Death and the Courtesan

An Arabella Beaumont Mystery #1

by Pamela Christie

Pamela Christie’s sparkling historical mystery goes beyond the modest drawing rooms of Regency London in the company of the city’s most esteemed and scandalous courtesan…

Since the age of sixteen, Arabella Beaumont has been happily employed as a highly paid woman of pleasure. True, respectable ladies of the ton would never deign to call at Lustings, her delightful home. Then again, Arabella has no desire to make dreary small talk and sip tea when she could be enjoying the company of amusing, intelligent, and extremely generous gentlemen.

But while Arabella’s admirers are legion, she also has enemies. A paper knife stolen during one of her salons was discovered near the body of a former rival. Arabella was entertaining her wealthy benefactor on the night of the murder, but the engaged duke can’t provide the alibi she desperately needs. It falls to Arabella and her resourceful sister, Belinda, to clear her good—or at least innocent—name. Utilizing all the talents in her arsenal, the irrepressible Miss Beaumont will endeavor to catch the real culprit, before the hangman catches up to her…

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery, Fiction, Historical, Cozy Mystery, Romance

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Pamela Christie lives in Seattle and teaches English. Death and the Courtesan is her first published novel.

Reviews

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was buckets of fun and frivolity and I loved every page of it!

So long as you approach this story with the understanding that absolutely everything in it is tongue-in-cheek and intended to be completely over the top, you will be fine. The book is hilarious with people saying, and doing totally inappropriate things with blase panache all over the place. Nobody in this book worries at any point about whether what they are doing is wise so long as it suits their "of the moment" purposes. And that makes for a cracking good read!

Arabella is one of the best, most amusing and entertaining characters I've met in some time. She's immoral, self-absorbed, sarcastic, stubborn and mercenary, and yet she comes across as delightfully witty, charming and lovable. The kudos for that go to the wonderful writing of the author, who deftly balances the excesses of the characters with a quirky light sense of the ridiculous that makes everything funny, rather than shocking or unpleasant.

This was a super-fast, easy read filled with cleverness and snappy repartee, and I was charmed by every page of it. I would definitely read other books about Arabella. She is a unique and fun character and her life is a ton of riotous fun to visit!

[Waverly Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much fun! This was a delightful romp through Regency London, featuring Arabella, a sprightly courtesan who has been framed for a murder. It's a read that any good Regency courtesan would appreciate, with plenty of tongue-in-cheek sexual innuendoes. I've read many Regency historical romances but none that are quite so naughty, and few that are so witty. I'm a stickler for historical accuracy and this book satisfied in that regard. Loved the playful names (Lady Ribbonhat! and the name of Arabella's estate: Lustings) and the subtitles of the chapters, for instance, A Temple in the Tropics, in which Arabella shares dessert with a Horny Pheasant and insults His royal Highness, and the asides in which the narrator addresses the reader. I am so looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Hennypenny · Rating 2 out of 5]

Writing wasn't to my taste. This book reminded me of "Joseph Andrews" rather than a recently written mystery. The author spends a lot of time being clever but I don't feel like I connected with any of the characters (there wasn't much there to connect with). If you don't mind the writing in the first few pages, you will probably be happy for the entire book.

[LyP · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Love the author's ability to be funny as well as witty (which is definitely _not_ the same!). The mystery was interesting enough to carry me along, and the characters were typically British, which was quite fun to read! Throw in a few naughty bits, and it all comes out as a recipe for success! Highly recommended!

[Irene · Rating 2 out of 5]

Silly book about a courtesan who has to find the person who framed her for murder. I was hoping it was over the last third of the book.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of fun. I really enjoyed reading a novel set in a well traversed period but narrated from the point of view of quite a different type of heroine! Plenty of slyly smutty humour is a bonus.

