspects that Lacey not only knows where she is but is responsible for her leaving? Is it one of the 3 remaining subordinate officers that Lacey is interviewing, because Lacey and Grenville are getting too close to the truth? Or is it James Denis, the odious man capable of procuring anything for the very wealthy who fears Lacey and wants to put Lacey in his debt?
And what will happen between Lydia and Lacey after they being an affair? Is Lydia using Lacey to cover up her own guilt? Does she truly have feelings for him? Can they ever be together, if Lacey can clear up this whole mystery? And what about Lydia's daughter's fiancee, Allandale? What role does he play in all of this?
-----------------
As much as I enjoy these books and these characters, the melancholy of them almost makes it unbearable. Lacey is such a tragic hero, that it makes my heart hurt just to read his stories. I want him to go into partnership with Grenville in a way that brings him a steady income. I want him to find some happiness, and perhaps even romance. But I fear that can't happen, or the Lacey stories won't resonate and would stop. And I know that there are several more to go...
Louisa Brandon is a remarkable woman. I'm so glad that there is a true friendship between Louisa and Lacey - not based on sexual desire. Yes, there's chemistry between them, but Louisa loves her husband, and Lacey loves Louisa too much to dishonor her. Yet you get the feeling that if Brandon were out of the way... or would they? It's delightful to have someone who knows Lacey and all his secrets and can offer him comfort, advice, and support like Louisa.
There's a lot of pain and loss and deception in this book... the unforgiving kind that tears people and lives apart. But there's hope, too. Lacey makes a new set of friends, a wealthy family known for their good hearts and good works; the Derwents aren't involved in the gossip and scandal of the day, they're innocents. And they happen to be related to a widow that Lacey had previously had his eye on. To the Derwents, Lacey is a remarkable man and hero. Perhaps good things will come of this connection.
Denis tempts Lacey just like Satan, himself, would. And Lacey gives in to one of those temptations, when Denis offers him information on how to locate Louisa. The price is that Lacey owes Denis a favor, godfather style -- when Denis asks his return favor, Lacey must comply without question. Denis seeks to control Lacey in a way that would prevent Lacey from being truly dangerous to him. In fact, when Lacey is contemplating marriage and trying to clear up his past, Denis offers Lacey information about his ex-wife... or the wife who abandoned him fourteen years earlier in France for a French officer, taking Lacey's daughter with her. But Lacey doesn't want to be in debt to Denis, and he realizes that he can be free of his ex without the information. But for how long?
Lacey and Grenville uncover the ugly truths behind the mysteries of both Spencer's and Westin's deaths. Lacey is heartbroken, again, but he also discovers and avenges the true reason for that heartbreak at the very end of the book. But it's never quite a happy ending in these books.... If they weren't so well written and so engaging, I'd not read them simply because they are so dark - so full of ugliness and sorrow and heartbreak. Which must mean they're good reads, because they stick with me even after I've finished them.
April 17, 2024
3.7 stars
When I started this second instalment, I was immediately sent back into the morose world of Gabriel Lacey. And I was far from happy to being made so. Selfishly, I yearned for the coziness and warmth of Kat Holloway's world. Moreso, a lot of the story elements in the first half of the book made me very antagonistic and crossed:
And to top it off, I found the first half slow, stiffling and aimless. A bit how I felt in Book 1 (The Hanover Square Affair). Then, to my good surprise, the second half read loads better. The investigation took shape, nice characters were introduced (the Derwents), Grenville proved to be a very likeable character (more than Lacey and his annoying temper that makes him act rashly without thinking forward), the clues collecting became engrossing (I saw a good many but still, there were twists I did not see coming!), and the final action scenes were grippingly well done. I found the case investigated in this book (and its solution) much more satisfactory, both in terms of nature and substance, than in Book 1. Most of my questions have been answered. And we learned much more about Lacey's murky past.
