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Beatrice Hyde-Clare #7
A Ghastly Spectacle
Since the new Duchess of Kesgrave cannot be swayed from her unfortunate interest in dead bodies, Lady Abercrombie decides to confront the matter head-on by hosting a murder mystery dinner party.
Gathering together several of society’s most influential members, she concocts an amusing puzzle-play, assigns roles, and stands back to allow Bea to impress them all with her ingenuity.
The former spinster will be the height of fashion in no time. Huzzah!
No, she won’t, Bea thinks. Her status has increased with her marriage, yes, but so have the insecurities that bedeviled her first season. Far from charming everyone with her wit, she will appall them with her inability to form coherent or interesting sentences.
’Tis a three-act tragedy in the making.
But then one of the guests is killed in the same manner as her ladyship’s victim and the evening turns genuinely tragic. Horrified, the august company scurry for the exits, and Bea, determined to detain all her lovely suspects, throws herself bodily against the door.
Intimidated or not, she will identify the murderer—even if it guarantees her social ruin.
Gathering together several of society’s most influential members, she concocts an amusing puzzle-play, assigns roles, and stands back to allow Bea to impress them all with her ingenuity.
The former spinster will be the height of fashion in no time. Huzzah!
No, she won’t, Bea thinks. Her status has increased with her marriage, yes, but so have the insecurities that bedeviled her first season. Far from charming everyone with her wit, she will appall them with her inability to form coherent or interesting sentences.
’Tis a three-act tragedy in the making.
But then one of the guests is killed in the same manner as her ladyship’s victim and the evening turns genuinely tragic. Horrified, the august company scurry for the exits, and Bea, determined to detain all her lovely suspects, throws herself bodily against the door.
Intimidated or not, she will identify the murderer—even if it guarantees her social ruin.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 14, 2021
453 people are currently reading
547 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Messina
65 books661 followersLynn Messina is author of more than a dozen novels, including the best-selling Fashionistas, which has been translated into sixteen languages, and a series of Regency romance novels. Her essays have appeared in Self, American Baby and the New York Times Modern Love column. She lives in New York City with her sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
August 13, 2025
With friends like these, who needs enemies........a truly nasty nest of vipers.
January 21, 2023
Bea, Duchess of Kesgrave is trying to be accepted by society for Kesgrave’s sake. So Lady Abercrombie holds a mystery dinner party. Only Bea is assigned (accidentally) the role of a servant, two of the most loquacious gossips are part of the set, and of course someone actually is murdered. Bea solves the mystery although something nags at her about her having been led to the conclusion.
She does realize however that Kesgrave just doesn’t care, not one whit or tot, about society’s opinion. A moment of stunning revelation and relief for Bea.
She does realize however that Kesgrave just doesn’t care, not one whit or tot, about society’s opinion. A moment of stunning revelation and relief for Bea.
February 14, 2022
The book is pretty good and the ending was satisfying. However it was hard for me to keep track of investigation especially with the info dump that kept happening. That was the only problem I had with the book
February 8, 2023
I’ve enjoyed all of the books in this series. For murder mysteries, they are light and filled with wry humor. Good to listen to on my morning walk.
Read
August 12, 2021I read until 29% and I couldn’t any more. Bea and her insecurities are too boring. I’m sorry. I love how supportive the duke seems of her but I guess I was really hoping for some more on page time for the two of them. Hopefully it happened later on in the book.
May 18, 2021
I think that I have said on more than one occasion how much I enjoy this series. Not only because how incredibly bright Bea is; but her relationship with Kesgrave. She is still riddled with doubt about herself and how she impacts his life. Wondering if she is doing him any favors by always getting into these kinds of situations. But this is a man who supports her in her desires to right wrongs and let's her do what she is qualified to do. I would say many men would not be quite that supportive in that era or any era for that matter.
Lady Abercrombie decided the best way to launch Bea is to throw a murder mystery dinner with some of the elite snobs ( I mean people) that she can think of. Well naturally someone ends up dead during dinner and Bea is now forced to use that incredible brain to solve this. Needless to say the other guests aren't really all that keen on remaining there, but she forces them to stay put. There are plenty of suspects as she, along with Damion and her cousin Flora attempt to figure this out.
Also can I say how much I love Bea's and Damion's relationship. It is obvious how much this man adores his unique wife, but how she learns that she is very much worth his love and can still poke fun at him says a lot.
Lady Abercrombie decided the best way to launch Bea is to throw a murder mystery dinner with some of the elite snobs ( I mean people) that she can think of. Well naturally someone ends up dead during dinner and Bea is now forced to use that incredible brain to solve this. Needless to say the other guests aren't really all that keen on remaining there, but she forces them to stay put. There are plenty of suspects as she, along with Damion and her cousin Flora attempt to figure this out.
Also can I say how much I love Bea's and Damion's relationship. It is obvious how much this man adores his unique wife, but how she learns that she is very much worth his love and can still poke fun at him says a lot.
June 10, 2021
Disappointing
The first twenty five pages are a combo of synopsis of previous books and how the Bon ton hates the main character. The pity party was never ended they the book. The majority of the story is at a disastrous dinner party. The characters sniping and insulting each other for over a hundred pages was exhausting. I finally started flipping pages looking for the actual story. I gave this two stars because I actually enjoyed the final fifteen pages of 260. HUGE disappointment.
The first twenty five pages are a combo of synopsis of previous books and how the Bon ton hates the main character. The pity party was never ended they the book. The majority of the story is at a disastrous dinner party. The characters sniping and insulting each other for over a hundred pages was exhausting. I finally started flipping pages looking for the actual story. I gave this two stars because I actually enjoyed the final fifteen pages of 260. HUGE disappointment.
March 4, 2022
This one was a bit sadder than the others, but not in a bad way.
Beatrice and the Duke remains a favorite series. So much so that I ditched all of my previous plans for the night to read it when I realized it was available.
The dowager duchess may have overtaken Flora as my favorite character.
