Asylum for a Duchess

Duchess of Blackmoore Mysteries #3

by Nellie H. Steele

When her haunting past returns, will it destroy her future?

Lenora Fletcher brims with joy. Embracing motherhood, the young woman is determined to give her child the love and attention she never received. But a chance meeting with her assumed-to-be deceased father rips away her happiness and plunges her into roiling confusion.

Learning of her mother’s whereabouts in a sanitarium, Lenora visits her, hoping for closure after being abandoned as a child. But during the tumultuous trip, the distraught duchess is taken by surprise when a wayward spirit begs for her help.

A something wicked presses in with the request, will Lenora’s gift lead to a grisly end?

Asylum for a Duchess is the riveting third book in the Duchess of Blackmoore Mystery series. If you like big-hearted heroines, haunting tales, and historical backdrops, you’ll love Nellie H. Steele’s taste of the supernatural.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Audiobook, Historical Fiction

328 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 18, 2023

About the author

Nellie H. Steele lives in the South Hills of Pittsburgh with her family and her many fur-babies. When she isn't writing, she enjoys teaching Statistics at a local university or watching her dogs and cats play in the yard.

Nellie is the author of the Cate Kensie Mystery Series, a cozy mystery series following the adventures of Dr. Catherine Kensie, a history professor turned Scottish Countess, and her beloved dog, Riley, as they navigate their new lives in their quirky Scottish highlands castle, solving mysteries along the way! She is the creator of the Shadow Slayers series, a suspenseful series with a supernatural twist! Follow the Shadow Slayers through time as they fight to banish darkness from the world. Nellie also writes an adventure series, Maggie Edwards Adventures. Follow Maggie Edwards as she travels the world solving mysteries and finding unique treasures!

Check out all Nellie offers at www.anovelideapublishing.com/novels, sign up for our newsletter to get the latest news about book releases or like us on facebook (facebook.com/anovelideapublishing) to keep up with us!

Reviews

[Kathy Randol · Rating 5 out of 5]

ANOTHER GREAT MYSTERY!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND

As usual this series keeps getting better and better. There is one thing that annoying.... I wish Robert would grow up and become the man of the house and stop acting like a child. He's becoming a bully. There's time's when he's awfully mean to his wife. Does he feel the need to show up places when he is told his services are not required?
Maybe it's me, I never liked a man who didn't trust me. That the feeling I'm getting.

This is my only complaint. Looking forward for the next book.

[Rose Seals · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely fabulous who done it book. So well written, once you start you just can't put it down till the end which is a kind of a cliffhanger that leads to the next exciting book. This authors writing is fantastic, she makes you feel like you are there with them every step of the way. All the characters are written to hold your attention and keeps you guessing. Robert is a Duke who has married Lenora, who is an orphan with the ability to talk to the dead. She had helped him in the past with his brother, Edwin, accused of murder. In this book she goes to see her Mother after learning where is has been placed. A ghost- Mary has come to her and tries to get help to solve what has happened to her. Danger is all around them but with the help of all- Robert, Edwin, and other ghosts, they find the man who has murdered quite a few people. Really enjoyed this story and had to go back and read the other books in this series. Full of love, action, intrigue, romance, twists and turns. A real mystery story. Would recommend this book and the rest of the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Doris Brase · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murders, Dreams, and Ghosts.

The duchess does not disapoint. In order to give Edwin a purpose in life, Lenora agrees to be a partner in the new Fletcher Detective Agency . The first case , a murder posdibly at the Asylum. Reading about the asylum was creepy. I cannot imagine ever having to visit there. Vague clues and lots of cryptic specters lead the detectives on a grusome and dark trail.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding a Nefarious Killer . . .

Duchess of Blackmoore, Lenora Fletcher, can communicate with the dead, which is not necessarily a good thing. It certainly put her life in a distressing situation where she was left at a convent. When she finds her mother who has been confined in an asylum, she is rejected by her. But Lenora is approached by a ghost named Mary McGinty who had been convicted of murder which she denies doing. In fact, the victims revealed that a man had killed them. The only clue she was given was the word “asylum”.

