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Lucy Anne Trotter #2

Muerte de un aristócrata: Una novela de misterio con humor (Un caso de Lucy Anne Trotter nº 2)

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Las columnas de cotilleo no hablan de otra cosa y hasta el regente está intrigado. El
asesinato de lord Beazley en Gopshall Manor ha causado sensación y el hecho de que dos
dulces institutrices sean las principales sospechosas ha excitado aún más la curiosidad de
una opinión pública sedienta de sangre. Lucy Anne Trotter, acusada del crimen, roba un
caballo y se va en busca del único hombre que puede salvarle el lord William
Hartell Adair, un auténtico héroe nacional y el hombre más guapo de Inglaterra. Con él a
su lado, se lanza a desvelar los secretos de la familia Gopshall a fin de descubrir al asesino.
Entretanto habrá peripecias y enredos a montones, besos y algún que otro calzón ardiendo,
al más puro estilo de Anya Wylde. Un viaje en carruaje que no querrás perderte.

243 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 28, 2020

46 people are currently reading
72 people want to read

About the author

Anya Wylde

68 books304 followers
Anya Wylde lives in Ireland along with her husband and a fat French poodle (now on a diet). She can cook a mean curry, and her idea of exercise is occasionally stretching her toes. She holds a degree in English literature and adores reading and writing.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Natasa.
1,435 reviews6 followers
July 3, 2020
This book was given to me in exchange for an honest book review. I would like sincerely thank Anya Wylde , for letting me read her book free of charge.

I enjoyed the first book in this series, “Murder at Rudhall Manor.” I was hoping for an equally enjoyable experience with this sequel, and it didn’t disappoint. It was an easy and light read that made me laugh out loud a few times. There were several twists and turns in the story, and I didn’t figure out the ending in advance, which is very satisfactory. There was just the appropriate amount of humor to make it an entertaining read. I was glad to be back with Lucy and Lord Adair and I hope there are many more mysteries for them to solve together. Those who love comedy mingled with history and cozy mystery should read this.
Profile Image for Sophia.
Author 5 books401 followers
March 2, 2020
After the events in A Murder at Rudhall Manor, Lucy gets a new governess post courtesy of Lord Adair and Adair goes on to wow the world with his cunning detecting talent and stunning good looks. However, murder finds Lucy once again and mayhem ensues pulling Lord Adair back into her orbit and the pair on another case. The hilarious hijinks, colorful quirky characters, and entertaining plot was a delightful amusement.

Lucy Trotter, the quirky, redoubtable governess is back in her second adventure into detection with the enigmatic, capable Lord Adair. Death of an Aristocrat sees Lucy in her second post as a governess where she unfailingly lands as chief suspect, but only because the family she serves would rather see it all blamed on the newest servant and wrapped up tidily before a scandal can ensue. But, Lucy, naturally, is none too keen to swing for a murder she didn’t commit and brings Lord Adair to face off the upper class aristocratic family and find the truth even as Lucy plans to amaze him by beating him to the solution so he’ll take her desire to be his apprentice in detection seriously.

Jane is also a governess in the household, but her charges are the widowed, younger son’s children. Like Lucy, she has had several fingers pointed her way and fears the hangman’s noose even while hiding her own secrets including a love for her employer. Lucy’s antics and odd personality are enough to draw her into being an amateur sleuth alongside her fellow governess.

Death of an Aristocrat is a historical cozy mystery comedy and can get quite zany even while touching on relationships, social issues, and historical backdrop. I love how the author manages to write it all into a cohesive, entertaining story that makes me laugh and sigh with pleasure.

Lucy is the central figure, but is joined in sharing narration with newcomer Jane. Lucy is a resilient person after growing up in an orphanage and feeling the sting of constantly being at someone else’s beck and call while looking after spoilt children. She is highly imaginative and intrepid while facing her troubles with a grin and a bit of larceny in her.