These are definitely books you want to read in order! The banter needs to be read from its inception to be truly appreciated. "HMS Majestic..."
Beatrice and the Duke remains a favorite series. So much so that I ditched all of my previous plans for the night to read it when I realized it was available.
The dowager duchess may have overtaken Flora as my favorite character.
These are definitely books you want to read in order! The banter needs to be read from its inception to be truly appreciated. "HMS Majestic..."
July 21, 2021
3.5 stars
Beatrice Hyde-Clare, now the Duchess of Kesgrave, is not longer a forgotten, mousy spinster and her unnatural interest in dead bodies has caught the attention of the ton through the gossip column of Mr. Twaddle-Thum, complete with a sketch of a ghastly spectacle. Not even trying to explain to her nearest and dearest will help improve Bea's standing, which is why Lady Abercrombie decides to host a murder mystery dinner party where Bea can show off her dazzling wits in a more appropriate setting and take the ton by storm. Unfortunately, the plan backfires when one of the guests ends up dead and bloodied on the drawing room floor. The guests naturally assume it was an intruder or one of the servants but Bea has a sad suspicion that one of London's best is a murderer. Which one and how to prove it? With Flora's newfound confidence forcing her into Bea's investigation, it will be extra difficult to solve. Can Bea guess the correct suspect and win over Society? Her very future is in doubt and her beloved Damien's social standing will plummet along with hers if she can't convince everyone of her wits.
This book suffers from an uneven and drawn out plot. The first third is really boring. I could have done without the murder mystery party. I didn't like Flora's intrusion into Bea's mystery and there wasn't enough Damien! He doesn't appear on page with dialogue until after Bea's real life investigation gets under way. Then the witty banter and swoony romantic dialogue returns-finally! The mystery was complicated and everyone was a suspect. I changed my mind about the murderer a few times and like Bea, I ended up thinking I was so clever to suspect someone no one else would think of. Then I ended up being wrong so that was a surprise. To get there though, the story drags. There's a lovely interlude with the VERY happily married couple before the dramatic finale. The finale sure is dramatic! My heart was in my throat fearing this was the end of my beloved sleuth! The final reveal was a little complicated and really clever of the villain. I never suspected. This story would have benefitted from a lot of "lopping and cropping" and MORE DAMIEN!
I caught one historical error and one possible historical error but imagine my surprise when Bea caught it too! It's intentional and possibly not an error. I'm going to try to look it up. There's also a dig at the historical police but I'm still going to call it if I see it. The first error, chignon, is not a Georgian/Regency hairstyle term but I'm being picky. I AM going to call her out for using the term "delope" which was specific to Georgette Heyer and actually the Code Duello states it's illegal to fire in the air! I KNOW it's a common trope but people, do your own research and don't rely on other people to do it for you.
I still love Bea but she's in her head all the time and even after all these successful investigations she still suffers from a lot of self-doubt and confidence issues. Her wonderful husband explains to her why this is (she's a Regency lady Harry Potter) and how it's going to take more time for her to become more confident in herself but for the sake of the story, I'd like more action and less thoughts. By 26 and after solving how many murders and marrying a Duke who is crazy about her, I would think she would have grown a bit. The Duke of Kesgrave is as always, swoony! I MAY be partly in love with him myself. I love how he supports Bea and encourages her. He picks her up when she's down and loves her unconditionally. She certainly keeps him on his toes mentally and physically. He's, shall we say, very active when he's roused to passion, in more ways than one. I finally got an answer to the question I had when we first saw him- yes he does put on a pompous demeanor when he's surrounded by idiots who "toad eat" him. He's not like that with Bea except when she wants him to be pedantic. (It's a turn on.)
Flora is incredibly annoying. Now she solved one murder and accidentally figured out a nefarious scheme, she is insufferable. I can't stand how she patronizes Bea and doubts Bea's intelligence even AFTER she's vowed to break old habits and stop treating her cousin like furniture. Flora starts acting like she's the elder of the two and like she's the super sleuth. Flora is still a nitwit girl and proves it by trying to pin the murder on her rival. The rest of the Hyde-Clares also have to come to terms with the way they treated Bea in the past. Aunt Vera is who she is. She can't help being unintelligent and she seems to suffer from anxiety attacks. Her anxiety is what makes her babble the way she does and what keeps her from wanting to associate with her betters. I almost feel sorry for her. Russell is still an annoying kid and surprisingly, it's Uncle Horace who has changed the most. He recognizes in Bea the qualities he admired in his brother. Their relationship is very sweet.
I can't stand Lady Abercrombie. She's selfish and a bit callous. She cares too much for what everybody thinks of Bea and doesn't understand Bea's introverted nature and anxiety make her uncomfortable in large social situations. I would have let Kesgrave and Nuneaton handle bringing Bea into fashion or not. Bea isn't used to being the center of attention. I think, rather like Sirius Black and Harry Potter, Lady Abercrombie thinks of what Bea's MOTHER was like and would like to do and does not consider how Bea's personality is different because of her experiences. Lady Ambercrombie's reaction to the death of someone close to her is surprisingly cool. She's cruel to mock Aunt Vera and mean to Flora, who is just a 20-year-old girl who can't help her lack of social standing. Nuneaton wasn't in the story as much as I'd like but we get to see his hidden depths. I thought he was going to be matched with Flora but she's smitten with someone else.
We also meet Lord Pudsey again. He's a Conservative politician and a mansplainer but he's actually nice and respects the ladies who debate with him. He makes a VERY surprising choice for a lover but apparently he and Lady A have an arrangement that suits them both. Go figure. He's nice, for a conservative and doesn't deserve what happens to him.
