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Beatrice Hyde-Clare #2
Une scandaleuse supercherie
Beatrice Hyde-Clare, détective malgré elle au temps de la Régence anglaise, se retrouve à enquêter sur un nouveau meurtre... au côté du duc de Kesgrave !
Miss Beatrice Hyde-Clare est bien décidée à ne plus jamais se mêler de ce qui ne la regarde pas. Donc, quand un dandy s'écroule raide mort à ses pieds, elle ne ressent aucune envie d'enquêter. Vraiment aucune.
Sauf que l'arme du crime lui est étrangement familière... Voilà Bea en route pour le British Museum pour confirmer ses soupçons ! Et, surprise : le duc de Kesgrave apparaît comme par magie à ses côtés.
Miss Beatrice Hyde-Clare est bien décidée à ne plus jamais se mêler de ce qui ne la regarde pas. Donc, quand un dandy s'écroule raide mort à ses pieds, elle ne ressent aucune envie d'enquêter. Vraiment aucune.
Sauf que l'arme du crime lui est étrangement familière... Voilà Bea en route pour le British Museum pour confirmer ses soupçons ! Et, surprise : le duc de Kesgrave apparaît comme par magie à ses côtés.
327 pages, Paperback
First published August 9, 2018
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1172 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Messina
64 books657 followersLynn Messina is author of more than a dozen novels, including the best-selling Fashionistas, which has been translated into sixteen languages, and a series of Regency romance novels. Her essays have appeared in Self, American Baby and the New York Times Modern Love column. She lives in New York City with her sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 339 reviews
July 31, 2022
Another Beatrice Hyde-Clare story that had me laughing out loud. Messina leans into the absurdity here with Bea concocting wild strategies to both deal with her home life and facilitate her sleuthing with the Duke.
It’s wonderful to see that Bea’s confidence in society continues to build, though her anxiety is still there. If her personality had completely emerged in public at this point, it wouldn’t have allowed for some truly lovely ballroom and drawing room scenes.
On to the next!
It’s wonderful to see that Bea’s confidence in society continues to build, though her anxiety is still there. If her personality had completely emerged in public at this point, it wouldn’t have allowed for some truly lovely ballroom and drawing room scenes.
On to the next!
July 2, 2019
In the previous book, Bea (our intrepid sleuthing heroine) told a very small fib in the course of her investigation in order to get some information.
As this books starts, we learn that that small fib has taken on a life of its own and spirals way out of control with really funny results. Bea has to do some damage control and in the course of that finds yet another dead body strewn at her feet.
A dandy who reportedly is on the cusp of publishing a salacious tell all book is knifed in the back. Of course Bea has no intention of getting embroiled in the investigation. She doesn't even know the man! And it is best for all concerned that nobody is aware that she was someplace she shouldn't have been.
But her intentions mean nothing to fate and a determined Duke who immediately figures out who the "woman of indiscriminate appearance and age" was who witnessed the murder.
Once again we are treated to Bea and the Duke smartly sparring while teaming up to catch a murderer.
This was fun and funny. A lot more humor was evident in this one than the previous book. Bea's family and their interactions with her are the source of much of the humor, especially her aunt. But I think I found the witty repartee between her and the Duke the best part of the book.
There is a fascinating new character introduced who just might make the former wall flower spinster the toast of the town and I am looking forward to seeing how that plays out. Also while Bea acknowledges that she is irrevocably smitten with the Duke and is despairingly sure that it is unrequited, the reader is aware that the Duke has become just as smitten with her.
As this books starts, we learn that that small fib has taken on a life of its own and spirals way out of control with really funny results. Bea has to do some damage control and in the course of that finds yet another dead body strewn at her feet.
A dandy who reportedly is on the cusp of publishing a salacious tell all book is knifed in the back. Of course Bea has no intention of getting embroiled in the investigation. She doesn't even know the man! And it is best for all concerned that nobody is aware that she was someplace she shouldn't have been.
But her intentions mean nothing to fate and a determined Duke who immediately figures out who the "woman of indiscriminate appearance and age" was who witnessed the murder.
Once again we are treated to Bea and the Duke smartly sparring while teaming up to catch a murderer.
This was fun and funny. A lot more humor was evident in this one than the previous book. Bea's family and their interactions with her are the source of much of the humor, especially her aunt. But I think I found the witty repartee between her and the Duke the best part of the book.
There is a fascinating new character introduced who just might make the former wall flower spinster the toast of the town and I am looking forward to seeing how that plays out. Also while Bea acknowledges that she is irrevocably smitten with the Duke and is despairingly sure that it is unrequited, the reader is aware that the Duke has become just as smitten with her.
December 22, 2022
Beatrice has returned to London after her accidental foray into murder. The family are trying to help her get over the loss of a love who never existed, except in Beatrice’s vivid imagination. She opts for a death notice of her erstwhile love to stop the family from lamenting cruel fate. The thing is on the day she delivers her notice to the newspaper a man drops dead at her feet with a knife protruding from his back. What’s a spinster set in her ways supposed to do? Beatrice proceeds to investigate as we have come to expect—without fear!
August 4, 2019
Six months after the events in “A Brazen Curiosity” we find Bea, this time in London as she gets ready for yet another season. However, after the events at the summer party, Bea’s family respect for her has grown, not because she unraveled a murder mystery, no, it’s because they believe Bea’s little white lie that she had once had a suiter. They lie was mean to help her find out who was the murderer but as it’s with these things, it got out of hand. Now, in order to get her family to leave the matter of the fake boyfriend alone, she decides to “kill him” by putting a notice in the newspaper of his untimely death. While she’s delivering the faux obituary, a man drops dead right in front, literally laying a murder mystery at her feet. While investigating the murder she once again finds herself in the company of the Duke of Kesgrave and the two team up to resolve yet another murder.
The story is as delightful as the first one, however, it did take a little bit to get going. The author spends a little too much time catching up the reader in the events of the previous books. While the information is important there were probably a few too many details. She could have recapped the events much more concisely and dedicated more time to the story itself. That’s where the book shines because the characters are so delightful and engaging that you want to spend time with them. Bea’s family is as irreverent as ever, her aunt is just as bossy and deferential to upper class as ever, but her cousins are becoming much more respectful of Bea and her sills and really start to see her for who she truly is. Especially her cousin Flora.
Bea’s relationship with Damian, the Duke of Kesgrave deepens as they continue to get to know each other better and Bea gains more respect for him as a person and sees the different facets of his character. He, in turn, seems to have a great deal of respect for Bea’s intelligence and her no-nonsense manner and seems to relish the time he gets to spend with her. Their romantic feelings for each other being to grow the more time they spend together.
Score 3.5/5 (I had to round to 4 because Goodreads doesn’t do half scores).
The story is as delightful as the first one, however, it did take a little bit to get going. The author spends a little too much time catching up the reader in the events of the previous books. While the information is important there were probably a few too many details. She could have recapped the events much more concisely and dedicated more time to the story itself. That’s where the book shines because the characters are so delightful and engaging that you want to spend time with them. Bea’s family is as irreverent as ever, her aunt is just as bossy and deferential to upper class as ever, but her cousins are becoming much more respectful of Bea and her sills and really start to see her for who she truly is. Especially her cousin Flora.
Bea’s relationship with Damian, the Duke of Kesgrave deepens as they continue to get to know each other better and Bea gains more respect for him as a person and sees the different facets of his character. He, in turn, seems to have a great deal of respect for Bea’s intelligence and her no-nonsense manner and seems to relish the time he gets to spend with her. Their romantic feelings for each other being to grow the more time they spend together.
Score 3.5/5 (I had to round to 4 because Goodreads doesn’t do half scores).
May 11, 2023
First off, I am officially a big fan of Regency Cozy Mysteries. It is the combination of my two favorite guilty literary pleasures and I find I can ignore any amount of historical inaccuracy as long I have a murder victim or two to distract me.
Second, bumping up to four stars for the end. Not necessarily the murderer, though I guess I didn't see it coming?, but Bea's reaction to him. Honestly, he is a truly sympathetic character. You don't want him to get his comeuppance. But as Bea points out, he still committed murder and so needs to face justice. Maybe I'm just too inundated with law school but the simple clarity of it was satisfying.
Third...I mean, I love the Duke. And I love their relationship. I do not love her running around in trousers. But I'll overlook it because it gives us some cute moments with the Duke of Kesgrave.
Second, bumping up to four stars for the end. Not necessarily the murderer, though I guess I didn't see it coming?, but Bea's reaction to him. Honestly, he is a truly sympathetic character. You don't want him to get his comeuppance. But as Bea points out, he still committed murder and so needs to face justice. Maybe I'm just too inundated with law school but the simple clarity of it was satisfying.
Third...I mean, I love the Duke. And I love their relationship. I do not love her running around in trousers. But I'll overlook it because it gives us some cute moments with the Duke of Kesgrave.
April 27, 2021
3.5. Very short and sweet. Enjoyed this series so far but not sure I am invested enough to continue. Too many others that I enjoy more. Bea has good attitude which is a good contrast for the duke and their banter is good. But not good enough. The Duke is lighthearted and sweet but also falls a little short.
December 7, 2022
Regency. Gave this 3.5 stars.
This was the 2nd time Beatrice came upon a dead body
& her friend the duke, Damien, helped investigate the
murder. This time Bea dressed as a man and posed as
Damien's steward. I liked the push-pull of this couple.
Early on in the story, Bea's faux lost love 'died.'
Why is Bea's critical aunt so naive RE Bea's goings on?
Wouldn't aunty & co. pull the plug on Bea & murder cases?
Why can't H+h assist Bow St. cases? or hand over cases?
How does a duke have all this time to investigate murders?
Does Bea continue to come across dead bodies?
No press coverage for solving 2 murders (total)?
H+h are obviously smitten with each other, why not
admit it?
This was the 2nd time Beatrice came upon a dead body
& her friend the duke, Damien, helped investigate the
murder. This time Bea dressed as a man and posed as
Damien's steward. I liked the push-pull of this couple.
Early on in the story, Bea's faux lost love 'died.'
Why is Bea's critical aunt so naive RE Bea's goings on?
Wouldn't aunty & co. pull the plug on Bea & murder cases?
Why can't H+h assist Bow St. cases? or hand over cases?
How does a duke have all this time to investigate murders?
Does Bea continue to come across dead bodies?
No press coverage for solving 2 murders (total)?
H+h are obviously smitten with each other, why not
admit it?
August 6, 2022
Continuing with this series is a good decision, well rewarded with many smiles and chuckles observing our heroine involved in yet another murder investigation alongside the Duke of Kesgrave. I can't wait to start the next book in this entertaining Regency murder mystery.
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January 28, 2023
Normally when I read books with toxic and emotionally unavailable men I hate them… but the Duke of Kesgrave is the exception😮💨
April 16, 2025
This one started a bit slower, but picked up pretty fast! The whole lost love ordeal was honestly funny to read and I cannot believe how her family is still! Flora is wisening up finally!
The mystery was again a cozy one. I get this feeling that the author is not this great writer of puzzles, but she's good at offering a simple execution and take advantage of her own writing to provide some kind of plot twist or surprise with her revelations! I am much obliged and still find the characters involved fun, along with the development!
What needed a bit more work is Bea herself, I believe. I can understand how difficult it would be for her to go back to a simple life, but at the same time her actions feel way too much, which in turn make her family's behavior seem very silly when confronted with those actions. If Bea is acting like this now, what is she going to do in the future books?!
Bea and Damien moments are cute as ever though. I can't wait for this to develop even more, considering he did show signs of jealousy and Bea is not completely oblivious, but at the same time she's not letting herself go further in her thoughts!
The mystery was again a cozy one. I get this feeling that the author is not this great writer of puzzles, but she's good at offering a simple execution and take advantage of her own writing to provide some kind of plot twist or surprise with her revelations! I am much obliged and still find the characters involved fun, along with the development!
What needed a bit more work is Bea herself, I believe. I can understand how difficult it would be for her to go back to a simple life, but at the same time her actions feel way too much, which in turn make her family's behavior seem very silly when confronted with those actions. If Bea is acting like this now, what is she going to do in the future books?!
Bea and Damien moments are cute as ever though. I can't wait for this to develop even more, considering he did show signs of jealousy and Bea is not completely oblivious, but at the same time she's not letting herself go further in her thoughts!
March 30, 2022
This was a nice addition to this series. I really like both Bea and Damien, I think they make a great team. I can’t say I’m the biggest fan of the writing style as it tends to drag in some areas but it’s readable enough. I wasn’t satisfied with who the killer was, nor did I find the explanation all that appealing. I preferred the red herring explanation. I don’t know if I’m just missing things but it always seems as though Bea suddenly just knows what happened even though there was no proof of it beforehand. You never guess the killer because there are no clues and Bea is just a genius who somehow figured it out from, quite literally, nothing. Let’s give the next one a go I suppose.
October 13, 2018
Really loving time spent with these characters...they are SO delightful!
March 11, 2019
I laughed out loud in so many spots and giggled in other. Bea is a wonderful character and I love reading her adventures.
July 30, 2023
This was book 2 in the
"Beatrice Hyde-Clare Mysteries"
series. This book started off kind of slow. Beatrice is once again involved in a murder investigation when a man literally falls dead at her feet. The Duke of Kesgrave joins in her in solving the mystery and the pair learn a lot about each other. I really liked this book Beatrice was just as curious as ever. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
April 24, 2023
A witty, satisfying follow-up. The writing was a wee bit clumsy at times, but the hilarity between characters more than made up for it. Beatrice & the Duke are a charming pair! Again, this is 3/4 Jane Austen & 1/4 hard-boiled whodunnit, so if you’re looking for a riveting mystery this isn’t for you. On the other hand, if you’re looking for funny commentary on English society & a really cute, light romance, don’t let these books pass you by!
March 11, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book. It’s got a good mystery, humor (the whole “late Mr. Davies story was LOL funny), and a subtle, budding romance between the duke and The Girl Most Unlikely to be a Duchess. Lynn Smith does an almost excellent narration, but where does “mar-QUESS” come from?
August 3, 2020
2020 bk 257. Our heroine spends entirely too much time in her own head in this book. So much time that my eyes would glaze over and I would miss the next action. I liked the character, the plot devices were interesting, but oh, my head, trying to figure out the way Beatrice thinks...... An okay read, not sure that i'll give this one a second try.
November 21, 2022
The intrepid heroine shows her daring beneath her plain façade. Loved the H seeking her out, even he can't believe how drawn he is to her. The story is fascinating, ending on an interesting note - how will she present her battered and bruised self to her family? Loved it even more than the first book.
March 22, 2023
3.5. Very cute, very cosy. Our heroine is getting more comfortable with herself and growing into her character, sometimes forgetting the rules of propriety doing so, which makes for entertaining scenes. The ending was a bit muddled and the solution was a bit more guesswork than deduction. But I still really liked the wit, banter and competition between the two sleuths.
November 18, 2018
Such a wonderful continuation to the series. The writing sparkles just as much as the first book. I’m really enjoying the growing relationship between Bea and the Duke since it is based on friendship and respect rather than physically attraction. Can’t wait to start the next book!
August 15, 2021
Loved every second of this book.
May 10, 2024
4.5 stars, it falls short with all the internal dialogue happening between scenes with the characters.
Its all interesting information, and the author has an amazing talent in keeping with the language of the times, but sometimes it drags a bit as Bea analyzes what is happening and her responses to it.
I enjoy the Duke & Bea- they are well matched, highlights and spoilers ahead:
In the last story, Bea made up a suitor in order to endear herself to someone and that falsehood has expanded into a search for this fictional man in this one. The Duke has been absent in her life for about 4 months and she feels it keenly.
Bea's family is a hoot in this one, I love how Flora gets Bea's machinations, Russell is enamored with the Duke, her Aunt coordinates them all to stand guard over her in public lest she shame the family and the Uncle goes right along with the madness!
Bea witnesses another murder as she puts an obituary in the paper to end the search for the false suitor:
Even so, Bea couldn’t quite elude the conviction that the murder had somehow been contrived for her benefit to demonstrate the dangers of lying.
The Duke finds Bea:
“You haven’t asked how I found you,” Kesgrave said as he leaned back in the chair.
“No,” Bea agreed.
“You aren’t curious?”
As she was only human, Bea was extremely interested in learning how he had contrived to appear on the first floor of Montague House at the very moment she required a figure of authority to smooth her way, but she refused to give him the satisfaction of revealing it.
“Not particularly.”
His lips twitched at the firmness of her tone. “I’m going to tell you regardless.”
“Well, naturally, you cannot resist the opportunity to show off,” she said.
At the Ball, where her family is trying to make her hide in a restful corner:
Although Bea knew her health required no restoration, she decided it was better to appease her aunt now in order to defy her later.
She was just about to observe that the fig tree did indeed look welcoming when Kesgrave spoke first and invited her to dance.
Horrified, Aunt Vera said, “Oh, no.”
And when she hears later of her Aunt speaking with the Duke about beetroot for a whole 12 minutes!:
Bea could not wait to mock the duke for his beetroot sermon, which must have been as tedious as his lecture on the Battle of the Nile.
She would even look up information about the root vegetable herself so she could drop a few fusty facts into the—
And then she remembered Kesgrave’s fainthearted retreat two nights before.
She would have no opportunity to mock his ostentatious pedantry.
The Duke braves a visit while the family is out and they plan the next steps:
“No,” he said.
He could have at least considered it before rejecting the notion entirely out of hand. “Why not?”
“You said a rational discussion,” he pointed out, aggrieved by the deception. “Your proposing to dress up as a man and accompany me to look at a house is not rational. It’s ludicrous.”
“Why is it ludicrous?” she asked. “I think I would make a very convincing fellow. I have the shoulders for it."
Their banter is so good:
Bea, shaking her head, did not disappoint. “You are a true profile in courage, your grace.”
“Quite,” he said, gesturing to the doorway that led back to the staircase. “Now, do you want to continue to mock me or should we pay a call on Mr. Cornyn?”
She laughed at the naïveté of the question, and as she crossed the floor, assured him she could quite easily do both.
-------------------
"May we now proceed to Sylvan Press so that we may hold Mr. Hill responsible for the brutal slaying of Lord Fazeley? Or do you have other promises you would like to extract through devious means?”
“No others,” he said mildly. “Just the one to ensure you don’t meet a grisly end at the hands of a vicious killer.”
“For the record, I find your high-minded condescension to be just as irritating as your usual sort,” she said.
He professed surprise that she didn’t find it more irritating.
And Bea gets a beat down by a surprising party, thinking she is a male, and the Duke is NOT happy. Makes her promise to stop looking into murders that "cross her path":
“Excuse me?” he said.
“I pledged to cease investigating the horrible deaths that cross my path,” she explained, her mood lightening a little as she felt the warmth of the sun on her face. The ache in her head continued unabated, but the one in her heart started to subside. “That was the promise you extracted and the promise by which I will abide.”
“I cannot perceive a distinction,” he said as he urged his team around a curricle that was stopped in the middle of the road.
“I know, your grace, and for that I’m grateful,” she said, before commending him on his skill as a whipster.
And she realizes the depth of her feelings for the Duke:
At least now she had something to mourn properly, she thought mockingly, determined not to wallow in the tragic turn her life had suddenly taken.
As was her practice, she would be amused and diverted by the ridiculousness of the situation. Middling Beatrice Hyde-Clare in love with the high-flying Duke of Kesgrave.
It was the apogee of a very good joke.
Ready to keep reading! These are really good.
Its all interesting information, and the author has an amazing talent in keeping with the language of the times, but sometimes it drags a bit as Bea analyzes what is happening and her responses to it.
I enjoy the Duke & Bea- they are well matched, highlights and spoilers ahead:
In the last story, Bea made up a suitor in order to endear herself to someone and that falsehood has expanded into a search for this fictional man in this one. The Duke has been absent in her life for about 4 months and she feels it keenly.
Bea's family is a hoot in this one, I love how Flora gets Bea's machinations, Russell is enamored with the Duke, her Aunt coordinates them all to stand guard over her in public lest she shame the family and the Uncle goes right along with the madness!
Bea witnesses another murder as she puts an obituary in the paper to end the search for the false suitor:
Even so, Bea couldn’t quite elude the conviction that the murder had somehow been contrived for her benefit to demonstrate the dangers of lying.
The Duke finds Bea:
“You haven’t asked how I found you,” Kesgrave said as he leaned back in the chair.
“No,” Bea agreed.
“You aren’t curious?”
As she was only human, Bea was extremely interested in learning how he had contrived to appear on the first floor of Montague House at the very moment she required a figure of authority to smooth her way, but she refused to give him the satisfaction of revealing it.
“Not particularly.”
His lips twitched at the firmness of her tone. “I’m going to tell you regardless.”
“Well, naturally, you cannot resist the opportunity to show off,” she said.
At the Ball, where her family is trying to make her hide in a restful corner:
Although Bea knew her health required no restoration, she decided it was better to appease her aunt now in order to defy her later.
She was just about to observe that the fig tree did indeed look welcoming when Kesgrave spoke first and invited her to dance.
Horrified, Aunt Vera said, “Oh, no.”
And when she hears later of her Aunt speaking with the Duke about beetroot for a whole 12 minutes!:
Bea could not wait to mock the duke for his beetroot sermon, which must have been as tedious as his lecture on the Battle of the Nile.
She would even look up information about the root vegetable herself so she could drop a few fusty facts into the—
And then she remembered Kesgrave’s fainthearted retreat two nights before.
She would have no opportunity to mock his ostentatious pedantry.
The Duke braves a visit while the family is out and they plan the next steps:
“No,” he said.
He could have at least considered it before rejecting the notion entirely out of hand. “Why not?”
“You said a rational discussion,” he pointed out, aggrieved by the deception. “Your proposing to dress up as a man and accompany me to look at a house is not rational. It’s ludicrous.”
“Why is it ludicrous?” she asked. “I think I would make a very convincing fellow. I have the shoulders for it."
Their banter is so good:
Bea, shaking her head, did not disappoint. “You are a true profile in courage, your grace.”
“Quite,” he said, gesturing to the doorway that led back to the staircase. “Now, do you want to continue to mock me or should we pay a call on Mr. Cornyn?”
She laughed at the naïveté of the question, and as she crossed the floor, assured him she could quite easily do both.
-------------------
"May we now proceed to Sylvan Press so that we may hold Mr. Hill responsible for the brutal slaying of Lord Fazeley? Or do you have other promises you would like to extract through devious means?”
“No others,” he said mildly. “Just the one to ensure you don’t meet a grisly end at the hands of a vicious killer.”
“For the record, I find your high-minded condescension to be just as irritating as your usual sort,” she said.
He professed surprise that she didn’t find it more irritating.
And Bea gets a beat down by a surprising party, thinking she is a male, and the Duke is NOT happy. Makes her promise to stop looking into murders that "cross her path":
“Excuse me?” he said.
“I pledged to cease investigating the horrible deaths that cross my path,” she explained, her mood lightening a little as she felt the warmth of the sun on her face. The ache in her head continued unabated, but the one in her heart started to subside. “That was the promise you extracted and the promise by which I will abide.”
“I cannot perceive a distinction,” he said as he urged his team around a curricle that was stopped in the middle of the road.
“I know, your grace, and for that I’m grateful,” she said, before commending him on his skill as a whipster.
And she realizes the depth of her feelings for the Duke:
At least now she had something to mourn properly, she thought mockingly, determined not to wallow in the tragic turn her life had suddenly taken.
As was her practice, she would be amused and diverted by the ridiculousness of the situation. Middling Beatrice Hyde-Clare in love with the high-flying Duke of Kesgrave.
It was the apogee of a very good joke.
Ready to keep reading! These are really good.
October 24, 2019
Six months have passed and Bea's fictitious Mr. Davies is causing her more trouble than she could have ever predicted. A simple fabrication invented to invite Miss Otley into her confidence to aid her investigtion, it has has now spiraled wildly out of her control. Hoping to rid herself of the rumor for good, she sneaks out of the house in order to anonymously submit a death notice for Mr. Davies. But as she turns to leave the newspaper office, a man collapses at her feet with a dagger protuding from his back.
Expecting to settle back into her life as the quiet and unassuming spinster that everyone knows her to be, she has no intention to persue another investigation. But if the bodies are simply going to keep falling into her path and the dagger just so seems to remind her very much of one residing in the British Museum...
So Bea cannot deny herself the opportunity to slip out of the house and check the museum for herself to see if her suspicions prove correct. And who should pop up in the midst of her search, but the Duke of Kesgrave himself, her unexpected sleuthing partner from the Otley murder.
____________________________
The covers to the books in this series had caught my eyes several times in the last few years while book browsing online. I'm so glad I finally decided to give the first book in the series a shot because I think it is safe to say that this is turning into one of my favorite series. Regency? Check. Mystery? Check. Amateur female sleuth? Check. Sass in spades, banter, and a handsome man? Check, check, and check. Enough said, consider me sold.
With our main characters and Bea's family life etablished in A Brazen Curiousity, this book flowed much more smoothly for me. I was happy to see far less of Bea getting entirely lost in lengthy internal monologues largely focused on flinging food upon the heads of handsome men. But I also was happy to see humorous call backs to these urges of Bea's to throw food at Kesgrave scattered in this book.
The absolute ridiculousness that is Bea's family never fails to both amuse me and infuriate me for their treatment of her. But I'm very happy to see that Flora is treating Bea much more like a member of the family and even working to enable Bea in maneuvering around Aunt Vera. Plus we get a lovely addition to our list of characters in the amusing Lady Abercrombie.
I'm so excited to see the connection and regard between Bea and Kesgrave grow as they bicker and banter with one another. Very much looking forward to continuing with the series.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
Expecting to settle back into her life as the quiet and unassuming spinster that everyone knows her to be, she has no intention to persue another investigation. But if the bodies are simply going to keep falling into her path and the dagger just so seems to remind her very much of one residing in the British Museum...
So Bea cannot deny herself the opportunity to slip out of the house and check the museum for herself to see if her suspicions prove correct. And who should pop up in the midst of her search, but the Duke of Kesgrave himself, her unexpected sleuthing partner from the Otley murder.
____________________________
The covers to the books in this series had caught my eyes several times in the last few years while book browsing online. I'm so glad I finally decided to give the first book in the series a shot because I think it is safe to say that this is turning into one of my favorite series. Regency? Check. Mystery? Check. Amateur female sleuth? Check. Sass in spades, banter, and a handsome man? Check, check, and check. Enough said, consider me sold.
With our main characters and Bea's family life etablished in A Brazen Curiousity, this book flowed much more smoothly for me. I was happy to see far less of Bea getting entirely lost in lengthy internal monologues largely focused on flinging food upon the heads of handsome men. But I also was happy to see humorous call backs to these urges of Bea's to throw food at Kesgrave scattered in this book.
The absolute ridiculousness that is Bea's family never fails to both amuse me and infuriate me for their treatment of her. But I'm very happy to see that Flora is treating Bea much more like a member of the family and even working to enable Bea in maneuvering around Aunt Vera. Plus we get a lovely addition to our list of characters in the amusing Lady Abercrombie.
I'm so excited to see the connection and regard between Bea and Kesgrave grow as they bicker and banter with one another. Very much looking forward to continuing with the series.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
September 12, 2021
Fun Cozy Mystery
While attempting to put to bed one untenable situation, Beatrice Hyde-Clare has another one quite literally fall at her feet in the form of a dead dandy. A dead dandy with a jeweled dagger sticking out of his back. Unable to stop herself, Beatrice begins investigating and immediately encounters one Damien Matlock, Duke of Kesgrave. The man is pedantic, powerful, perceptive, and entirely to pernicious. And he insists on aiding Beatrice in her pursuit.
—
So this is a cute and fun cozy mystery. And I really did like it once it got going. However the author has an unfortunate habit of starting a bit of dialogue and then going off on a multi page tangent of internal thoughts and info dump before returning to the dialogue which can be very very very confusing. And unfortunately there is a lot of info dump especially related to the first book. I felt like the author went to far out of her way to make sure that we knew what happened in the first book when that wasn’t really necessary.
That said, I did enjoy this book. I find Beatrice and in particular Kesgrave really fun characters. I fully am here for their slow burn battle of wills almost moonlighting will they won’t they relationship. It’s fun. Beatrice is an interesting character because she is so uncomfortable in social situation yes give her a mystery and she just flourishes. I also find Beatrice’s aunt and uncle and assorted cousins to be fun foibles. I have a definite hopes for Flora. And I quite liked Annie, Beatrice’s ladies maid. I hope we get to see more of Annie in future books. I also liked Tilly who is a new character introducing this book that I hope to see more of as well Nuneaton who Was a character in previous books.
Unlike the previous book the perpetrator wasn’t as well telegraphed. And I thought that some of it kind a bit out of left field.
But in all I did enjoy this book so it gets…
Four stars
While attempting to put to bed one untenable situation, Beatrice Hyde-Clare has another one quite literally fall at her feet in the form of a dead dandy. A dead dandy with a jeweled dagger sticking out of his back. Unable to stop herself, Beatrice begins investigating and immediately encounters one Damien Matlock, Duke of Kesgrave. The man is pedantic, powerful, perceptive, and entirely to pernicious. And he insists on aiding Beatrice in her pursuit.
—
So this is a cute and fun cozy mystery. And I really did like it once it got going. However the author has an unfortunate habit of starting a bit of dialogue and then going off on a multi page tangent of internal thoughts and info dump before returning to the dialogue which can be very very very confusing. And unfortunately there is a lot of info dump especially related to the first book. I felt like the author went to far out of her way to make sure that we knew what happened in the first book when that wasn’t really necessary.
That said, I did enjoy this book. I find Beatrice and in particular Kesgrave really fun characters. I fully am here for their slow burn battle of wills almost moonlighting will they won’t they relationship. It’s fun. Beatrice is an interesting character because she is so uncomfortable in social situation yes give her a mystery and she just flourishes. I also find Beatrice’s aunt and uncle and assorted cousins to be fun foibles. I have a definite hopes for Flora. And I quite liked Annie, Beatrice’s ladies maid. I hope we get to see more of Annie in future books. I also liked Tilly who is a new character introducing this book that I hope to see more of as well Nuneaton who Was a character in previous books.
Unlike the previous book the perpetrator wasn’t as well telegraphed. And I thought that some of it kind a bit out of left field.
But in all I did enjoy this book so it gets…
Four stars
October 7, 2018
In this second book in the trilogy, we find bookish and brainy Bea bewildered when a debonair dandy falls at her feet. And promptly dies. With a knife in his back. Not just any knife, but a knife which she has most certainly seen somewhere before.
Her search for clues takes her to the British Museum, where the Duke of Kesgrave is following the same investigative trail as Bea. Or is he just following Bea?
The growing admiration and affection woven into the witty banter between Bea and the Duke is just adorable. In this book, we meet a few new eccentric characters, learn the fascinating origin of the word “fazed”, and finally hear “the three loveliest words in the English language” from the Duke’s own lips: “OUR next steps”.
I spotted a couple of anachronistic words, but they weren’t terribly jarring. I think this novel’s pacing suffered a bit because of numerous flashbacks to the events in book one, which bogged down the flow of the new story line, but even so, it was delightful.
Satisfied with how well Bea and her pet [lion cub] were getting along, her ladyship sat in an armchair upholstered in red silk and said, “I name all my pets after my dead husband because I’m so accustomed to saying his name in a tone of fond exasperation and baffled tolerance. Do you think Henry would have minded?”
All 3 books in the series are available in paperback and in the Kindle store (free for Kindle Unlimited subscribers).
Her search for clues takes her to the British Museum, where the Duke of Kesgrave is following the same investigative trail as Bea. Or is he just following Bea?
The growing admiration and affection woven into the witty banter between Bea and the Duke is just adorable. In this book, we meet a few new eccentric characters, learn the fascinating origin of the word “fazed”, and finally hear “the three loveliest words in the English language” from the Duke’s own lips: “OUR next steps”.
I spotted a couple of anachronistic words, but they weren’t terribly jarring. I think this novel’s pacing suffered a bit because of numerous flashbacks to the events in book one, which bogged down the flow of the new story line, but even so, it was delightful.
Satisfied with how well Bea and her pet [lion cub] were getting along, her ladyship sat in an armchair upholstered in red silk and said, “I name all my pets after my dead husband because I’m so accustomed to saying his name in a tone of fond exasperation and baffled tolerance. Do you think Henry would have minded?”
All 3 books in the series are available in paperback and in the Kindle store (free for Kindle Unlimited subscribers).
September 9, 2025
Another clever story, and I thoroughly enjoyed being along for the ride with Beatrice and her Duke! The mystery came together a little too quickly but I enjoyed seeing Beatrice put her foot in her mouth which once again gets her into trouble with her family but brings her even closer to Kesgrave. I look forward to the next book.
February 4, 2022
Love this series!! Most of all I love Beatrice and the Duke! Ingenious storyline and no way to solve the mystery till the end.
Jill is perfect in her narration and Lynn is brilliant in her imagination!
Jill is perfect in her narration and Lynn is brilliant in her imagination!
March 25, 2023
Irresistibly charming
December 8, 2024
Loppuvuoden stressipäälle täydellisesti sopivaa kepeetä cozy crimeä. Tässäkin vaan harmillisesti läsnä se jo ekassa osassa vaivannut kumma jankuttava toisteisuus!
October 29, 2019
"If I do not comprehend what it means to be a duke, then you do not comprehend what it means to an unmarried young lady."
This series has been such a nice surprise, and I'm shocked it doesn't receive more accolades. It contains all the elements I love most in the "cozy" genre. There is a brilliant, but unassuming heroine, a dashing but sometimes egoistical hero, the best slow burn romance, charming secondary characters, and the perfect balance of humor while facing unresolved murders.
"You needn't feel embarrassed by your admission of being in awe of me. I assure you, most people are."
The banter between Damien and Bea is priceless. I found myself constantly smiling at their antics and banter. Since the story is told mainly from Bea's perspective, so much about the duke remains a mystery. My only complaint is a few editing errors, but overall, this has been a pleasant and endearing start to a series. I've already started the next installment.
If you are a fan of cozies or historical mysteries, this is a series to try.
This series has been such a nice surprise, and I'm shocked it doesn't receive more accolades. It contains all the elements I love most in the "cozy" genre. There is a brilliant, but unassuming heroine, a dashing but sometimes egoistical hero, the best slow burn romance, charming secondary characters, and the perfect balance of humor while facing unresolved murders.
"You needn't feel embarrassed by your admission of being in awe of me. I assure you, most people are."
The banter between Damien and Bea is priceless. I found myself constantly smiling at their antics and banter. Since the story is told mainly from Bea's perspective, so much about the duke remains a mystery. My only complaint is a few editing errors, but overall, this has been a pleasant and endearing start to a series. I've already started the next installment.
If you are a fan of cozies or historical mysteries, this is a series to try.
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