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A Chance Inquiry #2
Rarer Than Gold
When newly-weds Sir James and Lady Cecilia Branstoke come to the aid of a new-made widow, some things don’t add up about the death of her young lord husband. Worse, a man who won’t state his purpose, but is obviously military, wants a carte blanche to search the dead man’s library! The sheer effrontery!
Their search for answers takes the Branstokes and the widow to the white cliffs of Dover and a search for answers from Folkstone to Dover. Is this a murder, or a ruse? And if a ruse, why?
Their search for answers takes the Branstokes and the widow to the white cliffs of Dover and a search for answers from Folkstone to Dover. Is this a murder, or a ruse? And if a ruse, why?
242 pages, Paperback
First published September 28, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 22, 2021
A missing lord, a punctilious official, and Napoleon’s return!
Newly weds Sir James Branstoke and his bride, Lady Cecilia have changed their honeymoon plans and travelled into Kent to Summerworth Park, an estate Sir James had recently purchased from his cousin.
Ensconced with their plans for refurbishment, they definitely didn’t expect to become involved in a missing, presumed dead, neighbor and acquaintance, Baron Aldrich. Nor did they foresee they’d be assisting the dead lord’s wife, Lady Elinor, with investigating the matter. Furthermore they had no notion they’d be falling down the proverbial rabbit-hole of dangerous coincidences and mis-directions.
Intrigue indeed! Havey-cavey happenings at the inn where they’re staying, near where Aldrich’s coach has fallen off a cliff! Cecelia and Elinor are nearly robbed by an intruder in the dead of night, possibly after a letter Elinor received from Aldrich. Then they’re accosted by a rigid, sanctimonious military person, one Captain Andrew Melville. There’s rumors of stolen gold and weapons, and at the center might be the secretive fanatical spymaster, Lord Candelstone. If it’s him, he’s as usual spinning threads on his intelligence web, leaving his agents dangerously isolated, without known support. Indeed using them carelessly, more as cannon fodder, as pawns on a chessboard, rather than valued operatives to be protected and supported where possible.
I gather James and Cecelia had a perilous run in with Candlestone’s operations in an earlier novel, a situation that nearly cost Cecilia her life. (I’m definitely going to read that as the hints about how they met sound intriguing.)
I enjoyed Cecilia and James’ relationship, their understandings about each other. I particularly appreciated Cecilia’s attitudes to those who would snub Lady Elinor because she comes from a mercantile family. How Cecelia dealt with such persons was satisfying.
The story appeared to start slowly, but once I fell into the writer’s rhythm, and the breadth of the intrigue, I found myself firmly entrenched in this Regency mystery set around 1815.
An Xpresso Book Tours ARC via NetGalley
Newly weds Sir James Branstoke and his bride, Lady Cecilia have changed their honeymoon plans and travelled into Kent to Summerworth Park, an estate Sir James had recently purchased from his cousin.
Ensconced with their plans for refurbishment, they definitely didn’t expect to become involved in a missing, presumed dead, neighbor and acquaintance, Baron Aldrich. Nor did they foresee they’d be assisting the dead lord’s wife, Lady Elinor, with investigating the matter. Furthermore they had no notion they’d be falling down the proverbial rabbit-hole of dangerous coincidences and mis-directions.
Intrigue indeed! Havey-cavey happenings at the inn where they’re staying, near where Aldrich’s coach has fallen off a cliff! Cecelia and Elinor are nearly robbed by an intruder in the dead of night, possibly after a letter Elinor received from Aldrich. Then they’re accosted by a rigid, sanctimonious military person, one Captain Andrew Melville. There’s rumors of stolen gold and weapons, and at the center might be the secretive fanatical spymaster, Lord Candelstone. If it’s him, he’s as usual spinning threads on his intelligence web, leaving his agents dangerously isolated, without known support. Indeed using them carelessly, more as cannon fodder, as pawns on a chessboard, rather than valued operatives to be protected and supported where possible.
I gather James and Cecelia had a perilous run in with Candlestone’s operations in an earlier novel, a situation that nearly cost Cecilia her life. (I’m definitely going to read that as the hints about how they met sound intriguing.)