There are many new characters introduced at Lady Abercrombie's party. None of them are very pleasant and one is a murderer. Lord and Lady Bentham, Mr. and Mrs. Fawcett, Lord Bredbury and his niece Miss Petworth. Lady B and Mrs. F have been rivals for YEARS. They're constantly sniping at each other and they're so awful to each other and to Bea. I think the only thing they agree on is that they don't like Bea. Mrs. F's daughter is engaged to a prince in exchange for mineral rights and there's some political rivalry between their husbands as well. Lord Bentham founded a silly sporting club full of idiots. Mr. Fawcett is said to be a nice guy but is he really? Is he smart enough to pull off a murder? If so, what's the motive? He IS quick with a blade. Lord Bentham has more of a temper and takes himself very seriously. Bredbury is a former military officer and very handy with weapons. He seems to have a quick temper and is protective of his niece. He has younger siblings to care for and the other two have children. Would any of them really do that to their families? Perhaps in haste, yes. Fawcett and Lord B were seen fighting early in the evening but neither is the victim! Lady Bentham, on the other hand, is nasty enough and has motivation to kill someone. She's motivated to either help her husband or do it on her own. Mrs. Fawcett also has a strong motive much like her rival. It has to be one of them or one of them and their husband.
This wasn't my favorite of the series but I still love the characters and can't wait to see what Bea gets up to next.
content:
blood
implied sex
Beatrice Hyde-Clare, now the Duchess of Kesgrave, is not longer a forgotten, mousy spinster and her unnatural interest in dead bodies has caught the attention of the ton through the gossip column of Mr. Twaddle-Thum, complete with a sketch of a ghastly spectacle. Not even trying to explain to her nearest and dearest will help improve Bea's standing, which is why Lady Abercrombie decides to host a murder mystery dinner party where Bea can show off her dazzling wits in a more appropriate setting and take the ton by storm. Unfortunately, the plan backfires when one of the guests ends up dead and bloodied on the drawing room floor. The guests naturally assume it was an intruder or one of the servants but Bea has a sad suspicion that one of London's best is a murderer. Which one and how to prove it? With Flora's newfound confidence forcing her into Bea's investigation, it will be extra difficult to solve. Can Bea guess the correct suspect and win over Society? Her very future is in doubt and her beloved Damien's social standing will plummet along with hers if she can't convince everyone of her wits.
This book suffers from an uneven and drawn out plot. The first third is really boring. I could have done without the murder mystery party. I didn't like Flora's intrusion into Bea's mystery and there wasn't enough Damien! He doesn't appear on page with dialogue until after Bea's real life investigation gets under way. Then the witty banter and swoony romantic dialogue returns-finally! The mystery was complicated and everyone was a suspect. I changed my mind about the murderer a few times and like Bea, I ended up thinking I was so clever to suspect someone no one else would think of. Then I ended up being wrong so that was a surprise. To get there though, the story drags. There's a lovely interlude with the VERY happily married couple before the dramatic finale. The finale sure is dramatic! My heart was in my throat fearing this was the end of my beloved sleuth! The final reveal was a little complicated and really clever of the villain. I never suspected. This story would have benefitted from a lot of "lopping and cropping" and MORE DAMIEN!
I caught one historical error and one possible historical error but imagine my surprise when Bea caught it too! It's intentional and possibly not an error. I'm going to try to look it up. There's also a dig at the historical police but I'm still going to call it if I see it. The first error, chignon, is not a Georgian/Regency hairstyle term but I'm being picky. I AM going to call her out for using the term "delope" which was specific to Georgette Heyer and actually the Code Duello states it's illegal to fire in the air! I KNOW it's a common trope but people, do your own research and don't rely on other people to do it for you.
I still love Bea but she's in her head all the time and even after all these successful investigations she still suffers from a lot of self-doubt and confidence issues. Her wonderful husband explains to her why this is (she's a Regency lady Harry Potter) and how it's going to take more time for her to become more confident in herself but for the sake of the story, I'd like more action and less thoughts. By 26 and after solving how many murders and marrying a Duke who is crazy about her, I would think she would have grown a bit. The Duke of Kesgrave is as always, swoony! I MAY be partly in love with him myself. I love how he supports Bea and encourages her. He picks her up when she's down and loves her unconditionally. She certainly keeps him on his toes mentally and physically. He's, shall we say, very active when he's roused to passion, in more ways than one. I finally got an answer to the question I had when we first saw him- yes he does put on a pompous demeanor when he's surrounded by idiots who "toad eat" him. He's not like that with Bea except when she wants him to be pedantic. (It's a turn on.)
Flora is incredibly annoying. Now she solved one murder and accidentally figured out a nefarious scheme, she is insufferable. I can't stand how she patronizes Bea and doubts Bea's intelligence even AFTER she's vowed to break old habits and stop treating her cousin like furniture. Flora starts acting like she's the elder of the two and like she's the super sleuth. Flora is still a nitwit girl and proves it by trying to pin the murder on her rival. The rest of the Hyde-Clares also have to come to terms with the way they treated Bea in the past. Aunt Vera is who she is. She can't help being unintelligent and she seems to suffer from anxiety attacks. Her anxiety is what makes her babble the way she does and what keeps her from wanting to associate with her betters. I almost feel sorry for her. Russell is still an annoying kid and surprisingly, it's Uncle Horace who has changed the most. He recognizes in Bea the qualities he admired in his brother. Their relationship is very sweet.
I can't stand Lady Abercrombie. She's selfish and a bit callous. She cares too much for what everybody thinks of Bea and doesn't understand Bea's introverted nature and anxiety make her uncomfortable in large social situations. I would have let Kesgrave and Nuneaton handle bringing Bea into fashion or not. Bea isn't used to being the center of attention. I think, rather like Sirius Black and Harry Potter, Lady Abercrombie thinks of what Bea's MOTHER was like and would like to do and does not consider how Bea's personality is different because of her experiences. Lady Ambercrombie's reaction to the death of someone close to her is surprisingly cool. She's cruel to mock Aunt Vera and mean to Flora, who is just a 20-year-old girl who can't help her lack of social standing. Nuneaton wasn't in the story as much as I'd like but we get to see his hidden depths. I thought he was going to be matched with Flora but she's smitten with someone else.