Lenora and her relative Edwin agree to use the ghost’s case as a way to track down the real killer and to prove Mary’s innocence. This could help promote their new detective agency. But this will not be an easy task. Can they survive the potentially lethal investigation? Can the newly-formed Fletcher Detective Agency find the killer? Or will they be caught up in the danger as something unspeakable comes after Lenora?

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Asylum for a Duchess is book 3 in a series by Nellie H Steele. I found this book to be always in motion. My heart broke for Lenora when she visited her mother. The Asylum was a scary place and things are not what they seem. Book 3 is a mystery and a thriller and sometimes I was so surprised. The imagery that the author brought to my mind was so vivid that I could see the scene in my mind. I find this entire series to be extraordinary. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Bookaddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love the book!
My only regret: that is my first book with Lenora’s mysteries, and while reading it I offen think that it would been good to know more about Lenora.
She is an amazing character, with her ability, and the events she goes through kept me on the edge.
And of course I want to know what is happening with Sarah and Tilly.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Peggy Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 of the series when Lenora goes to the asylum to seek her Mother for answers she meets another spirit and with Edwins help she tries to help but things get dangerous and Lenora doesn't give up. Also Lenora meets her Father who she thought passed away. Nellie's books always keep you guessing and they are fun to read.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Fantastic Book

Nellie H Steele is unbelievable. Each and every one of the series she writes are spellbinding! They hold your interest and keep you guessing and wanting more.

[Beckie Dalton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Series

I have really enjoyed Leona and hope there will be several more of the series!
And I hope her daughter doesn't have to go through the trouble she did. And as for the Detective Agency hopefully they can figure out what is going on with the shaking of the baby's crib and why her friend and her son's bio mom can't come to the castle!

[Mickey Noel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written ghost story

This is an entertaining and suspenseful story. Intriguing characters and a clever plot will hold interest throughout. And then the cliffhanger ending...

[Elizabeth Guiney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed

Great series, full of ghosts and adventure. Once I start the book, I can't stop reading. I'm glad to see a relationship between Edwin and Robert is getting better.
Keeps you wanting more.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Of the three books I've read in the series so far this is definitely the weakest. I found it overly long, repetitive, and, at times, boring. It would most certainly have earned just 2 stars but a few very scary chapters redeemed it. A bit. The mystery was pretty good, but the story dragged in places, and several times, I found myself skimming passages, which is simply not my style. The characters were a little disappointing. Husband Robert came across more and more as something of a wimp. He was overridden at every turn. I actually started to feel sorry for him. The mystery was hurriedly wrapped up at the end, which I found jolting. Finally, one thing that annoyed the heck out of me was the way eyes snapped so much. "His eyes snapped to Robert.", "My eyes snapped...". "Her eyes snapped to my face." In one chapter in particular, eyes were snapping so much I was seriously tempted to snap the book shut and chuck it aside. Come on, Ms. Steele, you can do better than that.

[Michele · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit disappointing

I really enjoyed the first installment of this series, the second
was enjoyable as well.

This third installment is quite tedious. Robert, once a kind, loving and understanding husband has became an unlikable stuffed-shirt. Edwin is a much more likeable character - mistakes and all. Mistakes his "big brother" never tires of reminding everyone.

The mystery is more of a fantastical delusion, and the resolution seems hurried and extremely contrived.

I also find the constant flicking of gazes, spinning and coy glances annoying. All in all, I am finding difficulty in finding motivation to continue with the Duchess series.

[Tomi · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was more of a filler - it combined too many story lines and tried to make them make sense and failed miserably. The finding of Lenora's father and mother, the serial killer impersonating a doctor being the first case in Edwin and Lenora's new detective agency, demon possesion of Lenora's daughter, the loss of her ghost friend. This all makes for a choppy story that is all over the place. I ended up skimming the last half.

[Ree Young · Rating 1 out of 5]

The first book in this series wasn't too bad, but there were some anachronisms...phrases that didn't fit for the time period. And some of the verbs used didn't fit the action. Show, don't tell, and using action verbs is typically what budding writers are told to do. However, the action verbs need to be appropriate to the action.

