Death at Fournier Downs

Bow Street Duchess Mystery #2

by Cara Devlin

After a murder scandal nearly sent her husband to the gallows, Audrey, the Duchess of Fournier, has retreated to the countryside to distance herself from gossip—and from the Bow Street officer who proved as irritating as he was intriguing.

But when Audrey’s friend Charlotte, the Countess of Bainbury, dies mysteriously on Fournier Downs parkland, she summons the only person she trusts to uncover the truth: Principal Officer Hugh Marsden.

Trying to ignore the mounting friction between them, as well as Hugh’s command for her to stay out of his investigation, Audrey uses her uncanny ability to read the memories of objects to discover a web of sordid local secrets. More than one unlucky lady has been caught within its deadly strands, and a single misstep in their hunt for a killer could make Audrey and Hugh the next targets.

Murder at Fournier Downs is the second Bow Street Duchess mystery, perfect for fans of Anna Lee Huber, Darcie Wilde, Deanna Raybourn, and Kerrigan Byrne. Read the first book, Murder at the Seven Dials, available on Kindle Unlimited and in paperback.

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

226 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 11, 2023

About the author

Cara is an author, reader, and history lover. She reads and writes across genres, but her heart is reserved for romantic historical fiction and mystery. Her Bow Street Duchess books are fast-paced historical mysteries featuring a slow-burn romance taking place in Regency London. The series begins with Murder at the Seven Dials. Cara lives in rural New England with her family, where she is at work on her next series, the Spencer & Reid Mysteries.

Reviews

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable Regency mystery.

This was a better book than the first in the series; the story was tighter and the characters more consistent. This is likely because the first book had to do some heavy lifting introducing the characters, their world and setting up the leads’ partnership. In addition, the author did a better job of show over tell in this book. The actions of the characters spoke for themselves rather than having the reader being told of everything through monologuing, though there was still some of that. I do enjoy seeing how this author is trying to tear down the duke’s character in this one to set him up for being killed off later. This is still the only option I can see for a satisfactory ending for the budding romance between Marsden and the duchess; it’s either that or they have an unsatisfying ending.
The mystery in this was quite fast paced and kept me engaged, but the book lost one star by having the murderer reveal themselves before the investigators could put all the pieces together. I find this a very annoying way to write mysteries, it’s almost a cop out to not give the readers enough clues to figure it out and just have the villain confess in a dramatic scene. I’m ok with a detective setting up a dramatic moment and forcing a confession, but this was not that, unfortunately.
But other than that I am enjoying this series and I hope the author gets better at building a mystery in the next one. I enjoyed the angst and pining between Marsden and Audrey; the will they won’t they and then the almost kiss. I’d hate this in a true romance, but here when I know they won’t be together for awhile - if at all- I’m feeling it.
So this is a decent series of fairly short, action packed reads, it’s worth it for fans of historical fiction and cozy mysteries…fans of historical romance will probably be frustrated though 😆.

[Merry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second book in the series and another enjoyable murder mystery. Hints are sprinkled throughout the book, but I never saw the twist coming. Sexual tension continues with the Duchess and Detective Marsden.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite the pretty thin and weird motive for murder, I still enjoyed this story. I like the simmering atmosphere between Audrey and Hugo and also that neither have acted on it -yet. Looking forward to meeting them next time.

[Dab · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read it in one day, it was awesome, and I have six books left, moving on 😋

RTC maybe but probably not.

[eyes.2c · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning new title in Clara Devlin’s Bow Street Duchess series. This time the Duchess discovers the body of her friend Charlotte at the bottom of the quarry near to their country. It’s thought of as suicide. Audrey has her doubts given what she ‘sees.’ Charlotte’s parents have questions. Audrey encourages them to seek Bow Street Detective Hugh Marsden to investigate the issue. What they uncover is startling and revealing for Audrey.

[Jeannine · Rating 5 out of 5]

December 2023: Even better the second time around!

February 2023: Murder at Fournier Downs by Cara Devlin is a meticulously plotted historical mystery with a beautiful, slow burn romance. There's a paranormal element that is essential to the series, but it's so artfully inserted that it feels completely natural. This second installment in the series is coming out just two months after the incredible debut. We are truly being spoiled here.

The Duchess of Fournier, Audrey Sinclair, and her husband, Philip, have decamped to their country home after Audrey proved the Duke innocent of murder alongside a Bow Street runner, Hugh Marsden. Audrey stumbles upon the dead body of a friend, who married the man she was supposed to marry years ago, and recommends Hugh as an investigator. Of course there's another body along the way and a cast of characters spread between multiple country homes and a small village.