Captain Lacey's behaviour has still not won my favours (though Grenville's did!) but I do have hope that he will evolve to be a better character in future adventures. The second half totally saved the book, reason why I am rounding up my rating. Will definitely go on into Book 3 soon.
P.S. Lacey's stories occur in the early 1800s, while Kat Holloway's take place at the end of that century. Will there (or maybe there has been already and I missed it, since I read all of Kat's before this series?) be any cross over in their universes, however faint and indirect? I do hope so 😊!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2021
I agree with my friend Doreen's review. This is a historical mystery, and the book contains descriptions of how hot and sticky the summer weather of 1816 was. In truth, due to severe climate abnormalities, summer temperatures in Europe were among the coldest on record in 1816. This resulted in major food shortages across the Northern Hemisphere, and 1816 was dubbed the year without a summer. However, this book talks about the terrible summer heat and abundance of fresh produce in the markets.
This is the second book in the Captain Lacey series. I enjoyed both books. Ms Gardner writes well, and I've enjoyed the development of the recurring major characters, and Captain Lacey's unfolding back story. However, because it's a historical, I'm taking a star off what would otherwise be a 4 star review for the historical inaccuracy. This might seem picky, but one of the reasons I read historical romance and history is because I love history, and I can't fully enjoy a book - even a well-written one - if the history isn't accurate.
This is the second book in the Captain Lacey series. I enjoyed both books. Ms Gardner writes well, and I've enjoyed the development of the recurring major characters, and Captain Lacey's unfolding back story. However, because it's a historical, I'm taking a star off what would otherwise be a 4 star review for the historical inaccuracy. This might seem picky, but one of the reasons I read historical romance and history is because I love history, and I can't fully enjoy a book - even a well-written one - if the history isn't accurate.
June 24, 2020
Captain Lacey helps Lydia Westin discover the murderers of her husband, whose been accused of committing war atrocities.
August 23, 2018
A Regimental Murder, the second book in the Captain Gabriel Lacey mysteries open with Captain Lacey coming to the aid Lydia Westin who implores Lacey to help clear her late husband of murdering another commander during atrocities during the latter part of the Peninsular War. Always the honorable man, Lacey investigates the circumstances of the murder and conspiracy with ferocious fervor. Lacey’s friend, the wealthy dandy Lucius Grenville, joins Lacey during the investigation.
The murder mystery was well crafted with plenty of red herrings sprinkled throughout the plot. The author does a good job of showing Regency era London in all its dirt, grime, poverty, and brutality. This book also introduces new characters to the story, the icy and sharp-tongue Lady Breckinridge and the irascible brothers Matthias and Bartholomew who are Grenville’s devoted footmen. It was interesting to find out more of Lacey’s tragic backstory but his relationship with the vapid couple Louisa and Aloysius Brandon was tiresome. I hope the Brandons disappear from the story and Lacey’s existence post haste.
As much as I was so intrigued by Lucius Grenville in the first book, here the light of the dashing Lucius Grenville dimmed quite a bit for me. I found it hard to fathom a man who has travelled the world, well-educated, and self-possessed would quiver like some schoolboy in the presence of a parasitic harlot as Marianne, a third-rate actress and Lacey’s upstairs neighbor. Grenville’s pull to Marianne revealed a deep flaw in his character and he came off as sort of weak and pathetic…similar to Lacey’s slavish devotion to the vapid, manipulative Louisa Brandon. I hope that subsequent books will focus more on the solving of mysteries rather than the drama of personal relationships.
The murder mystery was well crafted with plenty of red herrings sprinkled throughout the plot. The author does a good job of showing Regency era London in all its dirt, grime, poverty, and brutality. This book also introduces new characters to the story, the icy and sharp-tongue Lady Breckinridge and the irascible brothers Matthias and Bartholomew who are Grenville’s devoted footmen. It was interesting to find out more of Lacey’s tragic backstory but his relationship with the vapid couple Louisa and Aloysius Brandon was tiresome. I hope the Brandons disappear from the story and Lacey’s existence post haste.