I enjoyed Cecilia and James’ relationship, their understandings about each other. I particularly appreciated Cecilia’s attitudes to those who would snub Lady Elinor because she comes from a mercantile family. How Cecelia dealt with such persons was satisfying.
The story appeared to start slowly, but once I fell into the writer’s rhythm, and the breadth of the intrigue, I found myself firmly entrenched in this Regency mystery set around 1815.
An Xpresso Book Tours ARC via NetGalley
September 28, 2021
A romantic suspense set during the Napoleonic Wars filled with international intrigue, spies and danger. Newly-weds Sir James and Lady Cecilia Branstoke help investigate the suspicious death of a neighbor’s husband and soon find themselves knee deep in trouble. Will their honeymoon end their happily-ever-after just as it has started?
This is the second book starring this couple (and the first I read). While it is not necessary to read the first one to understand this story, it is obvious that the reader misses out on a lot of the emotional nuances because the first one had them meet and fall in love. Still, it is a good action filled story that shows that not all romance ends with marriage. It is a clean read but isn’t short on emotional closeness.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second book starring this couple (and the first I read). While it is not necessary to read the first one to understand this story, it is obvious that the reader misses out on a lot of the emotional nuances because the first one had them meet and fall in love. Still, it is a good action filled story that shows that not all romance ends with marriage. It is a clean read but isn’t short on emotional closeness.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 22, 2021
🪙 Rarer Than Gold 🪙
A Chance Inquiry Book 2
✒️ Holly Newman
https://www.facebook.com/HollyNewmanA... Release Date 09/28/2021
Publisher Oliver Herber Books
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B096WLGYK8/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
When newlyweds Sir James and Lady Cecilia Branstoke come to console a widow on the death of her husband, they discover some things don’t add up about the death of the young Lord. Worse, a man who won’t state his purpose, but is obviously military, wants a carte blanche to search the dead man’s library! The sheer effrontery!
What begins as sympathy and concern for a troubled neighbor escalates into a mystery with reverberations at the highest level of government.
Napoleon has escaped from Elba and someone has stolen a subsidy shipment meant for England’s allies in their renewed war against Napoleon. The shipment, a valuable mix of gold and guns, soon pits thief against thief and ally against ally with the Branstokes in the middle!
Instead of being on a blissful honeymoon, Sir James and Lady Cecilia Branstoke find themselves dodging knives, fires, and pistols as they search for the missing baronet and the stolen subsidies.
Maybe they should have traveled to the highlands for their honeymoon, as they’d told their friends had been their intention.
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
I was not aware of this series until I saw it advertised by the publisher.
A few days ago, I just read my first histor all mystery series set during the Regency era. And now here is the second.
I did not know the author before today, but this read has a kind old style vibe. Like a story written some time ago.
As the second in a series, I understand the couple met and fell in love during their first case together, something about the heroine’s first husband demise.
It is implied that Cecilia plaies the flighty simpering lady, and uses acting skills to deflect attention while her husband was known as a bored unflappable fellow.
I confess I struggled to enter the story, everything was too flagrant. Sir James acts a bit too matter of facts, I might have liked reading about the processes of his brain, instead of having the elements immediately put under light. Plus it did not really feel like a mystery, more a puzzle to built by adding piece by piece as they go from one to another, pick up a new clue than add to the others.
Hopefully there is a bit more action in the second half and more in the third. Still, an easy read which asks not much as all come to light bit by bit. The villains are quite predictable, the Neville fellow too and the office boss much egomaniac.
3 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 none
I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher Oliver Herber Books, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CUIepo5I_...
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
#bookstagram #historicalfiction #suspense #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #historicalmystery #bookblogger #2021read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #bookquote #romancestagram #readersofinstagram
A Chance Inquiry Book 2
✒️ Holly Newman
https://www.facebook.com/HollyNewmanA... Release Date 09/28/2021
Publisher Oliver Herber Books
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B096WLGYK8/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
When newlyweds Sir James and Lady Cecilia Branstoke come to console a widow on the death of her husband, they discover some things don’t add up about the death of the young Lord. Worse, a man who won’t state his purpose, but is obviously military, wants a carte blanche to search the dead man’s library! The sheer effrontery!
What begins as sympathy and concern for a troubled neighbor escalates into a mystery with reverberations at the highest level of government.