Audrey's ability to see an object's past by holding it means she's essential to getting the investigation going. While her husband was in jail in the last book and we didn't get to see his reaction to her sleuthing, we see him frustrated and angry that she inserts herself into the investigation in this book. Hugh is torn by letting Audrey be involved. While he knows his affection for Audrey is dangerous and her involvement in his work is inappropriate, he also values her contributions and, at times, needs her insight.

The romantic subplot is heart-aching at times...and I loved it. We see Audrey's frustration as her husband attempts to stifle her, while still expecting their comradery to remain the same. Her confidence in her abilities and her attraction to Hugh grow and Philip isn't happy about the changes in her. We also see Audrey's sadness when she seems surrounded by news of women expecting babies. You can't help but cheer in the moments when Audrey and Hugh come together. They long for each other as we long for them to get together.


I received an advance review copy for free, but I love this series so much that I'm also ordering physical copies of each book.

[Bookish Ally · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun and easy read. The characters are either beautiful and good or handsome and bad if they are a member of the upper class. The maids are plain. The tension is building between the duchess and the bow street runner, who is actually the illicit child of a viscount and terribly scandalous. As I said - fun and easy.

[Sharyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am loving this series. I was lucky to receive ARC'S of the first 2 books and I can't wait to read the next to see what happens between the Duchess, Audrey and the detective, Hugh.
Audrey is married to a Duke who is secretly gay. They married to protect each other as she is able to see echos of events in objects, which really helps her solve murders.
It is 1819 in Hertfordshire a murder has occurred almost in front of Audry on the estate of the Duke. Hugh is called in to investigate. Once again, they are investigating together, and attempting to hide their quite unsuitable feelings.
As Audrey is married, I don't know where this "relationship " is heading, but I plan to read the next book to find out.
A delightful historical mystery/romance, the author has captured the time period very well.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hertfordshire August 1819. When she sees her friend, Charlotte, the Countess of Bainbury running, Audrey, the Duchess of Fournier, follows but finds her dead. Her suspicions lead to Bow Street officer Hugh Marsden being sent to investigate. Obviously with the help of Audrey and her special gift. Van they work together and solve the mysteries.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable and varied characters. (Audrey does grow on you.) A good addition to this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read, with a plot that's full of twist and turns. Audrey, Duchess of Fournier, and her husband have retreated to their country estate to escape the gossip of London, following the accusal and vindication of the Duke in a murder case. When Audrey’s friend Charlotte, the Countess of Bainbury, dies mysteriously on Fournier Downs parkland, Audrey believes it was foul play and decides to investigate but she'll need help. She pulls some strings and gets Bow Street Principal Officer Hugh Marsden to come and investigate. After a rocky start, the two combine forces to find the killer after discovering more women may have met the same fate as poor Charlotte. An all together enjoyable read, with interesting characters and an intriguing plot. I believe this series will become another favorite of mine.

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new author for me. I just finished book 1 and it was so intriguing and so damn good. I was surprised how much depth she got in the story. The funny thing is all the books I read have sex in them and I researched her and thought she had sex in her books but so far she does not. Still such a great read it really didn't matter.

I have never read a series like this. Not just the suspense and intrigue but it's the same main characters across the whole series. Like I said about book 1, it doesn't end in a cliffhanger, but you just know there is more with Audrey and Hugh.

On to Book 3.

[carolintallahassee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series! It's clever, the mystery is always entertaining, something surprises me in each book, not the killer, but I fancy myself a female Sherlock. There is so much love between a name in only married Duchess, Audrey, and the Bow Street Runner, the handsome, intrepid, well dressed, Hugh Marsden. His personal valet and the irascible street urchin Sir are as integral to the book as our main protagonist! The love between Audrey and Hugh is electrifying, yet they haven't even kissed, this is my only complaint, considering her marriage is a total sham and the arrangement between herself and the Duke is strictly platonic, I feel it should have progressed to a kiss at least. I have found small errors that need correcting, but as a voracious reader of Historical Mysteries, it is getting better with each book, and I look forward to the next one! I am thrilled that I don't have to wait one full year before the next exciting story comes out, these are addictive and I am enjoying my escape into their world. While out horse riding, the Duchess of Fournier hears her friend and neighbor Charlotte, a Countess apparently running from someone, a few minutes later she is dead, pushed over into a quarry, thus our new adventure begins. I highly recommend it. Thank you #BookSirens #CaraDevlin

I review Arcs for free and give my honest opinion which can be found across Social Media and my blog.

carolintallahassee

[Daphne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I promised myself that I wouldn't read this until I had finished the last bookclub book, and that was a very hard task! It's not that this series is the best thing I've ever read, but there's a very addicting quality to it. I'm not sure if it's the writing, the characters, or what, but something has me completely hooked.