[My Book Addiction and More MBA · Rating 3 out of 5]

DEATH AND THE COURTESAN by Pamela Christie is an interesting Regency Historical Mystery. #1 in her new Arabella Beaumont Mystery. While this story starts out rather slow to me, it does pick up after a few chapters. It is a rather quick read. The characters seemed a bit feathered headed to me. Not what you would usually find in a Courtesan story. Does have mystery,and suspense. Made no sense to me why Arabella Beaumont's protector, a Duke,was not willing to save her from the police or a murder charge. All it would have taken was for him to let the police know he was with her on the night in question,but he did not want his fiance to know where he was or where he was spending his nights. To me the story made courtesan's seem careless,emptied headed,and rather dim-witted. While the story has an interesting plot with a promise of an intriguing tale, it liked depth to me. Although, I have seen some of these seems traits on Masterpiece Theatre,I was not expecting it in this story. I am not saying that DEATH AND THE COURTESAN was not an interesting read,it just liked depth to me. Arabella's sister,Belinda,is a total air-head,except for her inventive way to catch a killer. Arabella is apparently supporting her entire family: her brother,sister-Belinda,and her nephews. While, Belinda,is a courtesan herself,apparently this lifestyle runs in the family,why would she need supporting,I ask. Anyway,check out DEATH AND THE COURTESAN and see what you think. Maybe I was having a bad day,when I read this title. Received for an honest review from the publisher.
RATING: 3
HEAT RATING: MILD
REVIEWED BY: AprilR,Review courtesy of My Book Addiction and More

[Tony Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Belinda (Bunny, Signorina) Beaumont & Arabella Beaumont (Bell; courtesan, Signorina) had received an unpleasant letter from John Sonne (architect; Lincoln inn fields #13) telling the sisters the proprietor who was to sell them their ancient Phan bronze statue (Herculaneum; double phallus) from Italy had been killed & the statue was now missing or stolen.
The 2 girls, Charles Beaumont (brother; Toby), & Reverend John Kendrick (Rector of Effing; Vicar), were off across the ocean to Resina Italy to meet with Professor Teofilo Bergamini (PhD; history; university of Naples).

The entourage also later meet Father Terranova (priest; landlord) & his family.

Arabella was quite the Sherlock Holmes & kept her own CIN (Crime Investigation (inquiry) Notebook).

Arabella began to write 4 suspect clues & sketched the crime scene. At bedtime she wrote what words of wisdom the Professor Teofilo Bergamini had related to her.

Will Belinda & Arabella ever recover the Phan bronze statue?

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written mysterious suspenseful crime filled book. It was very easy to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. No grammar errors, repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make great turn of the century crime spoof movie (Sherlock Holmes), or mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free Goodreads (Kensington) ARC book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)

[Kathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Perhaps I was expecting something else and for that reason came away disappointed after reading this book, but I found "Death and the Courtesan" too gimicky for me to enjoy. I realize that when the main character is a courtesan, one should expect a certain amount of sexual innuendos and double entendres, but at times I felt the author was trying too hard to be cute.

The mystery came across as little more than excuse for Arabella to admire a fine figure of a man, and extol the advantages of being a courtesan.

The style the author chose to use, mimicking earlier literary styles with chapter introductions telling us that "In which this, that and the other thing happens" came across as forced and quite unnecessary.

And though this is a relatively short book (only 198 pages!), more than once I felt boredom set in as I plodded my way to the end of the mystery. In fact, at times I found myself starting to skip whole sections, but I went back and read them in the hope that those sections would improve my appreciation of this story. Alas, such was not the case.

I never felt any sympathy or connection with any of the characters, and will not be going out of my way to read any more of Arabella's adventures. If I want to read a mystery featuring a lady of "dubious" reputation, I'll stick to the India Black series.

[BRNTerri · Rating 3 out of 5]

GENRE: Historical Mystery
SETTING: England, early 1800s
MY GRADE: C

MY THOUGHTS: Arabella is in her mid-twenties. We got no backstory on her at all which is a big mistake for an author to omit that information. I learned nothing about how she came to be a courtesan. Why someone set her up to be accused of murder is a mystery too. The story was silly and dull, PG-13 rated and just too plain and simple. I felt Arabella didn't take the murder accusation too seriously. Yes, she, with the help of a few people, tried to solve the mystery on her own and did solve it. That part was just not believable. How the real murderer came to be arrested was not believable either.

This seems like a short story that was written by a thirteen year old and I can't recommend it to anyone.

