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Lady Fan Mystery #9

The Vengeance Trail

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Join Lady Fan in her most dangerous case yet! For fans of Georgette Heyer, Mary Balogh, Barbara Erskine and Jane Austen.

Is someone from her past trying to kill Lady Fan…?

1796, England

When Lady Ottilia Fanshawe finds herself launched into a river and fighting for her life, she becomes convinced someone pulled her under the water.

And when a dead body washes up on the riverbank, her theory becomes a certainty.

Lady Fan recognises the dead woman as someone connected to one of her past cases.

Had the woman been spying on her? Was she Lady Fan’s attacker? If so, why was she killed?

Lady Fan is desperate to unravel the mystery but her dedicated husband, Francis, is determined to keep her out of harm’s way.

She is devastated when cracks appear in her marriage, but she knows she cannot give up her sleuthing if she is to protect herself and her family.

Who is targeting her? And why?

Can Lady Fan solve the mystery before everything she holds dear comes crumbling down around her…?

THE VENGEANCE TRAIL is the ninth book in the Lady Fan Mystery historical romance murder mysteries with a courageous woman sleuth embarking on a traditional British, private investigation in eighteenth-century England.

‘The late Regency writer Georgette Heyer lives—and she's writing mysteries as Elizabeth Bailey!’ - Meritorious Mysteries

‘Ottilia is a strong, intelligent character with a real enthusiasm for detective work’ – She Reads Novels

‘They have everything you love in romances, plus continuing characters you can really come to love, and murders as well! Her heroine sleuth, Ottilia, is a fantastic character .’ - Historical Romance UK

LADY FAN HISTORICAL MYSTERY SERIES
BOOK The Gilded Shroud
BOOK The Deathly Portent
BOOK The Opium Purge
BOOK The Candlelit Coffin
BOOK The Mortal Blow
BOOK The Fateful Marriage
BOOK The Dagger Dance
BOOK The Unwanted Corpse
BOOK The Vengeance Trail
BOOK The Hanging Cheat

332 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 30, 2022

195 people are currently reading
93 people want to read

About the author

Elizabeth Bailey

95 books304 followers
An avid reader from an early age, Elizabeth Bailey grew up in colonial Africa under unconventional parentage and with theatre in the blood. Back in England, she trod the boards until discovering her true métier as a writer in her thirties, when she fulfilled an early addiction to Georgette Heyer by launching into historical romance. Eight years and eight books later, Elizabeth joined the Harlequin Mills & Boon stable, fuelling her writing with a secondary career teaching and directing drama, and writing plays into the bargain.

With 18 historicals published, Elizabeth turned to other genres, producing two titles (Fly the Wild Echoes and For One More Tomorrow) in the cross-genre literary/paranormal field as well as a suspense novella (Silence of a Stranger). She has several short stories available too and a guide for writers on editing.

Continuing her foray into other genres, but returning to her favourite historical period, Elizabeth turned to mystery. She placed her female sleuth in the late Georgian world of intrigue, elegance, aristocrats and rogues, where privilege rubbed shoulders with the harsh realities of making ends meet. While Ottilia moves in the upper echelon of Society, she is thoroughly at ease in the lower, which allows Elizabeth to cross boundaries with impunity. These novels are now published with Sapere Books and the list continues to grow.

Sapere also publish her Brides by Chance Regency Adventures, a series dedicated to the countless women who could not ordinarily hope for romance and marriage: poor relations, dowerless females, those who did not "take", orphans. In a word, the classic Cinderella heroine.

Now retired from teaching, Elizabeth concentrates on writing and promotion, with a sideline in running an assessment critique service for writers.

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5 stars
335 (52%)
4 stars
205 (31%)
3 stars
92 (14%)
2 stars
9 (1%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Charlotte Pawson.
700 reviews8 followers
January 7, 2023
look forward to more mysteries

Lady Ottilia Fanshawe has a reputation for solving murders in Georgian England.
Her past will come back to haunt her in this story. Which of her past enemies are trying to kill her. There will be a great strain on her marriage as her husband finds it difficult to allow her the freedom to continue her investigations.
Book 9 in the Lady Fan series keeps a high standard.