As much as I was so intrigued by Lucius Grenville in the first book, here the light of the dashing Lucius Grenville dimmed quite a bit for me. I found it hard to fathom a man who has travelled the world, well-educated, and self-possessed would quiver like some schoolboy in the presence of a parasitic harlot as Marianne, a third-rate actress and Lacey’s upstairs neighbor. Grenville’s pull to Marianne revealed a deep flaw in his character and he came off as sort of weak and pathetic…similar to Lacey’s slavish devotion to the vapid, manipulative Louisa Brandon. I hope that subsequent books will focus more on the solving of mysteries rather than the drama of personal relationships.
August 30, 2022
3.5
I listened to audiobook, and thought he narrator did a great job. This is the second book in a crime fiction series with Captain Lacey. This genre isn’t my usual fare, but I like the author, Ashley Gardner- she tells a good story!
I listened to audiobook, and thought he narrator did a great job. This is the second book in a crime fiction series with Captain Lacey. This genre isn’t my usual fare, but I like the author, Ashley Gardner- she tells a good story!
July 21, 2018
Captain Lacey: 2
Set a few months after the previous book, it is now a very hot August. Lacey follows a lady of quality out on her own in a not very good neighborhood and rescues her when she is attacked. She refuses to give any information about herself, so he takes her home, plies her with a few glasses of brandy (for her recovery, surely), whereupon she proceeds to throw herself at him. He heroically refrains from partaking what's on offer and then doses her with laudanum and puts her to bed. What?! This is the kind of illogical mess these books are plagued with. It's either a portrayal of the times (doubtful) or bad writing. I'm leaning towards the latter. Both this and the previous book are filled with characters acting strangely, and it's a nagging annoyance. The main character inexplicably becomes besotted with this woman who shows no interest in him except in a moment of drunkenness, plus she's a widow, and the idiot wants nothing more than to have sex with her. Like the previous book, Lacey basically blunders about conducting awkward and useless interviews with all and sundry and has an ill-timed temper tantrum every now and then to showcase his stupidity in not valuing his allies or possible ones. Ugh. I can't stand idiot characters. I'm done with this series.
Set a few months after the previous book, it is now a very hot August. Lacey follows a lady of quality out on her own in a not very good neighborhood and rescues her when she is attacked. She refuses to give any information about herself, so he takes her home, plies her with a few glasses of brandy (for her recovery, surely), whereupon she proceeds to throw herself at him. He heroically refrains from partaking what's on offer and then doses her with laudanum and puts her to bed. What?! This is the kind of illogical mess these books are plagued with. It's either a portrayal of the times (doubtful) or bad writing. I'm leaning towards the latter. Both this and the previous book are filled with characters acting strangely, and it's a nagging annoyance. The main character inexplicably becomes besotted with this woman who shows no interest in him except in a moment of drunkenness, plus she's a widow, and the idiot wants nothing more than to have sex with her. Like the previous book, Lacey basically blunders about conducting awkward and useless interviews with all and sundry and has an ill-timed temper tantrum every now and then to showcase his stupidity in not valuing his allies or possible ones. Ugh. I can't stand idiot characters. I'm done with this series.
July 19, 2012
Second in the series. The mystery involved this time is just who killed an English soldier when rioting broke out during the Penisular campaign in Portugal. The man accused is found dead in his bed, his throat slit, and when his femme fatale of a widow bats her eyes, Lacey is swept away by the power of the passion she evokes, and is determined to clear his name. The plot includes a weekend as the guest at the country home of some sordid upper class snobs that sets up quite the contrast with our hero's (at times irritating!) high sense of honor. At such events, should any lie in my future, I will now be on my guard when the gentlemen invite me to play cards, or the ladies billiards.
September 10, 2022
Ashley Gardner/Jennifer Ashley does an amazing job eschewing the typical subjects of regency period stories (aristocrats). I love that we are following a disabled veteran on half pay as he struggles with depression and loneliness. I don’t like that Gabriel is going through these things, but it makes me root for him…and despite heartbreaking events for him in this book, I hold out hope that happy days will come for him.