I received this from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[A Voracious Reader (a.k.a. Carol) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

*Book source ~ Many thanks to Kensington for providing a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Arabella Beaumont is London’s most infamous courtesan. When an old friend turned enemy ends up dead by Arabella’s monogrammed paper knife (letter opener) the law is ready to arrest her as a murderess. However, her rich and highly titled patron, the Duke of Glendeen, declares that Arabella will be remanded to his custody and therefore free to help with the investigation of her innocence (of the murder, that is) and she does just that. With help from two Bow Street Runners, her sister Belinda, a family friend and many others, Arabella has only 3 weeks to find the real killer or she will be hanged for a murder she didn’t commit.

The writing for this story is a bit different than I’m used to, but it’s not a bad different. It’s told mostly from Arabella’s POV, but there is a narrator at times. The plot is twisty, the characters are wonderful and there is humor aplenty. I quite enjoyed myself while I tried to figure out who killed poor Euphemia Ramsey. I would definitely read more about Arabella and her entourage.

[Rogue Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

What do you say when your 8 year old niece sees your copy of Death and the Courtesan and asks, "what's a courtesan?" The answer is perfectly acceptable and appropriate to Pamela Christie's first book: "a woman of society, elegant and gracious."

There's more to a courtesan of course, and Christie's protag, Arabella is the embodiment of the best of the profession's characteristics: shrewd, intelligent, resourceful and beautiful. She's admirable too, rescuing the abandoned, giving sanctuary to the abused and generous to those in need.

This Regency historical is a fast, fun read, graphic and bawdy at times as you might expect. Here's hoping we'll see more of Arabella! Thanks Kensington for sending the advance reader's copy.

--Ashland Mystery

[Vintagebooklvr · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written tongue-in-cheek and the chapter labels are in the style of books from the that period. Told from the courtesan's pov, there are sexual suggestions and an attitude very different than a proper lady of the time. You might love or hate it because of this. Sometimes I'm in the mood for this type and sometimes I'm not but I can appreciate what Christie did.

Arabella is exactly how I would imagine a courtesan. The attitude is spot on. What a clever idea of revenge against an aristocratic lady: a parrot reciting nasty poetry about the woman. The mystery was a little obvious, but the characters are very enjoyable. The writer, I think, delivered the type of book she wanted to create. You decide if you like it or not.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was trying way too hard to be clever and so ended up being tedious. At first I was annoyed by the little summaries at the beginning of each chapter. Then I appreciated them. I read to page 85 (part way through Chapter 8), skimmed the chapter summaries - not read but skimmed because even the summaries were tedious, learned that I was correct in my early guess as to 'who dunnit', then put the book down happy that I can return it ASAP to the library. I will definitely avoid pursuing other books in this series.

[Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found this series by accident and I like it. I like that it's not a romance even though it's set in the regency period. This is a light mystery - nothing scary; I suppose I could have figured out the villain before the protag did but I didn't care enough to try. I just chose to enjoy the ride instead and I'm looking forward to the next book Death Among the Ruins

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The heroine, Arabella, famed courtesan thrust into the role of detective to save her own life, is enticing, witty, and quirky - with an underpinning of a bold sense of social justice. I can hardly wait to keep reading about her adventures in the second volume! This book was a bawdy, humorous, and incredibly well researched and written escape of pure pleasure.

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

A tasty little confection about Arabella Beaumont, Regency courtesan, head of a peculiar and diverting household, and murder suspect with but a month to find the real killer before being hanged. She's independent, better read than most of her clients, and well nigh irresistible. Quick read, and a fun one, too.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Arabella was intriguing as a woman taking charge of her life and family. Some of it was funny, some too silly. Glad to get it from the library and would probably read the next one if I see it there when it is published.

[Tammy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Once again unfinished drivel that somehow got a publishing contract. Seriously, opening chapter was hard to read, second chapter was impossible to finish. By chapter two if you've already got the murder done and the heroine in bed, courtesan or not, I've got better things to read.

[Robert Kradoska · Rating 3 out of 5]

an English novel- a courtesan is accused of murder but solves the crime

[Eave Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Racy, witty, fun, intelligent, irreverent. Loved it! Hope there are more Arabella Beaumont mysteries! Delightful. Delicious. Loved it.

[Fran Prisco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute!

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was cute, a nice quick light read, I liked it.