363 reviews4 followers
March 6, 2023
I love Lady Fan. This book was edger than others. Well done.
Profile Image for Susan.
7,257 reviews69 followers
March 8, 2023
1796 While at Dalesford Hall Lady Ottilia Fanshawe is dragged into the river. But who from her past is trying to kill her.
Overall an enjoyble mystery but I felt not as good as previous stories.
5 reviews1 follower
September 28, 2023
Having finished this book, #9 in the “Lady Fan” pre Regency mystery series, I have to tell you all that my patience with the author’s idiosyncrasies and misuse of language and her worsening plots really dissuade me from reading any more of her books.
(1) Language: Bailey loves some words and phrases so much that you will find at least one every few pages. Her characters don’t sit; they all “plonk” themselves down into a chair, sofa, etc. But plonk appeared in the English language, mostly British, AFTER WWI! It refers to sitting down gracelessly, carelessly, abruptly, and is most unlikely to be a feature among the upper classes or even most adults of any class that Bailey writes about. Another beloved word is “prevaricate” but is used incorrectly. The standard definition of prevaricate is to lie. Bailey uses it as if it meant to avoid or delay answering a question rather than to lie in an answer. Another standout strange term she resorts to at least every few pages is “what time” used as a connecting phrase. I have never in my reading experience come across this phrase used like meanwhile or while(whilst), during which, or similar words which are a “subordinating conjunction to a dependent clause attached to the subject or independent clause of the sentence. But I cannot find it in any grammar sources on the web. It may be Bailey’s invention as a way to suggest archaic usage but it doesn’t exist outside Bailey’s writing as far as I can find. Here’s how she uses it (My sentence) - Francis handed Sybilla a glass of Madeira what time allowed his dear wife to prevaricate answering her mother-in-law’s demand. Yet another word that Bailey is enamored with is “inamorata”. You can find this term every time that a woman is mentioned whom someone is attracted to, rather than limited to a beloved or adored female. Can’t she use a synonym or a less intense word? Apparently not. Tiresome, repetitive words like these 4 makes for an increasingly irritating reading experience over the 9 (so far) books of this series.
(2) Plots. Far too much time is spent in laborious but uncommunicated “cogitations” (another favorite of Bailey) by the heroine, Ottilia. She wastes so much time that in each book at least one additional victim is murdered or injured by the villains besides the first murder. Then the readers are treated to Ottilia’s excruciating, prolonged guilt which unfortunately doesn’t prevent her from continuing to be incommunicado too long with her rapt coterie of admirers.
Whoever wrote that Bailey writes like Georgette Heyer has not read Heyer nor Bailey! The wooden conversations are not witty and are often unbelievable.
Profile Image for Barbara Rogers.
1,754 reviews208 followers
March 15, 2023
Barbara’s rating: 3.7 of 5 Stars
Series: Lady Fan Mystery #9
Publication Date: 12/30/22
Period: Georgian
Number of Pages: 332

This is a nice addition to the Lady Fan mysteries even though it is a bit of a departure from other books in the series. The murder investigation usually is the main focus of the books, but this time, the main focus is on an attempt on Lady Fan’s life and the repercussions it has on her and her relationship with her husband. It was still a good read – just a tad different.

I totally disliked Lady Fan in the first book of the series and didn’t intend to read any more after that. However, I was persuaded to try book six and, while I still didn’t love her, I found she’d mellowed enough for the book to be enjoyable. Now, in this book, I find her likable, but still don’t understand her usual disregard for Lord Fanshawe’s feelings about her putting herself in danger. However, I do think she came a little closer to understanding those feelings in this book.

Lady Ottilia Fanshawe, her husband, Francis, and their children are attending the wedding of Francis’s niece in the idyllic setting of Dalesford Hall, the country estate of the bride’s parents. With the nuptials over, the Fanshawes are visiting for a few extra days when the unthinkable happens. Ottilia falls into the deep and fast-moving Great Ouse river and is quickly swept away. Lord Fanshawe is destroyed by the grief of losing his wife – the love of his life. They mount a massive search that soon changes from a rescue mission into a recovery mission because they are convinced Ottilia could not have survived.