Lord Adair is a slightly mysterious figure who is wealthy, aristocratic, incredibly handsome and absurdly talented. In a word, he’s perfect. But, he is also intimidating which is why Lucy is a breath of fresh air to him because she is respectful of his talent and goes weak at the knees when he smiles, but she isn’t overawed and sees him as a person. He does her the same honor by seeing past her lowly origins and seeing her gifts and potential, too. I see a partiality between the two, but not exactly a romantic relationship.

There were no end of suspects for the murder and it was fun tagging along with Lucy and Jane as they worked to check stories, alibis and hunt for clues. I didn’t figure it out until near the end, but that was probably because I was more interested in being amused by Lucy and cheering on Jane to get her happily ever after.

It was a fast and light read that got me to giggle and snort a few times. I was glad to be back with Lucy and Lord Adair and I hope there are many more mysteries for them to tackle together. Those who enjoy a strong dose of comedy mixed with history and cozy mystery should give this a go.

My thanks to the author for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Cynthia Houser.
1,602 reviews9 followers
October 12, 2024
Lucy Anne Mystery

This is another excellent, humorous book by Anya Wilde. The characters are i interesting and quite entertaining!. There is nothing better than a hysterically funny whodunit.😂😂😂The laugh out loud kind.
Profile Image for Heatherinblack .
741 reviews9 followers
March 29, 2020
a wonderful murder

and lucy was not nearly so annoying this time! i wish there had been more lord adair, but it sort of made it work. it gave lucy the opportunity to hook Jane in and get far along in solving the mystery. felt bad for the valet though.
Profile Image for Freya .
163 reviews91 followers
March 22, 2021
I am a sucker for Anya Wylde's books and I've read them all. Big thanks for this to Anya who graciously has me on her list and provides me with her books as soon as they are published.

Death of an Aristocrat is a quick-fun read, excellent to curl up with in the afternoon with a cup of chai. Lucy Anne isn't Penelope but she grows on you and by the end of the book, I was left want to know what her next adventure would be. And Adair! I can't wait to see Lord Adair brought to his knees at Lucy Anne feet. :D

Recommended.
Profile Image for Vicky.
Author 26 books69 followers
June 11, 2020
Lucy is at it again. While she is working as a governess at Gopshall Manor, a guest is found murdered, and of course, everyone blames Lucy. Once again, she goes to Lord Adair, who got her the job, for his help in solving the mystery and saving her from the hangman's noose. The suspects are many as are the vices including blackmail, madness, affairs, drinking, and more. While Lucy is “investigating”, she discovers that the other governess is in love with one of the young men of the house—and he with her. Lucy attempts to discover who the murderer is before Lord Adair, but as usual, he is always one step ahead of her.

What I liked: the humor in the story is fun. This is not your standard historical mystery. There’s a lot going on here in the background and poor Lucy is usually at the center of it all.

What I didn’t like: Unfortunately, this book could use a strong editorial hand. There are point of view shifts all over the place, capitalization issues, and continuity issues. In one scene, the lady of the house starts off with a green robe. In the next sentence, it’s red. And a paragraph or so later, it’s blue – and she hasn’t moved. Also, Aunt Sedley comes in far too late. If you haven’t read the first book, you won’t know who she is (a ghost) and her showing up so late in the story is a head-scratcher. Suggest the author have her show up when Lucy is hanging upside down with her backside exposed to the world. That would definitely be comical.

Recommendation: Read the first book first so you know what’s going on. If you can overlook the multiple editorial issues, pick this one up. It’s cute. Fun. And has a satisfying ending.

Disclaimer: I received this book free through an author promotion. All opinions are my own and are not influenced by anyone or anything.
Profile Image for Kathy Martin.
4,164 reviews115 followers
May 19, 2020
Our favorite young governess is in trouble again. This time she is taking care of five young children as Gopshall Manor when a guest is found murdered. Naturally, suspicion falls on the two outsiders - governess for the children of the house. Lucy Trotter immediately goes to Lord Adair, who got her the job, for his help in solving the mystery and saving her from the hangman's noose.