[Ана Хелс · Rating 5 out of 5]

Куртизанките твърде често получават твърде малко и твърде мрачно време в историческите книги. Обикновено играят ролята я на трупове, я на измамници, или в най-добрия случай на ярки примери за това колко е лесно да пропадне една жена, загубила честта си след като е останала насаме с мъж цели 20 секунди, през които са се гледали в очите, а може би даже се е показал някой глезен. Но Памела Кристи преоткрива света на веселите куртизанки, които може и да срещнат някой и друг мъртвец в живота си, но това нито ще им наруши храносмилането, нито ще им отнеме добрия сън. Няма драма в живота, посветен на удоволствията и нежното изнудване на разглезени богаташи, няма съжаления за пропуснат семеен живот и придобита финансова самостоятелност. Има само веселие. Невъзможно? Не съвсем.

Героините на Кристи са сестрите Бюмонт – Арабела и Белинда, красавици, професионалистки и неволни тайни детективи на висшето общество. Цяло чудо е колко благородници всъщност си отиват по вазовски в прегръдките на млади пеперуди на нощта, но понякога причините не са съвсем екстазни приливи, ами я малко цианид, я нож в сърцето, или побутване от височко място. И естествено първите заподозрени са милите работещи момичета, имащи не просто наглостта да са лишени от капчици достойнство и репутация в очите на матроните, ами проявяват нездрави пристъпи на феминизъм и самодостатъчност. Но не се тревожете, сестрите Бюмонт, дори недолюбвани от Прини, дъртите синьокръвия и половината тъжни съпруги на неверните богаташи, финансиращи бизнеса на забавните удоволствия, все някак ще успеят да намерят истинските виновници и да ги изправят успешно пред закона. Или не – според зависи кой колко плаща.

Момичетата на Памела Кристи не са благородни девици със снежно бели сърца и тъжни драматични истории. Макар и съдбите им да не са съвсем по избор, не са и по неволя. С много свежо чувство за хумор, спокоен ритъм, прелестна, разкошна атмосфера на декадентско разхищение, историята за веселите шерлоковски девойки с повече ( или по-малко ) фусти е изненадващо чиста откъм еротични елементи, като характерът на професионалната им дейност е загатнат по много хитроумен и саркастичен начин, с не един и два специфични викториански изрази, които си плачат да ги направиш на тениски и да ги крещиш в класически британски пъбове. Забавно е, бавничко и с характер, както трябва да се разказват особено добрите мръсни истории с интелектуален привкус. Специално изживяване, без съмнение.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting look at a part of the Regency period usually only alluded to in scathing terms. Arabella and her sister are both courtesans because of their spendthrift parents and brother. Unlike the ladies of the time, these women have a kind of freedom. Unfortunately Arabella is about to lose her freedom and perhaps her life when she is blamed for the death of another courtesan. Very slim circumstantial evidence apparently was all that was needed to convict someone at the time. Arabella is smart and manages to acquire assistance in her investigation of the crime. This is the first of a series. Regency fans looking for something a bit different will enjoy this story.

[Jane Mettee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this cleverly written book on several levels. It was a good mystery but it kept me laughing all the way. An unusual combination and well done by the author. As the British would say “the humor was a bit naughty.” The characters were perfect in their roles from our heroine Arabella, to her benefactor, to the minor and major villains. Interesting how the author wove it all together and made it work. It was was even historically accurate. An easy playful and suspenseful read and a fun escape.

[Dahrose · Rating 2 out of 5]

a book that tells you in the header of each chapter what will take place in that chapter? It sucked a lot of the impact of the story unraveling, I felt I was being led by someone who considered me a little dim.

This American author has every right to choose to set her novel in historical London - but to use the British slang for the servants and lower classes, and then not to actually write in 'British English' that felt a little bit of a slap in the face. (again I felt the author considers her audience too dim to read in the British English version and not get upset with her)

[LemontreeLime · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a delight! I assumed it would be a parody of sorts of regency romance, but I did not expect it to be so laugh out loud funny. Looking forward to the rest of the series! Be forewarned the humor is downright Benny Hill crude at times, don't expect Jane Austen here, but it totally works.

[Krista · Rating 3 out of 5]

A romp of a Regency mystery, as told from the perspective of Arabella Beaumont, the eponymous courtesan of the title. Think Harriette Wilson meets The Thin Man--society murder of the sophisticated, screwball variety.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know many of you said this was a good book. Maybe I would have liked it better in another frame of mind; although I must admit this novel left me bored and skipping to the end was probably the best and fastest way to end my reading of this book.