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67th out of 114 books
—
24 voters
Deadly Engagement (Alec Halsey Mystery #1)
by
Lucinda Brant (Goodreads Author)
An eighteenth century historical mystery. Diplomat and amateur sleuth Alec Halsey becomes embroiled in countryhouse murder and mayhem. He must confront past demons in his love life and a cruel twist of fate that reveals why his brother now loathes him. If you love Sebastian St. Cyr novels by CS Harris and Julian Kestrel novels by Kate Ross then you'll love Deadly Engagemen...more
Paperback, 286 pages
Published
January 1st 2012
by Sprigleaf
(first published February 1st 2003)
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Lucinda Brant has been a real find, and it proves the efficacy of giving away a book on Kindle because I have gone out and bought others by her.
This book is a little different from the usual historical romance - she has called the genre "crimance". Think of the Richard and Rose books. I was drawn in by the whodunnit side of the book: was there more than one criminal running round? how were the crimes connected? I was uncertain till near the end, when the suspects were reduced to one. I liked the...more
This book is a little different from the usual historical romance - she has called the genre "crimance". Think of the Richard and Rose books. I was drawn in by the whodunnit side of the book: was there more than one criminal running round? how were the crimes connected? I was uncertain till near the end, when the suspects were reduced to one. I liked the...more
When I opened this ebook, it was billed as a 'crimance.' Call me a word snob, but if I had seen that in the description, I never would have bothered reading it. What the heck is a crimance? But I can't really hold that against the author because I don't know who chose that word. It could have been her, but it could have been the editor, some PR person, or a random publishing exec. In any case, it's such a horrible word!
But let's put that aside and talk about the story. Alec arrives back in Engla...more
But let's put that aside and talk about the story. Alec arrives back in Engla...more
There are a lot of characters to keep straight in this book… Just to start, there’s Alec of noble birth, with a bit of a scandalous history, and recently returned to town. Selina is a widow, finally free from an abusive husband, and Alec’s true love (although Alec’s convinced himself he loves the young Emily). Things get more complicated when you add Alec’s brother and arch nemesis, and Emily’s betrothed, Edward to the mix. There are a dozen other characters, and not all high society.
The majorit...more
The majorit...more
A truly intriguing one. A real page turner. It's Part I of a two-part mystery series set in the Georgian Era, in England. If you dream of a book with a gorgeous hero, thrilling emotions, romance and intrigue, wit and elegance, silk and powdered wigs, you won't be disappointed, you'll find it in Lucinda Brant's DEADLY ENGAGEMENT.
1763. Alec Halsey, being a second son is not going to inherit his father's title. nor his properties. His boasting, wicked brother, Edward, is the heir to the title, Earl...more
1763. Alec Halsey, being a second son is not going to inherit his father's title. nor his properties. His boasting, wicked brother, Edward, is the heir to the title, Earl...more
While the general storyline is interesting and the writing clear and entertaining, this beginning to a new historical mystery series just didn't quite hit the mark. The story seemed disjointed and suffered from too much melodrama. The characters - even Alec, the main character - seemed to be made up of their individual ideals and motivations rather than actual human feeling and whimsy. The ingredients for a really good book were there, but something went wrong when Brant threw them all in togeth...more
Deadly Engagement is an entertaining, fast paced historical mystery. I particularly liked the Georgian London setting which was well executed and believable. Alec Halsey is a diplomat in the 'Foreign Department' who is drawn into playing amateur sleuth when the mother of an old school friend asks for his assistance to find out why her son was murdered. She does not believe he was killed in a duel. Trouble is, the nobleman who the mother believes killed her son is none other than Alec Halsey's ol...more
This is the first time I have read a book that said it was a Crimance........but I can't wait for another one. Deadly Engagement was true to its word. There was Romance mixed in with Crime......both of these together..had me wondering on both counts.......who would get together..and who was the bad guy. I could not put the book down. Looking forward to the next Alec Halsey book..........Dealy Affair that will be out later this year. Lucinda Brant has a way with words.........and I can't seem to...more
I had not previously read any of Lucinda Brant's books. I was pleasantly suprised. I enjoy the attention to detail that she added to the story and have enjoyed getting to know the charcters and look forward to finding out more about their lives. Alec seems like a reluctant perticapant which I like.
Wonderful "crimance" with many twists, turns and surprises. I liked the characters and the way the mystery unfolded. I would say there is a big emphasis on the crime and less so on the romance but, all the same, I really enjoyed it and am already reading Dangerous Affair.
A very enjoyable read with engaging characters. Alec, Selena, Tam etc are well worth a visit. The story is well delivered and there is an exciting conclusion.
very good, first in a series
Delicious Georgian mystery with excellent cast of characters, period details and just enough twist to keep the reader guessing until very close to the end.
Plus a totally hot hero...brainy and possessed of all his own hair.
Off to read the next book, Deadly Affair. You know the drill, go grab your own copy, these are worth buying!
Plus a totally hot hero...brainy and possessed of all his own hair.
Off to read the next book, Deadly Affair. You know the drill, go grab your own copy, these are worth buying!
A little hard to read in the beginning but once you sort out all the characters the book was rather enjoyable.
I loved this Story! I thought I knew who did it then I changed my mind then I changed again and at the end thought how did I not figure this out sooner! I am going to give this one to my mother who is difficult to recommend books to. At least I find it hard to recommend books to her. I think she will love it too!
I won this book as an ARC giveaway from Goodreads First Reads.
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After a rather difficult start, I thoroughly enjoyed the story line and the characters. Great character development and a good mystery! I look forward to reading more from Brant.
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After a rather difficult start, I thoroughly enjoyed the story line and the characters. Great character development and a good mystery! I look forward to reading more from Brant.
Really I'd give it 3.5 stars.
May 16, 2013
Dena Shayne
marked it as to-read
May 15, 2013
Cailin
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May 06, 2013
Darlene
marked it as to-read
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Patricia
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Apr 23, 2013
Jenny
marked it as to-read
Apr 22, 2013
Ashley
marked it as have-not-read
Apr 13, 2013
Laura
marked it as to-read
Apr 11, 2013
Rebecca
marked it as to-read
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I write Georgian historical romance and crimance—crime with lashings of romance. All my books are set in the 18th Century, spanning 1740 to early 1780s England, with occasional crossings to the France of Louis XV.
My novels have been described as “a throwback to the Golden Age of romance, but with a modern voice” and “heart wrenching drama with a happily ever after”.
Quizzing glass & quill, int...more
More about Lucinda Brant...
My novels have been described as “a throwback to the Golden Age of romance, but with a modern voice” and “heart wrenching drama with a happily ever after”.
Quizzing glass & quill, int...more
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