Napoleon has escaped from Elba and someone has stolen a subsidy shipment meant for England’s allies in their renewed war against Napoleon. The shipment, a valuable mix of gold and guns, soon pits thief against thief and ally against ally with the Branstokes in the middle!
Instead of being on a blissful honeymoon, Sir James and Lady Cecilia Branstoke find themselves dodging knives, fires, and pistols as they search for the missing baronet and the stolen subsidies.
Maybe they should have traveled to the highlands for their honeymoon, as they’d told their friends had been their intention.
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
I was not aware of this series until I saw it advertised by the publisher.
A few days ago, I just read my first histor all mystery series set during the Regency era. And now here is the second.
I did not know the author before today, but this read has a kind old style vibe. Like a story written some time ago.
As the second in a series, I understand the couple met and fell in love during their first case together, something about the heroine’s first husband demise.
It is implied that Cecilia plaies the flighty simpering lady, and uses acting skills to deflect attention while her husband was known as a bored unflappable fellow.
I confess I struggled to enter the story, everything was too flagrant. Sir James acts a bit too matter of facts, I might have liked reading about the processes of his brain, instead of having the elements immediately put under light. Plus it did not really feel like a mystery, more a puzzle to built by adding piece by piece as they go from one to another, pick up a new clue than add to the others.
Hopefully there is a bit more action in the second half and more in the third. Still, an easy read which asks not much as all come to light bit by bit. The villains are quite predictable, the Neville fellow too and the office boss much egomaniac.
3 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 none
I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher Oliver Herber Books, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CUIepo5I_...
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
#bookstagram #historicalfiction #suspense #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #historicalmystery #bookblogger #2021read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #bookquote #romancestagram #readersofinstagram
September 29, 2021
Sir James Branstoke and his new wife use their honeymoon to travel to a new addition to their properties. While there, Cecelia befriends her new neighbor. When that young woman's husband is reported dead, matters do not seem quite so straightforward. Sir James and Lady Branstoke set out to investigate the situation, finding a complicated web of spies, betrayal, and treason.
It was fun to come back to these characters after so many years. When I first saw this one, went back to the first book of the new "series" to reacquaint myself with them. Even if I hadn't done that, I think it would have been easy to just jump back in.
There was a different feel to these characters from the first book, which makes sense since it has been so long between books. Sir James is still his logical, straightforward self. Cecelia has put aside her persona of ill lady, except when it furthers their investigation. Though they have only been married a few weeks, they work together as though they had been married for years.
Overall, it was a fantastic follow up to the first book. It is well-written and paced well. The mystery was enjoyable and kept me guessing. I look forward to seeing what else the author has in store for the Branstokes.
I received a free copy through NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own.
It was fun to come back to these characters after so many years. When I first saw this one, went back to the first book of the new "series" to reacquaint myself with them. Even if I hadn't done that, I think it would have been easy to just jump back in.
There was a different feel to these characters from the first book, which makes sense since it has been so long between books. Sir James is still his logical, straightforward self. Cecelia has put aside her persona of ill lady, except when it furthers their investigation. Though they have only been married a few weeks, they work together as though they had been married for years.
Overall, it was a fantastic follow up to the first book. It is well-written and paced well. The mystery was enjoyable and kept me guessing. I look forward to seeing what else the author has in store for the Branstokes.
I received a free copy through NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own.
October 9, 2021
Holly Newman’s “Rarer Than Gold (A Chance Inquiry Book 2)” was a well written, intriguing mystery tale.
Newlyweds Sir James and Lady Cecilia Branstoke came to offer consolation to their neighbor Lady Elinor when her husband, Baron Aldrich is reported missing, presumed dead when his coach fell off a cliff. Instead of being on their honeymoon as planned, they assist the dead lord’s wife, Lady Elinor, with investigating the situation. Things don’t add up and it looks as if the government may have a hand in the strange circumstances surrounding the case!
Holly Newman Is a new author to me and I’m so glad I found her. I’ll definitely be reading book one in this series. I would however have enjoyed reading about how Sir James brain worked in deducing clues. Lady Cecilia was quite the actress using her skills as a distraction. The storyline was intriguing and the writing was good but I wish there had been a little more excitement. What I loved most about the book was how well Sir James and Lady Cecilia get one another. They are so well-suited to one another and it appears they fell in love in the first book of the series.