By the second book, the main character would reminisce about her past and then the author would have the character say that her mind snapped back to the present. By the third book, the main character's mind had stopped snapping back, but her eyes and then her gaze took up the habit...and even once her head did it

The characters often "ambled," even while being in a hurry and being led to a jail cell by an officer. I taught college courses at a close security prison, and, believe me, ambling is NOT what we teachers did in those prison hallways. The author seems to think "ambling" is what people in that time period usually did. Apparently, the author did not look up what the word means: amble means to walk or move in a slow, relaxed way, especially with pleasure. The circumstance simply didn't fit with "ambling."

I got about halfway through the third book and found that the main character had a new quirk: she licked her lips frequently for no apparent reason. She hadn't done it in the first two books, though. I started skimming, skipping pages, but when I stopped to read a page, the licking of the lips was done yet again. At one point, the main character licked her lips while "grinning." I actually tried that, but it really didn't work well.

There were constant apologies between the characters, and another important character seemed to be very ineffective though I suspected he was supposed to be more heroic, but he spent his time losing his temper, being grouchy, or apologizing.

Oh, and people didn't squint or frown; their eyelids (and sometimes their eyebrows) "squashed." Faces and features and foreheads "pinched" a lot and often "twisted" while one character "hinged" his hips a couple times. Not long, after another character's jaw unhinged. With those descriptions, I could easily envision the characters making funny faces at each other and having limbs and jaws flopping loosely as they hinged and unhinged.

Also, the third book's plot toward the end was silly and something taken from other books about a female in that general time period discovering murderers.

One more licking of lips, and I was so frustrated that I simply skipped to the last two pages, vowed to never read anything by this author again, and sent the book back to Kindle Unlimited. I just wanted it to be over! Thank goodness the 3 books were free. If I had paid for them and had to deal with this sort of writing, I would have been really angry.

[Barbara Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: Duchess of Blackmoore Mysteries #3
Publication Date: 7/18/23
Period: Victorian – Scotland - Highlands
Number of Pages: 370

The series follows Lenora Fletcher, the Duchess of Blackmoore, who has the unique ability to communicate with the dead, and the way the author sets the scenes and describes the events will send shivers down your spine. We have gone from the orphaned Lenora being abused in an orphanage with the Duke of Blackmoor making her an offer she couldn’t refuse in the first book – to the confident, assured Lenora who her loving family surrounds. No matter the abuse she suffered in her earlier years, she is a kind and loving woman who puts herself in danger to help anyone who needs her help – even those who are no longer living.

Lenora has always thought her father died in India and had no clue where her mother might be since she dropped her off at an orphanage and abandoned her. Quite by accident, she and Robert (the Duke) found her father while walking in Edinburgh. After the shock wore off a bit, they spoke about what had happened to each of them and Lenora discovered her mother was in the Staghearst Sanitarium. . . . and the adventures began.

The encounter with her mother didn’t give Lenora the closure she had hoped for, but it did give her a new friend who needed help – and just because that friend wasn’t among the living didn’t mean Lenora wouldn’t help her. Of course, the ghosts rarely give Lenora a choice, and this one was no exception.

With multiple murders, torture, wrongful convictions, ghosts literally pulling Lenora out of bed at night, runaway coaches with invisible drivers – well basically the lunatics running the asylum – we have to wonder if Lenora will survive this latest adventure. Then, we have Robert, a man of his time – always giving orders. However, he isn’t really a man of his time because as soon as Robert gives an order, Lenora countermands it – and he lets her – because he absolutely adores his wife and is only trying to care for her.

If you love a gothic, paranormal tale, you’ll love this book. Well, even if you don’t love those things you might love this book because I have never been a fan of gothic or paranormal and I love them. The author’s descriptive verse and a rich, atmospheric layer to the setting of the story – and the mystery is complex, multi-layered, and will leave you with your mouth dropped open.

I hope you’ll enjoy this book as much as I did. Happy reading!

