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The Lady Violet Mysteries #5
Lady Violet Holds a Baby
If it’s not weddings, then hapless widows are expected to attending christenings… Lady Violet returns with St. Sevier to her family seat, and finds Derwent Hall at sixes and sevens upon the occasion of her nephew’s christening. Other guests have brought their children along to celebrate the occasion, and Sebastian MacHeath is on hand to serve as godfather.
Nobody seems to be getting along, despite the happy nature of the gathering. Summer heat builds to an unbearable crescendo as clandestine affairs, marital troubles, and family tensions escalate. Then somebody starts kidnapping little girls, and Lady Violet must figure out who, why, and how the kidnapper can be foiled.
Nobody seems to be getting along, despite the happy nature of the gathering. Summer heat builds to an unbearable crescendo as clandestine affairs, marital troubles, and family tensions escalate. Then somebody starts kidnapping little girls, and Lady Violet must figure out who, why, and how the kidnapper can be foiled.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2021
131 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
About the author
Grace Burrowes
190 books2,915 followersGrace Burrowes started writing as an antidote to empty nest and soon found it an antidote to life in general. She is the sixth out of seven children, raised in the rural surrounds of central Pennsylvania. Early in life she spent a lot of time reading romance novels and practicing the piano. Her first career was as a technical writer and editor in the Washington, DC, area, a busy job that nonetheless left enough time to read a lot of romance novels.
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")
Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)
To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")
Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)
To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
May 20, 2022
Oh Violet! We learn more about Violet’s family, her past in a largely dominated male enclave. St Sevierville and Violet have become unashamedly close. The younger girls from the nursery go missing—runaways or kidnapping?
A shock at the end that I had wondered about. Oh Violet!
A shock at the end that I had wondered about. Oh Violet!
June 28, 2023
Ah, there we go.
I do enjoy Violet taking a stand against all the thoughtless people. And gaining insight into her own family. Mostly, though, I enjoy that feeling of justice which is usually represented by a miscreant behind in custody, rather than any real relief for victims, or any acknowledgement that others compounded the harm by ignoring or belittling it. But Lady Violet is a one woman truth and reconciliation board, and sufficient attention is paid to the latter to make it possible.
Like many others it has become clear that the US criminal system has nothing of justice about it. Happily, efforts to divert money from police departments to people who can actually help in situations requiring something other than violence. Dismantling the profitable system of slavery known as prison will be harder, because it is so hard to envision an alternative. It's good to see crimes solved without more violence, whether or not that is a deliberate choice by the author.
Personal copy
I do enjoy Violet taking a stand against all the thoughtless people. And gaining insight into her own family. Mostly, though, I enjoy that feeling of justice which is usually represented by a miscreant behind in custody, rather than any real relief for victims, or any acknowledgement that others compounded the harm by ignoring or belittling it. But Lady Violet is a one woman truth and reconciliation board, and sufficient attention is paid to the latter to make it possible.
Like many others it has become clear that the US criminal system has nothing of justice about it. Happily, efforts to divert money from police departments to people who can actually help in situations requiring something other than violence. Dismantling the profitable system of slavery known as prison will be harder, because it is so hard to envision an alternative. It's good to see crimes solved without more violence, whether or not that is a deliberate choice by the author.
Personal copy
November 2, 2022
A Surprise for Violet
When I started this series, I wanted Violet to choose Sebastian. I got used to the idea of Violet and St. Sevier and was coming to grips with Sebastian choosing a wife who is not Violet. Then Ann and Fiona appear and everything is torn apart. I cried for Violet's loss, again, and for both her and Hugh's broken hearts. I rejoiced for Fiona and her new found father and had to admire Ann for sparing Violet a bigamist marriage. Through it all, Sebastian is the steady support for Violet and friend to Hugh. This happens at the end of the book which is dedicated to another mystery for Violet to solve. If you've not read these books, my review won't make much sense. Start reading them! You won't be disappointed.