We also meet Lord Pudsey again. He's a Conservative politician and a mansplainer but he's actually nice and respects the ladies who debate with him. He makes a VERY surprising choice for a lover but apparently he and Lady A have an arrangement that suits them both. Go figure. He's nice, for a conservative and doesn't deserve what happens to him.
There are many new characters introduced at Lady Abercrombie's party. None of them are very pleasant and one is a murderer. Lord and Lady Bentham, Mr. and Mrs. Fawcett, Lord Bredbury and his niece Miss Petworth. Lady B and Mrs. F have been rivals for YEARS. They're constantly sniping at each other and they're so awful to each other and to Bea. I think the only thing they agree on is that they don't like Bea. Mrs. F's daughter is engaged to a prince in exchange for mineral rights and there's some political rivalry between their husbands as well. Lord Bentham founded a silly sporting club full of idiots. Mr. Fawcett is said to be a nice guy but is he really? Is he smart enough to pull off a murder? If so, what's the motive? He IS quick with a blade. Lord Bentham has more of a temper and takes himself very seriously. Bredbury is a former military officer and very handy with weapons. He seems to have a quick temper and is protective of his niece. He has younger siblings to care for and the other two have children. Would any of them really do that to their families? Perhaps in haste, yes. Fawcett and Lord B were seen fighting early in the evening but neither is the victim! Lady Bentham, on the other hand, is nasty enough and has motivation to kill someone. She's motivated to either help her husband or do it on her own. Mrs. Fawcett also has a strong motive much like her rival. It has to be one of them or one of them and their husband.
This wasn't my favorite of the series but I still love the characters and can't wait to see what Bea gets up to next.
content:
blood
implied sex
June 13, 2024
Another stellar story although I found it difficult at first to keep all the new characters separate from each other at the dinner party.
Bea is the despair of her friend, who wants her to be accepted into society. The Duke couldn’t care less, he just wants her happy (that ‘joyful’ scene was precious) and will do whatever he can to help her. Even solving murders :)
The dinner party is a murder mystery which quickly becomes an actual murder! Not to spoil it but when you think it is over, it is not over!
Highlights are miserly since I am traveling and I just can’t highlight the whole book now can I?
It’s got low heat but lots of feels, especially 7 books in. Great characters.
Bea is the despair of her friend, who wants her to be accepted into society. The Duke couldn’t care less, he just wants her happy (that ‘joyful’ scene was precious) and will do whatever he can to help her. Even solving murders :)
The dinner party is a murder mystery which quickly becomes an actual murder! Not to spoil it but when you think it is over, it is not over!
Highlights are miserly since I am traveling and I just can’t highlight the whole book now can I?
It’s got low heat but lots of feels, especially 7 books in. Great characters.
August 14, 2022
We’re back to following Beatrice and Damien, this time as they go to a murder mystery dinner party put on by their friend Lady Abercrombie to showcase Bea’s investigative skills to the ton. Of course, a real murder happens and Bea identifies the killer…or does she?
The dinner party is funny enough, but they we get Bea becoming a darling of the beau monde and Flora’s love triangle? Bea calling her reading room “The Office for Rout Cake Enjoyment?” Hilarious! The last chapter puts Bea back in harm’s way (there’s an attempt on her life in most books, so this isn’t a spoiler) and the resolution is fantastic.
Some series slow down once the “will they/won’t they” part is settled, but this series is still going strong.
The dinner party is funny enough, but they we get Bea becoming a darling of the beau monde and Flora’s love triangle? Bea calling her reading room “The Office for Rout Cake Enjoyment?” Hilarious! The last chapter puts Bea back in harm’s way (there’s an attempt on her life in most books, so this isn’t a spoiler) and the resolution is fantastic.
Some series slow down once the “will they/won’t they” part is settled, but this series is still going strong.
May 30, 2021
Although I enjoyed this one, I have to say that the dinner party portion of the mystery was rather monotonous. I found it difficult to keep track of who was there, and their connections to one another.
As always, I loved all the interactions between Bea and Kesgrave. Normally when reading romance I find the interest dies aways once the couple gets together and you lose the unresolved sexual tension; however, these two are always finding new ways to fall more deeply in love with each other. It's profoundly endearing and I love nothing more than when the pair are working together (even if Flora is determined to insert herself into the picture).
I enjoyed the more sisterly relationship between Flora and her cousin, although it would be nice if Flora could develop a little bit more self awareness in future books.
The ending of this book was a rather abrupt. I wish that Bea could have figured it out a bit quicker, and had a longer denouement.
As always, I loved all the interactions between Bea and Kesgrave. Normally when reading romance I find the interest dies aways once the couple gets together and you lose the unresolved sexual tension; however, these two are always finding new ways to fall more deeply in love with each other. It's profoundly endearing and I love nothing more than when the pair are working together (even if Flora is determined to insert herself into the picture).
I enjoyed the more sisterly relationship between Flora and her cousin, although it would be nice if Flora could develop a little bit more self awareness in future books.
The ending of this book was a rather abrupt. I wish that Bea could have figured it out a bit quicker, and had a longer denouement.
April 29, 2023
A Bea Hyde-Clare mystery at its best!! A well-crafted dinner party mystery that had elements of Clue in it, hilariously ripping social commentary, plus Bea & Kesgrave as swoony & witty as ever. What I liked most about this one is that Serious Mistakes were made, which in turn allowed for some great reflection & character growth. As always, I’m so ready for the next one, which will apparently delve into Kesgrave’s background (finally!)!
August 19, 2021
Best Book Boyfriend Duke of Kesgrave
If you read this book or series for no other reason than the Duke of Kesgrave you will be pleased. This is a cozy romance so no sexy times on page. But Messina can illicit more sizzle with a flirt than most authors can will a full on sex scene. The romance between Bea and Kesgrave didn’t stop with the I dos.
Great series love the story and the characters, plus there was more Flora in this book.
If you read this book or series for no other reason than the Duke of Kesgrave you will be pleased. This is a cozy romance so no sexy times on page. But Messina can illicit more sizzle with a flirt than most authors can will a full on sex scene. The romance between Bea and Kesgrave didn’t stop with the I dos.