There are many suspicious characters. There is Lord Willoughby who is an inveterate bad gambler with a temper and a penchant for bothering the maids. There is his wife who married him for his title and money but who really wanted the younger brother. There is the father of Lord Willoughby who has a habit of removing his clothing and belittling his son. There is the butler who is having an affair with Lady Willoughby and is blackmailing a number of young women.

This one also has a bit of romance when the second governess, who has been hiding a secret identity, falls in love with the younger and handsomer of the two brothers - the same one Lady Willoughby wants.

Lucy is sure that she will be able to solve the crime, if only Lord Adair will give her a hint. This story is a bit less silly than the first in the series but still has a number of humorous scenes and characters. I like that Lucy is one women who isn't one of the many ladies who are in love with Lord Adair and willing to do anything to attract his attention. I liked that she wanted Lord Adair to teach her how to investigate and how to protect herself and didn't want to be helpless.

I enjoyed this story and recommend it to fans of humorous historical mysteries.
Profile Image for Drebbles.
788 reviews9 followers
March 4, 2020
When Governess Lucy Anne Trotter is falsely accused of murder, she turns for help from the person who got her the job – Lord William Hartell Adair. Lord Adair agrees to help her but Lucy does some investigating of her own, along with the help of fellow Governess Jane Peyton. Lucy and Jane are on the verge of becoming good friends but Jane has a secret that threatens their friendship. Lucy begins to wonder just who she can trust and who is a killer.

“Death of an Aristocrat” is a laugh out loud murder mystery. I have laughed at all of Anya Wylde’s books but this one was particularly funny – I laughed from beginning to end. Lucy is a wonderful heroine – smart, impulsive, loyal, curious, a bit prone to making up stories, resilient after a tough life in an orphanage, and determined to eventually find out what happened to her parents. The other characters are equally memorable – particularly Jane. While the book is humor filled, the humor never gets in the way of the mystery. The mystery is well plotted and mixed in with the humor are some dangerous and at times scary moments. I was kept guessing as to who the killer was and the scene where the killer is revealed was actually one of the funniest in the book (I’m chuckling just thinking about it). Finally, the last sentence of the book is an unexpected stunner.

“Death of an Aristocrat” is a wonderful humorous murder mystery
Profile Image for Chazzi.
1,122 reviews17 followers
May 3, 2020
Lucy Anne Trotter is once again employed as a governess, this time for the Willoughby children at Gopshaw manor. Another governess, Jane, is also employed there to mind the children of the widowed Lord Claybrook, Lord Willoughby’s brother.

When visiting Lord Beazley is found dead in the snow in the forest, the Willoughbys look at Lucy as the likely suspect. There was a murder at the last place she work, so…

Luckily Lord William Ellsworth Hartell Adair, the Marquis of Lockwood, (international spy, renown national hero, the savior of the King and Regent, and the most handsome man in England), lives a horse ride from Gopshaw — a cold and long ride — but one Lucy takes to bring Lord Adair to solve the murder. Even though Lucy intends to be the one to solve the mystery, she knows that Lord Adair is a good man to have assist.

Jane, the other governess, finds herself added to the suspect list and also becomes determined not to be hung for a crime she didn’t do. Jane and Lucy make an interesting team.

Wylde’s writing brings to mind a touch of Raold Dahl and Barbara Cartland. Fast, fun, entertaining reads, with unique characters based on who you may find in a romance novel, only a little off kilter. I’ve enjoyed the two I’ve read and hope to read more!