I liked this one a smidge less than the first book, and I'm gonna blame that on the patriarchy. The way that women were treated in this era is so angering. It's not the book/author's fault, and maybe I was just in a bad mood, but I wanted to scream at some of the male characters and about what happened to Cassie. It's very true to the time and I can't fault the book for accurately portraying that, but it was still upsetting to read about.

Other than that, I had a great time with this! The mystery was really well done and I didn't see the reveal coming at all (though I guessed some of the details). The romance is still very slow-burn, which I love. I'm hoping that continues throughout the series--the angst and tension is what makes romance books so addicting and I don't want to lose that too quickly.

Off to read the next one asap!

[Ellie J. (semi-hiatus with 👶🏼🎀) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another entertaining Regency mystery! 💙

I appreciated that the mystery was a bit more complex with a satisfying conclusion (although the culprit was a bit, shall we say, DRAMATIC 😂).

Also, I just LOVE Hugh 😍 the chemistry, the pinning…my inner romance girlie is here for it! 👏🏼 No idea how he and the duchess are supposed to be together, but the duke’s treatment of Audrey isn’t winning him any points, just saying 😅

Such a great series so far!

[Deborah Spier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting

This continuation of the series has Audrey, Duchess Fornier involved in another murder. This time it happens near her country estate. She summons Inspector Hugh Marsden to solve her friend's murder but of course, cannot refrain from investigating too. Things become complicated as more bodies drop and her own family dynamics impose themselves on the situation. There's plenty of suspense and sexual tension as Audrey and Hugh fight their attraction. Another winner.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Duchess and the Bow Street Principal Officer once again join forces to solve connecting murders.
A highly addictive series.
Recommend reading in order.

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fournier House, Hertfordshire, England. August 1819. Cara Devlin’s Death at Fournier Downs (Bow Street Duchess Mystery, #2) finds the Duke and Duchess of Fournier at their country seat having left London and ‘the ton’ behind after the horror of the Duke’s arrest for murder. The Duchess while out riding sees her friend Charlotte, Countess of Bainbury, running across Fournier Downs. When the Duchess finds her, the Countess is dead. Although THAT principal officer of Bow Street was highly annoying, the Duchess of Fournier sends for Principal Officer Hugh Marsden to discover the truth about her friend’s death. Hugh, his valet, and Sir (my favorite) arrive. Through friction and sexual tension, the Duchess of Fournier and Hugh Marsden work together uncovering “sordid secrets” and the entire truth, unbelievable as it may be. This author dies not hold back. The second of this series most definitely keeps one’s attention riveted! 5 stars.

[Nan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5? In some ways less appealing than the first. The duke was such a non character in the first, but here in force. I don’t especially like him. He is kind of selfish and loves the power trip. He seems to constantly blame Audrey for scandal when it is his own vices and tendencies that have led to most of it. Not to mention that without Audrey (and Hugh) he’d be dead. The Duke is nearly constantly furious with her (though that runs hot and cold), with frequent lectures about propriety, almost as if the whole first novel didn’t happen. It is just pretty rich when he acts jealous or possessive regarding his wife.

No matter how this series goes, there will be broken hearts. But at this point I don’t feel too bad if it is Phillip’s. I’m of a mind that he should just run off to the continent.

As for plotting…this one ended up kind of convoluted in the end with a lot of one liner characters that needed keeping straight. I am thankful the author didn’t spend too much time recapping the first so that most exposition/backstory was new material.

[E.P. Stavs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A magnificent sequel! I’m utterly enthralled with Devlin’s Bow Street Duchess series. The deliciously slow burn on Hugh and Audrey’s feelings, the twist and turns of the murder investigations, it’s all so masterfully done. Agatha Christie meets regency romance — highly recommend.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audrey, the Duchess of Fournier & her husband have retreated to their country seat after a murder scandal nearly sent Philip to the gallows. When Audrey’s friend Charlotte, the Countess of Bainbury, dies mysteriously on Fournier Downs parkland, she summons the only person she trusts to uncover the truth: Principal Officer Hugh Marsden. Ignoring the mounting friction between them, as well as Hugh’s command for her to stay out of his investigation, Audrey uses her uncanny ability to read the memories of objects to discover a web of sordid local secrets. More than one unlucky lady has been caught within its deadly strands, and a single misstep in their hunt for a killer could make Audrey and Hugh the next targets.
The second book in this riveting series, the characters are well portrayed with depth. I love Hugh & Audrey & how the dynamics of their relationship is changing but I also really like Philip & know what must happen to him for Hugh & Audrey to be together, Philip had recently been ill & there were hints of his condition. Even though Philip & Audrey have a white marriage they are still close & love each other. The mystery surrounding the murders was well done & there were plenty of twists & turns before the villain was revealed & I didn’t work out who the villain was nor why they committed the murders
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Elizabeth S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was as enjoyable to read as Book 1, in spite of a plot hole as big as a citrine quarry. Fortunately, only doctors with a particular specialty, or lay people with knowledge of it, would see it. Because it was central to the murders, it was difficult to ignore.