However, miles downstream, Ottilia is rescued and then returned to her shocked and still grieving husband and family. What Ottilia has to tell them is even more shocking because she is sure she was pulled into the river rather than just falling in.

You’ll find red herrings and misdirection before you finally identify the villains and see to their punishment. You’ll see Ottilia and Francis struggle in their relationship, and you’ll wonder about a loose end that I assume will be wrapped up in a later book.

I can recommend this book to you, but I’ll also be honest with you. It is about my least favorite book in the series. I did not enjoy Lord Francis’s suffering, and if I put myself in his place, I can see where he is coming from. I didn’t think the resolution was a very good one because I know it certainly wouldn’t satisfy me if it were my relationship – but – since the series must go on, I guess it is the only resolution to be had.
77 reviews
January 4, 2023
Well...this was an interesting book in the series.
We are reminded that Ottilia has not gained back her strength after her miscarriage from several years earlier and Lord Francis is still obtuse as ever over his beloved's involvement in yet another murder. I really wanted to give him a kick up the proverbial for a while now over his explosive behaviour and his blindness to Pretty at the expense of his son Luke.
Thankfully he comes to his senses with a little self reflection and with the help of a wise Tilly, reminding him of why he was attracted to her in the first place! The build-up to this catharsis was interesting and the simmering tensions between the two to reach their resolution was the personal element of this book.
Tilly has been rather subdued in the last few books compared to the first one, but characters do change.
For some reason, I cannot take to Pretty and invisage issues to come with her in future books.
Hopefully Tillys pregnancy is without issue this time. She deserves a break! LOL.
Unbelievable that we are up to book 9 and this is reflected in Francis' observations of Sybil's during Ottilia's absence in the beginning of the book.
It took me a while to place those minor characters from the previous books. Still a captivating series though.
Profile Image for Debbie.
3,631 reviews86 followers
February 24, 2023
I've liked the other Lady Fan stories, but I didn't finish this one. The focus was less on solving a clever mystery and more on how nearly losing Ottilia fractured her relationship with her husband. I read these because I enjoy the banter and fun interactions between the main characters, but this one didn't have that. Francis loves her so much that he can't stand the thought of losing her so he can hardly stand to be around her. Strangely, he didn't seem to have any problem with her having more babies (a dangerous occupation). The whole story started out hard to believe with Ottilia randomly, impulsively wandering onto a jetty in full view of her family and being pulled into the fast-moving river by someone hiding under the jetty. No one saw the person enter or exit the cold water. No clue why the person would assume this would kill her as she wasn't that far from the shore. Anyway. I just lost interest.
1,358 reviews
March 10, 2023
This is 9th in the Lady Fan historical mystery series which is one of my favorites.

The Fanshawes are visiting family for a wedding when Lady Fan meets with an horrific accident…or is it?
This one includes past villains, marital discord, and a nice surprise along the way.

I did enjoy this book but not quite as much as previous outings. Part of it I think was that the premise felt a little “out there” to me, and the sheer number/motives of past enemies became a bit convoluted and confusing (especially since it had been awhile since I read the previous books). Maybe if they had still been fresh on my mind it would have been better/easier to follow, but it still felt a bit much.

I must say though it was great to be back in their world and will look forward to new adventures.
1,909 reviews18 followers
January 12, 2023
Wow!

Most adventurous story yet and the most dangerous for Tillie! The entire family is visiting Gil, Harriet, and their large family after the wedding of an older daughter! Fan, Tillie, and their 2 children, Luke and Pretty, are staying for the summer. The fear and adventure begin when Tillie fallls into the Ouse River, and almost drowns. She was pulled into the water! Someone is out for revenge from a previous murder investigation of hers. The problems escalate and become more dangerous for her and the entire family!
Profile Image for Deccagirl.
55 reviews2 followers
January 12, 2023
3.5…. I have thoroughly enjoyed the rest of the series and was very excited for the next installment, but sadly found this one rather dull. This is the first in the Lady Fan series I found myself skimming pages just to get to something interesting or get closer to the conclusion:-(. Won’t give up hope for our intrepid Lady Fan, though. There’s always the next to look forward to!
1,358 reviews8 followers
January 16, 2023
Another Great Lady Fan Mystery

Murder, mayhem, and marriage issues - enough to keep my pages turning far into the next morning. Once again, Lady Fan and her beloved are trying to solve more than one mystery, but she is a target. Excellent reminder of just why we need to remember why we married one another in the first place. Well done!
Profile Image for sam.
4 reviews
January 19, 2023
Another great Lady Fan!