When I started this series, I wanted Violet to choose Sebastian. I got used to the idea of Violet and St. Sevier and was coming to grips with Sebastian choosing a wife who is not Violet. Then Ann and Fiona appear and everything is torn apart. I cried for Violet's loss, again, and for both her and Hugh's broken hearts. I rejoiced for Fiona and her new found father and had to admire Ann for sparing Violet a bigamist marriage. Through it all, Sebastian is the steady support for Violet and friend to Hugh. This happens at the end of the book which is dedicated to another mystery for Violet to solve. If you've not read these books, my review won't make much sense. Start reading them! You won't be disappointed.
March 21, 2022
3.5 stars
I really have enjoyed this historical mystery series. In this book, even more than in many of the previous stories, the mystery is far less compelling than the characters and their interactions. It essentially is a slow-burning romance, with a bit of a triangle dilemma. Violet, St. Sevier, and Dunkeld all are wonderful characters who grow over the course of the series. We learn more about them through visits and interactions with friends and family, some of whom reappear in subsequent books.
This story has more than its share of personal drama for our protagonists, and I look forward to reading the sixth—and I very much hope not the last—book in the series.
I really have enjoyed this historical mystery series. In this book, even more than in many of the previous stories, the mystery is far less compelling than the characters and their interactions. It essentially is a slow-burning romance, with a bit of a triangle dilemma. Violet, St. Sevier, and Dunkeld all are wonderful characters who grow over the course of the series. We learn more about them through visits and interactions with friends and family, some of whom reappear in subsequent books.
This story has more than its share of personal drama for our protagonists, and I look forward to reading the sixth—and I very much hope not the last—book in the series.
January 17, 2022
Grace Burrowes does a great job filling in information from previous books without overdoing it. I am reading these in binge fashion so there is no time between each story. I might find the repeat of pertinent facts to be dull but I don't. It's short and sweet and then on to the new story.
Great characters again. I like getting to know Lady Violet a little bit more with each episode. The mysteries are serious but not overly dramatic. Loving the series.
Great characters again. I like getting to know Lady Violet a little bit more with each episode. The mysteries are serious but not overly dramatic. Loving the series.
August 18, 2024
OMG — the end!!💔
August 19, 2024
Oh my, this one had me all over the place emotionally. So much going on with missing girls, adult shenanigans, Violet and St. Sevier and the whole Derwent clan. This series continues to evolve with friendships, sibling relationships, love relations and particularly with Lady Violet moving more firmly into knowing herself. A very good read such that I am bingeing almost one book after another as if I cannot help myself. Well, I guess I do not want to help myself. Smile.
March 14, 2022
A good mystery
I always enjoy a Grace Burrowes novel. This new one is a bewildering climax to her on going work. I 'm looking forward to the next book,because it will be one of her best.
I always enjoy a Grace Burrowes novel. This new one is a bewildering climax to her on going work. I 'm looking forward to the next book,because it will be one of her best.
July 14, 2023
I discovered these on audio through Libby. I feel like they should definitely be read or listened to in order. Kirsten Potter does such an excellent job bringing Lady Violet to life that I really, really recommend the audio.
February 26, 2025
Lady Violet and St Sevier return to Violet's family seat for Felix's son's baptism. Violet and Sebastian will be godparents. Also at the house party are several rakish neighbors, one of whom (Bascomb) had digitally raped Violet before she was married. A tween daughter of Evelyn Anderson - a friend of Violet's dead mom - goes missing. Then brother Mitchell's two young daughters go missing. While searching for the girls, Violet learns about her family. Mitchell and Annabelle's marriage is rocky because Mitchell - who adores his wife- witnessed her labor with their 2nd daughter & fearing her safety abandoned the marriage bed (took a mistress and fathered an illegit son). Derwent (her dad) recommended the brothers allow Violet to mourn in peace out of consideration (not what she needed). St Cyr seems preoccupied though loving; Violet admits she's ready to marry him. They find the girls (Sebastian and St Sevier save one from a burning barn) who hid at the guidance of a cognitively limited nurserymaid who didn't want them exposed to lecherous men. The baptism takes place and Violet is truly happy, then St Sevier's assumed dead wife Ann appears with their daughter in tow. St Sevier moves on with his family as Violet and Sebastian leave for London.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2025
This series is amazing! This episode is the absolute best thus far. I listened to the audiobook version of this title. I previously commented that I couldn’t see how the love triangle was going to be resolved: the author is a genius storyteller and, wow!