I was given the opportunity to read this book by Anya Wylde, the author, and I thank her for it.
Profile Image for Debra Martin.
Author 28 books250 followers
March 1, 2020
Lucy Anne Trotter is free-spirited and a bit zany, but she always tries to enjoy every day to the fullest especially since her early life in the orphanage was quite a hardship on the slim young woman. When a guest dies at her newest post as governess, she is the first to be accused. She runs from the manor to the only man who has ever looked out for her, Lord William Adair. She was confident he would prove her innocence and find the real murderer.

I adore Ms. Wylde's books. They are so entertaining and full of such crazy antics and fun. The secondary characters in this book were equally intriguing especially Elizabeth, another governess at the manor. The two young woman team up to try and solve the mystery. This was an interesting pairing especially since their personalities were so opposite, but it kept the book moving along at a good pace. Murder, secrets, betrayal and friendship is a combination that makes this author shine. If you enjoy a lighter fare, I would definite recommend Ms. Anya Wylde. I can't wait to read her next book.

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Michelle.
263 reviews37 followers
March 10, 2020
Think of it as a side story

I'm of a mixed opinion right now. I awaited this book eager to see more Adair and Trotter only to have the Lord absent for most of the book and Lucy taking a back seat to another girl's rather forced love story. I liked the mystery well enough, and like all of Wylde's books so far it gave me a few good chuckles, but it really was disappointing to have so little of the characters I actually wanted to learn more about. The ending left the promise of giving them more starring roles next time; if that turns out to be true, I think my opinion of this one will soften as I can read it as just a short side story when I read the series all together.
I still really look forward to the next one and like the author, even if this particular instalment wasn't my favorite.
58 reviews5 followers
March 2, 2020
What a humorous murder mystery! Lucy never keeps life dull and her penchant for getting into scrapes continues in the sequel to “Murder at Rudhall Manor” as she finds herself a suspect for a murder at her new place of employment. Determined to clear her name she requests help from Lord Adair and starts trying to solve the mystery with the help of a fellow governess Jane. Filled with quirky characters, hilarious situations and witty banter the heroines seek to clear their names and find the true murderer before anyone else gets hurt. It’s an action packed plot interspersed with twists of romance here and there. The author keeps it pretty clean throughout with some PG-13 spots. A fun delightful read!
2,115 reviews16 followers
November 28, 2020
#2 in the Lucy Anne Trotter mystery series which is a mix of light hearted romp and mystery tale. Raised in an orphanage and a bit hapless, bumbles into things and over confident.

The murder of Lord Beazley at Gopshall Manor is the talk of all England and the fact that two governesses could have done it has made it even more sensational. Lucy Anne Trotter is one of those governesses who obtains the help of the dashing Lord William Hartell Adair. With his help, she sets out to discover the Gopshall family’s secrets and the murderer. Except for the younger son, the remaining adult members of the manor leave a lot to be desired.

A side plot is that Lucy has received a mysterious letter indicating that the story of parents' death may not be true.
108 reviews2 followers
March 29, 2025
I find Anya Wilde a very funny writer and love these kinds of books as a simple entertainment that doesn't require pretension or much effort.

We have the orphan who doesn't know her origin continuing in Book 2 of the series, and a murder has occurred at a home where she's the governess of a "family" she's not terribly fond of (but the eldest boy will earn you a chuckle!). A good cozy mystery of trying to discover "who done it" or trying to figure out why your choice did it in the first place. There's romance that finds it's way to happily ever after, even if it isn't Lucy's...but who knows. She wants her "sponsor" to train her to solve mysteries so she can find out her origin story...no happy endings for her until she does. It may be closer than she thinks.
Profile Image for Kristin Gregozeski.
21 reviews1 follower
March 6, 2020
This mystery had me laughing from the start. The lovable Lucy Anne Trotter finds herself in trouble again and goes to the ever helpful Lord Adair for is influence in society and skills to find the real killer in the crime she is being accused of.

Though out the book Lucy gets her self into situations by being at the wrong place at the right time, while trying to solve the murder and impress Lord Adair so that he will train her in the skills she wants to find out who her parents are.