Thank you Ms. Newman for this entertaining story.
Newlyweds Sir James and Lady Cecilia Branstoke came to offer consolation to their neighbor Lady Elinor when her husband, Baron Aldrich is reported missing, presumed dead when his coach fell off a cliff. Instead of being on their honeymoon as planned, they assist the dead lord’s wife, Lady Elinor, with investigating the situation. Things don’t add up and it looks as if the government may have a hand in the strange circumstances surrounding the case!
Holly Newman Is a new author to me and I’m so glad I found her. I’ll definitely be reading book one in this series. I would however have enjoyed reading about how Sir James brain worked in deducing clues. Lady Cecilia was quite the actress using her skills as a distraction. The storyline was intriguing and the writing was good but I wish there had been a little more excitement. What I loved most about the book was how well Sir James and Lady Cecilia get one another. They are so well-suited to one another and it appears they fell in love in the first book of the series.
Thank you Ms. Newman for this entertaining story.
September 29, 2021
I have not read anything by this author and did not know about the series. Although this book may be read as a stand-alone, I admit I was a little lost. It would have been helpful I feel to have read the previous book. Reading the first book may also have given me further insight into the Bramstokes as I found that I did not care for them at all. Cecilia came off as far too bold for a regency woman for me and I didnt care for her ordering people about, especially James. Both characters came off
The storyline is good in theory, with a mystery, however the way that the author goes about getting there was boring. There wasn't any excitement, even in the scenes that were supposed to be exciting. The author writes well I just didnt care for the story. It did not hold my interest at all despite the mystery.
Based on this example of the author's work, it does not prompt me to search out more by her.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The storyline is good in theory, with a mystery, however the way that the author goes about getting there was boring. There wasn't any excitement, even in the scenes that were supposed to be exciting. The author writes well I just didnt care for the story. It did not hold my interest at all despite the mystery.
Based on this example of the author's work, it does not prompt me to search out more by her.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 26, 2021
Rarer Than Gold is the second installment from Holly Newman’s series, A Chance Inquiry. It is, also, my first book I have read by this author. I thought it was a pretty good read. Even though it is part of a series, I believe it can be read as a stand alone. I enjoyed the characters of Sir James and Lady Cecilia Branstoke. It was a fun and entertaining that had me guessing all the way to the end.
I am giving Rarer Than Gold four and a half stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading historical fiction, as well as, a suspense filled mystery. I would love to read the other books from the A Chance Inquiry series in the very near future.
I received a digital copy of Rarer Than Gold from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
I am giving Rarer Than Gold four and a half stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading historical fiction, as well as, a suspense filled mystery. I would love to read the other books from the A Chance Inquiry series in the very near future.
I received a digital copy of Rarer Than Gold from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
April 7, 2022
Neighbors and friends
Cecilia and James should be on their honeymoon but there is too much work to do to country estate! Their neighbor a young married couple Lord and lady Aldrich husband is missing she is very worried! Other odd events occur and Cecelia and James invite her to stay with them! Elinor aka Lady Aldrich has received a letter than people are desperate to get their hands on. When it seems her husband disappearance is linked to the coded letter James and Cecilia lend a hand! Wow their are bungling military men, smugglers, gold, weapons and burning buildings with tunnels! If you like nonstop action and a idiotic fanatic forced into early retirement then this is for you! You will stay up way past your bedtime! Love this series!
Cecilia and James should be on their honeymoon but there is too much work to do to country estate! Their neighbor a young married couple Lord and lady Aldrich husband is missing she is very worried! Other odd events occur and Cecelia and James invite her to stay with them! Elinor aka Lady Aldrich has received a letter than people are desperate to get their hands on. When it seems her husband disappearance is linked to the coded letter James and Cecilia lend a hand! Wow their are bungling military men, smugglers, gold, weapons and burning buildings with tunnels! If you like nonstop action and a idiotic fanatic forced into early retirement then this is for you! You will stay up way past your bedtime! Love this series!
February 10, 2025
(Note: When I read this book, the edition was titled Murder in Gold.)