Gabriel reminds me a lot of Sebastian St. Cyr (CS Harris writes that series) in that his life is a bit of a mess, but his innate sense of justice propels him forward.
The developments with Brandon and Denis were interesting, even though I loathe both characters.
Gabriel reminds me a lot of Sebastian St. Cyr (CS Harris writes that series) in that his life is a bit of a mess, but his innate sense of justice propels him forward.
The developments with Brandon and Denis were interesting, even though I loathe both characters.
June 22, 2020
Audio version...I think perhaps I am developing a bit of a crush on Gabriel Lacey. He is quite capable and certainly honorable (except for one scene that I feel he went too far when dispensing with one of the "bad" guys). All in all though, I love the historical time period, the London setting, and enjoy following along with Captain Lacey as he once again solves a mystery that presents itself to him. Luckily, there are several books in this series and I will be picking up book #3 soon I am sure.
January 24, 2016
I don't understand why these books are so hard to get your hands on. They should be sitting on the shelves at major retailers all over America.
This is the second book in this series by Ashley Gardner, The first is 'The Hanover Square Affair'.
Here is the series in order;
'The Hanover Square Affair'
'A Regimental Murder'
'The Glass House'
'The Sudbury School Murders'
'A Body In Berkley Square'
'A Covent Garden Mystery'
And if the others are as enjoyable as the first two I will be eagerly reading them all.
I thought the writing was good, the details of the period well done, the mystery good and not complicated to the point of the ridiculous.
I really enjoy Ashley Gardner's Captain Gabriel Lacey. He's complicated with just the right blend of anguished instability and chivalric respectability, I enjoy discovering more about his past and hoping for his future.
This story left me wanting more, glad that I now have the next two waiting on the shelf for me, but also anxiously fearing the end of the series. There are only six books in the series thus far and they aren't very long. I'd be smart to savor them but I can never savor the good stuff, I tend to take it down in big gulps and then want more of the same.
This is the second book in this series by Ashley Gardner, The first is 'The Hanover Square Affair'.
Here is the series in order;
'The Hanover Square Affair'
'A Regimental Murder'
'The Glass House'
'The Sudbury School Murders'
'A Body In Berkley Square'
'A Covent Garden Mystery'
And if the others are as enjoyable as the first two I will be eagerly reading them all.
I thought the writing was good, the details of the period well done, the mystery good and not complicated to the point of the ridiculous.
I really enjoy Ashley Gardner's Captain Gabriel Lacey. He's complicated with just the right blend of anguished instability and chivalric respectability, I enjoy discovering more about his past and hoping for his future.
This story left me wanting more, glad that I now have the next two waiting on the shelf for me, but also anxiously fearing the end of the series. There are only six books in the series thus far and they aren't very long. I'd be smart to savor them but I can never savor the good stuff, I tend to take it down in big gulps and then want more of the same.
February 12, 2015
Gabriel Lacey prevents a mugging, and to his surprise discovers that he has saved a fine lady. The next day she summons him to her and asks him to investigate her husband's recent murder. Lacey is already half in love with her and adores mysteries, and immediately begins his detective work. He uncovers a conspiracy stranger and darker than he had bargained for.
I love Captain Lacey, who is very competent, very self-contained, and prey to fits of severe melancholia. His relationships with Lord and Lady Brandon, his former mentors/protectors/friends, are tangled and fascinating. And I love the way other characters react to him, like how Grenville and Denis view him as something strange and slightly disturbing. It makes me wonder how he appears from the outside, instead of from his internal monologue.
I look forward to the next installment of this series!
I love Captain Lacey, who is very competent, very self-contained, and prey to fits of severe melancholia. His relationships with Lord and Lady Brandon, his former mentors/protectors/friends, are tangled and fascinating. And I love the way other characters react to him, like how Grenville and Denis view him as something strange and slightly disturbing. It makes me wonder how he appears from the outside, instead of from his internal monologue.