[Roger Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Asylum for a Duchess
By
Nellie H Steele

★★★★★


Asylum for a Duchess is the third book in the Duchess of Blackmoore Mysteries Series by Nellie H Steele. The Duchess of Blackmoore, Lenora Fletcher, has the extraordinary ability to communicate with the dead, a trait she discovered as a child and one that brought her years of distress and parenteral abandonment. Lenora’s father, a physician, left his family to partake in an expedition to India, and her mother, unable to cope with Lenora’s ability, disowned the young child at five years old and left her at a convent in the care of nuns. Lenora, now twenty years old, has located her mother at an asylum and decides to visit her mother hoping to reconnect with the mother she once knew. During the visit, Lenora’s mother becomes hostile, calling Lenora a “demonic little monster” and her mother becomes physically violent, attacking Lenora.
Of course, a visit to an asylum wouldn’t be complete without Lenora encountering a ghost requesting her help. The ghost is a convicted murderess but claims her innocence and wants Lenora’s help to prove it. In the meantime, Edwin, Lenora’s brother-in-law surprises Lenora with a proposal that he and Lenora form a detective agency, and their first case would be to prove the ghost's innocence and determine the true killer. They soon find out that all paths lead back to the asylum, and to determine the truth, they must face their worse fears.
I thought the story was extremely suspenseful with a high level of tension between some of the characters. In addition, several parts of the book were scary and somewhat brutal, but not excessive. The story was well-written and the world-building was fabulous, on many levels. The plot, primarily being dark, also had comic elements that enhanced the storyline. The relationship between the main characters is ever-evolving and the tale was an addictive read that I didn’t want to put down. I would definitely recommend this book as an outstanding suspense-thriller novel. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy.

[A Look Inside: Reviews and Interviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Asylum of the Duchess" by Nellie H. Steele is a chilling and gripping tale that immediately pulls readers into a world of darkness, mystery, and emotional turmoil. The first chapter sets the stage with vivid descriptions, creating a haunting atmosphere that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
The protagonist, Lenora, finds herself in an asylum, and the eerie setting is vividly portrayed, down to the dirty tiles and the fetid air that engulfs her. The contrast between the previous experiences with her husband in a prison and the current situation heightens the tension, piquing the reader's curiosity about her purpose in the asylum.

Lenora's trepidation and unease are palpable as she makes her way through the asylum, passing by disturbing scenes and unsettling characters. The use of sensory details, such as the sound of shrieks and the feel of her trembling hands, draws the reader into Lenora's perspective, making her fear and apprehension deeply relatable.

The introduction of the mysterious woman, her mother, adds a layer of emotional complexity to the story. As Lenora confronts her troubled past, readers are left to wonder about the history between mother and daughter, and how it has shaped Lenora's life.

Nellie H. Steele's prose is evocative and well-crafted, painting a vivid picture of the asylum and the emotions of its characters. The pacing is excellent, building tension steadily and keeping readers engaged throughout. The chapter ends with a poignant revelation that leaves readers eager to explore Lenora's journey further.

In conclusion, "Asylum of the Duchess" by Nellie H. Steele promises to be a riveting and emotionally charged read. With its strong characterization, eerie atmosphere, and well-crafted prose, this novel is sure to captivate readers who enjoy a blend of mystery, suspense, and emotional depth.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very spooky tale with ghosts, an asylum full of dangerous secrets and something visiting and scaring the children of the duchess at night. The tale is clever and Lenora Duchess of Blackmoore and her brother in law Edwin start a detective agency and investigate the case of Mary McGinty who may or may not have been a mass murderer. The spirit insists on her innocence and keeps showing Lenora some disturbing clues. The ending has a very surprising twist and the beginnings of the next case.
There are pros and cons to the story. The fact that Robert, Lenora’s husband is open minded and accepting of her gifts is one. That he treats her decently and acknowledges her intelligence is another. They do seem to have the same disagreement over and over though. He agrees to her investigation/helping the spirit yet when the slightest thing happens he’s trying to rush her to bed with a toddy to rest. Him caring a pro, him being a bit of a ninny a con. At times the story seems a bit slow but it is enthralling so even when it drags a bit you still want to turn the page and find out what’s happening next. I would recommend reading prior books in the series as the background is sometimes difficult to catch up on. Other than that a spooky yet entertaining read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shelly Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Asylum for a Duchess: A Duchess of Blackmoore Mystery is the 3rd installment of the Duchess of Blackmoore Mysteries series written by Nellie Steele. Lenora, the main character, is a duchess who sees dead people, and one of those people have her caught up in another murder mystery at the asylum that currently houses her mother. Begged for help from a dead woman, Mary, Lenora is trapped, sent all over the countryside for clues, and forced to revisit the asylum more than she or her charming, over protective husband Robert, is comfortable with. As Mary's mysterious murder deepens, Lenora is also worried for her dead friend Tilly, who also seems to need help, opening a detective agency with her brother-in-law, and trying to figure out what ghostly menace is messing with her infant daughter Sarah. There is quite a numerous amount of things happening in this book but it makes for intriguing reading that is for sure. Another great cozy mystery from Nellie H. Steele and a thoroughly enjoyable read. I truly recommend!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Asylum for a Duchess is book #3 in the Duchess of Blackmoore Mysteries series by Nellie H. Steele.

Lenora, Duchess of Blackmoore, has an affliction. She sees the dead. She plans a visit to see her mother in a sanitarium which turns out to be much more than expected.

I don’t usually read historical mysteries but I enjoy the other books I’ve read from this author. I thoroughly enjoyed this. I was drawn in and couldn’t put it down. Lenore, Robert, and Edwin are interesting characters. Dealing with Lenore’s ability would be challenging for anyone, but for men in that time period, she was fortunate not to be in the asylum with her mother. Figuring out what the ghost wanted was spooky. I plan to read the earlier books while waiting for the next to be released. I recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bonnie Strope · Rating 1 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first two books in this series, but Asylum for a Duchess seemed like it was written by a different author or maybe a first draft written in a very big hurry (overnight after a lot of wine?). I counted 14 references to Lenora "licking her lips" in the first quarter of the book, along with other similar annoying actions: clicking, clucking, puckering. How many times can a clueless husband demand a toddy for his wife in the course of one book? Read this and find out. The plot was nonsensical and badly in need of editing. I was very disappointed and won't be reading any more of this series.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Answers Are Coming

I am glad that we are gaining insights into Lenora’s past and what drove her mother to abuse and abandonment. Her father is an equal mystery and back in the story at last.
This was a great story with formidable characters and a great plot. I love Lenora’s indomitable courage and forthright nature. She is a strong person and committed to motherhood and husband. These qualities are often belittled in romantic mysteries. I resonate with these priorities and do not feel that they reduce or impugn either my intellect or drive. This is a great series.

[madtrekkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an amazing story! I haven't read anything like it! Lenora uncovers mysteries from the past; talks and sees spirits and a supportive loving husband who is by her side when she finds her father and learns that her mother is alive.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this engaging entertaining and unputdownable story! Written from Lenora's POV she attempts to solve mysteries connected to people's deaths. There's an open ending leading to adventures in future books.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Asylum for a Duchess is the riveting third book in the Duchess of Blackmoore Mystery series. If you like big-hearted heroines, haunting tales, and historical backdrops, you’ll love Nellie H. Steele’s taste of the supernatural. It is a supernatural tale of ghosts.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charmaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Book 3 in the Duchess of Blackmoore Mysteries, but it is the first installment I have read. It was the perfect fun and easy read that I was looking for! The characters are complex and intriguing. It was a bit tiresome to hear the men consider the main character, and all women, capable of so little both emotionally and physically - but I guess that has always been the narrative of this time period so I just rolled with it. It was fun to read the lighthearted bantering between the three main characters; along with the frustrations that they resolved. I am excited about the mysteries yet to unfold and will definitely be on the lookout for the next installment.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the history with a touch of the paranormal. That combination makes for interesting reading. I like the characters that are in this story and it is a gripping tale keeps you hooked. There are so many twists and turns in the story. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kimberly Kurus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story

I just love these stories. They are well written and engaging. They are extremely hard to put down. I have read a book a day and look forward for the next book. Just what will the Duchess of Blackmore get sucked into next and who will she need to save? What spirit ( Good or evil) will she come across next? Time will tell. You will be happy you started this series.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edge of the chair mystery

This Book had me on edge the entire book. The characters have become family and the continuity from book to book is really amazing to me…no holes to fill and nothing to go back and reread to understand. I just could hardly put it down. I cant wait for the next book tomorrow! Amazing series but definitely read in order!

[Courtney Mattingly · Rating 3 out of 5]

stale

I did not care for this book. The incidents Lenora allows herself to get into seemed unlike an intelligent women, very unreal. When Edwin tells her his surprise, from then until the end, it was very boring. So I skipped to the end. I’ll start the next story and wait and see.