If you like a good mystery that will make you laugh along the way read this series!

I was lucky to receive a ARC copy of this book. This did not influence my opinion in anyway!
Profile Image for Dev S.
230 reviews2 followers
May 13, 2020
Promotional consideration in the form of a review copy of this book.

Sometimes it takes a while for characters in a series to come into their own, this is true of all forms of media but the increased time investment makes it a greater challenge to over come in literature.
This series seems to be such an example, our protagonist has evolved beyond a merely foolish girl into a fool with motives beyond the superficial requirements of this one story. Lord Adair remains aloof and largely absent but his Watson gains a Watson of her own and provides compelling reading and interest that evolves beyond the confines of this novel into some excellent promise of future books in the series.
Profile Image for Michelle Nakagawa.
1,354 reviews11 followers
June 3, 2020
This book was exactly what I needed to relax and just enjoy reading. This madcap murder mystery is full of witty humor with a kind of lighthearted suspense thrown in.
In this installment, Lucy is given another appointment as a governess and is once again accused of murder when the body of a guest is found. This time she is not alone in being accused, as there is also another young governess in house. Together, these two girls decide to solve the case and win the approval of Lord Adair as well as save their own necks.
Delicious fun.

A huge thank you to the author for sending me these delightful ebooks to enjoy.
Profile Image for Nisha Kumar.
Author 1 book5 followers
October 14, 2020
I fell in love with Anya Wylde’s writing with Penelope and like many others, was really looking forward to reading more about lord Adair. No spoilers regarding the plot of this story are there in this review only about the characters especially the relationship between Lord Adair and Lucy. I love the character development shown by Lucy in this book. She’s better at it now that she was during the Rudhall manner where she was simply hopping around aimlessly which was, I must add, a great source of entertainment to all including Lord Adair. He saw her as a helpless orphan, in need of his protection because well he can’t help himself but in the process he develops admiration and respect for her indomitable and incorrigible spirit and her fierce independent streak which he repeatedly tells her is absent among most young ladies of her time. She doesn’t want a man to take care of her, she wants to do it herself. She wants his help to become self sufficient and not his protection. She admits to him in the end of the precious story that she is immune to his charms. But is she?

In the second story we see that the nature of their relationship has changed from what it had been previously. Lord Adair shows more concern for Lucy and in a rare moment almost requests her to view him in the same manner as she did previously irrespective of their station. It feels like he has begun to care about her more. I definitely see romantic undertones in their interactions. Lucy is definitely attracted to him but so is all of England and so she doesn’t bother about it too much, just yet. But every scene in which they interact feels like it is charged with romantic tension.

