The Mayfair Mistletoe Plot

Rannoch Fraser Mysteries #16

by Tracy Grant

It is a truth universally acknowledged that the life of a former spy cannot remain quiet for long.

London, December 1820.

Former spies Malcolm and Mélanie Rannoch are hosting a small party and looking forward to an intrigue-free holiday season when their friend, Thomas Thornsby, turns up dripping wet on the doorstep of their Berkeley Square house.

Not only is Thomas clearly overwrought, his arrival is particularly awkward. Thomas is newly betrothed to an heiress. Edith Simmons, the woman he wished to marry — if not for lack of fortune — is one of the Rannochs’ guests that evening. But Thomas says he had no one else to turn to. His fiancée, the decorous Marianne Schofield, has vanished without a trace from a Mayfair holiday ball.

Always willing to help a friend, the Rannochs don evening attire and join the elegant gathering. Amidst the holiday revelry they find that Thomas's seemingly perfect betrothed has secrets of her own. As they uncover layers of mystery, Mélanie and Malcolm realize some of the plots being hatched beneath the mistletoe may prove deadly.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery, Regency

199 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 16, 2022

About the author

Tracy Grant studied British history at Stanford University and received the Firestone Award for Excellence in Research for her honors thesis on shifting conceptions of honor in late fifteenth century England. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her young daughter and three cats. In addition to writing, Tracy works for the Merola Opera Program, a professional training program for opera singers, pianists, and stage directors. Her real life heroine is her daughter Mélanie, who is very cooperative about Mummy’s writing. Tracy is currently at work on her next book chronicling the adventures of Malcolm and Mélanie Suzanne Rannoch.

Reviews

[Betty Strohecker · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a young woman disappears from a Christmas ball, the Rannochs and company are called in to investigate. Newly betrothed, a variety of scenarios are presented as to her disappearance. The action moves fast in this novella. A new family is featured, who might be seen in future books in this series. I was particularly pleased with the unexpected actions of a major character from the past - don't want to say more because it would be a definite spoiler. Although this is a continuing series, enough information is given to make this novella effective and enjoyable as a stand alone.

[pinelady · Rating 1 out of 5]

all dialogue and no plot

The book is, as the title suggests, nothing but dialogue. No plot line or mystery. Just people having long conversations with each other that are mostly not believable at all. Possibly the author is interested in the psychology of her characters’ situations and nothing else. But it’s all pretty boring.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series. Feel like Melanie and Malcolm are long family friends. They have gone through a lot but have come out stronger and United. Always look forward to next book.

[Daniella Bernett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tracy Grant once again provides lashings of intrigue as spies mingle amid the ballrooms of the beau monde in Regency London. This novella whets the reader's appetite for an unraveling of more secrets in the next book.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Malcolm and Mélanie are spending an evening in Berkeley Square with Harry, Cordy, Julien, Kitty, Raoul, Laura, Edith and the children when Thomas Thornsby arrives in a panic; his betrothed, Marianne Schofield has disappeared from Lady Emily Cowper’s ball. He needs their help. They immediately dress to attend the ball and go to investigate.