I look forward to the next installment of this series!
September 9, 2022
Well, I'm sorry I paid for this one. I very much like reading the MC's thoughts and observations and the author's descriptive writing, so I kept reading even though the plot was clearly not as tight the first of the series.
Now, I've DNF'd at 57% bcz the MC did something I very much doubt he would, and the reason for doing so was erzats.
Now, I've DNF'd at 57% bcz the MC did something I very much doubt he would, and the reason for doing so was erzats.
April 30, 2019
I love reading about Capt. Lacey, especially as its Regency. Excellent storyline. I have only read a couple so far, but I still can't see Capt. Lacey in my mind....he's facial features, whether he is handsome or not. Its bugging me! Must read more of this series.
4☆
4☆
January 10, 2021
OMG I adored this book! I actually began the series with this one not realizing it was #2 in the series! I bought the audiobook and was absolutely glued to my chair the entire time. If you love Regency Mysteries, you definitely need to get this in book or audiobook form! Do not miss!
September 19, 2025
Is there anything the amazing Jennifer Ashely/Ashley Gardner cannot write? Gladiators, pirates gorgeous Scottish Lords, shapeshifters, brilliant Victorian cooks or honorable, damaged, retired calvary officers; she's mastered it all.
Captain Lacey again finds himself coming to the aid of a woman in distress. This time he tries to solve the mystery of a murder which took place in the midst of a war crime and why an innocent man would confess to a that crime. This is a solid story filled with dishonor, depravity, murder(s), romance and heartbreak. Captain Lacey lives a complicated life. The darling of society has taken him under his wing. His former best friend and Captain is now his enemy. The King of the Underworld seems to want to control him. Lacey is a unique and very interesting character driven by honor.
Captain Lacey again finds himself coming to the aid of a woman in distress. This time he tries to solve the mystery of a murder which took place in the midst of a war crime and why an innocent man would confess to a that crime. This is a solid story filled with dishonor, depravity, murder(s), romance and heartbreak. Captain Lacey lives a complicated life. The darling of society has taken him under his wing. His former best friend and Captain is now his enemy. The King of the Underworld seems to want to control him. Lacey is a unique and very interesting character driven by honor.
June 2, 2021
An aristocratic woman uses her charms to persuade Captain Lacey to prove her husband's innocence. The husband was just murdered in his home, and she thinks it was done by the same miscreants who had convinced her husband to take the fall for the murder of another officer during a melee. She's not as concerned about proving her husband's death was no accident than about establishing his innocence in the other event. She's rich, Lacy is dirt poor, but of course he takes on the whole thing without pay because it's a matter of honor (and he has the hots for her). Wealthy, bored Lord Grenville gives Lacey the introductions he needs to talk to people in society, as well as accompanying him on some escapades. While not great literature, I enjoy the Lacey books because of the ridiculous societal norms of Regency England and the chivalry of the few truly honorable gentlemen.
August 6, 2018
Great book. I love the character development in these books. The story is deep and filled with intrigued. Awesome read!
March 28, 2025
4.5⭐️
February 7, 2017
A Regimental Murder is the second book in Ashley Gardner's Captain Lacey history-mystery series. I enjoyed this second outing with the recurring characters as much, if not more than the first. I am growing very fond of Lacey’s side-kick, Lucius Grenville, and I look forward to getting to know a few newly introduced characters whom I suspect will show up again in later installments. Additional details of Lacey’s past are revealed and the reader gains further insight to the enduring physical and emotional wounds our imperfect hero carries with him. Since this is only the second book that I have read in the series, I am still feeling compassion and willing to tolerate some of Lacey’s character defects. However, if he continues to wallow and fails to grow in subsequent books, I could easily tire of him.
Easily, the best parts of these books for me are the sights and sounds of Regency Era England, the historical references to the Napoleonic wars, and the social/cultural contradictions of this fascinating time in Great Britain. I believe the books to be well-researched and I appreciate the allusions to fashion, architecture, high society and the darker side of London during this stratified time in history.