In the meantime… a missing/kidnapped little girl. It ends well with no distress (that could be a big concern for many readers and potentially, a trigger, which is why I mention it). This story is so emotional, so heartwarming, so overwhelming and so good!
If you haven’t started from book 1, don’t start here. Each story links into the next - not cliffhangers - a long, continuous saga.
This series proves the benefits of the Audible Plus FREE catalogue. I’ve been able to enjoy the entire series (from book 2) for free and, quite frankly, I’d be more than comfortable with paying for every title. This is a great series and wonderfully narrated.
In the meantime… a missing/kidnapped little girl. It ends well with no distress (that could be a big concern for many readers and potentially, a trigger, which is why I mention it). This story is so emotional, so heartwarming, so overwhelming and so good!
If you haven’t started from book 1, don’t start here. Each story links into the next - not cliffhangers - a long, continuous saga.
This series proves the benefits of the Audible Plus FREE catalogue. I’ve been able to enjoy the entire series (from book 2) for free and, quite frankly, I’d be more than comfortable with paying for every title. This is a great series and wonderfully narrated.
July 26, 2022
Widow Lady Violet has returned to her family home, Derwent Hall for her nephew's christening. Arguing brothers, her overbearing father and her sorrow over not having carried any of her own pregnancies to term almost bring her to return to her London home. But then a guest goes missing, an eleven year old girl. Soon after, both her nieces disappear as well. Love interest St. SEvier and childhood friend Sebastian MacHeath are both on hand to help her find the girls and get through the christening with her dignity intact.
February 28, 2022
I’m expecting the kitchen sink to be the primary character in book 6. Why does the author refer to everybody by either their name or their title? Not only are there too many characters, they all have two names. Why do all the adults sit around eating while their children are missing? “ Let’s get a good night’s sleep and start looking again tomorrow morning after we have a leisurely breakfast ” has been said by loving parents NEVER.
May 15, 2022
Another engaging read on this series, as the characters become more familiar so the stories get better. Violet is again involved in solving a mystery, as well as family problems and her relationship with Hugh St Sevier. I don’t want to give away any of the story line but just to say I had tears at one point. I was glad to see Violet coming into her own again after her period of shutting herself away. I just didn’t want to put this book done and I’m ready to read the next in the series.
January 7, 2024
I enjoyed the Lady Violet series overall, though I think the last two books had some character inconsistencies that come with Fellowes writing six books and then the latter two (e.g. the friendships between the main four characters suddenly 'devolve' from where they were). I like that the primary romantic relationship took the full series to develop, but wasn't crazy about the last-minute reveal about one character.
March 11, 2024
Mysteries domestic
There are layers and layers in this narrative. A woman coming to terms with childlessness, women and children subject to abuse, children distraught: when these weave to a climax we have a fraught depiction of gender relationships in that era, made real by the specificity of the narrative. I did see the final twist coming, if not in this book then another, but its impact is profound.
There are layers and layers in this narrative. A woman coming to terms with childlessness, women and children subject to abuse, children distraught: when these weave to a climax we have a fraught depiction of gender relationships in that era, made real by the specificity of the narrative. I did see the final twist coming, if not in this book then another, but its impact is profound.
March 11, 2022
Wow, I feel so sorry for Hugh and Violet. I am glad Bascomb was disciplined. I'm glad Pritchard isn't as bad as I thought he would be. I hope Lord and Lady Ellersby can resolve their differences. I am looking forward to the last book in the series. Technically, I know they are just characters in a book, but I just wish happiness for the good people and consequences for the bad people.
July 15, 2022
More of Violet and Hugh St. Sevier and Sebastian MacHeath and their travels through England to the homes of various friends and relatives.
This time it's to Violet's crazy family, with wild brothers and old relatives and friends of her father--all getting together for the christening of the first grandson and family heir.
This time it's to Violet's crazy family, with wild brothers and old relatives and friends of her father--all getting together for the christening of the first grandson and family heir.