I appreciate well-written and researched historical mystery, so I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters were vivid and three-dimensional; the plot was sufficiently twisty to keep me guessing throughout. There were no egregious errors in spelling, grammar, or sentence structure to detract from my enjoyment of the story. Having read a lot of both fiction and non-fiction set in the Napoleonic era, I found even the smallest details of the book true to the time. Having read this second story in the series first, I'm now looking forward to going back and reading the first book (although there were some slight spoilers for that plot by reading them out of order.)
I appreciate well-written and researched historical mystery, so I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters were vivid and three-dimensional; the plot was sufficiently twisty to keep me guessing throughout. There were no egregious errors in spelling, grammar, or sentence structure to detract from my enjoyment of the story. Having read a lot of both fiction and non-fiction set in the Napoleonic era, I found even the smallest details of the book true to the time. Having read this second story in the series first, I'm now looking forward to going back and reading the first book (although there were some slight spoilers for that plot by reading them out of order.)
September 7, 2021
Sir James and Lady Cecilia Branstoke, on their honeymoon at Summerworth Park have received a notification of the death of their neighbour, Lord Aldrich. Soon they arrive at Bartlett Hall to determine what has happened. They have no idea what they will become involved in as they look for the truth. But who are the real guilty party
An enjoyable historical mystery.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
An enjoyable historical mystery.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 10, 2024
Although I ended up enjoying the first book in this series, I think this one is much better. The newly weds have been busy refurbishing their recently purchased estate, when their friendship with a neighbor whose husband has disappeared pulls them into another mystery.
Napoleon has escaped from Elba and gold and guns intended for England's French allies have been stolen. A missing husband, missing gold, and missing armaments nicely blended into a satisfying Regency mystery.
Napoleon has escaped from Elba and gold and guns intended for England's French allies have been stolen. A missing husband, missing gold, and missing armaments nicely blended into a satisfying Regency mystery.
December 26, 2022
No romance to speak of, but a political mystery. Liked James better in book 1, he and Cecilia played well off each other. In this book, Cecilia comes across as the smarter of the two. Perhaps she is but was not evident in book 1. They didn't work together as well.
Also a lot of typos in the print copy.
Also a lot of typos in the print copy.
October 19, 2025
Love the premise!
The characters are excelle and the story is fast-pacced. An intriguing premise with some terrific twists! The writing is wll-done, thoughthe narrative was repititious now and then. Look forward to reading the next book!
The characters are excelle and the story is fast-pacced. An intriguing premise with some terrific twists! The writing is wll-done, thoughthe narrative was repititious now and then. Look forward to reading the next book!
November 13, 2021
Enjoyable reading
Found Rare than Gold to provide a relaxing and enthralling escape from the stresses of the day. Will be looking for further works by Holly Newman
Found Rare than Gold to provide a relaxing and enthralling escape from the stresses of the day. Will be looking for further works by Holly Newman
May 10, 2023
Great story, lots of action
This was a great read. Good plot, lots of action . Fans of Georgette Heyer should like this.
I look forward to more books by Ms Newman.
This was a great read. Good plot, lots of action . Fans of Georgette Heyer should like this.
I look forward to more books by Ms Newman.
Read
September 8, 2023Rarer Than Gold
A great book and enjoyable. It has mystry, and romance. I can not wait to see what those two get into next.
A great book and enjoyable. It has mystry, and romance. I can not wait to see what those two get into next.
September 9, 2023
Entertaining, fast-moving plot, light reading. Like many such novels of our time, the heroine is a strong, courageous woman. She is smart, cares about others, and is a woman of action.
February 27, 2024
Awesome!
It is so nice to read a book that is not filled with fowl language and sexual encounters. Wonderful story!! Thank you, Holly.
It is so nice to read a book that is not filled with fowl language and sexual encounters. Wonderful story!! Thank you, Holly.
February 18, 2026
4.25/5⭐️
July 30, 2026
Wonderful book
This was a great second book in this series. I enjoyed the main characters growing in depth. Strong women in any era are a joy to read.
This was a great second book in this series. I enjoyed the main characters growing in depth. Strong women in any era are a joy to read.
January 1, 2023
4 stars
Interesting mystery. I've jumped into this series at the second book and I think it would have been nice to see the romance between Cecilia and James.
I might go back and read book 1
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Interesting mystery. I've jumped into this series at the second book and I think it would have been nice to see the romance between Cecilia and James.
I might go back and read book 1
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews