Lady Violet Enjoys a Frolic: The Lady Violet Mysteries--Book Four

The Lady Violet Mysteries #4

by Grace Burrowes

Having enjoyed her tour of the Scottish countryside, Lady Violet Belmaine is reluctant to return to London. Her escort, Hugh St. Sevier, suggests a detour to the Lakes, where his former army connections have invited him to renew old acquaintances. Violet is happy to enjoy the breathtaking scenery, but all is not right with St. Sevier’s friends.

Their host’s estate is struggling, several marriages from the old regiment appear to be faltering, and somebody is intent on making a bad situation worse. From slashed portraits to sheep trampling the garden, St. Sevier’s former comrades are engaged in some sort of rural war against an unknown foe. Sebastian MacHeath arrives to help solve the mystery, but his presence only makes matters more tense. Violet refuses to leave without putting the puzzle pieces together, no matter how dangerous the process or how shocking the eventual solution.

Genres: Mystery, Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Historical Romance, Historical Mystery

204 pages, Paperback

First published November 27, 2021

About the author

Grace Burrowes started writing as an antidote to empty nest and soon found it an antidote to life in general. She is the sixth out of seven children, raised in the rural surrounds of central Pennsylvania. Early in life she spent a lot of time reading romance novels and practicing the piano. Her first career was as a technical writer and editor in the Washington, DC, area, a busy job that nonetheless left enough time to read a lot of romance novels.

It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.

While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")

Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)

To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.

Reviews

[eyes.2c · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lady Violet is reluctant to return to London so she and Hugh St. Sevier sojourn to the Lakes district to visit with his former army associates. Of course strange happenings, (very strange happenings) ensue and naturally our Violet is in the thick of things. Violet and Hugh’s relationship becomes even more embedded (Ha!) The hall experiences weird disruptions, broken and damaged articles, married couples behaving more like Bob, Carol, Ted and Alice, maids being dismissed, an over abundance of footmen, the list goes on. Sebastian turns up (Surprise, Surprise!) warning Violet to take care, which of course she never does. She sashays around exhorting people to make lists and generally discommodes the inhabitants of the grand house. Lastly Violet of course has the light bulb moment, the mystery is solved, Sebastian heads back to his Highlands and Hugh and Violet depart. Quite a strange read.

[Kaethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am perhaps becoming less interested in the through-plot, but I am totally into the racketing about Great Britain in the very comfy coach and solving quirky as hell mysteries. I'll have to content myself with the tiny bit I anticipated against the vast bit I did not. Being gobsmacked with a solution out of left field is fun.

The recurring motif of a Scot, a Welchman, and an Englishman is a bit too familiar. Not least because I guess that the average person of the time identified on a much more local level. Come to think about it, most people probably didn't travel three miles from home in their lives, although the ones who did likely traveled a whole lot more, be they the 1%, military, and voluntary or compelled emigrants.

Personal copy

[Spiderorchid · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still fun, but a bit of a filler-book in the series.

In other words: Not enough Sebastian. ;)

Seriously, I appreciate that Burrowes takes the time to make her protagonist's emotional journey believeable and her relationship at this point does makes sense. It's just a little frustrating for the reader and combined with a rather slow-paced story, this book was "only" three stars for me. Which is not bad. It's a nice book. I just liked the others so far better.

On to volume five... :)

Update: Volume five, "Lady Violet holds a baby", is much better! So definitely a filler before the story-arc picks up again.

[Carol Bisig · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a Cozy Mystery!

I bought this entire series based on the first book, now, I wish I had my money back. Orgies among former officers? Can you not think of anything more realistic? I admire the author for her expertise for the time period, however, this story is beyond the pale. My other complaint is the wrong man has been chosen, in my humble opinion! It is obvious Sebastian, loves Lady Violet and has for many years, instead of getting those two together, the Frenchman is in the lead, and in her bed? Very disappointed.
Thank you,
carolintallahassee

[Amanda Winkworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this, there was some great character development and an excellent denouncement at the end of the mystery. Looking forward to the next adventure for Lady Violet

[Eileen Lynx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun story. No murder just mayhem.

[Hailey Carr · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was definitely odd......like really odd.

[Margie Peterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another wonderful mystery. This time about what happens to soldiers and their wives in private life.

[Melissainau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Containers spoilers & wild speculation.

Number 4 in this series.

The regency era wife swapping was unexpected. Is it a hint of where Violet will finish? Definitely not where I thought this series was going.

Glad to see her maid is back (as is Sebastian’s unlikely valet), although barely. Sebastian is becoming less prominent, which is a shame as he’s my pick - and as he is one of the more three dimensional characters.

The mystery in this wasn’t particularly satisfying. There’s a big fertility/infertility theme that is growing in each book. This felt more like a slightly weird episode in a romance than an actual mystery.

Wild prediction: Violet will find she’s pregnant, Hugh’s wife will reappear, and she will marry Sebastian (possibly losing the baby, which would be awful).
Super wild prediction: super love triangle where V settles down with both men, marrying Sebastian but alternating evenings? Not sure but apparently the author is willing to go there.

I read Joanne Fluke’s murder series set around a cookie shop, which had a big will-they-won’t-they love triangle that afaik has never been resolved about 24 books in (I gave up a while ago), and it was just annoying. The author here seems to be keeping Sebastian’s hopes/chances alive & I’m getting little flashbacks to Fluke. Hoping for a solid finish without ambiguity.

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was generally enjoyable. Unfortunately, the ending ruined the book for me. The answer to the mystery wasn’t the problem, as much as the the relationships between the characters post revelation. The hosts acted terribly towards the leads in a variety of ways throughout the books. Their actions revealed an underlying disdain that understandably upset the book’s lead characters. Violet revealing the answer to the mystery, especially with how angry she is leading up to and during the reveal, does not sensibly lead to everyone suddenly becoming the dearest of friends. The emotional whiplash was extreme and completely unexplained, especially considering the hosts never apologize to any of the lead characters for their behavior. It is especially odd considering that the hosts behavior would have likely made such apologies only skin deep.

[Kiki Z · Rating 3 out of 5]

So far, I've loved the endings of these books way better than the beginning or middle but that doesn't make them good. They're slow-paced and without much intrigue. The characters are pretty lackluster overall, and there's zero chemistry between Violet and her lover. There's also way too much time focused on her personal life, and considering the mysteries are tiny little things, it's bad branding all around. I guess I'm just a murder mystery person at the end of the day.

[Ally · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't love this as much as the first 3. It could have used more editing, but the bigger issue for me.was with the story. The mystery was not nearly as compelling as the first three and I found Violet's character to have changed in this book from a confident, smart woman to someone jealous and preoccupied with looks. Hoping this doesn't continue into the next several books; I really enjoy the romance and cozy mystery vibes.

[Frances · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don't Bother

The plot is ridiculous. The characters are unappealing. Even the star players from the previous books are unappealing. The conclusion is preposterous. Skip it.

[Mum · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one, for me, fell flat. There was no cohesiveness to the plot or new characters. I’ll keep going, but after a break.

[Margie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Violet and Hugh St Sevier go to the Lakes District to visit lord and Lady Rutland - the commanding officer of the unit where Hugh was a doctor in the war. Also there are three couples from the military camp - MacNeil, Jones and O'Dea. All of them impossibly good looking and charming, and discovered to be sharing spouses openly. The estate employs ex-military men for staff plus local women. Little accidents/pranks keep occurring. The estate is also underfunded and letting staff go. St Sevier asks Sebastian to join them as an impartial investigator whose title gives him rank over Rutland. After shenanigans and arguments, Violet, Hugh and Sebastian are asked to leave. At their final breakfast Violet shares what she deduced - the couples are inter-sexing because none of them have children. They hope different partner combos would result in pregnancy. The women have had enough but Rutland insists they continue, so the women have been skimming $$$ to save for an alternate home without the men. The female staff are doing pranks to implicate the male staff, hoping men will be fired instead of women. The men are retaliating with pranks to implicate the women. The wives thank Violet for airing their dislike of polygamy. She suggests to them to open a hotel to earn funds. Violet tells St Sevier she wants them to be exclusive - an understanding.

[Alice · Rating 2 out of 5]

CW: infidelity, plus discussion of past loss of a spouse and miscarriages

I absolutely devoured the six books currently in this series, which follow Lady Violet Belmaine as she emerges from mourning after her late and not-so-lamented husband's death. As she returns to society, she finds herself confronted with various mysteries and can't help getting involved. All six are relatively light mysteries: they're short, nothing really bad ever happens, and most conclude with a meeting of some sort where everyone talks out their differences and decides what to do now that the mystery has been solved and the guilty party or parties have been identified. Violet is a well-rounded character, and it's fun to watch her grow. Her sidekicks are also quite fun: Sebastian MacHeath and Hugh St. Sevier are gorgeous, have delightful personalities, and are completely infatuated with Violet because this is still Grace Burrowes. Despite the men both being interested in Violet, there is refreshingly little male rivalry.

This one, however, was far and away my least favorite of the series. There were two major issues. First, I couldn't quite suspend my disbelief enough to buy the main plot point. While most of these mysteries were a little far-fetched, this one took it to the point where I just couldn't stay immersed in the world. Second, I could not keep the characters straight. There are four married couples who play host to Violet and Hugh (and eventually Sebastian), and I was never able to figure out who was who. Flipping back through the pages to try to sort through that further hurt my ability to enjoy this.

I don't think there are really any major plot points you'd miss by skipping this one. Do yourself a favor and skip it - or just read it because it's quite short!

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This has been my least favorite of the Lady Violet series so far. While I loved the way it gave us more insight and depth to St. Sevier’s character (and brought him and Violet closer!), it was just so…slow.

Nothing much HAPPENS in the first 50-ish percent of the book, aside from the growing sense that something is off or weird about the Wood. I was legit wondering if there really even would be a mystery, and tbh the one we got was kind of lackluster. Additionally, although I dearly love Sebastian MacHeath, I think I would actually have preferred he not make an appearance. I wanted Hugh & Violet to have this moment and experience without him, and he didn’t add all that much to the narrative or fit into it well for me. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[A.M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

She and her French doctor pop in to visit old army friends, and for Violet it is really difficult as she does not know any of them. She does so hate being out of her comfort zone. This group have been together for so long they have forgotten the social niceties, and according to her maid, it is worse downstairs.

Her favourite Scot gets called in, again; [is it me? I am picking up that she’d rather be with him. Honey, you have the hot doctor. Right there.]

And the mystery resolution left me blinking, and muttering, I guess?

3 stars

So far this year, my library saved me A$611.63

[Kimberley Stafford · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, that was unexpected. This story went to a place I did not expect when starting this series. The growing relationship between Violet and Hugh, and Hugh’s all-in attitude towards loving her, was very sweet and affecting to read. Sebastian appears again, and it is bittersweet.

To note, no judgment made on the relationships within the home Violet visits. Just did not expect any of that in this series, as stated previously, and the mystery to solve was odd.

[MELISSA · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really didn't see this solution coming to the mystery at the colonel's estate. I am enjoying watching Lady Violet slowly beginning to let go of her marriage pain and bitterness while absorbing all the good feelings given out by St. Sevier and, at times, Sebastian. That is all I can say about the book because any more might find me indulging in spoilers. What I can say is this is so much fun to read as I have discovered all of Ms. Burrowes works to be such.

[Catherine Howlett · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is an odd one - the plot is bizarre and really hard to engage with or really care much about. Essentially the couples are all swingers, but because of the power dynamic, they not entirely willing? But they had a good time. The characters are strange because of that. Very different from the first 3. Also I listened to the audiobook and the narrator’s accents were not great. To be fair there were a lot of accents - English upper and lower class, Welsh, Scottish, French.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy the mysteries and the characters but one thing that I struggle with is the romance. I have thought since book 1 that Sebastian was going to be the one she would end up with but then she has spent more time with Hugh and they have built a real and genuine connection so to break them up would be sad as they work together. It would be fine if all Hugh was looking for was a liaison but he wants it all and has been so patient with her.

[Violet Catte]

Lady Violet's relationship with Hugh St. Sevier grows as we face his former military comrades in this installment. There is a lot about the Napoleonic Wars in this one, and I found that historical context fascinating. The solution to this one is not as bonkers as some of the previous installments, but still managed to be fun and over-the-top. Not my personal favorite of the series, but still very enjoyable.

Kirsten Potter narrates this series wonderfully.

[Carôle Ceres · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have previously enjoyed the narrator (her ability to do various accents - Scottish, French, Welsh etc al) is admirable. However there were a few words “plait”, “potato”… which were just wrong! It didn’t detract from the story, but they were noticeable.

As for the story, it’s best described as “bizarre”! It seemed meandering and dysfunctional - but that was exactly the point…

The love triangle is still ongoing - I can’t see how that will be resolved…

[Beebs · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ick. Nope.

This was icky. Not even a prude, especially in what I read, but the dynamic amongst the household was NOT okay, even a little bit, and it was gross. The women were being treated as broodmares, it was incredibly weird, and not a little dip into "adventurous" polyamory, but an abuse of power, authority, gender expectations, consent, etc.

Poorly done imo. Just a bit too dark for this series, too.

[Stephen Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant story to continue the series

This is another brilliantly crafted story that continues this great series. This plot continues the trend that this series has which is to increase the steamyness of the storylines. The characters are once again embroiled in another mystery, that will keep you enthralled from start to finish.

[Mary Helen Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable book

Ms. Burrowes has written another interesting book. Ms. Violet takes on another mystery with her two gentlemen. The characters are well thought out and realistic. Although it has a touch of military life and protocols throughout. Ms. Violet can not help but solve the mystery with a flourish. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

[Janshea (Tobborah C.) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was scratching my head and shouting at Lady Violet. This all means I had a great time with this story. Her curiousity almost brings about harsh consequences, but somehow with St. Sevier and MacHeath supporting her, she solves the puzzle, helps restore order and somehow gets closer to understanding her heart’s choice.

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one had a bit of a bonkers situation (essentially wife-swapping/swingers/polyamory of some variety with the goal of increasing the likelihood that the women will get pregnant, since all their husbands had had diseases that affect fertility--honestly the emphasis on fertility was one of the weirdest parts about this) although eventually treated in a somewhat low-key manner.

[Anne Egger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Violet and Hugh visits friends of his in the Lake District. There is a problem in the household. Sebastian comes to straighten things out. I am surprised Violet and Hugh are together. These books remind me of the television show Murder She Wrote. I am looking forward to the rest of the series.