Great series love the story and the characters, plus there was more Flora in this book.
May 19, 2021
i do love them
and what a reasonable husband he is! understanding denial is not the best way to ensure safety. not sure how the bad guy was going to explain away the lesser wounds (vague reviewing here). the mystery was non-standard. the fakes are clever and yet the resolution maybe not as much. i’ll follow the duke and duchess anywhere.
and what a reasonable husband he is! understanding denial is not the best way to ensure safety. not sure how the bad guy was going to explain away the lesser wounds (vague reviewing here). the mystery was non-standard. the fakes are clever and yet the resolution maybe not as much. i’ll follow the duke and duchess anywhere.
November 11, 2024
Absolutely DELIGHTFUL!!! ❤️❤️ This was such an improvement on the first few books, I loved it!!! Bea and Kesgrave are invited to a murder mystery party in Bea’s honour but the game turns deadly when one of the guests is found murdered in a room full of the most respected members of the ton.
Loved the investigation which is very closed circle with very few clues but there were twists and turns until the very very end and that kept me on the edge of my seat! While society’s rejection of Bea’s activities is realistic, it’s mentioned in every single book at length and it’s the only thing I found boring. The absolute best parts were Flora and Bea’s new relationship and Bea and Kesgrave’s love for each other. They’re both so special and really root for each other, there was a line towards the end about their love that I read several times. Such a great romance! 🥰
Loved the investigation which is very closed circle with very few clues but there were twists and turns until the very very end and that kept me on the edge of my seat! While society’s rejection of Bea’s activities is realistic, it’s mentioned in every single book at length and it’s the only thing I found boring. The absolute best parts were Flora and Bea’s new relationship and Bea and Kesgrave’s love for each other. They’re both so special and really root for each other, there was a line towards the end about their love that I read several times. Such a great romance! 🥰
April 19, 2022
an okay continuation
When one of Beatrice’s friends stages a dinner party/murder mystery To highlight bees intelligence and wit, the new Duchess of cats grave knows it will be an utter disaster. But what she doesn’t know is just how right she is. When one of the guests is murdered, Beatrice springs into action – even if it causes her social ruin.
***
I read this book about six months ago and in that time I have mostly forgotten what happens in this. And that’s one of the biggest reasons why I’m only giving this for stars. I don’t remember feeling excited or engaged with this story. Oh it was good I’ve read the books following it but it’s not one of the standout books in the series.
Four stars
When one of Beatrice’s friends stages a dinner party/murder mystery To highlight bees intelligence and wit, the new Duchess of cats grave knows it will be an utter disaster. But what she doesn’t know is just how right she is. When one of the guests is murdered, Beatrice springs into action – even if it causes her social ruin.
***
I read this book about six months ago and in that time I have mostly forgotten what happens in this. And that’s one of the biggest reasons why I’m only giving this for stars. I don’t remember feeling excited or engaged with this story. Oh it was good I’ve read the books following it but it’s not one of the standout books in the series.
Four stars
December 15, 2025
Lady Abercrombie is determined to make Bea and her investigative habit fashionable. She devises a murder mystery party to showcase Bea’s skills. Unfortunately, a real murder dampens the mood.
The dinner party portion of the book felt tedious to me this round. And I feel like Kesgrave has been relegated to romantic consort instead of eager partner. I don’t like him in a subservient role. I missed him as Bea’s confidant and co-escapade-er. Nevertheless, I still love this series. I’m not put off yet.
The dinner party portion of the book felt tedious to me this round. And I feel like Kesgrave has been relegated to romantic consort instead of eager partner. I don’t like him in a subservient role. I missed him as Bea’s confidant and co-escapade-er. Nevertheless, I still love this series. I’m not put off yet.
September 18, 2022
Another delightful adventure in this series. I just love Bea and Kesgrave! The mystery was not quite as interesting as I had hoped it would be— the particulars of the murder and possible motives were a little convoluted— but it enjoyable nonetheless. The audio version was solid but not outstanding. I’m not a fan of the voice the reader uses for Kesgrave but her female voices are good.
October 10, 2022
3 stars.
This one is a bit weird, . Some parts of Lady Abercrombie's dinner party were funny though.
I'm glad Kesgrave realises that Bea needs lessons to defend herself. :)
This one is a bit weird, . Some parts of Lady Abercrombie's dinner party were funny though.
I'm glad Kesgrave realises that Bea needs lessons to defend herself. :)
September 2, 2024
On to the next adventure!
These fun tales just get more amusing. The mystery is real, as is the growing love between the Duchess and the Duke. The fun they have together is the foundation of the series.
These fun tales just get more amusing. The mystery is real, as is the growing love between the Duchess and the Duke. The fun they have together is the foundation of the series.
March 12, 2025
Excellent romantic regency murder mystery
Murder isn't cozy, but the lovely, heartwarming romance between Bea and Damian is. There is less humorous banter and more serious detecting, but the recurring supporting characters are delightful.
Murder isn't cozy, but the lovely, heartwarming romance between Bea and Damian is. There is less humorous banter and more serious detecting, but the recurring supporting characters are delightful.
November 7, 2022
Another terrific book in this series. I’m loving Beatrice and Kesgrave so much!
July 7, 2021
Not the best one of this series, I have to say. The ending was completely abrupt without an ‘ending’ at all. The whole ‘mystery’ wasn’t really a mystery. I picked out the murderer immediately so then I was just waiting for the book to end. The dialogue during the dinner party was so fake and one dimensional that if I was there I probably would have walked out and never gone back to the house. I really missed the banter between Kesgrave and Bea in this one and I hope there more in the next book in the series.
July 4, 2021
I was lost in a sea of unnecessary dialogue
I’ve read each of the previous books and enjoyed them but this one just seemed to go on forever. I lost interest at the beginning of chapter 5 and jumped to 13 so I could put the book away. Time to move on to a new series.