September 11, 2022
Good Mystery with an Unsettled Ending
A good mystery this time, which could be deduced as all the clues were there. However, I did not expect what happened after that. I teared up. There are clues to what may be ahead for Violet. Hopefully, her deepening relationships with her brothers and their families as well as Sebastian will bolster her. A good entry in the series.
A good mystery this time, which could be deduced as all the clues were there. However, I did not expect what happened after that. I teared up. There are clues to what may be ahead for Violet. Hopefully, her deepening relationships with her brothers and their families as well as Sebastian will bolster her. A good entry in the series.
April 10, 2023
Writing: 5 Stars;
Characters: 5 Stars;
Plot: 4 Stars;
Entertaining: 4 Stars;
Read Again? No.
Narration: 5 Stars;
Cover Art: 4 Stars;
Total: 4.5 Stars;
The ending breaks my heart and that side of the plot feels a bit forced though we kinda knew it was coming. Enjoyed this audiobook very much.
I’m so glad I was not born in those times. Thank you Suffragettes!
Characters: 5 Stars;
Plot: 4 Stars;
Entertaining: 4 Stars;
Read Again? No.
Narration: 5 Stars;
Cover Art: 4 Stars;
Total: 4.5 Stars;
The ending breaks my heart and that side of the plot feels a bit forced though we kinda knew it was coming. Enjoyed this audiobook very much.
I’m so glad I was not born in those times. Thank you Suffragettes!
May 14, 2023
The christening of the families newest heir is hard for Violet, given her own struggles with producing an heir for her husband.
I have always felt that St Sevier was not the end game…
This one did not work for me as well as the earlier titles.
3 stars
So far this year, my library saved me A$1,044.61
I have always felt that St Sevier was not the end game…
This one did not work for me as well as the earlier titles.
3 stars
So far this year, my library saved me A$1,044.61
September 24, 2025
Twists upon twists!
I saw one huge twist coming, but it was still a shocker. I loved getting to know some of Violet's family better and the setting was lovely. Lots of family secrets revealed, some romance, and there are more revelations to come in the next book, I'm sure. These books pull me in and are difficult to put down!
I saw one huge twist coming, but it was still a shocker. I loved getting to know some of Violet's family better and the setting was lovely. Lots of family secrets revealed, some romance, and there are more revelations to come in the next book, I'm sure. These books pull me in and are difficult to put down!
October 11, 2022
Enjoying this historical, mystery romance.
Lady Violet attends the christening of her nephew with St. Sevier as her escort. First the young daughter of a guest goes missing and then her two nieces. The ending is surprising.
Lady Violet attends the christening of her nephew with St. Sevier as her escort. First the young daughter of a guest goes missing and then her two nieces. The ending is surprising.
March 2, 2023
A surprise ending
Ms. Burrowes has written another intense book. Lady Violet returns home and losses St. Sevier. The story flows with romance, friendship, family, and mystery. The ending is hard to take but I can't wait to see what Violet does next.
Ms. Burrowes has written another intense book. Lady Violet returns home and losses St. Sevier. The story flows with romance, friendship, family, and mystery. The ending is hard to take but I can't wait to see what Violet does next.
August 23, 2023
3.25⭐️
Loved learning more about Lady Violet’s family and life, but the mystery fell a bit flat for me. And I definitely knew the conclusion on the page was coming. I’ve thought so for a bit. I’m eager to know what happens next.
Loved learning more about Lady Violet’s family and life, but the mystery fell a bit flat for me. And I definitely knew the conclusion on the page was coming. I’ve thought so for a bit. I’m eager to know what happens next.
August 8, 2024
skippable. Storyline itself is better than the last one, but you start to anticipate something coming with Hugh, and he's no longer whispering naughty things in her ear. Looking forward to Sebastian's turn!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2024
A quick and easy read as Violet travels home for the baptism of her god son. While home for the house party little girls are disappearing While looking for the little girls other things are noticed, so it becomes a page turner and the end is the best part.
November 23, 2024
So many unexpected turns and a major twist i didn't want to admit i saw coming. My heart hurt for Lady Violet as she navigated being home, with family and with baby James. Hugh helped her find herself and live again. This series continues to keep getting better.
May 12, 2022
This one was a little lame. I figured out the culprit early in the story. It was enjoyable but not the best of the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews