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Rosalind Thorne Mysteries #6
The Secret of the Lost Pearls
Beyond the glittering ballrooms and elegant parties of Regency London lurk all manner of unexpected dangers. In Darcie Wilde’s captivating mystery series inspired by the novels of Jane Austen and written with the wit of “Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s cheeky asides in Fleabag” (Bookpage), no one is better equipped to help ladies who find themselves wronged than “useful woman” Rosalind Thorne...
Rosalind Thorne may not have a grand fortune of her own, but she possesses virtues almost as prized by the haut ton: discretion, and a web of connections that enable her to discover just about anything about anyone. Known as a “most useful woman,” Rosalind helps society ladies in need—for a modest fee, of course—and her client roster is steadily increasing.
Mrs. Gerald Douglas, née Bethany Hodgeson, presents Rosalind with a particularly delicate predicament. A valuable pearl necklace has gone missing, and Bethany’s husband believes the thief is Nora, Bethany’s disgraced sister. Nora made a scandalous elopement at age sixteen and returned three years later, telling the family that her husband was dead.
But as Rosalind begins her investigations, under cover of helping the daughters of the house prepare for their first London season, she realizes that the family harbors even more secrets than scandals. The intrigue swirling around the Douglases includes fraud, forgery, blackmail, and soon, murder. And it will fall to Rosalind, aided by charming Bow Street officer Adam Harkness, to untangle the shocking truth and discover who is a thief—and who is a killer.
Rosalind Thorne may not have a grand fortune of her own, but she possesses virtues almost as prized by the haut ton: discretion, and a web of connections that enable her to discover just about anything about anyone. Known as a “most useful woman,” Rosalind helps society ladies in need—for a modest fee, of course—and her client roster is steadily increasing.
Mrs. Gerald Douglas, née Bethany Hodgeson, presents Rosalind with a particularly delicate predicament. A valuable pearl necklace has gone missing, and Bethany’s husband believes the thief is Nora, Bethany’s disgraced sister. Nora made a scandalous elopement at age sixteen and returned three years later, telling the family that her husband was dead.
But as Rosalind begins her investigations, under cover of helping the daughters of the house prepare for their first London season, she realizes that the family harbors even more secrets than scandals. The intrigue swirling around the Douglases includes fraud, forgery, blackmail, and soon, murder. And it will fall to Rosalind, aided by charming Bow Street officer Adam Harkness, to untangle the shocking truth and discover who is a thief—and who is a killer.
396 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 27, 2022
473 people are currently reading
3033 people want to read
About the author
Darcie Wilde
19 books677 followersDarcie Wilde is a pseudonym for Sarah Zettel, author of mysteries, science fiction, romance and Young Adult fiction, including the New York Times Notable Book Fool’s War and the bestselling Rosalind Thorne mysteries A Useful Woman. She also writes under the names Delia James, Sarah Zettel, Jennifer Hawkins C. L. Anderson and Marissa Day.
Darcie writes her classically styled (not to mention stylish) mysteries as well as adventurous romances from a university town in a certain northern-midwestern state that has been known to bear some passing resemblance to a mitten. When not writing, she’s reading, cooking, hiking, swimming, climbing things, embroidering other things, raising her rapidly growing son and trying to convince her cat — Buffy the Vermin Slayer — not to do any further damage to the furniture.
Darcie writes her classically styled (not to mention stylish) mysteries as well as adventurous romances from a university town in a certain northern-midwestern state that has been known to bear some passing resemblance to a mitten. When not writing, she’s reading, cooking, hiking, swimming, climbing things, embroidering other things, raising her rapidly growing son and trying to convince her cat — Buffy the Vermin Slayer — not to do any further damage to the furniture.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 247 reviews
February 5, 2023
I rate this book a 4.5* Very good and I recommend. It kept me guessing till the end and I enjoyed the clues. Rosalind is a good character in that she is a woman of her time (some actions might be a bit of a stretch). She uses her skills and acquaintances to be a "useful woman" which includes finding a thief and introducing young ladies into society. Very light on romance. I have skipped around this series and plan to continue to read more of her books.
January 23, 2023
This is the latest book in one of my 'must read' historical mystery series.
Set in London 1820, the Regency is officially ended. King George III has died, his funeral has been held. Prinny is now King George IV, awaiting his formal coronation. None of this really concerns our heroine, Rosalind Thorne. A girlhood friend, Bethany Douglas, arrives on her doorstep, hoping to get Rosalind's help on two 'small' matters--finding a missing heirloom necklace, and launching a shy miss into society. Rosalind agrees and her most frustrating case begins.
The necklace and the would-be debutante are just two of the many strands of the story. Bethany's extended family is dysfunctional, to put it mildly. Her mother is prone to hysterics, her father is caustic, her two sisters have secrets, her husband is becoming distant, and her young sister-in-law (the deb) has her own set of secrets. Throw in a former friend of her husband's who seems to be out to destroy the family, and Rosalind has almost more than she can handle.
I was glued to the page, wondering how all the pieces were going to fit together. The author did a great job of keep me guessing to the very end. It was so good to see Adam Harkness again and watch his relationship with Rosalind grow. Alice Littlefield didn't have a lot to do this time around, but their plucky maid, Amelia, had an important role as Rosalind's eyes and ears below-stairs in the Douglas household.
I was happy with how all the threads came together and with the outcomes. The book ends on an upbeat note that has me wishing the next book was available now.
Set in London 1820, the Regency is officially ended. King George III has died, his funeral has been held. Prinny is now King George IV, awaiting his formal coronation. None of this really concerns our heroine, Rosalind Thorne. A girlhood friend, Bethany Douglas, arrives on her doorstep, hoping to get Rosalind's help on two 'small' matters--finding a missing heirloom necklace, and launching a shy miss into society. Rosalind agrees and her most frustrating case begins.
The necklace and the would-be debutante are just two of the many strands of the story. Bethany's extended family is dysfunctional, to put it mildly. Her mother is prone to hysterics, her father is caustic, her two sisters have secrets, her husband is becoming distant, and her young sister-in-law (the deb) has her own set of secrets. Throw in a former friend of her husband's who seems to be out to destroy the family, and Rosalind has almost more than she can handle.
I was glued to the page, wondering how all the pieces were going to fit together. The author did a great job of keep me guessing to the very end. It was so good to see Adam Harkness again and watch his relationship with Rosalind grow. Alice Littlefield didn't have a lot to do this time around, but their plucky maid, Amelia, had an important role as Rosalind's eyes and ears below-stairs in the Douglas household.
I was happy with how all the threads came together and with the outcomes. The book ends on an upbeat note that has me wishing the next book was available now.
December 28, 2022
One man’s unacknowledgement leads to a trail of plotted vengeance!
Rosalind Thorne accepts a position to guide her friend Bethany Douglas’s sister-in-law Penelope, an heiress, through the season. That’s not all! A valuable heirloom, a three string rope of black pearls have gone missing and Rosalind is called on to “advise” Bethany about the investigation. The main suspect is her friend’s sister Nora who has returned to the household, destitute and compromised, three years after running away with Douglas’s best friend Bryan Cantrell. Bethany wants Rosalind to get to the bottom of the problem.
Unfortunately Nora’s other sister Mariah has just seen Cantrell alive and well, strolling through a gallery with a young woman on his arm! Something is brewing, but what?
Throw into the mix Bethany’s uncertain and volatile mother, her embarrassing father, her sister Leonora, and the possibility of a spy in the household.
Gerald Douglas is the latest heir to Sir Jasper Douglas. A man who wields the heirdom like a weapon to bring Gerald to heel. As he’s done to others before Gerald.
As things spin out of control Rosalind Thorne is hard put to make sense of things. Some of the results leave her (and me) speechless!
On her home front Bow street Runner Adam Harkness has gone to Manchester. For how long is not known. A blow not spoken of, except to say a wistful goodbye. Adam and Rosalind have an unvoiced understanding.
An intriguing Regency mystery.
A Kensington Books ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Rosalind Thorne accepts a position to guide her friend Bethany Douglas’s sister-in-law Penelope, an heiress, through the season. That’s not all! A valuable heirloom, a three string rope of black pearls have gone missing and Rosalind is called on to “advise” Bethany about the investigation. The main suspect is her friend’s sister Nora who has returned to the household, destitute and compromised, three years after running away with Douglas’s best friend Bryan Cantrell. Bethany wants Rosalind to get to the bottom of the problem.
Unfortunately Nora’s other sister Mariah has just seen Cantrell alive and well, strolling through a gallery with a young woman on his arm! Something is brewing, but what?
Throw into the mix Bethany’s uncertain and volatile mother, her embarrassing father, her sister Leonora, and the possibility of a spy in the household.
Gerald Douglas is the latest heir to Sir Jasper Douglas. A man who wields the heirdom like a weapon to bring Gerald to heel. As he’s done to others before Gerald.
As things spin out of control Rosalind Thorne is hard put to make sense of things. Some of the results leave her (and me) speechless!
On her home front Bow street Runner Adam Harkness has gone to Manchester. For how long is not known. A blow not spoken of, except to say a wistful goodbye. Adam and Rosalind have an unvoiced understanding.
An intriguing Regency mystery.
A Kensington Books ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
February 25, 2024
I feel as though Darcie Wilde is an underappreciated workhorse; all of her Rosalind Thorn novels are lovely historical mysteries that I rarely hear anyone talking about. Which is a damn shame because I love the twisty condundrums of her mysteries and the rich historical details she adds.
And the latest Rosalind Thorn outing is no exception. While the mystery itself wasn't my favorite, I really did like all the nuanced characters in this installment of the series. It felt as though Wild was purposely using this as an interesting microcosm of the ways in which womanhood was performed in Regency England (trust me, I'm making it sound much dryer than it is). Rosalind continues to be whip-smart and confident; Alice is delightful. Mr. Harkness, while somewhat less prominent in this book than others, continues to be a capable and worthwhile hero for Miss Thorn.
All in al, I tore though The Secret of the Pearls in just a few days, losing more than a little sleep while I did so. But it was well worth it :) Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for ebook ARC. All opinions are mine alone.
And the latest Rosalind Thorn outing is no exception. While the mystery itself wasn't my favorite, I really did like all the nuanced characters in this installment of the series. It felt as though Wild was purposely using this as an interesting microcosm of the ways in which womanhood was performed in Regency England (trust me, I'm making it sound much dryer than it is). Rosalind continues to be whip-smart and confident; Alice is delightful. Mr. Harkness, while somewhat less prominent in this book than others, continues to be a capable and worthwhile hero for Miss Thorn.
All in al, I tore though The Secret of the Pearls in just a few days, losing more than a little sleep while I did so. But it was well worth it :) Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for ebook ARC. All opinions are mine alone.
December 22, 2022
One more series being added to my growing list of series and books!
It was on a whim that I decided to request for the audiobook Arc on NetGalley. I have heard of the author Darcie Wilde in passing but never felt the interest to read her books but when I saw this historical mystery series was inspired by Jane Austen books I got curious and decided to give it a go.
Did not disappoint at all!
I enjoyed listening to the audiobook and was surprised at how cleverly the whole story and mystery was plotted using Pride and Prejudice as the source of inspiration for this book. The quotes at the beginning of each chapter taken from Pride and Prejudice are not the well known ones but suit each chapter's content.
This book has perked up my interest and I will definitely try to read the earlier books in the series to see how it all began for Rosalind Thorne.
The narration by Kitty Kelly is also well done!
My thanks to NetGalley, the audiobook publisher Highbridge Audio and the author for the audio Arc of the book.
It was on a whim that I decided to request for the audiobook Arc on NetGalley. I have heard of the author Darcie Wilde in passing but never felt the interest to read her books but when I saw this historical mystery series was inspired by Jane Austen books I got curious and decided to give it a go.
Did not disappoint at all!
I enjoyed listening to the audiobook and was surprised at how cleverly the whole story and mystery was plotted using Pride and Prejudice as the source of inspiration for this book. The quotes at the beginning of each chapter taken from Pride and Prejudice are not the well known ones but suit each chapter's content.
This book has perked up my interest and I will definitely try to read the earlier books in the series to see how it all began for Rosalind Thorne.
The narration by Kitty Kelly is also well done!
My thanks to NetGalley, the audiobook publisher Highbridge Audio and the author for the audio Arc of the book.
December 22, 2022
I love getting completely lost in a layered mystery. I especially love the escapism of when that mystery takes place in another time or place. The Rosalind Thorne mysteries have always been engrossing reads, but The Secret of the Lost Pearls was delightfully complex and I found myself completely transfixed by the story.
Rosalind helps society women navigate difficulties and is hired to both usher some young women through the little season in London while also finding a missing necklace, a family heirloom. Of course, the layers start piling on quickly when Rosalind moves in with the family and their baggage is revealed. Of course, a dead body pops up because this is a Rosalind Thorne story. There is so much going on that you don't have time to try to guess who did what...you just have to hang on and enjoy the ride.
While there are many characters in this cast, they are distinct and it's easy to keep them straight. As I listened to the audiobook, I was impressed by the narrator's ability to manage dialogue between many characters. Amelia, Rosalind's maid, has a more prominent role in this book. The other regular characters are here, but play a lesser role. There is a beautiful scene between Rosalind and her friend/roommate Alice about the lives they've built for themselves despite their untraditional paths. Rosalind's love interest, Adam, is away for his work, but appears later chapters to assist in her investigation.
This book could be seen as the start of a new phase of the series, one where Rosalind and Adam are more formally attached. There's a lovely scene between Adam leaves for his work trip where she confides her fears in him and he reassures her. It was a favorite moment of many between these two.
Rosalind helps society women navigate difficulties and is hired to both usher some young women through the little season in London while also finding a missing necklace, a family heirloom. Of course, the layers start piling on quickly when Rosalind moves in with the family and their baggage is revealed. Of course, a dead body pops up because this is a Rosalind Thorne story. There is so much going on that you don't have time to try to guess who did what...you just have to hang on and enjoy the ride.
While there are many characters in this cast, they are distinct and it's easy to keep them straight. As I listened to the audiobook, I was impressed by the narrator's ability to manage dialogue between many characters. Amelia, Rosalind's maid, has a more prominent role in this book. The other regular characters are here, but play a lesser role. There is a beautiful scene between Rosalind and her friend/roommate Alice about the lives they've built for themselves despite their untraditional paths. Rosalind's love interest, Adam, is away for his work, but appears later chapters to assist in her investigation.
This book could be seen as the start of a new phase of the series, one where Rosalind and Adam are more formally attached. There's a lovely scene between Adam leaves for his work trip where she confides her fears in him and he reassures her. It was a favorite moment of many between these two.
February 26, 2023
This is an engagingly complex mystery with layers upon layers. There were a lot of characters and a lot of clues and suspects and motives. I found them all easy to follow and yet the central mystery was challenging to solve. I was able to absolve some characters of guilt, but the ending came as a shock. Very clever and morally complex. I think Wilde does a masterful job managing the mystery and the various subplots of the story, including Rosalind’s ongoing romantic relationship, her relationship with Bow Street in general, her friendship with Alice and with her maid Amelia, and the general overarching plot line of Rosalind’s place in society and how much she has achieved as an independent woman. I hope this series continues indefinitely! There are certainly no end of schemes and scandals for Rosalind to solve in Regency society!
January 5, 2023
The Secret of the Lost Pearls introduced me to Rosalind Thorne who lived during Victorian time, in England. Once part of a grand family, while still retaining a name that means something, since the family money has run out. And we find out what is really, in a name, without means (money) as Rosalind finds she must discover ways to support the small family she left. To do so, she has solved multiple "problems' ', mysteries that people want to keep quiet and that the police have not been able to solve. Having been called by a friend from her youth to solve the mystery of pearls that have gone missing, when she arrives to stay at the family home of Bethany Douglas, under the guise of helping Bethany’s husband’s sister, Penelope, be presented to the best of society, there are a few suspects to choose from close at hand as all who are family to the victim are those that are suspects.
Well, all are suspects, to Rosalind, when it comes to the family, most have named Nora, Bethany’s younger sister (but, in the middle of three sisters), the culprit when Rosalind arrives at the family home. Since Nora has harmed the family in the past, by eloping with Bethany’s husband, Mr. Douglas's former friend, Cantrell, causing great damage, she, of course, has been judged and convicted. And while this is only because of how she has acted formerly, in the past, Rosalind cannot completely dismiss Nora as the criminal as the woman needs some way to survive in the world because Nora cannot take the kindness or, more likely, the abuse, of living at the family home, forever. And, as Nora is only back in the home because Cantrell had passed away and, when he pops up at the home, threatening if he does not get his wife back, Nora’s guilt only seems greater because of all her lies.
This means to solve the mystery of where the pearls are Bethany must first unravel the mystery of Nora and Cantrell, what really happened between the pair, how they supported themselves when they were gone together, as a married couple, why Nora left, and why Cantrell came back. As that is not much of a mystery, why the husband is back for Nora, as he, when they eloped, tried to blackmail them, why Nora came home, why the pair parted and Nora lied to the family, Nora has left many unanswered questions that need to come to light. But, it seems, Nora will stay closed mouth forever, Bethany having to figure a way to find out all the answers elsewhere, before the family and Cantrell seal her fate and Nora is left to her demise, which may be total banishment from the family home. If this happens Nora has absolutely nowhere to go and Cantrell has only ever been in Nora’s life to use and abuse her.
Yet there are other members of the family that could be the culprit, as they all take their own unique place in the madness of the display they put on for Rosalind, when she first meets them and as she spends time living in their home, among them. There is Bethany’s father, Mr. Hodgeson, who sees her daughter married to a man who has had a good inheritance and, as a man, Mr.Hodgeson, on the other hand, has only lost whatever he gained. The father now has to depend on his daughter's husband’s generosity to live and continue to provide for his household. And, he still has an unwed daughter, Mariah (the youngest sister), that lives with them. At times he appears very angry even when watching family scenes that should bring one joy.
Nora’s little sister Mariah, is a fierce protector of her sister but quiet and seemingly lost, when it comes to what she knows of herself. As she never thought her family to be in a place to present her to society, just as Mr. Douglas did not think to have an inheritance to do this for his sister Penelope, because Mr. Douglas inherited money unexpectedly, they are both looking to Rosalind to solve their family’s problems, the other issue, Mariah and Penelope’s introduction to “grand society”. And, while the pearls are important, the girls' presentation to society, so that they may one day marry and find the protection Mr.Hodgson has not been able to bring as a man, must take center stage and planning. Rosalind finds she has her hands full with the two families both at war in the one household and helping the girls get the very best futures possible. In the end, Bethany’s greatest hope and Rosalind’s real job is the preservation of the two families, and their happiness together. But, can that ever happen in this madhouse? (Mad, in many more ways than one).
The Secret of the Lost Pearls by Darcy Wilde is a book in the Useful Women series, finally, the title of a series that I love. And it is the perfect definition of Rosalind Thorne and how she makes her way in a world where women are supposed to be seen and not heard. I have never read of a woman who walked that tightrope so delicately, when they were meant to be only arm candy, becoming so much more, however delicate or however dangerous, the problem solved. Thorne finds a way to flush out what needs to be discovered, whatever that may be. Here, it is the missing pearls that need to be found and in all that Thorne does in this household in disarray, she helps the most, in putting it back into some form of family, she does that best here, in the Douglas/ Hodgeson home where everyone has their own agenda and rarely does one look out for the whole. In the end, readers may be surprised who is the real victim here, in Wilde’s historical mystery.
Happy Reading!
Well, all are suspects, to Rosalind, when it comes to the family, most have named Nora, Bethany’s younger sister (but, in the middle of three sisters), the culprit when Rosalind arrives at the family home. Since Nora has harmed the family in the past, by eloping with Bethany’s husband, Mr. Douglas's former friend, Cantrell, causing great damage, she, of course, has been judged and convicted. And while this is only because of how she has acted formerly, in the past, Rosalind cannot completely dismiss Nora as the criminal as the woman needs some way to survive in the world because Nora cannot take the kindness or, more likely, the abuse, of living at the family home, forever. And, as Nora is only back in the home because Cantrell had passed away and, when he pops up at the home, threatening if he does not get his wife back, Nora’s guilt only seems greater because of all her lies.
This means to solve the mystery of where the pearls are Bethany must first unravel the mystery of Nora and Cantrell, what really happened between the pair, how they supported themselves when they were gone together, as a married couple, why Nora left, and why Cantrell came back. As that is not much of a mystery, why the husband is back for Nora, as he, when they eloped, tried to blackmail them, why Nora came home, why the pair parted and Nora lied to the family, Nora has left many unanswered questions that need to come to light. But, it seems, Nora will stay closed mouth forever, Bethany having to figure a way to find out all the answers elsewhere, before the family and Cantrell seal her fate and Nora is left to her demise, which may be total banishment from the family home. If this happens Nora has absolutely nowhere to go and Cantrell has only ever been in Nora’s life to use and abuse her.
Yet there are other members of the family that could be the culprit, as they all take their own unique place in the madness of the display they put on for Rosalind, when she first meets them and as she spends time living in their home, among them. There is Bethany’s father, Mr. Hodgeson, who sees her daughter married to a man who has had a good inheritance and, as a man, Mr.Hodgeson, on the other hand, has only lost whatever he gained. The father now has to depend on his daughter's husband’s generosity to live and continue to provide for his household. And, he still has an unwed daughter, Mariah (the youngest sister), that lives with them. At times he appears very angry even when watching family scenes that should bring one joy.
Nora’s little sister Mariah, is a fierce protector of her sister but quiet and seemingly lost, when it comes to what she knows of herself. As she never thought her family to be in a place to present her to society, just as Mr. Douglas did not think to have an inheritance to do this for his sister Penelope, because Mr. Douglas inherited money unexpectedly, they are both looking to Rosalind to solve their family’s problems, the other issue, Mariah and Penelope’s introduction to “grand society”. And, while the pearls are important, the girls' presentation to society, so that they may one day marry and find the protection Mr.Hodgson has not been able to bring as a man, must take center stage and planning. Rosalind finds she has her hands full with the two families both at war in the one household and helping the girls get the very best futures possible. In the end, Bethany’s greatest hope and Rosalind’s real job is the preservation of the two families, and their happiness together. But, can that ever happen in this madhouse? (Mad, in many more ways than one).
The Secret of the Lost Pearls by Darcy Wilde is a book in the Useful Women series, finally, the title of a series that I love. And it is the perfect definition of Rosalind Thorne and how she makes her way in a world where women are supposed to be seen and not heard. I have never read of a woman who walked that tightrope so delicately, when they were meant to be only arm candy, becoming so much more, however delicate or however dangerous, the problem solved. Thorne finds a way to flush out what needs to be discovered, whatever that may be. Here, it is the missing pearls that need to be found and in all that Thorne does in this household in disarray, she helps the most, in putting it back into some form of family, she does that best here, in the Douglas/ Hodgeson home where everyone has their own agenda and rarely does one look out for the whole. In the end, readers may be surprised who is the real victim here, in Wilde’s historical mystery.
Happy Reading!
May 4, 2024
This is a favourite series that I enjoy very much.
Rosalind Thorne is described by someone in this story as being "the lady thief-taker" and that's not too far off the mark. To use a more era-appropriate and gentile description the title of the first book in this series is good "a most useful woman". Rosalind assists ladies of the ton who have "difficulties" it would not be good for the society they must exist in to learn of, by "fixing" whatever their problem is, and doing so very discreetly. Because she also takes payment for these services, Rosalind sits just slightly outside being entirely within "polite society" but she is able to support herself and live independently.
In this installment, Rosalind is hired to find a "lost" string of pearls that is a family heirloom of the lady's husband's family, and there is suspicion by the lady's husband that the lady's disgraced sister - currently living with the family - is the thief. This presents a very convoluted and complicated family dynamic as there are multiple issues among the extended family and everyone has secrets that may or may not be involved with the lost pearls.
The messy family secrets eventually result in a murder, which Rosalind also needs to figure out. Rosalind is an extremely likable and intelligent woman who uses good sense, logic and the ability to politely and delicately poke her nose where it needs to go to deliver on whatever task she is taking on. I like her very much and enjoy going along with her on each new assignment.
The stories in this series are very reminiscent of Pride and Prejudice (my favourite book) so the people and situations are very much Regency and if you enjoy the era and like strong female characters - because each book has many aside from Rosalind in them - then you may enjoy this series. I certainly do!
Rosalind Thorne is described by someone in this story as being "the lady thief-taker" and that's not too far off the mark. To use a more era-appropriate and gentile description the title of the first book in this series is good "a most useful woman". Rosalind assists ladies of the ton who have "difficulties" it would not be good for the society they must exist in to learn of, by "fixing" whatever their problem is, and doing so very discreetly. Because she also takes payment for these services, Rosalind sits just slightly outside being entirely within "polite society" but she is able to support herself and live independently.
In this installment, Rosalind is hired to find a "lost" string of pearls that is a family heirloom of the lady's husband's family, and there is suspicion by the lady's husband that the lady's disgraced sister - currently living with the family - is the thief. This presents a very convoluted and complicated family dynamic as there are multiple issues among the extended family and everyone has secrets that may or may not be involved with the lost pearls.
The messy family secrets eventually result in a murder, which Rosalind also needs to figure out. Rosalind is an extremely likable and intelligent woman who uses good sense, logic and the ability to politely and delicately poke her nose where it needs to go to deliver on whatever task she is taking on. I like her very much and enjoy going along with her on each new assignment.
The stories in this series are very reminiscent of Pride and Prejudice (my favourite book) so the people and situations are very much Regency and if you enjoy the era and like strong female characters - because each book has many aside from Rosalind in them - then you may enjoy this series. I certainly do!
January 28, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and HighBridge Audio for accepting my request to audibly read and review The Secret of the Lost Pearls.
Author: Darcie Wilde
Narrator: Kitty Kelly
Published: 12/27/22
Genre: Historical Fiction | Mystery & Thrillers | Romance
The final results are tabulated. After failing to interest or entertain me, I noticed a pattern in myself. I don't enjoy the written recency period works. I would happily watch this on Masterpiece.
Reading/listening was truly exhausting. I was wore out at 51% and didn't want to finish. It was as if all I heard was blah, blah, blah, blah. The simple people and the simple expectations of daily life sprinkled with closet morality is better in an hour on TV than 11 hours on audio. Around 70% I did start to become interested in Rosalind, but until that point I couldn't tell you anyone's name.
I knew the story couldn't be complicated, the storyline and characters are too immature, and the servants are too afraid. (I've watched a lot of Masterpiece Theatre.)
This gets 3 stars from me. The author and the narrator did their jobs. If you like the time period, I can't imagine that you wouldn't enjoy this. After finishing, I sat back and visualized the story on Masterpiece, and that is a compliment to both the author (I could see the show.) and the narrator (whose voice kept me going).
January 15, 2023
Rosalind Thorne has been making a good living being useful to Society ladies and yet she can't help but fear it will all come crashing to an end soon. Meanwhile, Alice is doing well, anticipating sales of her new novel and already spending the money in her mind proposing they move to a new, larger establishment! Adam Harkness is sent to assist with a series of thefts in some mills in Manchester that turns into a bigger problem than he ever expected. When Rosalind's service is recommended by an old friend to another old school acquaintance, Rosalind is surprised but eager to help solve the mystery of Bethany Douglas's missing black pearls. However, when Rosalind arrives at the Hodgeson-Douglas home, she discovers a dysfunctional family and deeper secrets that add layers to her investigation. Bethany's husband was recently named heir to his wealthy grandfather and is now acting stuffy and authoritative, ignoring his family and keeping his younger sister locked up in the house when she is about to have her first Season. Bethany's youngest sister has returned after running off with Bryan Cantrell, Gerald Douglas's former best friend/business partner and Penelope Douglas's suitor! Nora claims Cantrell is dead but when he reappears like a bad penny, it throws the household into chaos. Rosalind teams up with Bow Street and her maid, Amelia, to find out what Cantrell's game is and protect the family. Did he come for the necklace? Did Nora steal it to give to him and change her mind or is she lying about not wanting to go back to her husband? This is one tangled knot Rosalind isn't sure she can handle.
This story, inspired by Pride and Prejudice, takes a closer look at the Bennet and Darcy families and how they might interact with one another. It's much darker than Austen's novel and the quotes from the novel are taken out of context. The mystery is excellent and like Rosalind, I had hints of suspicions but it was all so disjointed. Unlike Rosalind, I was in possession of some facts she didn't have but I was still kept guessing and couldn't put the book down. The murder doesn't happen until late in the book but it's more about the missing pearls and whether the murder is connected.
Adam doesn't appear until the same time as the murder and I missed him very much. He's in a difficult spot at the moment and there's no easy solution to his dilemma right now. I hope he can resolve things in a way that doesn't compromise his morals AND doesn't get him sacked. He's trying to take care of everybody and I think he's going to wear himself to pieces. There's no future for him and Rosalind right now. She says she doesn't want one and keeps hoping that fluttery feeling of attraction will go away. She knows her situation is precarious but I think she enjoys being independent and free to use her brain. Her reputation hangs by a thread and she isn't sure she can escape this case unscathed. Oh dear!
As usual I do not care for Alice. She's too carefree and reckless. She isn't planning for the future or thinking about much except her own wants and comforts. I do not at all like her pursuing a relationship with Amelia. As Amelia's employer, that still constitutes sexual harassment even if they're both women, and that's not right. Many readers would be furious if it was a Pamela situation or male employer/female servant. I hope Alice can find another lady to have a romance with and Amelia can stay on and help Rosalind with her investigations. I like Amelia. She's plucky and can handle herself. She seems to enjoy snooping, gossiping and whatever else is takes to assist with the sleuthing.
The only new character I have a lot of sympathy for is Emma, a minor character, because it's clear her suitor, Campbell, is a womanizer and a scoundrel. I wondered what happened with her and then she reappears late in the story. She could be a suspect in the murder investigation! Campbell's friend Asherton is a young idiot. He's naïve and kind to someone he sees as a friend. His mother has succumbed to Campbell's charms and her actions have consequences.
Rosalind's old school acquaintance, Bethany Hodgeson Douglas, seems like a prototype Victorian angel in the house. She's happiest with her children and just wants her family together and happy. She tries hard to act as go-between and fix her family's problems. However, now her husband Gerald, is heir to his grandfather, Sir Jasper, everything has changed and she's unhappy. She's NOT like Elizabeth Bennet but her husband Gerald is very Darcyish without the background to make him snobby. His grandfather, Sir Jasper, is your typical Regency novel autocratic patriarch. His eldest son and heir is rumored to have caused a scandal and been disinherited. Sir Jasper's feelings about family are very rigid and he also has strict notions about propriety and behavior. He may or may not purposefully be seeking to separate his heir from the rest of the family. He's a meddler if that's the case and the worst sort. Gerald is so busy dancing to his grandfather's tune, he's lost sight of what's important. Is the money more important than family? I'd say no but the family he married into is pretty dysfunctional. They make the Bennets seem like they put the FUN in dysfunctional. (At least Jane and Elizabeth turned out all right).
Bethany's parents are based on Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. Mr. Hodgeson is a selfish, careless man who doesn't care for anything except his own pleasures which means money and drink. He's upset that his son-in-law has taken the estate away from him (for good reason). His wife and daughters are not a source of amusement as they are for Mr. Bennet or even really a drain on resources. He's more like Rosalind's own father. She recognizes this but can not speak the words out loud, even to Bethany, for fear of her reputation. Mr. Hodgeson doesn't seem to like Rosalind snooping around. I think he's up to no good but I'm not sure he had the opportunity or the ware withal to steal the necklace. He's lazy. Mrs. H is just like Mrs. Bennet without the good excuse of having 5 daughters to marry off with no money. She has three daughters, one of whom is married. Mrs. Hodgeson still considers Bethany her daughter and not the head of the female half of the house. Mrs. H is semi-invaldish and doesn't trust doctors. She makes her own potions and tries to help the other ladies in the house. She didn't steal the necklace because she has an alibi but did she have someone else help her? Was it her job to create the distraction?
The poor girls are suffering from their parents'/in-laws' behavior and actions. Nora ran away three years ago and is now back. She's on thin ice with her brother-in-law. If her actions become known, she will ruin the entire family and Penelope Douglas will never find a husband. Rosalind knows how to mitigate the effects of gossip and nip it in the bud before it begins but the Hodgeson-Douglas girls are new at this and need to listen to her. There are outside factors that are working against Rosalind. In spite of Nora being labeled the bad sister, I admired her cleverness and resourcefulness. She's far smarter and craftier than Lydia Bennet and more like Rosalind's own sister Charlotte. I think that is why Rosalind seems to like Nora so much. I don't think Nora actually stole the necklace. I think it was Penelope Douglas. She's young, inexperienced and longing for independence. A Season, a husband, a home of her own are juuussstt within reach but Bryan Cantrell reenters the picture. I think Penelope is still in love with him and she may have stolen the necklace for him and maybe changed her mind? Penelope was my least favorite of the girls. She has an excess of sensibility. She's ALL sensibility and no sense. Given her extreme youth I know that's normal but at my advanced age I have no patience for that. I related more to Mariah who is all sense. She's dwindling into spinsterhood with no way out and no independence. Nora is fiercly loyal to her sister and Penelope too. Rosalind tries to help but I sense Mariah is reluctant. She's really smart and clever. She's hiding something and I know her secret, one of them anyway. I wouldn't count her out as the thief or the murderer.
Bryan Cantrell was way worse than Mr. Wickham. He is another man much like Rosalind's father but craftier. He knows what he's doing and only pretends the world is against him. One more turn of the dice... one more hand of cards and he'll have his luck back. Rosalind has heard THAT before. That's all I'm going to say about him except that it's a miracle no one has killed him before now. It was only a matter of time and the murderer doesn't necessarily have to be someone from the household.
The servants are as divided as the family. Several are on loan from Sir Jasper. There's some suspicion that Sir Jasper had the necklace stolen on purpose to further divide the family. If he can prove Nora is a thief, Douglas will have an excuse to kick her out for good and thereby restore the family reputation. Betsy, a maid, is young and silly. She has big dreams and unfortunately no way to get there. I feel bad for her but in this time and place, in her position, there really isn't any future for her. She'll never be a grand lady. Even if she stole the necklace, she'd have to break it up and fence the pearls separately or somehow go abroad and sell it in France. The former would take a long time and the latter would be costly. Even if she made money from the necklace, no one in Society would ever accept her as one of them. Even if she married a man with money, she would still betray her "low" origins and no one would allow her into their social circles. It's just not realistic to dream, unfortunately.
This was another excellent mystery from Darcie Wilde. I can't wait to see what's in store for Rosalind next. Hopefully more romance with Adam!
I noticed a few typos but no glaring errors that I picked up on.
This story, inspired by Pride and Prejudice, takes a closer look at the Bennet and Darcy families and how they might interact with one another. It's much darker than Austen's novel and the quotes from the novel are taken out of context. The mystery is excellent and like Rosalind, I had hints of suspicions but it was all so disjointed. Unlike Rosalind, I was in possession of some facts she didn't have but I was still kept guessing and couldn't put the book down. The murder doesn't happen until late in the book but it's more about the missing pearls and whether the murder is connected.
Adam doesn't appear until the same time as the murder and I missed him very much. He's in a difficult spot at the moment and there's no easy solution to his dilemma right now. I hope he can resolve things in a way that doesn't compromise his morals AND doesn't get him sacked. He's trying to take care of everybody and I think he's going to wear himself to pieces. There's no future for him and Rosalind right now. She says she doesn't want one and keeps hoping that fluttery feeling of attraction will go away. She knows her situation is precarious but I think she enjoys being independent and free to use her brain. Her reputation hangs by a thread and she isn't sure she can escape this case unscathed. Oh dear!
As usual I do not care for Alice. She's too carefree and reckless. She isn't planning for the future or thinking about much except her own wants and comforts. I do not at all like her pursuing a relationship with Amelia. As Amelia's employer, that still constitutes sexual harassment even if they're both women, and that's not right. Many readers would be furious if it was a Pamela situation or male employer/female servant. I hope Alice can find another lady to have a romance with and Amelia can stay on and help Rosalind with her investigations. I like Amelia. She's plucky and can handle herself. She seems to enjoy snooping, gossiping and whatever else is takes to assist with the sleuthing.
The only new character I have a lot of sympathy for is Emma, a minor character, because it's clear her suitor, Campbell, is a womanizer and a scoundrel. I wondered what happened with her and then she reappears late in the story. She could be a suspect in the murder investigation! Campbell's friend Asherton is a young idiot. He's naïve and kind to someone he sees as a friend. His mother has succumbed to Campbell's charms and her actions have consequences.
Rosalind's old school acquaintance, Bethany Hodgeson Douglas, seems like a prototype Victorian angel in the house. She's happiest with her children and just wants her family together and happy. She tries hard to act as go-between and fix her family's problems. However, now her husband Gerald, is heir to his grandfather, Sir Jasper, everything has changed and she's unhappy. She's NOT like Elizabeth Bennet but her husband Gerald is very Darcyish without the background to make him snobby. His grandfather, Sir Jasper, is your typical Regency novel autocratic patriarch. His eldest son and heir is rumored to have caused a scandal and been disinherited. Sir Jasper's feelings about family are very rigid and he also has strict notions about propriety and behavior. He may or may not purposefully be seeking to separate his heir from the rest of the family. He's a meddler if that's the case and the worst sort. Gerald is so busy dancing to his grandfather's tune, he's lost sight of what's important. Is the money more important than family? I'd say no but the family he married into is pretty dysfunctional. They make the Bennets seem like they put the FUN in dysfunctional. (At least Jane and Elizabeth turned out all right).
Bethany's parents are based on Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. Mr. Hodgeson is a selfish, careless man who doesn't care for anything except his own pleasures which means money and drink. He's upset that his son-in-law has taken the estate away from him (for good reason). His wife and daughters are not a source of amusement as they are for Mr. Bennet or even really a drain on resources. He's more like Rosalind's own father. She recognizes this but can not speak the words out loud, even to Bethany, for fear of her reputation. Mr. Hodgeson doesn't seem to like Rosalind snooping around. I think he's up to no good but I'm not sure he had the opportunity or the ware withal to steal the necklace. He's lazy. Mrs. H is just like Mrs. Bennet without the good excuse of having 5 daughters to marry off with no money. She has three daughters, one of whom is married. Mrs. Hodgeson still considers Bethany her daughter and not the head of the female half of the house. Mrs. H is semi-invaldish and doesn't trust doctors. She makes her own potions and tries to help the other ladies in the house. She didn't steal the necklace because she has an alibi but did she have someone else help her? Was it her job to create the distraction?
The poor girls are suffering from their parents'/in-laws' behavior and actions. Nora ran away three years ago and is now back. She's on thin ice with her brother-in-law. If her actions become known, she will ruin the entire family and Penelope Douglas will never find a husband. Rosalind knows how to mitigate the effects of gossip and nip it in the bud before it begins but the Hodgeson-Douglas girls are new at this and need to listen to her. There are outside factors that are working against Rosalind. In spite of Nora being labeled the bad sister, I admired her cleverness and resourcefulness. She's far smarter and craftier than Lydia Bennet and more like Rosalind's own sister Charlotte. I think that is why Rosalind seems to like Nora so much. I don't think Nora actually stole the necklace. I think it was Penelope Douglas. She's young, inexperienced and longing for independence. A Season, a husband, a home of her own are juuussstt within reach but Bryan Cantrell reenters the picture. I think Penelope is still in love with him and she may have stolen the necklace for him and maybe changed her mind? Penelope was my least favorite of the girls. She has an excess of sensibility. She's ALL sensibility and no sense. Given her extreme youth I know that's normal but at my advanced age I have no patience for that. I related more to Mariah who is all sense. She's dwindling into spinsterhood with no way out and no independence. Nora is fiercly loyal to her sister and Penelope too. Rosalind tries to help but I sense Mariah is reluctant. She's really smart and clever. She's hiding something and I know her secret, one of them anyway. I wouldn't count her out as the thief or the murderer.
Bryan Cantrell was way worse than Mr. Wickham. He is another man much like Rosalind's father but craftier. He knows what he's doing and only pretends the world is against him. One more turn of the dice... one more hand of cards and he'll have his luck back. Rosalind has heard THAT before. That's all I'm going to say about him except that it's a miracle no one has killed him before now. It was only a matter of time and the murderer doesn't necessarily have to be someone from the household.
The servants are as divided as the family. Several are on loan from Sir Jasper. There's some suspicion that Sir Jasper had the necklace stolen on purpose to further divide the family. If he can prove Nora is a thief, Douglas will have an excuse to kick her out for good and thereby restore the family reputation. Betsy, a maid, is young and silly. She has big dreams and unfortunately no way to get there. I feel bad for her but in this time and place, in her position, there really isn't any future for her. She'll never be a grand lady. Even if she stole the necklace, she'd have to break it up and fence the pearls separately or somehow go abroad and sell it in France. The former would take a long time and the latter would be costly. Even if she made money from the necklace, no one in Society would ever accept her as one of them. Even if she married a man with money, she would still betray her "low" origins and no one would allow her into their social circles. It's just not realistic to dream, unfortunately.
This was another excellent mystery from Darcie Wilde. I can't wait to see what's in store for Rosalind next. Hopefully more romance with Adam!
I noticed a few typos but no glaring errors that I picked up on.
January 30, 2023
This series has gotten better and better as it has gone along. The Secret of the Lost Pearls is by far my favorite. I love how Rosalind Thorne's life and career are progressing. In the first few books, it felt like there were too many characters and too many directions. Now the series and Rosalind's life seem more streamlined and are hitting their stride.
Rosalind is a clever and unique character who does a wonderful job of discovering culprits and fitting in with the Ton.
This latest mystery she finds herself involved with is gripping, highly entertaining, and kept me guessing until the end.
I can't wait to see what adventures she finds herself involved in next.
Thank you, Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rosalind is a clever and unique character who does a wonderful job of discovering culprits and fitting in with the Ton.
This latest mystery she finds herself involved with is gripping, highly entertaining, and kept me guessing until the end.
I can't wait to see what adventures she finds herself involved in next.
Thank you, Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 24, 2023
I liked this one (much) less than the previous books in this series but that may be because I HATED the new narrator of the audiobook. She was terrible and I am resentful of it.
January 31, 2023
i made a mistake and read this out of order, though i don't think any of the mysteries in the previous books were revealed or that my enjoyment of this story was lessened because of this out of order reading (keeping fingers crossed), and i really did enjoy the story and the people and miss rosalind thorne. i would be adding the in between books, to my very near tbr. this series and these mysteries and people are most comforting and makes for a super nice reads.
April 6, 2025
excellent book. provoking mystery. the typos were less but not non-existent.
i think back to where everyone was when this series started, and i’m quite satisfied with where we are now.
i think back to where everyone was when this series started, and i’m quite satisfied with where we are now.
July 25, 2022
I know the title sounds like a Nancy Drew story, but The Secret of the Lost Pearls is the latest in a delightful regency mystery series. I had not read any earlier books in the series but I had no trouble following the plot. Rosalind Thorne was raised as part of the Regency gentry, but a family financial scandal has forced her to make her way in the world. She does this by being what I would call a "fixer." Society ladies engage Rosalind to help with debuts, plan parties and in this case, help find a stolen pearl necklace for one of her childhood friends. Along the way, we and Rosalind learn about a past elopement that could ruin the season for the unmarried ladies of the house. And a mystery would not be worth reading without a nice murder thrown in. Rosalind navigates all this with the help of friends and her romantic interest, Bow Street officer Adam Harkness. This is a cozy regency with a charming main character. I plan to read the earlier books in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and @Kensington Books for the ARC. The Secret of the Lost Pearls will release on Dec. 27.
Thank you to NetGalley and @Kensington Books for the ARC. The Secret of the Lost Pearls will release on Dec. 27.
July 2, 2022
Full transparency: I love this series, and I love the characters. I love the language, the storytelling, and the emotional depth. So I was very much predisposed to love this book, and I did.
This latest entry in the series has all the intricate plotting, strong character development, lovely prose, and historical detail of its predecessors. You could read this as a stand-alone but will get much more out of it if you read the series, which I highly recommend anyway (see above). The burgeoning relationship that’s at the heart of the series advances in a lovely, plausible, and nuanced way, and I already can’t wait for the next one. Honestly. Read this series. I’d buy stock in it if I could.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest opinion.
This latest entry in the series has all the intricate plotting, strong character development, lovely prose, and historical detail of its predecessors. You could read this as a stand-alone but will get much more out of it if you read the series, which I highly recommend anyway (see above). The burgeoning relationship that’s at the heart of the series advances in a lovely, plausible, and nuanced way, and I already can’t wait for the next one. Honestly. Read this series. I’d buy stock in it if I could.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest opinion.
April 14, 2023
Better than the last. 2.5 stars. She's still dicking readers around with the romance, which is irksome. (It's not interesting. Not good tension. Just six books of coyness and me no longer caring when/if they screw.)
Though the worst part of this is the squabbling family. Well-drawn, I suppose, because I kept hoping they'd all die! And their direct insults seemed unlikely in that era, when there was a lot more repression.
It's probably not wise to quote Jane Austen at the top of every chapter when you're not writing half as well as Jane Austen.
Though the worst part of this is the squabbling family. Well-drawn, I suppose, because I kept hoping they'd all die! And their direct insults seemed unlikely in that era, when there was a lot more repression.
It's probably not wise to quote Jane Austen at the top of every chapter when you're not writing half as well as Jane Austen.
May 2, 2024
Just couldn’t finish it…
I believe I was so put Off on this book because the audio book was so awful. I tried two or three times to read and then. Tried To listen and it was definitely the poorest narrator I have ever Encountered. I got through a few chapters in the book, and about four in the audio book before I gave up and turned it off. I am putting this series off my list. Maybe down the road I will try it again but I cannot recommend it. I hope To see Other reviews to see what you all thought. Happy reading, All!
I believe I was so put Off on this book because the audio book was so awful. I tried two or three times to read and then. Tried To listen and it was definitely the poorest narrator I have ever Encountered. I got through a few chapters in the book, and about four in the audio book before I gave up and turned it off. I am putting this series off my list. Maybe down the road I will try it again but I cannot recommend it. I hope To see Other reviews to see what you all thought. Happy reading, All!
September 19, 2022
COVERGIRL
IS
BLONDE
FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This mystery is actually insane and will take 3 more readings to understand but I respect it
What I don't respect is the lack of quality Adam/Rosalind time 6 books into this series. I need more of them, less gigantic families to sort through
I still loved it
full review on spinebreaker :D
IS
BLONDE
FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This mystery is actually insane and will take 3 more readings to understand but I respect it
What I don't respect is the lack of quality Adam/Rosalind time 6 books into this series. I need more of them, less gigantic families to sort through
I still loved it
full review on spinebreaker :D
January 18, 2023
I picked up this book, with the total understanding it was the sixth in a series but you know what, I'll read anything. My biggest trouble with this book was the writing style. For me personally, it was difficult to read. I slogged through but nothing about this book stuck with me.
March 10, 2023
It’s a miracle I read this entire book. Was the ending kind of good? Sure. Does that make up for 370 pages of mind-numbing plot, horrifically forgettable characters, and unbearably stiff writing? Not even a little bit.
February 2, 2023
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Historical / Mystery
*Rating* 3.5
*Thoughts*
The Secret of the Lost Pearls is the 6th installment in author Darcie Wilde's serious one source is calling Rosalind Thorne Mysteries, while another is calling it the Useful Woman Mystery series. Take your pick. This story is set in the Regency era circa 1920. Timeline wise, it has been a month since King George III died, and the country is in mourning until the new King can be coronated. Series protagonist Rosalind Thorne is a lady of quality in reduced circumstances who makes her living as a “useful woman” – one who helps wealthy women with their personal problems.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Historical / Mystery
*Rating* 3.5
*Thoughts*
The Secret of the Lost Pearls is the 6th installment in author Darcie Wilde's serious one source is calling Rosalind Thorne Mysteries, while another is calling it the Useful Woman Mystery series. Take your pick. This story is set in the Regency era circa 1920. Timeline wise, it has been a month since King George III died, and the country is in mourning until the new King can be coronated. Series protagonist Rosalind Thorne is a lady of quality in reduced circumstances who makes her living as a “useful woman” – one who helps wealthy women with their personal problems.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
February 10, 2023
Really charming and enjoyable. A soft, cozy book to curl up with on a cold evening. And yet there was just enough going on to hold my attention, and make me really curious about what was going to happen next!
This was my first introduction to the series, and while I won’t rush out to buy the first five books, I will, overtime, catch up with the back list and see what other sorts of capers our main character gets up to.
I will admit that I could have done with fewer Jane Austen quotes. It was already quite clear that the story and characters took inspiration from Austin; we didn’t need quotes from Austin books at the beginning of three quarters of the chapters. Just my opinion, of course.
It was a minor annoyance to me, really; it didn’t detract from enjoyment of the story.
This was my first introduction to the series, and while I won’t rush out to buy the first five books, I will, overtime, catch up with the back list and see what other sorts of capers our main character gets up to.
I will admit that I could have done with fewer Jane Austen quotes. It was already quite clear that the story and characters took inspiration from Austin; we didn’t need quotes from Austin books at the beginning of three quarters of the chapters. Just my opinion, of course.
It was a minor annoyance to me, really; it didn’t detract from enjoyment of the story.
December 28, 2022
Well, this took me a little bit to get into it, reading how the story was written in UK English. It is VERY reminiscent of Pride and Prejudice with the Ton and everything that goes along. It was a heck of a mystery though, with a stolen item, and murder, and mystery and most definitely intrigue! I was shocked by the time I got to the end of the story and found myself shaking my head in disbelief. Wow. I have to say I enjoyed the book, even if it was a little harder to get into. I enjoyed reading at nights after work when I had the time. Enjoy the book.
January 28, 2023
Though I haven't read the previous books in the series, regretfully now, I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. Check out my blog review:
https://missbatesreadsromance.com/202...
Please note I received an ARC of Wilde's Lost Pearls from Kensington Books, via Edelweiss+.
https://missbatesreadsromance.com/202...
Please note I received an ARC of Wilde's Lost Pearls from Kensington Books, via Edelweiss+.
January 31, 2023
This was a pretty good mystery. I liked it and it was interesting but nothing colossal happened. I wasn’t even surprised when it revealed “who done it?” But many like this kind of mystery and I do as well at times, but I need a bit more surprises or gasp 😱 moments hahaha. Recommend to anyone who likes cozy mysteries, but it’s good for everyone.
February 23, 2023
her best so far
When you’ve created fascinating characters set in a rich milieu, it’s a pity to give them up after just five books. This is Darcie Wilde’s sixth book about the detective adventures of Rosalind Thorne in Regency England, and it is her best. The plot is intricate and moves along smartly, with twists to the very end. And we get to spend time with all our favorites— Rosalind, the flawless Adam Harkness, spunky Alice Littlefield, and insouciant Sebastian Faulks. Here’s to many more!
When you’ve created fascinating characters set in a rich milieu, it’s a pity to give them up after just five books. This is Darcie Wilde’s sixth book about the detective adventures of Rosalind Thorne in Regency England, and it is her best. The plot is intricate and moves along smartly, with twists to the very end. And we get to spend time with all our favorites— Rosalind, the flawless Adam Harkness, spunky Alice Littlefield, and insouciant Sebastian Faulks. Here’s to many more!
March 8, 2024
good story and good mystery. I did not see who the culprit was - nice catch, and it was all very nicely executed with a believable way to catch the murderer and the thief.
I can't wait to read the next book (book 7) and they wait for the next installment.
I love the chemistry between Rosalind and Adam.
I can't wait to read the next book (book 7) and they wait for the next installment.
I love the chemistry between Rosalind and Adam.
January 27, 2024
I would never read this series again but right now my mind can only handle fun and simple romance with a hint of mystery. This is a perfect book series for that.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 247 reviews