The Duke and Duchess of Fournier have retreated to their country estate to escape the scandal that consumed Book 1. Philip's young sister, Cassandra, is with them, having come from London when the duke fell ill. Trouble seems to follow Audrey. A young woman is dead, and Officer Marsden is called from London to investigate. They are thrown together again during the investigation, and their slow burn romance continues. Very clever, this series. It compels us to read the next book, and the next, to see how they manage to get together.

There are a few repeated grammatical errors, but other than that, it's well-written, with clever dialogue and appealing characters. I've never been a fan of mysteries, but these Regency Era mystery romances are changing my mind.

[CrabbyPatty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second book in the Bow Street Duchess Mystery series builds upon the excellent foundation begun in Murder at the Seven Dials. We find the Duke and Duchess of Fournier in their country home, recovering from Philip's arrest for murder. Audrey finds herself thinking far too much about Hugh Marsden and when there is a murder on their estate, Audrey calls upon Hugh to investigate.

The plot is so well crafted and captivating as we learn more about the players - Philip's sister Cassie, especially. The dramatic ending is well-done and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series (a chapter of which is included in the book, providing a very gripping beginning with a dead body in the Thames. ) 4.5 stars.

[Heatherinblack · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a better mystery

It came together quickly but it still worked. It was a “just in the nick of time” solution as opposed to “the relationship status have been done so we can identify the killed” solution. I find the relationship between Hugh and Audrey a little difficult. I mean, yes, this is how these books work but… Perhaps I have just been reading too many “she’s gentry, he’s not” murder mysteries lately. Perhaps I am starting to think of these characters as Angela Lansbury. Where the main character of “Murder she Wrote” went, someone would surely be murderer. I wouldn’t want to be that person. So, long analogy short…perhaps we must accept that no one is noticing how murder seems to happen when Hugh and Audrey are around. I’ll read more of them.

[Simply Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a fun installment to the series. We have yet another murder that Audrey has found herself ensnared in. This time, it's a friend whose body is found at her husband's country estate. She brings Hugh in because, obviously, she needs him. Cassie, Philip's younger sister, is also along for the ride. I liked it. There's enough mystery to keep it interesting and enough tension to keep me invested.

I'm not sure how this whole marriage to Philip will resolve itself, though. I mean, obviously, at some point, Audrey and Hugh will have to have their moment, but it's still early days in this book. Hugh is definitely the more obvious with his regard, but Audrey is getting there. This is why I'm reading this series. I hope it pays off! Lol.

[Patricia King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death at Founier Downs
Bow Street Duchess Mystery. Book 2
Cara Devlin, author

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I love the chemistry between the Duchess and her Bow Street investigator. The author weaves a tale of mystery once again. And this time, the deaths of her friend and a servant leads the next victim to her home. Who will it be? Read this enchanting story to discover the answer for yourself.

I highly recommend this book. I listened to an audio version and thought the narrator did an excellent job of telling the story. I especially enjoyed the narrator's accent.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed

The adventures with the Duchess and the Bow Street officer continue in book 2 as He is summoned to the countryside. All is not peaceful or serene on the grounds of leisurely living for the wealthy when the Duchess’ dear friend Charlotte is pushed into the quarry and killed. Together once again the duo work using the skills of the officer and the duchesses special skills to piece together both old deaths of her former beau and his latest wife. Who could be killing off these women carrying their own secrets, why do they want them dead? With both a hot pursuit of the killer, and the spaces between the officer and duchess heating up, you will be kept guessing on who has been disturbing the tranquility of the countryside for the wealthy.

[Bobbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely better than the first book. Good mystery and way better character development.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great series, and it has already pulled me in I really loved this second book . I have already ordered book three on my kindle! five stars

[Jacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

7/24/24: 4 stars!

Awesome installment!

[Chrisitine B · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 the series continues to intrigue