I’ve read each of the previous books and enjoyed them but this one just seemed to go on forever. I lost interest at the beginning of chapter 5 and jumped to 13 so I could put the book away. Time to move on to a new series.
February 3, 2023
Who doesn't love a good murder mystery dinner party that turns into an actual murder investigation?!
I was so delighted that another Beatrice-Hyde Clare mystery was released! I just adore these books. It's the characters mostly. Bea can be a little too "in her head" sometimes, but overall, I just appreciate her and the Duke. Both together and separate (although we don't really get the Duke on his own). I love how they work together. I love how he believes in her, in spite of the fact that everyone else thinks she's crazy or eccentric or unfashionable. And I like the mysteries themselves, too. This was another in a line of great books in this series!
I was so delighted that another Beatrice-Hyde Clare mystery was released! I just adore these books. It's the characters mostly. Bea can be a little too "in her head" sometimes, but overall, I just appreciate her and the Duke. Both together and separate (although we don't really get the Duke on his own). I love how they work together. I love how he believes in her, in spite of the fact that everyone else thinks she's crazy or eccentric or unfashionable. And I like the mysteries themselves, too. This was another in a line of great books in this series!
May 14, 2021
Rating: 4 stars
What I Liked: I love this series so much. This wasn’t my favourite instalment in the series so far, but there was a lot I loved about it. The writing is still really strong; Messina’s turn of phrase is lovely, and her little asides and one-liners are really funny.
The main thing, as ever, is the relationship between Bea and Kesgrave, which is possibly my favourite in all of the romance books I’ve ever read. They just love each other so much; even the smallest scene between them makes me sigh. The casual affection in this is so good: I love where their relationship has gone since they first met, and the complete and utter trust they have in each other. A big highlight was the part near the end:
I wish there had been more of their relationship in the book, of course, but I know that it isn’t the focus of the story. It’s also interesting to me, as these are closed-door books, and I think that adds another layer of sexual tension between the characters that I really enjoy.
I enjoyed the side characters, too - Flora continues to be really entertaining and I found her bits really funny. I like Nuneaton, too.
I enjoyed the murder mystery party concept, that was good fun; the scenes at the party were good, with the bickering and hte general chaos swirling around as Bea was trying to solve things. I also enjoyed
What I Didn’t: I have to say I found the actual murder mystery aspect of this book a little bit muddled - I lost track of a few things as it went on and found the ending a little bit hard to follow. I also thought the actual ending was incredibly blunt - it just sort of finished. It would have been nice for it to be a bit more well-rounded.
Another small complaint - I think I’ve found this a problem in some of the other books before, but I do wish that some of the characters were named a bit more carefully. I personally found having two surnames of suspects beginning with ‘B’ a bit confusing, especially early on, as I lost track a few times of who was meant to be who.
Overall: This was a nice instalment to the series, with some really nice ideas in it. I loved seeing Bea and Kesgrave a little bit more settled into married life and their scenes together were lovely.
Would I Recommend It?: Yes, if you want a well-written, fun, regency cosy mystery romance, but I would say you have to read the other books in the series first.
Would I Read Something By The Author Again?: Yes, absolutely.
Content Warnings:
What I Liked: I love this series so much. This wasn’t my favourite instalment in the series so far, but there was a lot I loved about it. The writing is still really strong; Messina’s turn of phrase is lovely, and her little asides and one-liners are really funny.
The main thing, as ever, is the relationship between Bea and Kesgrave, which is possibly my favourite in all of the romance books I’ve ever read. They just love each other so much; even the smallest scene between them makes me sigh. The casual affection in this is so good: I love where their relationship has gone since they first met, and the complete and utter trust they have in each other. A big highlight was the part near the end:
I wish there had been more of their relationship in the book, of course, but I know that it isn’t the focus of the story. It’s also interesting to me, as these are closed-door books, and I think that adds another layer of sexual tension between the characters that I really enjoy.
I enjoyed the side characters, too - Flora continues to be really entertaining and I found her bits really funny. I like Nuneaton, too.
I enjoyed the murder mystery party concept, that was good fun; the scenes at the party were good, with the bickering and hte general chaos swirling around as Bea was trying to solve things. I also enjoyed
What I Didn’t: I have to say I found the actual murder mystery aspect of this book a little bit muddled - I lost track of a few things as it went on and found the ending a little bit hard to follow. I also thought the actual ending was incredibly blunt - it just sort of finished. It would have been nice for it to be a bit more well-rounded.
Another small complaint - I think I’ve found this a problem in some of the other books before, but I do wish that some of the characters were named a bit more carefully. I personally found having two surnames of suspects beginning with ‘B’ a bit confusing, especially early on, as I lost track a few times of who was meant to be who.
Overall: This was a nice instalment to the series, with some really nice ideas in it. I loved seeing Bea and Kesgrave a little bit more settled into married life and their scenes together were lovely.
Would I Recommend It?: Yes, if you want a well-written, fun, regency cosy mystery romance, but I would say you have to read the other books in the series first.
Would I Read Something By The Author Again?: Yes, absolutely.
Content Warnings:
November 13, 2023
I enjoyed the first six books in the Beatrice Hyde-Clare series, and I shuddered when she married her duke because I was afraid their relationship would become mundane. Thankfully, it has not. Their marriage has turned out well, although Beatrice’s inner moanings are getting old. That said, this book was disappointing. The first chapter felt like a rehash of what has gone before and was essentially a needless page-filler.
There is a dinner party, thwarted by a murder, and the characters could not have been more tedious and boring if they’d been striving for inept turnip-hood. And perhaps they were. If so, mission accomplished. The dinner party becomes a vehicle for dull characters to speak in paragraph-long diatribes that go on page after page, chapter after chapter. Ms. Messina is guilty of overwriting, and it desperately wants editing. It is almost painful to plow through.
While I do like the character, Beatrice Hyde-Clare—she is an intelligent protagonist—and her husband, Damien, Duke of Kesgrave, her inner ramblings are monotonous and in danger of becoming dreary. She constantly underestimates herself. Flashes of insecurity are to be expected, particularly when she is now a part of the upper echelon of the aristocracy because of her husband’s elevated placement therein. But she is a bright, well-read, opinionated woman and can hold her own—easily—within that aristocracy, as we are shown numerous times.
Beatrice’s cousin, Flora, remains her unremarkable self. I did not warm to her when she first appeared in the series, and I still cannot fathom her role in these books. Here, she reappears with a misplaced confidence in her own sleuthing abilities. She is supercilious and—no doubt—serves as a foil for her rapier-witted cousin Beatrice. However, Beatrice’s aunt already has that role well in hand and we do not need a 1.5 version of Aunt Vera.
The deadly dull dialogues are not helped by the writer forcing her readers to guess who is speaking. There are so many “her ladyships” in the room, leading to a great many “her ladyship saids,” that it becomes a chore to constantly back up for a clue about which particular ladyship is talking. There is an amusing quotation from the book, uttered by Lord Bentham, one of the dinner guests, describing a conversation he had had with one of the ladies, “If only it was a word! …Alas, it was many—indeed, a whole torrent—and none of them interesting.” That pretty much sums up the far too many unabridged conversations in this book.
The last few chapters are the best. The dinner party is in the past, the murderer has been apprehended, yet Beatrice is restive. Something is “off.” The writer is in her element when she plays with her two main characters, Beatrice and Damien. Their witty banter and obvious love for each other is a pleasure to read. And the Kesgrave household servants are back in all their glory, as well. The interactions with Beatrice and Damien are priceless. This is the treat in store toward the book’s end. This cast of characters is delightful, even when enveloped in pathos.
There were few errors noted. Among them were:
“…a unfortunate accident….” This should read, “…an unfortunate accident….”
“…stepped forward as if it to block the object from her view….” This feels like an editing error that was not cleaned up. The writer changed wording but failed to remove all the superfluous words. I believe this passage could read, “…stepped forward as if to block the object from her view…” or “…stepped forward to block the object from her view….” The second possibility reads better, I think.
I rated this book 3-stars because I disliked the tedium, at the same time enjoying Beatrice and Damien’s scenes. They are intelligent and amusing observers of their world and the people who populate it. From chapter eleven through the end (chapter thirteen), the book hums. This book didn’t match the previous ones in the series, but neither does it put a reader off reading more. The next one will—no doubt—be delicious…!
There is a dinner party, thwarted by a murder, and the characters could not have been more tedious and boring if they’d been striving for inept turnip-hood. And perhaps they were. If so, mission accomplished. The dinner party becomes a vehicle for dull characters to speak in paragraph-long diatribes that go on page after page, chapter after chapter. Ms. Messina is guilty of overwriting, and it desperately wants editing. It is almost painful to plow through.
While I do like the character, Beatrice Hyde-Clare—she is an intelligent protagonist—and her husband, Damien, Duke of Kesgrave, her inner ramblings are monotonous and in danger of becoming dreary. She constantly underestimates herself. Flashes of insecurity are to be expected, particularly when she is now a part of the upper echelon of the aristocracy because of her husband’s elevated placement therein. But she is a bright, well-read, opinionated woman and can hold her own—easily—within that aristocracy, as we are shown numerous times.
Beatrice’s cousin, Flora, remains her unremarkable self. I did not warm to her when she first appeared in the series, and I still cannot fathom her role in these books. Here, she reappears with a misplaced confidence in her own sleuthing abilities. She is supercilious and—no doubt—serves as a foil for her rapier-witted cousin Beatrice. However, Beatrice’s aunt already has that role well in hand and we do not need a 1.5 version of Aunt Vera.
The deadly dull dialogues are not helped by the writer forcing her readers to guess who is speaking. There are so many “her ladyships” in the room, leading to a great many “her ladyship saids,” that it becomes a chore to constantly back up for a clue about which particular ladyship is talking. There is an amusing quotation from the book, uttered by Lord Bentham, one of the dinner guests, describing a conversation he had had with one of the ladies, “If only it was a word! …Alas, it was many—indeed, a whole torrent—and none of them interesting.” That pretty much sums up the far too many unabridged conversations in this book.
The last few chapters are the best. The dinner party is in the past, the murderer has been apprehended, yet Beatrice is restive. Something is “off.” The writer is in her element when she plays with her two main characters, Beatrice and Damien. Their witty banter and obvious love for each other is a pleasure to read. And the Kesgrave household servants are back in all their glory, as well. The interactions with Beatrice and Damien are priceless. This is the treat in store toward the book’s end. This cast of characters is delightful, even when enveloped in pathos.
There were few errors noted. Among them were:
“…a unfortunate accident….” This should read, “…an unfortunate accident….”
“…stepped forward as if it to block the object from her view….” This feels like an editing error that was not cleaned up. The writer changed wording but failed to remove all the superfluous words. I believe this passage could read, “…stepped forward as if to block the object from her view…” or “…stepped forward to block the object from her view….” The second possibility reads better, I think.
I rated this book 3-stars because I disliked the tedium, at the same time enjoying Beatrice and Damien’s scenes. They are intelligent and amusing observers of their world and the people who populate it. From chapter eleven through the end (chapter thirteen), the book hums. This book didn’t match the previous ones in the series, but neither does it put a reader off reading more. The next one will—no doubt—be delicious…!
September 10, 2024
Closer to a 3.75 ⭐️
Bea was super insufferable during the beginning and I feel as though we were in her head way too much when so much was happening around her — but maybe the was the point based on the revelation and conversation she had with Kesgrave about her insecurities but idk. After that point in the book and the last like 40% I began to enjoy the story a lot more and appreciated seeing more of her relationship with Kesgrave.
Also loved the tidbits about Flora, Nuneaton and Holcroft even though sometimes it felt like an unnatural segway in Beas thoughts and very expositiony to keep the reader up to date with what’s happening on Floras own world as a follow up to her book — but at times it just felt clunky to read.
But I did love seeing more of Flora and I wish Bea respected her cousin just a bit more but alas.
I liked the double mystery in this one and that we as the audience had been duped alongside Bea but the ending was actually terrible. I know each of these books always ends abruptly but like it was so bizarre like just give me a time jump to a week later so I know Benthams fate and the ton’s response to this new information and imprisonment of one of their own!!
Also wished Bea would be more vulnerable with Kesagrave like babe you’re allowed to cry and be ‘weak’ if though you’re strong willed and clever.
Like why was she still holding it together when Kesgrave found her after she almost died ??? Like you can cry in your husbands arms since you managed to survive and it would make more sense then being all ‘I didn’t succumb to Bentham and I wont crumble now’ like I’m sorry but that’s just stupid you’re allowed to be vulnerable !!!
Would also love to learn more about Kesgrave and his past, thoughts, feelings and emotions since Bea kept acting so annoying about not knowing anything about her husband.
But I feel like that’s a flaw of the writing and pacing as we always jump straight into the next event and mystery in the next book literally like a day or so later and never get those private moments between the two of them when they’re not discussing an investigation or Beas insecurities or other people’s opinions of them/her. But also insane to think that she’s not just learning those things off the page but I suppose we as the readers she almost everything due to the pacing and quick timelines.
Also so glad she’s finally shut up about brining Kesgrave down to a lower level and reducing his social standing and the Matlock name. Like either shut up, have a conversation with him about it (which thank god she did) or think before you act and reflect on how your actions would reflect on him before you commit some sort of violation of propriety.
I’m intrigued to see how the next few books will go and if we get more and better character growth from Bea - almost forgot how she immediately disregarded Kesgraves advice and reassurances about her insecurities like girl what was the point of opening up then😭
But anyways keen to see more Flora and more social settings now that Beas positioned in society has been elevation
Bea was super insufferable during the beginning and I feel as though we were in her head way too much when so much was happening around her — but maybe the was the point based on the revelation and conversation she had with Kesgrave about her insecurities but idk. After that point in the book and the last like 40% I began to enjoy the story a lot more and appreciated seeing more of her relationship with Kesgrave.
Also loved the tidbits about Flora, Nuneaton and Holcroft even though sometimes it felt like an unnatural segway in Beas thoughts and very expositiony to keep the reader up to date with what’s happening on Floras own world as a follow up to her book — but at times it just felt clunky to read.
But I did love seeing more of Flora and I wish Bea respected her cousin just a bit more but alas.
I liked the double mystery in this one and that we as the audience had been duped alongside Bea but the ending was actually terrible. I know each of these books always ends abruptly but like it was so bizarre like just give me a time jump to a week later so I know Benthams fate and the ton’s response to this new information and imprisonment of one of their own!!
Also wished Bea would be more vulnerable with Kesagrave like babe you’re allowed to cry and be ‘weak’ if though you’re strong willed and clever.
Like why was she still holding it together when Kesgrave found her after she almost died ??? Like you can cry in your husbands arms since you managed to survive and it would make more sense then being all ‘I didn’t succumb to Bentham and I wont crumble now’ like I’m sorry but that’s just stupid you’re allowed to be vulnerable !!!
Would also love to learn more about Kesgrave and his past, thoughts, feelings and emotions since Bea kept acting so annoying about not knowing anything about her husband.
But I feel like that’s a flaw of the writing and pacing as we always jump straight into the next event and mystery in the next book literally like a day or so later and never get those private moments between the two of them when they’re not discussing an investigation or Beas insecurities or other people’s opinions of them/her. But also insane to think that she’s not just learning those things off the page but I suppose we as the readers she almost everything due to the pacing and quick timelines.
Also so glad she’s finally shut up about brining Kesgrave down to a lower level and reducing his social standing and the Matlock name. Like either shut up, have a conversation with him about it (which thank god she did) or think before you act and reflect on how your actions would reflect on him before you commit some sort of violation of propriety.
I’m intrigued to see how the next few books will go and if we get more and better character growth from Bea - almost forgot how she immediately disregarded Kesgraves advice and reassurances about her insecurities like girl what was the point of opening up then😭
But anyways keen to see more Flora and more social settings now that Beas positioned in society has been elevation
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2023
A playful Murder-mystery-themed dinner party turns into a real murder mystery!
I enjoyed the idea and setting of this one.
I liked to see how Bea slowly but steady is leaning her role as a duchess.
Bea still struggles with doubts about herself and the fear that she might somehow smudge the image of Kesgrave in the eye of the public. I like to see how Bea can be so sure, clear and certain about some aspects of herself - and yet another part of her is still so very insecure. It seems so very real and I think it makes her quite likeable for her to be vulnerable, despite her character growth.
Kesgrave, of course, is always steady by her side. Never doubtful. Never scornful. Only full of love (and concern) for is wife - and he simply doesn't care about what others might think of him. He is indeed her rock! And, just as Beatrice, I am eager to lean more about him.
The reason for my 3 stars is that I found it a bit dragging and not as captivating somewhere in the middle.
I would have liked more of a team work between Bea and Kesgrave - I think he was more in the background this time - and I do so enjoy their time working equally together.
I do love this series to pieces!
I enjoyed the idea and setting of this one.
I liked to see how Bea slowly but steady is leaning her role as a duchess.
Bea still struggles with doubts about herself and the fear that she might somehow smudge the image of Kesgrave in the eye of the public. I like to see how Bea can be so sure, clear and certain about some aspects of herself - and yet another part of her is still so very insecure. It seems so very real and I think it makes her quite likeable for her to be vulnerable, despite her character growth.
Kesgrave, of course, is always steady by her side. Never doubtful. Never scornful. Only full of love (and concern) for is wife - and he simply doesn't care about what others might think of him. He is indeed her rock! And, just as Beatrice, I am eager to lean more about him.
The reason for my 3 stars is that I found it a bit dragging and not as captivating somewhere in the middle.
I would have liked more of a team work between Bea and Kesgrave - I think he was more in the background this time - and I do so enjoy their time working equally together.
I do love this series to pieces!
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