Ashely Gardner does a good job with pacing, making the book a quick read. There are repeated references, with adequate explanations, of occurrences in the previous book. This is nice for readers who are just joining the series, but rather annoying for those, like me, who just finished the first book before starting the second.
Easily, the best parts of these books for me are the sights and sounds of Regency Era England, the historical references to the Napoleonic wars, and the social/cultural contradictions of this fascinating time in Great Britain. I believe the books to be well-researched and I appreciate the allusions to fashion, architecture, high society and the darker side of London during this stratified time in history.
Ashely Gardner does a good job with pacing, making the book a quick read. There are repeated references, with adequate explanations, of occurrences in the previous book. This is nice for readers who are just joining the series, but rather annoying for those, like me, who just finished the first book before starting the second.
May 17, 2015
I felt like the characters, especially Lacey and Brandon, were a lot more annoying and unlikable than they were in Book 1. It also bothers me a lot how the women are treated and discussed like property, and like they're only good if they have lots of babies. This is probably a fairly accurate attitude for the time the books are set in, but I've read a lot of historical fiction that either a) makes it clear that this isn't okay even though it's how it was or b) just creates characters that don't buy into it, and I didn't feel this book did either of those. I was too annoyed by the characters to care about the mystery.
Also UGH with
Also UGH with
October 29, 2021
Our battered and limping hero, rescues a woman on a bridge; was she going to be robbed, or was she ready to throw herself from the bridge as the local whores assumed. Regardless Lacey gets drawn into Lydia Westin's life. Her husband has been murdered and she believes she knows who did it, what she is not sure of is why. He agrees to investigate, and gets more drawn into her life. It all relates back to the Siege of Badajoz.
Meanwhile, his old friend and now enemy Brandon is following him around, making an ass of himself over his missing wife. She is safe and just wanted some time to herself, but he refuses to believe it.
Grenville again returns to grant him entrée to the right house parties, so that he can investigate. He tries to get the Runners involved as people associated with the case keep turning up dead. James Denis, the Boss, has all the info he requires, even if Lacey is not willing to pay the price to get it; he knows it both exists and what it will cost him.
Lacey acquires some new friends, the Derwent family, and he may need them in later titles; he is always making enemies among the aristocrats
4 stars
Meanwhile, his old friend and now enemy Brandon is following him around, making an ass of himself over his missing wife. She is safe and just wanted some time to herself, but he refuses to believe it.
Grenville again returns to grant him entrée to the right house parties, so that he can investigate. He tries to get the Runners involved as people associated with the case keep turning up dead. James Denis, the Boss, has all the info he requires, even if Lacey is not willing to pay the price to get it; he knows it both exists and what it will cost him.
Lacey acquires some new friends, the Derwent family, and he may need them in later titles; he is always making enemies among the aristocrats
4 stars
June 17, 2016
After Captain Gabriel Lacey saves a lady by the name of Lydia Westin from an attacker in the streets, she asks him to look into her husband's recent murder, which she has hushed up and made to look like an accident in order to avoid a scandal as the husband himself was about to lay down a full confession of having murdered a fellow officer during the Peninsular War. Lydia however does not believe in her husband's guilt and is convinced he was killed so the wartime murder remains a closed and shut case. When another man involved in the affair in the Peninsula dies under suspicious circumstances soon after Lacey starts asking questions, it is clear that there is more to both cases than it seems at first glance.
A good second part for this so far intriguing and enjoyable historical mystery series. The well-plotted mystery easily kept my interest and I find most of the characters truly likable (with the notable exception of Brandon and Louisa, who I rather wish were either far less aggravating or got less pagetime...).
A good second part for this so far intriguing and enjoyable historical mystery series. The well-plotted mystery easily kept my interest and I find most of the characters truly likable (with the notable exception of Brandon and Louisa, who I rather wish were either far less aggravating or got less pagetime...).
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