Sometimes a series can start to lag or get tedious after 6,7,8 books- NOT this series! Book 9 was just as wonderful- even a little more perilous- and kept me riveted. Love how the author naturally builds in interesting new characters that make you want more of them.
Profile Image for Kari.
346 reviews6 followers
February 26, 2023
probably my least favorite so far

I do love Lady Fan, however I feel like there are more and more loose ends with each book. Percy of course is set up to be a recurring villain; but the young woman’s death was so violent and the reaction of the powers that be seemed bizarrely underwhelmed.
767 reviews2 followers
March 1, 2023
Not as good as the prior ones though I can't exactly identify why. Perhaps too much is made of her ability to solve crimes while others can't see what is so clearly evident? Can they be that unaware? And too much focus on their marital discord? Perhaps not so much a mystery as a marriage in trouble?
733 reviews2 followers
May 3, 2024
Good to have Lady Fan back

O my! Someone is out to do Lady Fan harm, unfortunately she has made some enemies over the years. That is the premise for this exciting tale which leaves you along with Tillie trying to fathom out the miscreants. Along the way there is also a murder to solve and how is it connected to Tillie's problems. Wonderful story with great characters.
3 reviews
January 3, 2023
always awaiting the next one.

I’ve been in with Lady Fan from the very beginning. So I’m a confirmed buyer. I have always loved Elizabeth’s writing and stories. Please keep them coming. Thank you ssssoooo much Elizabeth Bailey
Profile Image for Cindy Kline.
367 reviews6 followers
January 12, 2023
every one gets even better

I’m a Lady Fan fan. I love all of it—the red herrings and the sun-plots. It’s guaranteed to hold a reader’s interest. Getting reacquainted with characters from previous books makes for both happy and scary reunions.
896 reviews7 followers
January 16, 2023
okay

I think I’m due for mental palate cleanse of this genre. I’m fairly certain I was am the reason that didn’t enjoy this book. It is well written , great editing and an okay mystery. Time for a genre switch.
Profile Image for ricardo k. terrazas.
1 review
February 7, 2023
Fun easy read

To appreciate this book, it is helpful to have read previous Lady Fan mysteries in order to link characters and their history’s regarding the Fanshawe family. The clues that ended the book became a bit confusing at the end. What happened with Percy?
Profile Image for Vicky Lee Owen.
86 reviews1 follower
January 4, 2023
Love this book

I have read every book in this series and have enjoyed every one of them. Was not sure who the villain was in this story, so the ending was a good surprise.
112 reviews
January 4, 2023
Another Great Read

I couldn't put the book down! Another great plot, with lots of twists and turns. I can wait for the next book.
260 reviews2 followers
April 8, 2023
Stunning as ever

Completely absorbing tale of evil people, heroic people and none stop action. Familiar characters and new ones to keep the reader horrified and entertained!
23 reviews
June 19, 2023
more Lady Fan

I relish EVERY volume of the continuing saga of Lady Fan mystery’s .. I can’t wait for the next one
328 reviews
September 28, 2023
Liked

An interesting story line which did have a few twists and turns right to the end.Now for the next one.☺
879 reviews3 followers
December 28, 2023
I love Lady Fan. In this book, it appears that lady Fan herself is in danger. Who, of all the miscreants she has bought to justice is now trying to get revenge?
Profile Image for Cherylbestlife.
475 reviews8 followers
July 23, 2024
enjoyed…

I so enjoy Lady Fan and Lord Fan and their extended family. This was a good mystery that kept me engrossed and following clues along with the main characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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