Jane/Elizabeth’s view of what she thinks of Lucy’s feelings for Lord Adair is also made known to the reader in this book and we get to know how a third person views their relationship. It doesn’t bode too well for Lucy but I guess that’s done on purpose. Lucy is now more emotionally dependent on Lord Adair and she’s growing on him despite his efforts to keep her at arm’s length. I’m really waiting to see how their equation develops in the next instalments of the Lucy Anne Trotter series. Kudos to Anya Wylde for creating such amazing lovable characters.
Profile Image for Sharon.
717 reviews7 followers
March 2, 2020
Lucy Anne Trotter has become the governess at Gopshall Manor. Lord Beazley, a guest has been murdered. Lord and Lady Willoughby are accusing Lucy. She takes a horse and goes to Lord William Hartell Adair for help. Will he unravel the mystery and find out who the killer really is? Quirky characters and humor make this an enjoyable read. This is a story you don't want to miss. Come along on this ride. Twists and turns will keep you turning pages.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the author and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.
Profile Image for Aneesa Bhayat.
177 reviews2 followers
March 2, 2020
Best of regency romance mystery
A “who done it”, regency period mystery that had me reading and playing detective at the same time. In TRUE Anya Wylde style it was humorous and captivating.
Lucy believes she’s a true detective and has to solve the murder before she’s marched off to the gallows for the crime. There are secrets and plots every step of the way that really is you wondering who did it. In between the chaos and fiascos a romance seems to be blossoming. Sweet, subtle and edge of your seat romance. Loved every word.
The wait for book 2 was definitely worth the wait.
7 reviews
March 2, 2020
Anya Wylde's book, “Death of an Aristocrat” is an enjoyable book to read. Ms Wylde is a very thoughtful and clever author – I didn’t guess the end of the story until really close to the end of the book. Even at the beginning of the book, I felt that I knew the two governesses’ personality. It was fun to guess what they would do to work together to try to solve the murder. Humor was intertwined throughout the story. And, love is involved in the story, too. I recommend the book, and I look forward to reading more of Ms Wylde’s work
Profile Image for Joyce.
1,801 reviews18 followers
July 14, 2020
This is pure, unadulterated chick lit. It is set in Regency England at a manor house. Lucy Trotter is working there as a governess and has been accused, by the Lady of the house, of murdering a male guest. Lucy takes a horse and rides to Lord Adair’s home for help. The plot which is very complex deals with the investigation of this murder and the other shenanigans going on in the house. It is fine reading for anyone who likes cozy mysteries. Thanks to the author and publisher for an e-galley for an honest review.
Profile Image for Baby Girl.
983 reviews12 followers
August 24, 2020
Lucy Trotter is at it again. A murder has occurred at her place of employment and she has been accused of the murder. Seeking the help of the handsome, but unconventional Lord Adair, they go on a mission to find the real murderer. Add Jane/Elizabeth, and an unruly child to the mix and the story turns into a comedic mystery. Anya Wylde has done it again with this sassy, funny, yet topsy turvy murder mystery. She had my attention from book one and I am looking forward to reading the other books in this series.
Profile Image for PenNPaper52.
164 reviews8 followers
April 12, 2020
I have been a fan of Anya's books and this latest edition was a delight to read. I didn't much care for the imaginary in the beginning and there were instances when the wording was more puffery than necessary. However except for these minor problems, the book was fantastic. I couldn't wait to find out who was the killer. The ghost of Aunt Sedley was a nice nostalgic moment. If you love comedy than you should definitely read this book.
Profile Image for Melanie.
655 reviews4 followers
January 25, 2023
Lucy Anne Trotter is an utter and complete goober, but somehow, she is also adorable. She wants to be able to prove herself as a real detective so terribly and gets into hilarious scrapes while doing so. This was another very quick read (book 2 in the series), and I hope the author continues to give us additional peeks into Lucy's mayhem and fantastical exploits with Lord Adair. More please...
577 reviews4 followers
March 3, 2020
What fun!

The zany, sweet, clever, funny, and intrepid Miss Lucy Anne Trotter is at it again - trying to solve a murder wherein she is a prime suspect. Chaos, romance, sinister goings-on, all lead to a mystery solved. Highly recommended.
809 reviews
March 4, 2020
This book is ludicrously hilarious. Lucy is a loveable loon, and I adored Jane. I hope we see her again. The mystery made sense and actually had me wondering why I hadn't figured it out myself. I think Adair is great, and frankly I'd like a book 3 please!
Profile Image for Laurie Cole.
74 reviews1 follower
March 6, 2020
Miss Trotter does it again!

This book is hilarious and our heroine is witty and half crazy to boot...Lucy Trotter wants to be a detective, can Lord Adair keep her from getting herself killed while she bumbles her way through the mystery. I love the characters Ms. Wylde creates...
Profile Image for Lisa Whitehead.
554 reviews5 followers
March 12, 2020
Totalling love!
Oh, I have been waiting, and waiting for Lord Adair to come back.
It’s weird being in love with a fictional man. I’m not sure what my husband would think😂
A fantastic read; full of wit and charm.
I only wish she would write more often.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews

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